If you’re reading this in Powhatan County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. They were hazed. We know this nightmare firsthand because we are fighting it right now in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. We are here to help families in Powhatan County fight back against the insidious grip of hazing.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, and it claims lives and shatters futures across our country, including at institutions where students from Powhatan County attend. When our children go off to college, whether it’s here in Virginia or any other state, we send them with the expectation that they will be safe, grow, and learn. We trust universities and Greek organizations to provide an environment conducive to education and personal development, not one where they are subjected to physical and psychological torment.

We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that comes when that trust is betrayed. Attorney911 stands as a beacon for hazing victims and their families in Powhatan County and nationwide, offering aggressive, data-driven legal representation. We want you to know that you are not alone in this fight, and we are equipped with the expertise, the resources, and the unwavering commitment to pursue justice for your loved one.

The Hazing Nightmare: A $10 Million Fight in Our Own Backyard

We want to share a story that epitomizes everything we stand for at Attorney911. It’s the story of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who, like many from Powhatan County, simply wanted to find his place in college life. His journey into what he hoped would be a brotherhood turned into weeks of brutal hazing that nearly cost him his life. This isn’t a hypothetical example; it’s a new, ongoing, $10 million lawsuit we filed in Harris County, Texas, just weeks ago, in November 2025: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.

This case is not just a lawsuit; it’s a testament to the aggressive, thorough, and relentless pursuit of accountability that Attorney911 brings to every hazing victim’s case, including yours in Powhatan County.

Leonel’s Story: A Glimpse into Modern Hazing

Leonel Bermudez was what’s known as a “ghost rush.” He wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, but was planning to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. Yet, he was recruited by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter at UH. On September 16, 2025, he accepted their bid, hoping to find camaraderie and belonging.

What followed for the next seven weeks was a systematic campaign of terror, abuse, and torture. Leonel was subjected to hazing rituals so extreme they culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His mother rushed him to the hospital when he began passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown. The physical toll was immense; he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help, crawling up the stairs of his home, unable to move for days.

As our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13 Houston: “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.”

This is the grim reality of hazing today, and it’s happening at universities where students from Powhatan County pursue their education, whether in Virginia or across the nation. The same fraternities that perpetrate such violence have chapters at institutions that draw students from our community.

The Litany of Abuse: This is What Happened:

The hazing documented in Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit reveals a horrifying array of physical and psychological abuse:

Waterboarding: Pledges, including Leonel, were subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while performing calisthenics. This is a technique considered torture under international law when used against enemy combatants. It was inflicted upon a college student. As Houston Public Media so rightly summarized, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (a form of sprint drill), bear crawls, and wheelbarrows. He endured “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed while exercising until he collapsed and couldn’t stand unaided. The Houston Chronicle also reported instances of pledges “being struck with wooden paddles.”
Forced Consumption: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. After vomiting, they were often forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress, sometimes lying in their own vomit.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In one particularly disturbing incident on October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were stripped to their underwear in cold weather and subjected to threats of physical punishment or expulsion if they didn’t comply.
Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was driven to exhaustion, forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours.

This systematic abuse wasn’t momentary; it spanned weeks. What’s more, the lawsuit reveals a chilling indifference to human suffering: on October 15, just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. The hazing activities continued.

The Medical Aftermath: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s body broke down from the sheer brutality. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This protein can severely harm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and, if untreated, even death. His brown urine was a classic indicator of this life-threatening condition. The high creatine kinase levels confirmed the extensive muscle damage.

This isn’t an isolated medical anomaly; it’s a direct consequence of the type of extreme physical hazing many fraternities perpetrate. Our firm has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, and attorney Ralph Manginello, has successfully litigated them in the past.

Institutional Indifference: They Knew

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters following Bermudez’s hospitalization reveal a disturbing pattern of institutional knowledge and delayed action:

Pi Kappa Phi National: In a statement on their website, the national organization announced they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure occurred seven days before our $10 million lawsuit was filed. They knew what was coming. They knew the conduct was wrong. They tried to mitigate their liability by acting preemptively. Yet, in the same breath, they expressed how they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” showing a shocking lack of remorse. Their website also proudly states they operate “on more than 150 campuses across America.” If the UH chapter was doing this, how many others are?
University of Houston: A spokesperson for UH stated that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They are conducting their own investigation “in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership.” This confirms communication and coordination between the defendants, suggesting a shared strategy to control the narrative. Crucially, the KHOU 11 report revealed that the hazing occurred at “fraternity-controlled properties (including a University-owned fraternity house and a private residence).” This means the University of Houston owned the very property where some of this torture occurred.

As our attorney Lupe Pena declared 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.” We believe this case will not only secure justice for Leonel but also serve as a powerful warning to national fraternities and universities across the country, including those that your children from Powhatan County might attend.

Why This Case Matters to Powhatan County Families:

It’s a warning: The same national fraternities with these dangerous cultures operate at universities that draw students from Powhatan County.
Institutional accountability: Universities, whether in Virginia or other states, have a similar duty to protect students, and they fail when they allow such abuse.
Data-driven litigation: Our deep investigation into Pi Kappa Phi’s history and the corporate structures behind Greek letters shows exactly how we will fight for your child.
Your fight is our fight: We will bring the same aggressive, thorough, and relentless pursuit of accountability to Powhatan County cases, just as we are doing in Houston.

If your child attends college in Powhatan County or at any institution where students from our community matriculate, they face these same risks. We are fighting this fight right now, and we will fight for your family too.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Powhatan County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks, late-night clean-ups, or perhaps a bit of peer pressure. We want to be very clear: modern hazing, as tragically evidenced in the Bermudez case, is far more sinister. It is not harmless fun or a bonding experience. It is a calculated form of abuse designed to degrade, control, and injure. It is torture.

Our experiences fighting these cases have revealed the true face of hazing, which goes far beyond any “boys will be boys” mentality. It is often hidden, systematic, and involves coercion that makes genuine consent impossible. For families in Powhatan County sending their children to institutions like the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), James Madison University, or William & Mary, it is vital to understand the true nature of this danger.

The Dark Reality of Hazing Activities:

Physical Brutality: This category includes everything from forced, extreme calisthenics (like the 500 squats and 100 pushups in Leonel’s case that caused kidney failure) to beatings, paddling, branding, or burning. These are direct assaults, often leading to severe injuries like broken bones, internal organ damage, or long-term musculoskeletal issues.
Forced Consumption: Far beyond simple binge drinking, this involves coercing individuals to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, food until vomiting, or even non-food items. The goal is often to induce sickness, humiliation, and loss of control. Max Gruver, a young man just beginning college, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink to a BAC of 0.495 during a fraternity “Bible Study.” Leonel Bermudez was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. This isn’t just dangerous; it’s potentially lethal.
Water-Related Torture: As in Leonel’s case with the “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” this is a particularly cruel form of abuse. Whether it’s forcing pledges’ heads underwater, spraying them relentlessly, or binding them near water sources, the intent is to induce fear, humiliation, and the terror of drowning.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days at a time, forced to perform tasks, study, or endure physical activity. This not only impairs judgment and physical ability but also heightens vulnerability to psychological manipulation, leading to exhaustion-related accidents or medical crises.
Psychological Torment: This often goes hand-in-hand with physical abuse. It includes humiliation (like the fanny pack with sexual objects Leonel had to carry), degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and mock interrogations. These tactics can inflict deep, lasting psychological scars, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. As seen in Leonel’s case, victims may become “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a clear sign of the lasting psychological impact.
Sexual Exploitation: This can range from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to sexual assault. The environment of power imbalance and coercion created by hazing is ripe for sexual abuse, leaving victims with profound trauma.
Exposure to the Elements: Forcing individuals to strip down in cold weather, as Leonel was, or to remain outside in extreme heat, puts them at severe risk of hypothermia, hyperthermia, and other weather-related injuries.
Servitude and Degradation: Pledges are often treated as slaves, forced to clean, run errands, complete assignments for active members, or adhere to arbitrary rules that strip them of their autonomy and dignity.

The Dire Consequences:

The consequences of hazing are severe and far-reaching, affecting not just the immediate victim but also their families, academic performance, and long-term well-being.

Medical Emergencies: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, severe burns, organ damage, and even death are all documented outcomes.
Mental Health Crisis: PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and substance abuse often follow hazing experiences.
Academic Disruption: The physical and mental strain can lead to poor academic performance, dropped courses, lost scholarships, and even withdrawal from college.
Legal Ramifications: Hazing is a crime in many states, including Virginia. Perpetrators and institutions can face criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and severe disciplinary action.

Beyond Fraternities:

While fraternities often dominate hazing headlines, it is critical for Powhatan County families to understand that hazing occurs in a wide variety of student organizations. This includes:

Sororities
Athletic teams (from high school to college level, boys and girls)
Marching bands
ROTC programs and military academies
Professional fraternities and societies
Academic clubs and honor societies

The common thread is always the abuse of power and the systematic degradation of individuals under the guise of “initiation” or “tradition.” If your child from Powhatan County is involved in any campus organization, they could be at risk.

We want to dismantle the pervasive myth that hazing builds character. It doesn’t. It breaks people down. It humiliates. It injures. And far too often, it kills. We are here to ensure that those responsible for perpetrating and enabling this abuse are held accountable.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When a child from Powhatan County is harmed by hazing, it’s never just one person or one group. Hazing is a complex problem rooted in systemic failures, often enabled by a chain of individuals and institutions that prioritize secrecy, tradition, or reputation over safety. At Attorney911, our data-driven approach allows us to identify and pursue every single entity that bears responsibility, leaving no stone unturned in our relentless pursuit of justice.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we didn’t just sue a few students; we cast a wide net to ensure comprehensive accountability for Leonel’s horrific injuries. This same aggressive strategy applies to hazing incidents affecting families in Powhatan County.

The Network of Responsibility:

The Local Chapter & Its Officers: These are often the direct perpetrators. They organize, facilitate, and participate in the hazing activities.
- In Leonel’s case, we named: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity President, the Pledgemaster, and multiple current members. They were directly involved in the waterboarding, forced exercise, and other abuses. Their individual actions directly caused Leonel’s injuries.
- Why they’re liable: Direct participation in harmful acts, negligent supervision of pledge activities, and violation of anti-hazing policies and laws.
The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These monolithic entities provide the charter, branding, insurance, and often, the “traditions” that filter down to local chapters.
- In Leonel’s case, we named: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (the national headquarters) and their Beta Nu Housing Corporation. The national organization oversees 150+ chapters nationwide and yet failed to prevent the deadly hazing that occurred under its banner. The KHOU 11 report revealed that the national entity “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This implies a systemic, national problem.
- Why they’re liable: Negligent supervision of their chapters, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, pattern of allowing dangerous “traditions,” and vicarious liability for the actions of their members and chapters. Their deep pockets from national fees and insurance often make them a primary target for recovery. As we’ve seen in the Andrew Coffey case, the same national organization had a student die in 2017. Their failure to act means Leonel’s injuries were entirely foreseeable.
The University or College: Educational institutions have a paramount duty to protect their students, foster a safe learning environment, and provide adequate oversight for recognized campus organizations.
- In Leonel’s case, we named: The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents. Crucially, as reported by KHOU 11, the University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This is a severe breach of their duty. Moreover, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had clear notice that severe hazing was an issue on their campus.
- Why they’re liable: Negligent supervision of Greek life, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, premises liability (for incidents on university-owned property), failure to warn students of known dangers, and breach of contractual obligations to provide a safe educational environment. For institutions that draw students from Powhatan County, like the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech, this same liability framework applies.
Individual Members & Their Spouses (Premises Liability): Sometimes, hazing extends beyond chapter houses to private off-campus residences.
- In Leonel’s case, we named: Former members of the fraternity and even the spouse of a former member because a portion of the hazing occurred at their private residence. This is critical for expanding the pool of liable parties.
- Why they’re liable: For actively participating in hazing, or for allowing their property to be used as a venue for illegal and harmful activities, thus creating an unsafe environment.
Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often even individuals, there are insurance policies designed to cover liabilities.
- Our expertise: As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable “insider” knowledge of how these carriers evaluate, defend, and settle claims. We know how to navigate the complex web of general liability, institutional, and homeowners’ policies to maximize recovery for victims.
- Why they’re crucial: Insurance policies often represent the “deep pockets” necessary to provide meaningful compensation for catastrophic injuries, long-term medical needs, and wrongful death.

The Attorney911 Difference: Data-Driven Accountability

We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. Our firm maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking over 125 IRS-registered entities, including their EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. This intelligence database allows us to identify every single entity behind the Greek letters, every corporate structure, and every insurance policy.

When hazing tears apart a family in Powhatan County, we use this data to identify every potential defendant:

Local organizations: From undergraduate chapters to house corporations.
National organizations: Which often have extensive assets and insurance.
Universities: For their role in oversight and, sometimes, direct ownership of property.
Individual perpetrators: Who must face personal consequences for their actions.

This comprehensive, data-driven approach means we are always ready to pursue accountability for hazing victims in Powhatan County, ensuring that those who enabled the abuse—from the campus to the national headquarters—are held fully responsible.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points

When your child from Powhatan County is severely injured or, tragically, loses their life due to hazing, the question of “what can be done?” is paramount. We want to assure you that meaningful justice, in the form of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, is not only possible but has been achieved repeatedly in hazing cases across the country. These precedents are not just statistics; they are battle plans showing families in Powhatan County what is possible when aggressive, experienced legal representation takes on powerful institutions.

The $10 million we are seeking in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is directly aligned with these landmark results, demonstrating that Leonel’s severe injuries warrant substantial compensation. These cases send a clear message: hazing costs millions, and families like yours in Powhatan County can and do win big.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements That Paved the Way:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
- What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, an 20-year-old pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
- The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, while the national fraternity and other individuals settled for $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded personally against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his role. This landmark case led to Collin’s Law in Ohio, making hazing a felony.
- Relevance to Powhatan County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez. It proves that universities and national fraternities are willing—or forced—to pay millions. It also shows a chapter officer facing massive personal liability.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
- What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, over 6 times the legal limit) after being forced to drink heavily during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.”
- The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million, sending an unequivocal message that juries will not tolerate deadly hazing. This case was instrumental in the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Relevance to Powhatan County: This verdict demonstrates precisely how juries view egregious hazing—with outrage and a willingness to award substantial damages.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Estimated Total: $110 Million+
- What Happened: In February 2017, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi pledge event. After multiple falls, fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire horrific sequence was captured on security cameras.
- The Outcome: The Piazza family secured confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million from the university and fraternity. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case spurred the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
- Relevance to Powhatan County: This case highlights that when evidence is strong (as it is in Leonel Bermudez’s case), settlements can reach astronomical figures. It underscores the immense value placed on a student’s life and the catastrophic failure of institutional oversight.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential)
- What Happened: In November 2017, 20-year-old 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.” Notably, Pi Kappa Phi is the same national organization involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
- The Outcome: While the settlement amount remains confidential, nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges, and the chapter was permanently closed.
- Relevance to Powhatan County: This is our smoking gun. It proves Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters in 2017. Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025, eight years later, demonstrates their conscious indifference and failure to implement effective change. This pattern of negligence dramatically strengthens our ability to secure punitive damages.
Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4 Million+ Settlement
- What Happened: In February 2021, 19-year-old Adam Oakes, a freshman at VCU, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi fraternity event where he was forced to drink a liter of Jameson Whiskey.
- The Outcome: In October 2024, the Oakes family secured a settlement exceeding $4 million, with a portion establishing “Love Like Adam” Foundation. Several fraternity members pleaded guilty to hazing charges. This case led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, increasing penalties for hazing.
- Relevance to Powhatan County: This case is particularly relevant to families in Virginia, including Powhatan County, demonstrating that hazing litigation involving universities in our own state yields multi-million dollar results. It also highlights how a brave family’s fight can result in legislative change, such as “Adam’s Law.”

Why These Precedents Empower Powhatan County Families:

It’s NOT just about deaths: While many of these precedents involve tragic deaths, Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure) still warrant multi-million dollar compensation. Insurance companies and juries are recognizing the profound, life-altering impact of serious non-fatal hazing injuries.
Institutional Accountability is Real: Universities and national fraternities consistently feature as defendants in these multi-million dollar outcomes. They possess “deep pockets” necessary for significant recovery.
Pattern Evidence is Powerful: Our ability to demonstrate Pi Kappa Phi’s prior deadly incidents, and the University of Houston’s prior hazing hospitalizations, establishes a clear pattern of negligence and conscious indifference, which is crucial for proving foreseeability and securing punitive damages.
Juries Hate Hazing: The conduct involved in hazing cases often evokes strong moral outrage from jurors, leading to higher damage awards designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter future incidents. Waterboarding a college student, as in Leonel Bermudez’s case, is a particularly egregious act that juries will not tolerate.
Legislative Impact: These cases often lead to real change, reinforcing the legal framework that protects future generations. Your fight for justice in Powhatan County could contribute to this vital movement.

When we tell defendants we are seeking $10 million for Leonel’s injuries, they understand it is not an arbitrary number. It is grounded in a decade of precedent-setting legal victories against fraternities and universities. And we are prepared to bring that same level of financial accountability to institutions that put Powhatan County students at risk.

Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims: Your Rights in Plain English

For families in Powhatan County dealing with the trauma of hazing, understanding your legal rights can feel overwhelming. However, both Virginia and Texas law provide clear pathways to accountability for hazing victims. This section will focus on the Texas legal framework, which applies directly to our firm’s current case, and explains how similar protections and civil liabilities extend to cases occurring in Virginia or elsewhere in the nation.

The Foundation: Texas Education Code on Hazing

Texas has a robust anti-hazing statute within its Education Code (§ 37.151 to 37.157). It defines hazing broadly and imposes serious criminal and organizational penalties.

What is Hazing? (Texas Education Code § 37.151):

Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. (Leonel’s case involved him being struck with wooden paddles, 500 squats to exhaustion, and waterboarding with a hose.)
Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or extreme calisthenics: Any activity that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects physical or mental health. (Leonel suffered sleep deprivation, cold exposure, and extreme calisthenics (500 squats, 100 pushups, etc.) leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.)
Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.)
Requires a violation of the Penal Code: Any activity that induces or requires a student to commit a crime.
Involves coercion to consume: Drugs or an excessive amount of alcohol leading to intoxication.

As you can see, Leonel Bermudez’s experience directly violated multiple aspects of this comprehensive definition. The same actions, if they occurred in Virginia, would likely fall under Virginia’s anti-hazing laws.

Critical Legal Provision: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most vital aspect for Powhatan County families to understand. Fraternities, universities, and their lawyers often try to shift blame to the victim, claiming, “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left at any time.”

Texas law explicitly and unequivocally 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 statutory language is clear: you cannot legally consent to being hazed. The legislature recognized that the inherent power imbalance, peer pressure, and desire for acceptance often negate true voluntary participation. Any attempt by defendants to use “consent” as an excuse for their abuse will be immediately shut down by this legal provision, a principle that holds true in most modern anti-hazing statutes across the country, including those in Virginia.

Who Can Be Held Criminally Responsible? (§ 37.152)

Texas law imposes criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from Class B misdemeanors for participating or failing to report, to Class A misdemeanors for hazing causing serious bodily injury, and even a State Jail Felony if hazing results in death.

For Leonel Bermudez’s injuries (severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure), individuals who participated or aided the hazing face potential Class A Misdemeanor charges, carrying up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson has already alluded to “potential criminal charges” in their statement.

Organizational Liability: Penalties for Fraternities and Universities (§ 37.153)

Organizations themselves are held accountable if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit hazing. Penalties can include fines, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property.

This provision allowed Pi Kappa Phi’s chapter and national organization to be held directly responsible. It also applies to any university (like those near Powhatan County) that allows hazing or fails in its oversight duties.

Institutional Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155)

Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to state authorities. Failure to do so can also incur criminal penalties. This ensures a level of transparency and accountability that helps expose patterns of abuse.

Beyond Criminal: Civil Liability for Damages

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators and organizations, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to recover financial compensation for the extensive damages suffered. This is where Attorney911 operates with aggressive precision.

Here are the civil liability theories, applicable whether the hazing occurred in Texas, Virginia, or any other state:

Negligence (The Foundation): We can prove that the universities, national fraternities, and local chapters owed a “duty of care” to your child (to provide a safe environment), they “breached” that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., allowing hazing), this breach “caused” your child’s injuries, and you suffered “damages” (medical bills, pain, suffering).
Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the house), they have a duty to keep those premises safe.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to oversee Greek life or other student organizations.
Assault and Battery: Individual participants can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact (e.g., hitting, forced consumption that makes someone sick, waterboarding).
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly “outrageous” and “extreme” conduct that causes severe emotional distress (e.g., waterboarding, psychological torment resulting in PTSD).
Vicarious Liability: This holds organizations (national fraternities, universities) responsible for the wrongful acts of their agents or employees (local chapter members, officers) when those acts occur within the scope of their activities.

These legal avenues are powerful tools to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost academic opportunities, emotional trauma, and the profound physical pain experienced by hazing victims in Powhatan County. Our legal team, including Lupe Peña with his deep knowledge of insurance defense tactics, knows precisely how to leverage these civil theories to build an undeniable case for your family.

Why Attorney911: Your Fearless Advocates in Powhatan County

When your family in Powhatan County is facing the terrifying aftermath of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation and knows how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions. At Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™—we move first, fast, and decisively when a legal emergency strikes, whether it’s in Houston or impacting a family in Powhatan County.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, proving that we are not theoretical; we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our firm is built on a foundation of experience, strategic insight, and an unyielding commitment to justice. We bring these same uncompromising qualities to every hazing case, ready to serve families throughout Powhatan County.

The Attorney911 Aggressive Advantage for Powhatan County Families:

25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over two decades of experience in high-stakes litigation. He is a battle-tested trial attorney who has faced massive corporate defendants and won. This extensive courtroom experience is invaluable when taking on national fraternities and universities.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” Lupe, specifically, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, defending corporations and insurance companies against claims just like yours. This insider knowledge means we anticipate their strategies, dismantle their defenses, and know exactly how they value and try to minimize claims. For Powhatan County families, this means we know how the defendants you face are already planning to fight back, and we leverage that knowledge against them.
Federal Court Admissions – Nationwide Reach: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us authority to pursue cases in federal courts. This is critical for hazing cases that often involve multi-state national organizations or incidents across different jurisdictions. No matter where your child was hazed in the country, or where the relevant national fraternity is headquartered, our federal court authority allows us to pursue justice for Powhatan County families.
Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage in litigation against national fraternities, many of which have ties to New York, or for incidents that might span multiple states. This unique credential enhances our national reach and legal versatility for Powhatan County clients.
Experience Taking on Goliath – BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds. This experience proves our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants—the same level of legal firepower needed when taking on national fraternities and multi-million dollar universities for Powhatan County families.
Hazing-Specific Expertise – We’re in the Fight NOW: Our active $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is undeniable proof of our deep specialization. We have direct experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, fraternity litigation, and holding universities accountable. We are not learning on the job; we are already leading the charge in this highly specialized area of law.
Data-Driven Litigation Strategy – We Don’t Guess, We KNOW: As detailed before, we maintain extensive databases of Greek organizations, their corporate structures, and their histories. We know their EINs, their house corporations, their alumni associations, and their national leadership. For Powhatan County families, this means when hazing strikes, we instantly know every entity to target, allowing us to hit the ground running without delay.
Fluent in Spanish – Se Habla Español: Our team, including attorney Lupe Peña, offers bilingual services. For Hispanic families in Powhatan County, this eliminates language barriers, ensuring direct communication and cultural understanding throughout the legal process.
Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost to Powhatan County Families: We understand that the financial strain of medical bills and lost income after a hazing incident can be immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers, allowing every family in Powhatan County to access justice, regardless of their economic situation.
Unwavering Dedication & Empathy – Your Family is Our Family: We are truly passionate about helping hazing victims. As a father himself, Ralph Manginello understands the profound impact such trauma has on a family. We pride ourselves on treating our clients with compassion, responsiveness, and genuine care. “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” one client wrote. “This place feels like having a family over your case,” said another. We come to Powhatan County families prepared to fight not just for legal victory, but for peace of mind.

For families in Powhatan County, Attorney911 isn’t just a law firm; we are your legal emergency hotline, equipped with the experience, the strategy, and the commitment to get justice for your child.

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

If your child in Powhatan County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do – and what you don’t do – can significantly impact the strength of any future legal claim. We understand that in such a traumatic time, it can be hard to think clearly. That’s why we’ve outlined clear, actionable steps for families in Powhatan County. Your immediate actions can make all the difference, and our team is available 24/7 to guide you through these crucial first steps.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If your child is still in a hazing situation, get them out immediately. Their physical and psychological safety is paramount.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, it is crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation. Head straight to an emergency room in or near Powhatan County (e.g., Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center or other nearby facilities) if there’s any doubt about their health. Many hazing injuries, like concussions or internal damage from forced consumption, may not be immediately apparent. For Leonel Bermudez, his mother had to rush him to the hospital days after the last hazing incident when his condition worsened, highlighting how critical timely medical intervention and documentation are.
- Document Everything Medically: Ensure all symptoms, injuries, and the alleged cause (hazing) are clearly recorded in medical notes. This creates an objective, unassailable record of the harm suffered.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – The Digital Trail is Critical

Hazing often leaves a digital footprint. This evidence is vital for building a strong case. We cannot overstate how important this is.

Text Messages and Group Chats: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, WhatsApp exchange, Instagram DM, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity members, other pledges, or warning messages. Do not delete ANYTHING.
Photos and Videos: If your child has any photos or videos of the hazing activities or their injuries, preserve them. Even subtle bruises or rashes are important. If they were reluctant to take them, encourage them now. Take photos of their physical injuries at all stages of healing.
Social Media Activity: Screenshot any relevant social media posts by the fraternity, its members, or your child prior to the hazing that might indicate their involvement or emotional state.
Physical Evidence: Preserve any clothing, objects, or items that might have been involved in the hazing. If there’s a location where most hazing occurred, note its precise address and take photos if safe to do so.
Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity members who might be sympathetic, or anyone who witnessed the hazing. They may be able to corroborate your child’s story.
Pledge Materials: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written instructions given by the organization.

CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Opposing counsel will often claim that deleting evidence is an admission of guilt. If you are worried about certain content, consult with us before taking any action.

Step 3: Avoid Direct Communication with the Perpetrators or Institutions

In the immediate aftermath, everyone involved will try to control the narrative. Protect your child and your legal rights by limiting direct communication.

Do NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: They will try to minimize the incident, coerce your child into silence, or pressure them into signing documents that waive their rights.
Do NOT Talk to University Administration or Lawyers Alone: Universities have extensive legal teams and risk management departments. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child. Any statements given can be used against your child later.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or you post about the incident can be twisted and used by defense attorneys to discredit your claims. Stay silent on all social media platforms until advised by legal counsel.
Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without having an attorney review them first. You could inadvertently waive your child’s rights.
DO NOT make any public statements/interviews (except to police/medical professionals as needed).

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is always of the essence in hazing cases. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and similar deadlines apply in Virginia and other states. However, evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and defendants may destroy or conceal incriminating records.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: Our team is available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free, confidential consultations to Powhatan County families.
Remote Consultations: Distance is no barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Powhatan County families who cannot travel to our offices.
We Come To You: For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Powhatan County as needed.
No Upfront Cost: Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your child’s recovery, not legal bills.

Step 5: Consider Reporting to Authorities

While pursuing a civil lawsuit, it’s also important to consider official reports:

University Hazing Report: Follow the university’s official hazing reporting protocol (often through the Dean of Students or Greek Life Office). Keep detailed records of when and to whom you reported.
Law Enforcement: Depending on the severity of the hazing (especially if it involved physical assault or egregious conduct like waterboarding), you may also want to file a police report with local law enforcement in Powhatan County or wherever the incident occurred. Criminal charges can parallel a civil lawsuit.
Title IX (for Sexual Harassment/Assault): If the hazing involved any form of sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based violence, immediately file a Title IX complaint with the university.

Taking these steps proactively, with our guidance, will ensure that your child’s rights are protected and that the strongest possible case can be built to hold those responsible accountable in Powhatan County and beyond.

Contact Us: Your Advocates for Justice in Powhatan County

If your family in Powhatan County is grappling with the devastating impact of hazing, know that you do not have to endure this alone. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this fight right now. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof that we possess the expertise, the determination, and the deep commitment necessary to hold powerful fraternities and universities accountable. We will bring this same aggressive, data-driven approach to every hazing victim’s case, including yours in Powhatan County.

Your trauma, your child’s pain, and your family’s suffering demand justice. We are ready to listen, to act, and to fight relentlessly on your behalf.

Powhatan County Families: Immediate Action Is Crucial. Contact Us Now.

Hazing cases are complex and time-sensitive. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) mean every moment counts. Do not delay in seeking legal counsel.

📞 CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

We are available 24/7 to provide immediate, free, and confidential consultations for hazing victims and their families in Powhatan County and across the nation.

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

What You Can Expect When You Contact Attorney911:

Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us costs you nothing. We will listen to your story with empathy and understanding, assess the details of your case, and explain your legal options without any obligation.
No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee): We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means you will not pay us any legal fees upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our success is tied directly to yours.
Expert Guidance, No Matter the Location: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and commitment to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims from Powhatan County and any other state. We offer convenient video consultations to discuss your case remotely.
Aggressive, Data-Driven Advocacy: We will immediately begin to investigate, compile evidence, and apply our extensive intelligence database to identify every responsible party—from individual perpetrators and local chapters to national organizations and negligent universities.
Relentless Pursuit of Accountability: We will handle all communications with fraternities, universities, and insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected and no stone is left unturned in securing the maximum possible compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, lost academic opportunities, and pain and suffering.

We Are Fighting for More Than Just Compensation:

As our attorney Lupe Pena said about the Bermudez case, “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 and seek justice in Powhatan County can have a ripple effect, forcing institutions to confront their failures and preventing future suffering. We are committed to sending an undeniable message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those who enable it will pay a heavy price.

Powhatan County families, you have been through enough. Let us fight for you. Call Attorney911 today.