If you’re reading this, your family in Pulaski County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new ideas, and build a foundation for their future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Pulaski County fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed this nightmare to happen.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear – it’s overwhelming. You’re likely searching for answers, for justice, wondering how to protect your child and ensure no other family in Pulaski County endures this pain. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting these battles right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for severe hazing injuries, including waterboarding and kidney failure. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to every family we represent, including yours in Pulaski County.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Can Happen in Pulaski County

Just weeks ago, a terrifying incident unfolded in Houston, a story that serves as a stark warning to parents in Pulaski County and across the nation. Leonel Bermudez, a bright young man with plans to transfer to the University of Houston, became an unwitting victim in a brutal hazing ritual orchestrated by the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What started as an aspiration for brotherhood quickly devolved into weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that ultimately landed him in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This wasn’t a prank gone wrong. This was calculated cruelty. Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” forced to eat until he vomited, made to perform 500 squats and 100-plus push-ups, and struck with wooden paddles. He endured extreme physical exertion to the point of collapse, only to be forced to continue. He was hog-tied, made to strip to his underwear in cold weather, and constantly threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he didn’t comply. By the time his mother rushed him to the hospital, he was passing brown urine—a horrifying sign that his muscles were breaking down and failing his kidneys. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, facing the very real risk of permanent organ damage.

When Leonel finally made it home, he could barely move. As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, explained 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 case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, is not just another lawsuit. It is the centerpiece of everything we stand for at Attorney911. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to aggressively representing hazing victims, meticulously building cases with data-driven strategies, and relentlessly pursuing accountability for every single entity responsible for these devastating injuries. We are seeking $10 million in damages from Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster.

This isn’t a theoretical fight for us. It’s a fight we are in right now. The same day we filed the lawsuit, KHOU 11 and ABC13 Houston broke the story:

ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” (Read the full story here)
KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” (Read the full story here)
Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” (Read the full story here)

We even have the statements from the defendants themselves. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, on their own website, announced they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” (See their statement here) They closed the chapter seven days before we filed our lawsuit, a clear acknowledgment of their wrongdoing and an attempt to distance themselves. But it’s too late. The damage is done, and accountability is coming.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a chilling reminder that hazing continues to plague college campuses. It occurred in a major metropolitan area at a respected university, involving a national fraternity with 150-plus chapters across America. This tragic incident could easily happen at any university, including institutions near Pulaski County, Virginia, where students seek higher education and new experiences. The same national fraternities operate in Virginia, and the same negligence exists at institutions that fail to protect their students. If your child has been hazed in Pulaski County, we will fight for you with the same aggression and unwavering commitment we’re bringing to this pivotal case in Houston.

Beyond the Stereotypes: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For too long, hazing was dismissed as “boys will be boys” or an innocent part of “tradition.” Pulaski County parents deserve to know the horrific reality: hazing today is not innocent pranks; it is systematic abuse, psychological torment, dangerous physical brutality, and sometimes, it is fatal. It’s an illegal and criminal act that can leave lifelong scars, both physical and emotional.

The activities Leonel Bermudez endured paint a grim picture of modern hazing:

Physical Torture and Brutality

Simulated Waterboarding: Being sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act of terror that mimics drowning.
Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced to perform hundreds of push-ups and squats, along with grueling “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and lengthy crawls, often until collapsing. Leonel’s mother recounted how he “crawled up the stairs” after one session because he couldn’t stand.
Paddling and Striking: The lawsuit explicitly mentions “being struck with wooden paddles,” a direct act of physical assault.
Exposure: Stripping pledges to their underwear in cold weather and spraying them with water, exposing them to hypothermia and humiliation.

Forced Consumption and Dehumanization

Induced Vomiting: Pledges like Leonel were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, they were made to run sprints and lie in their own vomit-soaked grass.
Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive fraternity members during the early morning hours, disrupting their essential sleep cycles and leading to extreme exhaustion, impacting their physical and mental well-being.

Psychological Warfare and Humiliation

Degrading Rituals: Carrying a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times—a blatant attempt to humiliate and break down personal dignity.
Hog-Tying: The shocking revelation that another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour” vividly illustrates the level of psychological terror involved. This isn’t just bullying; it’s an act of virtual kidnapping and torture.
Threats and Coercion: Constant threats of physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity were used to ensure compliance, creating an atmosphere of fear and control.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The immediate consequence of this extreme physical abuse was Leonel’s diagnosis with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm and injure the kidneys. His “passing brown urine” was a critical sign of this muscle breakdown. This is a condition that Ralph P. Manginello has specific expertise in litigating, understanding the long-term implications and the profound suffering it entails.

This isn’t just about “fitting in.” This is about assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and profound institutional failure. The statistics are horrifying: over half of all students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are a deeply disturbing pattern, often concealed by a culture of silence and fear.

Unmasking the Culpable: Who Is Responsible When Hazing Strikes in Pulaski County?

When your child in Pulaski County falls victim to hazing, the natural question is, “Who allowed this to happen?” The answer is rarely simple, but our strategy at Attorney911 is clear: we pursue every single entity, from the individual perpetrators to the sprawling institutions, who are directly or indirectly responsible. The goal is not just compensation, but systemic change and accountability that reverberates far beyond a single courtroom.

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates the comprehensive scope of our litigation strategy. We cast a wide net, ensuring that everyone who contributed to the harm, either through direct action or negligent inaction, is held accountable.

The Direct Perpetrators: Individual Fraternity Members

Chapter Officers: The president, pledgemaster, and other leaders who plan, organize, and direct hazing activities bear significant responsibility. They are decision-makers within the chapter who directly control the actions of pledges.
Individual Members: Any active member who participates in hazing, facilitates it, or stands by and watches without intervening can be held personally liable. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and hazing under the law.
Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel Bermudez’s case, former members and even a spouse who owned the residence where hazing occurred are named as defendants. This highlights that liability extends to anyone who knowingly provides the venue or permits illegal activities.

The Organizational Enablers: Local Chapters and National Fraternities/Sororities

Local Chapters: The specific fraternity or sorority chapter (like Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH) that orchestrates and carries out the hazing is directly liable for the actions of its members and for fostering a dangerous environment.
National Organizations: The national headquarters of fraternities and sororities have an inherent duty to oversee their local chapters. They establish rules, provide training, and should monitor for compliance. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, especially after prior incidents, they are grossly negligent. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, for instance, knew about deadly hazing from the Andrew Coffey case in 2017. Their failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s injuries eight years later demonstrates a pattern of conscious indifference. These national organizations often have substantial assets and robust insurance policies, making them critical targets for significant compensation and systemic change.

The Institutional Oversight: Universities and Colleges

The University Itself: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise control over the fraternities and sororities on their campus. This includes oversight of Greek life, enforcement of anti-hazing policies, and ensuring a safe campus environment.
University Boards of Regents: Governing bodies like the UH Board of Regents are responsible for the overall policies and direction of the university. Their failure to implement effective hazing prevention measures, particularly after previous incidents, constitutes institutional negligence.
Premises Liability: A crucial aspect of our Bermudez lawsuit is that the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This makes their liability for premises-related negligence undeniable. When a university owns the very location where torture occurs, they are directly culpable.

The Deep Pockets: Insurers and Corporate Entities

Insurance Carriers: Behind every national fraternity, university, and even individual, there are often layers of insurance policies providing coverage. These can include general liability policies for organizations and institutions, and homeowner’s or renter’s policies for individuals. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, how they value claims, and, crucially, how to dismantle their defenses to maximize recovery for victims.
Housing Corporations: Entities like Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu Housing Corporation are typically responsible for owning or managing fraternity properties. They have a duty to ensure these properties are safe and are often named as defendants due to direct control over the physical premises where hazing occurs.

For families in Pulaski County, it might seem daunting to confront such a complex web of legal entities. But our message is clear: we know exactly who we need to sue. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures, allowing us to identify every liable entity behind the Greek letters. When hazing happens, we already know who to pursue. Our goal is to ensure that no responsible party can evade accountability.

The Cost of Cruelty: What These Cases Win for Pulaski County Victims

Pulaski County families facing the aftermath of hazing often wonder if justice is truly possible, and what that justice might look like. The answer, consistently demonstrated by landmark cases across the nation, is a resounding yes. Hazing costs millions, and we have the receipts. The same legal strategies, aggressive representation, and commitment to pursuing maximum compensation that achieved these results will be brought to bear for victims in Pulaski County.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure is not an unprecedented demand. It’s squarely in line with, and in some aspects even conservative compared to, the multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements awarded in similar hazing cases nationwide. These decisions send an undeniable message: hazing will not be tolerated, and the institutions that allow it will pay dearly.

Here are just a few examples that illuminate the potential for Pulaski County hazing victims:

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

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million. Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. His family secured over $10.1 million in settlements, with Bowling Green State University paying $2.9 million and Pi Kappa Alpha national organization along with individual members contributing $7.2 million. This settlement represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Furthermore, in December 2024, a judge ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally, highlighting that individuals are not immune from significant liability.
Pulaski County Relevance: This case directly supports our $10 million demand. It shows that both universities and national fraternities are held accountable for millions, even in cases involving alcohol poisoning.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million. Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. His family received a $6.1 million jury verdict, and his death spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
Pulaski County Relevance: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar figures for hazing deaths. The outrage of a jury translates into financial accountability.

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

Total Recovery: Over $110 Million (Estimated). Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event, falling down stairs repeatedly, and being left for 12 hours before fraternity members called for help. His family achieved a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million from Penn State and the fraternity. His death led to the landmark Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
Pulaski County Relevance: While this case involved death and an extensive cover-up captured on video, it sets a powerful precedent for massive accountability when hazing is egregious and institutions are negligent.

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

The Same Fraternity. Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” in 2017. This is the same national fraternity as in the Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. His family also reached an undisclosed settlement.
Pulaski County Relevance: This case is a smoking gun in our Bermudez lawsuit, establishing a clear pattern of dangerous hazing within Pi Kappa Phi Nationally. It shows that Pi Kappa Phi knew about deadly hazing within its ranks years ago, yet failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s injuries. This supports claims for gross negligence and increased punitive damages.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Settlement: Over $4 Million. Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family initially filed a $28 million lawsuit and later reached a settlement exceeding $4 million. His tragic death led to the passage of Adam’s Law in Virginia, mandating anti-hazing education.
Pulaski County Relevance: This case from a neighboring state shows that even without a jury verdict, substantial settlements are achieved, and that initial demands are often in the tens of millions.

These cases are not just about monetary awards; they represent a powerful societal shift. They demonstrate that families, with the right legal representation, can penetrate the veil of secrecy surrounding hazing and force powerful institutions to pay for their negligence. The outrage from parents, translated into justice by dedicated attorneys, is changing laws and forcing universities and fraternities to take hazing seriously. For families in Pulaski County, these precedents are proof that significant results are achievable, and that your fight for justice can be a catalyst for change.

Your Shield and Sword: Texas Law Protects Pulaski County Victims

When hazing shatters a family’s peace in Pulaski County, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While Virginia has its own robust anti-hazing laws, our firm’s deep expertise in Texas hazing statutes provides a powerful model for the legal protections available to victims nationwide. The core principles of anti-hazing legislation, coupled with civil liability theories, ensure that consent is never a defense and that a broad range of entities can be held accountable.

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157: The Anti-Hazing Law

Texas has some of the clearest and most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation. This legislation defines what constitutes hazing, outlines criminal penalties, and, crucially, establishes that consent is never a defense.

What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition

Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing is broadly defined 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: Like hitting, beating, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. This covers the “wooden paddles” and extreme physical abuse Leonel Bermudez endured.
Causes Unreasonable Risk to Health or Safety: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk. This directly applies to the excessive workouts, cold exposure, and hose spraying that led to Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Involves Harmful Consumption: Such as consuming food, liquid, or alcohol that creates unreasonable risk. This addresses the forced eating until vomiting, a staple of modern hazing rituals.
Violates the Penal Code: Any activity that forces a student to break criminal laws (like assault or illegal restraint).

The hazing Leonel Bermudez suffered meets multiple elements of this statutory definition. The waterboarding, forced physical exertion, and aggressive humiliating acts are crystal clear violations, leaving no room for doubt.

Criminal Penalties: Justice Beyond Civil Claims

Texas law provides significant criminal penalties for hazing:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it.
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury,” which includes Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Perpetrators can face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s statement confirming “potential criminal charges” underscores that these civil cases often run parallel to criminal investigations, increasing pressure on perpetrators and institutions.

Organizational Liability: Holding the Groups Accountable

Texas Education Code § 37.153 explicitly states that “An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Organizations can face fines up to $10,000 and be denied permission to operate on campus. This is why we name both the local chapter and the national fraternity.

Consent is NOT a Defense: A Legal Game-Changer

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas hazing law, and it holds true in many other states, including Virginia. Texas Education Code § 37.154 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 shatters the common defense strategy used by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to participate.” “He knew the risks.” “He could have left at any time.” The law in Texas, and increasingly across the country, recognizes that true consent cannot exist in a coercive environment fueled by peer pressure, fear of ostracization, and power imbalances. A student cannot legally consent to being a victim of assault or torture. This strong legal stance is precisely what allows us to fight aggressively for victims in Pulaski County.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Fines

While criminal charges address the societal wrong, civil lawsuits address the personal harm. Pulaski County victims and their families can pursue compensation through several civil litigation theories that exist in nearly every state:

Negligence: Holding universities and national organizations accountable for failing in their duty of care to protect students.
Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH fraternity house), they can be held liable for maintaining a dangerous environment.
Negligent Supervision: When national organizations fail to properly supervise their chapters, or universities fail to oversee Greek life.
Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individual members who inflict physical harm.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the severe psychological trauma caused by extreme and outrageous hazing.

Our attorneys leverage these legal principles to build comprehensive cases, ensuring that all liable parties—from the individual student to the national fraternity and the university—are held accountable. For Pulaski County families, this means the full force of the law can be brought to bear against those who inflict or enable hazing.

Your Advocates in Pulaski County: Why Attorney911 Is Your Choice Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal team is paramount when your family in Pulaski County faces the devastating impact of hazing. You need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested strategists, compassionate advocates, and relentless fighters. Attorney911 offers a unique blend of expertise, experience, and dedication that sets us apart as the definitive choice for hazing victims in Pulaski County and across the nation.

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and commitment to hazing victims know no geographical bounds. We often say, “Hazing happens everywhere, and so do we.” Our ability to represent families in Pulaski County is grounded in several key differentiators:

1. Unmatched Hazing Litigation Expertise: In the Fight Right Now

We aren’t theoretical; we are actively engaged in the legal battle against hazing. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof. This ongoing case is a live demonstration of our strategies, our aggression, and our results-driven approach. When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a firm that’s already in the trenches, developing new precedents, and building the playbook for future hazing litigation. For Pulaski County families, this means state-of-the-art representation.

2. Ralph P. Manginello: A Former Insider, a Fierce Advocate

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. But his advantage for hazing victims is unique: he’s a former insurance defense attorney. This means he knows the hidden strategies, the delay tactics, and the valuation methodologies that insurance companies and corporate defendants (like national fraternities and universities) employ to deny or minimize claims. He’s seen their playbook from the inside and now uses that intimate knowledge against them.

Ralph’s experience in complex, high-stakes litigation, such as the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion cases, demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – a skill directly transferable to holding powerful national fraternities and multi-billion dollar universities accountable. His dual-state bar license (Texas and New York) and admission to federal courts further empower our firm to pursue cases against national organizations regardless of where they are headquartered.

As a father of three, Ralph keenly understands the emotional toll hazing takes on families. His background as a hall-of-fame athlete and youth coach also uniquely positions him to understand the dynamics, pressures, and often toxic cultures within team and group environments where hazing can flourish.

3. Lupe Eleno Peña: Disarming the Defense with Their Own Tactics (Se Habla Español)

Associate attorney Lupe Eleno Peña (who is male, despite the common perception of the name) also brings invaluable insider knowledge. He previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. Lupe Eleno Peña’s decade-plus as a defense attorney means he, too, knows the exact strategies insurance companies use to lowball victims and deflect responsibility. His expertise in wrongful death, dram shop liability (for alcohol-related incidents common in hazing), and catastrophic injury cases directly applies to the severe outcomes of hazing.

Beyond his defense background, Lupe Eleno Peña is a third-generation Texan with deep roots, and he is fluent in Spanish. This allows us to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in Pulaski County and across the country, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice. He embodies our “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy, bringing relentless dedication to every client.

At Attorney911, we operate with an “insurance counter-intelligence system” – a deliberate strategy of employing former defense attorneys to dismantle the opposition’s arguments from the inside out. This is a formidable advantage for hazing victims.

4. Data-Driven Litigation: We Know Who to Sue

We don’t guess; we know. Our firm maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking over 1,400 entities across 25 metro areas. This includes legal names, EINs, corporate structures, and historical data, allowing us to quickly identify every responsible party – from undergraduate chapters and housing corporations to alumni boards and national headquarters – when hazing strikes in Pulaski County. This meticulous approach ensures that no potentially liable party can hide behind intricate corporate structures.

For example, our database includes organizations like:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. (EIN 462267515, Frisco, Texas) — the very entity behind the UH chapter we sued.
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785, Missouri City, Texas).
Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc. (EIN 133048786, College Station, Texas).
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427, San Marcos, Texas).
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Kappa (EIN 746064445, Nederland, Texas).

When a child in Pulaski County is harmed, we can instantly pull up the corporate profile of the organization involved, understanding exactly who to sue and what their financial capabilities might be.

5. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment for Pulaski County

While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Pulaski County and across America. Our federal court admissions allow us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions, and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide strategic advantages when litigating against national organizations.

We Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are prepared to travel to Pulaski County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
Remote Consultations: Pulaski County families can securely connect with our attorneys via video conference, making access to expert legal counsel convenient and immediate.
No Upfront Costs: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we don’t get paid unless and until you win your case. This removes the financial burden, ensuring access to top-tier representation regardless of your family’s economic situation.

6. Compassionate, Empathetic, and Review-Backed

Our Google My Business rating of 4.9 Stars with over 250 reviews speaks volumes about our commitment to clients. Testimonials from families confirm our empathetic approach, responsive communication, and aggressive pursuit of maximum settlements. We treat our clients like family, understanding that when you’re dealing with the trauma of hazing, you need a legal team that genuinely cares.

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client.

For Pulaski County families, we offer not just legal expertise, but a promise: we will fight for your child with the same fury and dedication as if they were our own. We will ensure that those responsible for their suffering are held fully accountable.

Immediate Steps for Pulaski County Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in Pulaski County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll is immense, taking swift action can dramatically impact the strength of any future legal claim. It’s a legal emergency, and just like any 911 call, immediate response matters.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Remove Your Child from the Situation: Ensure your child is physically safe and away from the hazing environment.
Seek Medical Care IMMEDIATELY: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child resists, consult a medical professional. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Tell medical staff that the injuries resulted from hazing. Medical records are foundational evidence for your case. If your child is struggling emotionally, seek psychological evaluation as well.
Document Everything Medically: Keep copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, emergency room reports, prescribed medications, and therapy records.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Act Now Before It Disappears

Hazing thrives in secrecy, and evidence disappears quickly. This is where your actions are critical. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”

Photographs and Videos:
- Injuries: Take clear, high-resolution photos of any physical injuries (bruises, marks, burns, swelling) as soon as possible. Continue to photograph them as they heal.
- Hazing Locations: If safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred – fraternity houses, off-campus residences, parks, basements.
- Related Items: Photograph any items used in the hazing (e.g., paddles, excessive alcohol containers, specific clothing, degrading items).
Digital Communications: This is often the most damning evidence.
- Screenshots are Key: Take screenshots of all relevant text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and social media posts. Photos or videos posted in private group chats are gold.
- Do Not Delete Anything: Under no circumstances should your child delete any digital communications. Deleting evidence can severely harm their case.
Witness Information: Gather names and contact information (phone numbers, social media handles) of any other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Physical Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or correspondence your child received from the organization.
Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, any lost wages if your child missed work, and any academic costs if their studies were interrupted.

3. Avoid Critical Mistakes – Protect Your Child’s Case

Many well-intentioned actions can inadvertently damage a legal claim. As detailed in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (watch it here), it’s vital to avoid these pitfalls:

Do NOT Speak to the Organization, University, or Their Lawyers: Do not let your child give statements, sign documents, or engage in discussions with fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials, or anyone representing them without legal counsel present. Their primary goal is to protect their institution, not your child.
Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child posts, or
anything posted about them, can and will be used against them. This includes comments about the incident, photos of them appearing “fine,” or any engagement with the fraternity’s online presence.
Do NOT Lie or Embellish: Honesty and consistency are paramount. Stick to the facts.
Do NOT Delay: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Virginia, is typically two years. While this sounds like a long time, evidence vanishes, memories fade, and delaying can weaken your case significantly.

4. Consult an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY

This is perhaps the most important step for Pulaski County families. You do not have to navigate this terrifying ordeal alone.

Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your child’s case. Call us any time, 24/7.
Expert Guidance: We will help you understand your legal rights, assess the viability of your claim, and guide you through every step of the process.
Protection: Once you retain us, we handle all communications with the defendants and their representatives, shielding your child from further intimidation.

For families in Pulaski County, accessing our expertise is simple. We offer video consultations, and our team is prepared to travel to Pulaski County for depositions, meetings, or trials as needed. Your child’s fight for justice begins with a single, crucial call.

Pulaski County Families: Enough is Enough. Call Us Now.

If your child in Pulaski County has been a victim of hazing, you have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – for Leonel Bermudez in Houston, and we will fight just as aggressively for victims in Pulaski County, across Virginia, and throughout the nation.

Our attorneys are fearlessly pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities and a major university. This isn’t a theoretical battle; it’s happening right now, demonstrating our commitment to dismantling the culture of hazing and holding every responsible party accountable.

Pulaski County Families: Don’t Wait. Your Free, Confidential Consultation Awaits.

CALL US 24/7:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

EMAIL US:

ralph@atty911.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

attorney911.com

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means $0 upfront for Pulaski County families. You pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. We take on all the financial risk, so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

We Cover Pulaski County and Beyond:

While based in Texas, Attorney911 serves hazing victims across America, including those in Pulaski County, VA. Our federal court admissions allow us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and universities. We conduct video consultations for your convenience and are committed to traveling for depositions and trials to ensure justice for your family in Pulaski County.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and other colleges and universities near Pulaski County.
Sports teams in collegiate and high school settings.
Marching bands and other student organizations.
ROTC programs and military academies.
Any group or institution that uses abuse as an “initiation” rite.

The time to act is now. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can expire. Your courage to step forward can not only secure justice and compensation for your child but also prevent this horror from happening to another Pulaski County family. As Attorney Lupe Eleno Peña passionately stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call Attorney911 today. Let us fight for you.