Hazing Victim Legal Support in Prince George’s County, Maryland

You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting This Fight Nationwide — And We Will Fight for Prince George’s County Families Too.

This Happened in Houston. It Happens at Universities Near Prince George’s County. It Could Happen to Your Child.

We are Attorney 911 — the law firm currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This is not tradition. This is abuse. This is illegal.

The same fraternities operate at universities near Prince George’s County. The same culture of hazing exists. The same negligence is happening. And we will fight for Prince George’s County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

What Is Hazing? It’s Not What You Think.

Hazing is not harmless pranks or team-building exercises. It is systematic abuse disguised as “tradition.” In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with a weapon
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising in his own vomit
• Hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour while other pledges watched
• Threatened with expulsion if he refused to participate

This student was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition where muscle breakdown causes kidney failure.

This is not “brotherhood.” This is not “tradition.” This is assault. This is battery. This is illegal.

Hazing Happens Near Prince George’s County — And It’s More Common Than You Think

Prince George’s County is home to major universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. These include:

• University of Maryland, College Park — One of the largest Greek systems in the nation
• Howard University — Historically Black Greek organizations with active chapters
• American University — Private institution with significant Greek presence
• Bowie State University — Public university with Greek organizations
• The Catholic University of America — Private Catholic university with Greek life

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters at these institutions:

Prince George’s County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these universities, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

Why Prince George’s County Families Need Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case — We Know How to Win

We are actively fighting this battle in court right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
• The local UH chapter
• The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members and officers

This is not theoretical. This is happening now. And we will bring the same fight to Prince George’s County.

2. We Have Proven Results in Multi-Million Dollar Cases

Before focusing on hazing litigation, our firm had decades of experience winning multi-million dollar personal injury cases, including:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation — Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort against BP following catastrophic refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 180+
• Wrongful Death Cases — Recovered millions for families who lost loved ones due to negligence
• Catastrophic Injury Cases — Represented clients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and permanent disabilities

We know how to build cases that win. We know how to take on powerful institutions. We know how to get results.

3. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies — defending them against injury claims. We know exactly how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize or deny claims.

Now we use that knowledge against them.

When a fraternity or university tries to blame the victim, we know how to dismantle their arguments. When they try to lowball settlements, we know how to counter. When they try to hide evidence, we know how to find it.

This is our unfair advantage for Prince George’s County victims.

4. We Serve Prince George’s County Families — No Matter Where You Are

While we are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Prince George’s County. We can represent you through:

• Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
• Travel commitment — We come to Prince George’s County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Prince George’s County families as aggressively as we fight for our local clients.

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Prince George’s County Families

We understand that pursuing legal action against a university or national fraternity is daunting — especially for students and families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• $0 upfront cost — You pay nothing to hire us
• $0 unless we win — We only get paid if you get paid
• No financial risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Prince George’s County families: You can afford to fight back. We make it possible.

What Prince George’s County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Maryland

Maryland has strict anti-hazing laws. Under Maryland Education Code § 7-415, hazing is defined as:

“Any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme weather
• Psychological abuse
• Any activity that creates an unreasonable risk of harm

Maryland law makes hazing a criminal offense, punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $500
• Expulsion from school

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not matter.

2. Universities Are Liable When They Fail to Protect Students

Universities have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for hazing injuries.

In our current case:

• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had prior knowledge of hazing at their fraternities (a student was hospitalized in 2017)
• They failed to implement effective oversight
• They allowed the abuse to continue

The same failures happen at universities near Prince George’s County.

3. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets — And They Will Pay

National fraternities and sororities have millions of dollars in assets and insurance policies. They have the ability to pay large settlements and verdicts.

Precedent cases show they WILL pay when held accountable:

Prince George’s County families: These same results are possible for you.

4. Hazing Causes Permanent Damage — Physically and Psychologically

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary injuries. It can have lifelong consequences:

Our client in Houston was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. He now faces potential long-term health issues. This is not temporary. This is life-altering.

5. Most Hazing Victims Never Report It — But You Can Break the Silence

95% of hazing victims do not report it. They stay silent due to:

• Fear of retaliation from fraternity/sorority members
• Shame and embarrassment about what happened
• Loyalty to the organization — they don’t want to “ruin” it
• Not recognizing it as hazing — they think it’s “normal”
• Pressure to “tough it out” — they’re told to “man up” or “take it like a sister”

But silence protects the abusers. Speaking out protects future victims.

Prince George’s County families: Your child’s case could save lives.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Prince George’s County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If your child has been hazed, get them medical help right away — even if they say they’re “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning, may not show symptoms immediately.

Go to the emergency room if:

• They have severe muscle pain
• Their urine is brown or dark
• They can’t walk or move normally
• They vomited repeatedly
• They lost consciousness
• They seem confused or disoriented

Document everything. Get copies of all medical records.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Evidence disappears quickly. Preserve everything you can:

Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Incident

Report hazing to:

1. Local law enforcement — File a police report
2. University administration — Title IX office, Greek life office
3. National fraternity/sorority organization — Their headquarters

Be cautious when reporting. Universities and fraternities may try to control the narrative. Consult an attorney first.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us as soon as possible:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Prevent the fraternity/university from intimidating witnesses
• File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• Start building your case for maximum compensation

Prince George’s County families: We offer free consultations. You have nothing to lose by calling.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Prince George’s County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants. We pursue everyone responsible:

Prince George’s County families: We sue everyone responsible. We don’t let anyone hide.

What Prince George’s County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families can recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career)
• Educational expenses (tuition, lost scholarships)
• Property damage (if personal property was damaged)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (pain from injuries, medical treatment)
• Mental anguish (trauma from hazing, PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

If the conduct was especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Our current case involves:

• Waterboarding (torture)
• Forced exercise until collapse
• Physical assault with wooden paddles
• Threats of expulsion
• Punitive damages are appropriate.

Real Cases. Real Results. Prince George’s County Families Can Win Too.

Case 1: $10.1 Million Settlement — Stone Foltz (2021)

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, Bowling Green State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)

Case 2: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict — Maxwell Gruver (2017)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, Louisiana State University
• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• Hazing: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” game; wrong answer = drink more
• Result: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; criminal conviction

Case 3: $110+ Million Settlement — Timothy Piazza (2017)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, Penn State University
• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly
• Result: Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911; died from traumatic brain injury
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions

Case 4: Our Current Case — Leonel Bermudez (2025)

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, “ghost rush” at University of Houston
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
• Hazing: Waterboarded, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
• Result: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Outcome: $10 million lawsuit filed (pending)

Prince George’s County families: These results are possible for you too.

Frequently Asked Questions for Prince George’s County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they “consented” to participate. Can we still sue?

Yes. Maryland law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. If the activities were dangerous, abusive, or illegal, they are still liable — no matter how long they’ve been doing it.

3. My child is afraid of retaliation. How can we protect them?

We understand the fear of retaliation. We protect our clients by:

• Filing lawsuits to hold the organization accountable
• Seeking restraining orders if necessary
• Ensuring confidentiality throughout the process
• Working with universities to implement safety measures

Your child’s safety is our priority.

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Maryland?

Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. However, you should act immediately because:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Universities and fraternities destroy records

Do not wait. Contact us today.

5. My child was hazed at a university near Prince George’s County. Can you still help?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Prince George’s County. We can:

• File lawsuits in federal court
• Travel to Prince George’s County for depositions and trials
• Conduct video consultations
• Partner with local counsel if needed

Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for Prince George’s County families.

6. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

$0 upfront. We work on contingency, which means:

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

Prince George’s County families: You can afford to fight back.

7. What if the fraternity or university offers a settlement? Should we take it?

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and universities often offer lowball settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your damages.

We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

8. What if my child is an international student? Can they still sue?

Yes. International students have the same legal rights as any other student. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation.

We have bilingual staff (se habla español) and experience working with international students.

9. Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

Yes. Hazing often causes psychological trauma, including:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation

These injuries are just as real and compensable as physical injuries.

10. What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can still be held liable.

In our current case:

• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017
• They failed to act

The same failures happen at universities near Prince George’s County.

Prince George’s County Families: We Are Here to Help

If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are fighting this fight — and we will fight for you.

📞 Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation. $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.

The Time to Act Is Now

Prince George’s County families: Hazing is not tradition. It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.

You have the power to hold the abusers accountable. You have the power to protect future students. You have the power to send a message that this will not be tolerated.

We are Attorney 911. We are ready to fight for you.

Call us today. 📞 1-888-ATTY-911