Richmond County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’re reading this in Richmond County, Virginia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, full of hopes for new friendships and experiences. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and perhaps even threatened. What was supposed to be a journey of personal growth turned into a nightmare of hazing. We understand what you’re going through. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were terrorized. At Attorney911, we are here to help families in Richmond County and across the nation fight back against the insidious culture of hazing.

We are not just a law firm that talks about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical scenario; this is real, it’s happening a few weeks ago, and it’s exactly the kind of aggressive, data-driven approach we bring to every hazing case, no matter if you’re in Richmond County or across the country.

The Unseen Threat: Hazing in Our Communities

Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a pervasive, dangerous, and often deadly practice that continues to plague colleges and universities across America, including institutions where students from Richmond County might attend. For parents in Richmond County, it’s a terrifying thought to send your child off to a university, whether it’s the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, William & Mary, or one of the many other esteemed institutions in the Commonwealth, only to have them return home a victim of abuse. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters in and around Richmond County and throughout Virginia have been implicated in hazing incidents that have resulted in serious injury, hospitalization, and even death.

These aren’t isolated incidents or harmless pranks; they are systematic acts of abuse that endanger the mental and physical health of students. The institutions that host these organizations, and the national chapters that oversee them, often turn a blind eye until it’s too late. That’s where we come in. At Attorney911, we are relentless in our pursuit of justice for hazing victims, holding accountable every entity responsible – from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities themselves.

The Case That Shows Richmond County Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

We don’t just advocate for hazing victims; we’re on the front lines, fighting for their rights in courtrooms today. The landmark case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is the centerpiece of everything we stand for. This is a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, against Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, the University of Houston itself, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly what kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims. For families in Richmond County, this is not just a news story; it’s a stark warning and a beacon of hope, showing what is possible when you choose to fight back.

The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Nightmare Made Real

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with dreams of a college education, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, but planned to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, his young body breaking down from the extreme demands placed upon him.

This is what hazing looks like in America today. This is what it can look like in Virginia colleges. And this is why Attorney911 is fighting so aggressively.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Peña added, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

You can find in-depth coverage of this case from multiple reputable news sources, which we encourage you to review:

• ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” (November 21-22, 2025)
• KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” (November 21, 2025)
• Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” (November 24, 2025)

What these articles reveal is a chilling account of abuse that any parent in Richmond County needs to understand.

The Hazing Timeline: A Descent into Torture

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing begin. Leonel is forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with sexually explicit items, and participate in extreme early morning workouts and late-night drives for fraternity members, leading to profound exhaustion. He is threatened with severe physical punishment or expulsion if he fails to comply.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This illustrates the depravity of the “brotherhood.”
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. But the hazing continues.
• November 3, 2025 (The Incident): Leonel is severely punished, forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He is waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to eat until he vomits, and then made to continue exercising in his own vomit. He collapses, unable to stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsens. As Ralph Manginello noted, he becomes so sore he can barely move.
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He is diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending four days hospitalized.

Within days of this incident, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the chapter, which was permanently closed on November 14, 2025. This preemptive action speaks volumes about their knowledge of the wrongdoing. On November 21, 2025, our firm filed the $10 million lawsuit, and news outlets immediately began to expose the horrific details.

The Chilling Hazing Activities Exposed

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not just allegations; they are a window into the brutal reality of what “brotherhood” can become:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, a tactic specifically designed to simulate drowning. This isn’t a college prank; it’s a technique categorized as torture, even used on enemy combatants. That such a practice was inflicted on a young student aspiring to join a community is beyond disturbing.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns, forcing him to vomit. Then, he was compelled to continue rigorous exercise, lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. This psychological degradation combined with physical abuse is designed to break a person down completely.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The forced regimen included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-intensity running drills, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. This went far beyond physical conditioning, pushing his body to the point of collapse and organ failure.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature. The hog-tying of another pledge, along with constant threats, fostered an environment of fear and absolute control.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced to chauffeur fraternity members during early morning hours, his exhaustion was not just a side effect but a deliberate tool of control, breaking down his mental and physical resistance.

The Medical Toll: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s body reacted catastrophically to the abuse. He developed rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This led to acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that required four days of intensive hospitalization. The visible symptom of passing brown urine was a classic indicator of this muscle breakdown. While Leonel survived, the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage is a grim reality he now faces. This is the same medical condition that our firm has successfully litigated in other hazing cases, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in this severe injury.

Institutional Responses: Excuses, Not Accountability

The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges.” Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters admitted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” while also stating, chillingly, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This statement, issued the same day our lawsuit was filed, confirms their priorities are not with victim healing or cultural change, but with damage control and eventual reestablishment. They closed the chapter a week before our lawsuit was filed, a clear sign they knew what was coming. Our lawsuit alleges they failed to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowing of a “hazing crisis.”

Why This Case Matters to Richmond County Families

• Proof that “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t harmless rites of passage. They are systematic abuse. The same torturous practices can and do happen at universities where students from Richmond County attend.
• Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of this hazing occurred. This highlights institutional liability that exists at colleges across Virginia, which have the power to stop hazing but often fail to act.
• National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s swift dissolution of the chapter proves they track and know about hazing. These same national organizations exist near Richmond County, and they are aware of the dangers lurking within their chapters.
• Victims are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez fears retribution for speaking out, a common experience for hazing victims. We aim to shield our clients in Richmond County from such fear, providing a safe path to justice.
• One Brave Victim Can Protect Richmond County Students: As Lupe Peña eloquently stated, the hope is to prevent harm to others. Your case from Richmond County could be the one that saves countless lives.
• $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit isn’t just about compensation; it’s about holding powerful entities accountable and forcing systemic change. Richmond County families can send the same powerful message.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not unique. It is a harsh reality playing out across America, often hidden behind the veil of college camaraderie. It’s time to pull back that veil and expose the truth.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Richmond County, it’s vital to understand that hazing is far more sinister than the silly pranks or benign initiations many still imagine. This isn’t about awkward icebreakers or wearing silly costumes; it’s about systematic abuse designed to break down an individual’s will, strip them of dignity, and inflict physical or psychological harm.

It IS NOT: “Boys being boys.” It IS: Assault, Battery, Torture, Reckless Endangerment, and often, Manslaughter or Murder.

Here’s a clearer picture of what the hazing Leonel Bermudez experienced, and what countless other students endure, truly looks like:

• Physical Abuse: This involves any act causing physical pain or discomfort. Leonel was struck with wooden paddles, forced into extreme calisthenics (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, repeated 100-yard crawls, “suicides”). In other cases, it can include beatings, branding, or simulated waterboarding.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning, which is a leading cause of hazing deaths. Leonel’s case included forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, directly endangering his health.
• Sleep Deprivation: Deliberately depriving pledges of sleep, often through late-night “activities” or forced menial tasks (like driving members around in the early hours), breaks down resistance and makes individuals more susceptible to psychological manipulation.
• Psychological Torture: This can be as damaging as physical abuse, including humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and even death threats. Leonel was forced to carry sexually suggestive items and subjected to the hog-tying of another pledge, creating an environment of constant fear and dehumanization.
• Exposure: This can involve leaving individuals in extreme hot or cold weather, either clothed or unclothed, or confining them in small, uncomfortable spaces. Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose.
• Servitude: Forced to perform demeaning tasks for fraternity members, such as cleaning, driving, or running errands, reinforces a power imbalance and strips pledges of their free time and dignity.

The Medical Consequences are Severe: The types of hazing experienced by Leonel Bermudez can lead to devastating medical issues, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly suffered by Leonel due to extreme exertion.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A common and often fatal outcome of forced drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from beatings, falls, or other head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From overwhelming physical exertion and dehydration.
• Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can have lifelong impacts.
• Death: The ultimate, tragic consequence, as seen in countless cases nationwide.

According to statistics, 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 95% of those who are hazed do not report it. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. This happens not only in fraternities but also in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations. These are not “accidents”; they are the foreseeable results of cultures of abuse that institutions know about and tragically fail to prevent.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable in Richmond County

When hazing rituals cause severe injury or death, it’s rarely just one individual at fault. A network of individuals and organizations contribute to the dangerous environment, and all must be held accountable. For families in Richmond County, understanding who can be held responsible is crucial to pursuing justice and meaningful compensation.

Based on our firm’s experience, including the ongoing Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we typically pursue claims against:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority: This is the immediate group that plans and executes the hazing. They are directly liable for the illegal and dangerous activities.
2. Chapter Officers and Leaders: Individuals such as the Chapter President, Pledgemaster, and other leadership roles bear significant responsibility as they often direct or oversee the hazing. In the Bermudez case, the president and pledgemaster are specifically named as defendants.
3. Individual Members: Any active member who participates in, encourages, or fails to report illegal hazing activities can be held personally liable. This extends to former members, like those in the Bermudez case, who hosted hazing at their residences.
4. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These national bodies have a duty to oversee their chapters, implement anti-hazing policies, and ensure compliance. However, they often fail to do so effectively, leading to charges of negligent supervision. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant in the Bermudez case, alleged to have known about a “hazing crisis” and failed to act. These national organizations often possess substantial assets and insurance, making them “deep pockets” from which significant damages can be recovered.
5. The University or College: Universities have a legal and moral obligation to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on their campus or within organizations they officially recognize and oversee. Our lawsuit against the University of Houston and its Board of Regents stems from their ownership and control of the fraternity house where hazing occurred, and their failure to prevent it despite a prior hazing incident on campus in 2017. This critical element of institutional negligence applies directly to universities near Richmond County, which bear the same responsibility to protect the well-being of their students.
6. Housing Corporations: Often, separate entities own the fraternity or sorority houses. These housing corporations can be held liable for unsafe conditions or for allowing illegal activities to occur on their property. In our case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a defendant.
7. Spouses or Other Parties: As seen in the Bermudez case, a spouse of a former member who allowed hazing to occur at their residence is also named. This expands the scope of liability to anyone who knowingly facilitates hazing.
8. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, a significant portion of any settlement or verdict comes from the various insurance policies held by these defendants – national organizations, universities, and individuals (homeowner’s or renter’s insurance). As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña understand the intricacies of these policies and precisely how to pursue them.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every possible party responsible for the hazing is brought to justice, maximizing the potential for meaningful compensation and accountability. We are not just suing “broke college kids”; we are targeting the multi-million dollar corporations and institutions that enable this dangerous culture.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For parents in Richmond County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the question of whether justice can truly be served is paramount. Can these powerful fraternities, national organizations, and universities actually be held accountable? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is testament to our commitment, and numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country prove that hazing victims and their families can and do win.

These cases send a resounding message that hazing has a steep financial cost, designed to deter future abuses and force systemic change. The same legal strategies and precedents that secured these outcomes are available for Richmond County victims.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Showing What’s Possible

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
  • Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual.
  • His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and individuals.
  • In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability.
  • Relevance to Richmond County: This case sets a benchmark. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case aligns directly with recoveries in similar incidents. It also demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities bear substantial financial responsibility.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
  • Max Gruver, 18, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event.
  • His family secured a $6.1 million jury verdict.
  • Relevance to Richmond County: This jury verdict powerfully illustrates that when cases proceed to trial, juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, sending a clear message of deterrence.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  • Timothy Piazza, 19, died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling repeatedly during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual involving excessive drinking. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
  • His family reached a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million.
  • Relevance to Richmond County: This monumental settlement shows the potential for massive accountability when egregious conduct is exposed, and evidence (like security camera footage in Piazza’s case) is strong. It also led to the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case
  • Andrew Coffey, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event.
  • Crucially, this is the SAME national organization involved in our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a failure by Pi Kappa Phi National to address deadly hazing culture. They knew their chapters engage in this behavior.
  • Relevance to Richmond County: This precedent demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National has a documented history of deadly hazing. This significantly strengthens claims of foreseeability and deliberate indifference, paving the way for substantial punitive damages.
• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement
  • Adam Oakes, 19, died from alcohol poisoning after engaging in hazing with Delta Chi at VCU, a university in Virginia. His family launched a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually settled for over $4 million.
  • Relevance to Richmond County: This demonstrates that significant recoveries are happening right here in Virginia, driven by cases often close to home for Richmond County families. It shows that Virginia institutions and fraternities are being held accountable.

The Message to Richmond County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations: Hazing Costs Millions.

These precedents, combined with our firm’s aggressive litigation in the Bermudez case, make several things clear for families in Richmond County:

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported: Comparable cases, some with non-fatal but life-altering injuries like Leonel’s, have resulted in multi-million dollar payouts.
2. Juries Hate Hazing: The sheer brutality and recklessness of hazing often enrages juries, leading to substantial verdicts that include punitive damages.
3. Pattern Evidence is Key: When a national organization like Pi Kappa Phi has a prior death (Andrew Coffey) on its record, it demonstrates a history of negligence that makes claims for future incidents (like Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization) much stronger. The University of Houston’s prior hazing incident in 2017 is similarly damaging.
4. Criminal Charges May Follow: Hazing, especially when it involves serious injury or death, often leads to criminal charges in addition to civil lawsuits. The UH spokesperson explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in relation to Leonel’s case.

The goal is not just compensation for victims; it’s to force a systemic change. These multi-million dollar outcomes grab attention, force policy changes, and sometimes lead to new anti-hazing legislation, ultimately protecting other students in Richmond County and beyond.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights

For families in Richmond County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are often similar across states, and specific federal claims apply nationwide. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred, ensuring that Richmond County families can access our expertise.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Foundation

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws under the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These laws provide a powerful basis for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:

• Physical brutality: Beating, striking (like wooden paddles in Leonel’s case), placing harmful substances on the body.
• Acts endangering health: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, extreme calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), or any activity causing unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affecting mental/physical health.
• Forced consumption: Food, liquid, alcohol (like forced eating until vomiting in Leonel’s case).
• Coercion to commit crimes: Requiring a student to perform tasks that violate the Penal Code.

The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured clearly falls under multiple categories of this statute, making the defendants criminally and civilly liable. Similar definitions apply in Virginia, where the “Code of Virginia § 18.2-56: Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal penalties” also broadly covers actions endangering physical or mental health.

Criminal Penalties: Texas law escalates penalties based on the severity of the hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under this.
• State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death (180 days – 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be fined up to $10,000, denied the right to operate, and forced to forfeit property if they condone, encourage, or have officers/members commit hazing. This applies directly to the Pi Kappa Phi chapter and National Headquarters.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal point for Richmond County families to understand. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This means that arguments like “he agreed to participate” or “he knew what he was signing up for” are legally nullified. Hazing is a crime to which one cannot legally consent, underscoring the victim’s lack of true agency in these coercive situations. Virginia’s anti-hazing statute similarly states “consent is not a defense” if the activity would amount to a criminal offense.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Beyond criminal penalties, these laws provide a strong basis for civil lawsuits that allow victims and their families in Richmond County to seek substantial compensation for their suffering. We can file lawsuits based on several key legal theories:

1. Negligence Claims: The core of most personal injury cases. We prove that the defendants (fraternity, national, university) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions related to hazing, and this breach directly caused the injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: This applies when hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the defendants. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the abuse happened, making them liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This could apply to universities in Virginia that own fraternity houses or host Greek events.
3. Negligent Supervision: This holds national organizations and universities accountable for failing to adequately supervise their chapters or Greek life systems, especially when they knew or should have known about hazing risks.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, such as the waterboarding, paddling, and forced physical activities in Leonel’s case.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies to extremely outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, perfectly describing the psychological torture inflicted during hazing.
6. Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover for their immense losses, including loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.

For families in Richmond County, these civil claims are powerful tools for justice, allowing us to pursue compensation even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction. They provide a direct path to holding institutions and individuals accountable for the devastating impact of hazing.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Richmond County

When your child has been subjected to hazing, the legal battle ahead can seem overwhelming. You may be facing powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities—that have vast resources and experienced legal teams determined to minimize their liability. For families in Richmond County, choosing the right advocate is not just about legal expertise; it’s about choosing a partner who understands your pain, shares your outrage, and possesses the strategic advantage to win. That’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice.

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, including serving families right here in Richmond County, Virginia. We are not bound by state lines when it comes to fighting for hazing victims.

Here’s why Richmond County families choose Attorney911:

1. 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of aggressive litigation experience. He is a seasoned trial attorney who is not afraid to take on large corporations or complex cases, earning him a reputation for tenacity. This experience is critical for your Richmond County case, where you’ll face well-funded opposition.
2. Insider Knowledge from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” They’ve seen the playbook from the other side, learning precisely how insurance companies and corporate defendants operate, strategize to deny claims, and minimize payouts. Now, they use that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, including hazing victims in Richmond County.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and hold dual-state bar licenses in Texas and New York. This is a strategic advantage for hazing cases, which often involve national fraternities headquartered out of state, or universities that may benefit from federal funding. This enables us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction and against entities across state lines, ensuring that your Richmond County case has the broadest possible reach.
4. Proven Results Against Major Corporations: Ralph Manginello’s experience includes involvement in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion. This demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants and secure justice in high-stakes, complex cases—exactly what’s needed when facing powerful national fraternities and universities in Richmond County.
5. Direct Hazing Litigation Experience: The Bermudez Case: We are not theoretical. We are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This isn’t past experience; it’s current, aggressive, high-stakes litigation demonstrating our commitment and expertise in hazing cases. Richmond County families get the same focused, relentless representation.
6. Expertise in Rhabdomyolysis Cases: Leonel Bermudez suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understanding the medical complexities and long-term consequences of such injuries.
7. Deep Understanding of Greek Life and University Culture: With Ralph’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth sports coach, he understands team dynamics and the environments where hazing flourishes. This insight is crucial for effectively exposing the cultural failings within Greek organizations and universities in Richmond County.
8. Client-Centered, Empathetic Approach: We understand the trauma hazing inflicts on victims and their families. Our team, which includes bilingual staff, is dedicated to providing compassionate support while aggressively pursuing justice. We treat our Richmond County clients like family, ensuring you are informed, supported, and never feel like “just another case.”
9. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs for Richmond County Families: We operate on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing any family in Richmond County, regardless of their financial situation, to access top-tier legal representation against well-funded defendants. You won’t pay a dime out of pocket.
10. Willingness to Travel and Provide Remote Consultations: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations for Richmond County families and are prepared to travel to Virginia for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Your location in Richmond County will not prevent you from receiving the highest caliber legal representation.
11. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): For our Spanish-speaking families in Richmond County, our bilingual staff ensures that language is never an obstacle to understanding your rights and pursuing justice.

We truly have an emotional investment in making a difference in the lives of hazing victims. We know the pain, the anger, and the betrayal that hazing causes. We are fighting this battle with every resource at our disposal, because we believe that no student in Richmond County or anywhere else should suffer such abuse. When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining fierce advocates who will stand by you every step of the way, relentlessly pursuing accountability and justice.

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

If your child in Richmond County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It’s a time of immense emotional turmoil, but swift, decisive action can make all the difference in protecting your child’s rights and building a strong legal case. You are scared, you are angry, and you are searching for help. Follow these steps to safeguard your child and their potential claim.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Injuries

The health and safety of your child are paramount. If they needed emergency medical care, ensure it was received. If there are any lingering pains, psychological distress, or injuries that haven’t been fully evaluated, seek professional medical help immediately.

• Get a Full Medical Evaluation: Even if injuries seem minor or psychological, a doctor’s visit creates an official record. For symptoms like severe muscle pain, dark urine, or extreme fatigue (which Leonel Bermudez experienced), insist on tests for rhabdomyolysis and kidney function.
• Documentation is Key: Instruct your child and any other involved family members to keep meticulous records of all medical care: emergency room visits, doctor appointments, diagnoses, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and all associated bills.
• Photograph Everything: Take clear, dated photographs of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling, marks on the body, etc.) at all stages of healing. This visual evidence is incredibly powerful.

2. Preserve All Forms of Evidence – It Disappears Quickly

Hazing cases often hinge on digital and anecdotal evidence. Time is of the essence, as institutions, fraternities, and individuals may attempt to destroy or hide incriminating information.

• Save All Communications: Collect every text message, email, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, and any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity members, pledges, friends, or witnesses. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
  • Our YouTUbe video, “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence,” available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs, provides crucial tips on this.
• Identify Witnesses: Make a list of names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, heard about it, or saw your child’s condition afterward. This includes other pledges, fraternity members, friends, and university staff.
• Document the Environment: If possible, take photos or videos of the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residences, university grounds). Document specific items used in hazing activities (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers, sexually explicit objects, fanny pack).
• Keep University & Fraternity Documents: Save any “pledge books,” manuals, calendars, schedules, codes of conduct, or correspondence received from the fraternity/sorority or university.
• Record the Impact: Maintain a detailed journal documenting the physical and emotional impact of the hazing on your child, their academic performance, social life, and any other changes. Keep track of missed classes or work.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Other Side Without Legal Counsel

This is arguably the most critical advice. The university, national fraternity, and individual members will all have legal counsel protecting their interests, not your child’s.

• No Statements: Do not allow your child to give any recorded statements or formal interviews to university officials (Dean of Students, Greek Life advisors, Title IX officers), fraternity representatives, or their insurance adjusters.
• Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any waivers, releases, confidentiality agreements, or disciplinary documents without your attorney’s review. These documents can waive vital legal rights.
• Avoid Social Media: Instruct your child to immediately cease posting anything related to the incident or even casual updates on social media. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can be used against your child’s claim, as outlined in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
• Do Not Confront: Do not confront the perpetrators or fraternity leadership directly. This can escalate the situation, destroy evidence, and jeopardize your legal case.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Act Quickly!

In Virginia, and generally across the United States, there are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, known as the “statute of limitations.” For personal injury in Virginia, it’s typically two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s also generally two years from the date of death.

• Time is NOT on Your Side: While two years may seem like a long time, crucial evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and defendants may have more time to coordinate their defenses.
• Seek Legal Advice Immediately: The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can issue preservation letters (demanding that all relevant parties retain evidence), begin a thorough investigation, and protect your child’s rights. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c emphasizes this urgency.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation

If your child attends college near Richmond County, whether it’s the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Randolph-Macon College, or any other institution, and has been subjected to hazing, you need expert legal guidance.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our legal hotline is available 24/7.
• Email: Reach out to Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.
• Video Consultations: We offer remote consultations for families in Richmond County who cannot travel to our offices.
• We Travel to You: We are prepared to travel to Richmond County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will not hinder our pursuit of justice for your family.

You are not alone in this fight. Attorney911 is ready to stand with Richmond County families, bringing the same aggressive, no-holds-barred approach that we are currently employing against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Let us turn your pain into powerful accountability.

Richmond County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

If your family in Richmond County, Virginia, is grappling with the horrific reality of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We understand the confusion, the fear, and the profound sense of betrayal. Your child was supposed to thrive in college, not endure torture and abuse.

You have legal rights. We are fighting this exact fight right now – and we’ll fight for Richmond County victims too.

Our attorneys aggressively represent hazing victims nationwide, just as we did for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these complex cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to bring justice to victims. Richmond County families can expect the same dedicated, relentless, and successful representation from our firm.

Richmond County Families – Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our legal emergency hotline is available 24/7 for Richmond County hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak directly with experienced professionals who are ready to listen, understand, and guide you through your next steps.

We work on CONTINGENCY – meaning $0 upfront for Richmond County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that financial concerns never stand in the way of justice for your child.

What Richmond County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If your child has not received a comprehensive medical evaluation, ensure they get one without delay. Document all physical and psychological injuries.
2. Preserve Every Piece of Evidence: This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, emails, photos, videos, social media posts, and any physical items related to the hazing. Crucially, do not delete anything.
3. Do NOT Communicate with Defendants: Absolutely avoid speaking with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their attorneys without having your own legal counsel present. They are not on your side.
4. Avoid Social Media Discussions: Advise your child to refrain from posting anything about the incident online. Anything posted can be used against them.
5. Contact Us Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury in Virginia is typically two years, but evidence disappears rapidly. Early legal intervention is crucial.

We Serve Richmond County Hazing Victims – And Victims Nationwide

While Attorney911 is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our commitment to justice for hazing victims knows no geographical bounds. Hazing is a national crisis, and we bring our expertise to victims in Richmond County, Virginia, and across the country.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, especially when national organizations are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in Texas and New York, we possess a strategic advantage in litigating against national fraternities and sororities that operate across state lines.
• Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing Richmond County families to meet with our attorneys remotely and discuss their case from the comfort of their home.
• Commitment to Travel: When necessary, our attorneys will travel to Richmond County for depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring that distance is not an obstacle to securing justice.

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

• Fraternities and sororities at Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, William & Mary, and other institutions near Richmond County.
• Richmond County sports teams at high schools and colleges.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations in Richmond County schools.
• Any organization that employs abuse as a means of “initiation” or “belonging.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. The lawsuit details specific incidents involving other pledges, including one who collapsed and lost consciousness. If you or someone you know was also subjected to the horrific abuse at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, you are not alone. You have rights, and we can represent you. As Lupe Peña emphasized, “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 us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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