If you’re reading this, your family in Roanoke County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and prepare for their future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and injured, all in the name of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” We understand what you’re going through, the fear, the anger, the helplessness. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to help families in Roanoke County fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless prank; it is a serious act of assault and often leaves victims with lasting physical and psychological scars. For parents in Roanoke County, the thought that their child could endure such brutality at a university, whether it’s closer to home or across the country, is a nightmare. Tragically, this nightmare is becoming an all-too-common reality on college campuses across America, and universities near Roanoke County are not immune. We are Attorney 911, and we have dedicated our lives to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families, ensuring that every responsible party is held accountable.

We know hazing looks like. We know what it feels like. And we are actively fighting it right now in court, representing a client whose life was irrevocably altered by fraternity hazing. This isn’t just a legal theory for us; it’s a battle we’re waging in real-time, pursuing justice for a victim who endured horrific abuse. Just as we are fighting for him, we are prepared to fight for your child and your family in Roanoke County.

The Haunting Echoes of Abuse: Leonel Bermudez’s Fight for Justice

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a chilling reminder of how brutal and dangerous hazing has become in American higher education. His story isn’t just an isolated incident; it’s a stark warning to families in Roanoke County about the insidious culture that persists within many Greek organizations and the institutions that are supposed to protect their students. Just three weeks ago, our firm, Attorney 911, filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster. This case represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible.

The abuse Leonel endured is almost beyond comprehension. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student, demonstrating a shocking disregard for human dignity and safety.

The hazing began shortly after Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an almost seven-week odyssey of systematic abuse. He was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, forced to eat until he vomited, and then made to continue running sprints through his own vomit-soaked grass. Physical torture included endless calisthenics – 100-yard crawls, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, high-volume “suicides,” 500 squats, and 100-plus push-ups – exercises that pushed his body well past its breaking point. He was even physically struck with wooden paddles. Psychological torment was woven throughout this brutality, with demands to carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects, forced public humiliation, and constant threats of physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply. Sleep deprivation further eroded his physical and mental state as he was forced to chauffeur fraternity members during early morning hours.

This relentless abuse culminated dramatically on November 3, 2025, when Leonel, punished for missing an event, was subjected to an extreme workout that left him unable to stand on his own. He crawled up the stairs when he finally made it home. The next day, he was so sore he could barely move. The day after, his condition worsened, prompting his terrified mother to rush him to the hospital. There, doctors confirmed he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys. Leonel spent three terrifying nights and four grueling days hospitalized, battling for his life, and now faces the ongoing threat of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t just a Houston problem; it’s a warning to every family in Roanoke County. The same national fraternities that operate at the University of Houston have chapters at universities near Roanoke County. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez could be happening to students attending Virginia Tech in nearby Blacksburg, Radford University, or other colleges that students from Roanoke County attend. The same institutional negligence that allowed this to happen at the University of Houston can exist at institutions across Virginia.

As our firm’s co-counsel, Lupe Pena, stated to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This case is not just about financial compensation; it’s about sending an undeniable message: hazing will no longer be tolerated, and those who perpetrate it, and those who enable it, will face aggressive legal consequences.

Hazing: More Than Just “Roughhousing” – A Deep Dive into Real Abuse

When parents in Roanoke County hear the word “hazing,” they might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless initiations – the kind of lighthearted antics often depicted in movies. We are here to tell you that modern hazing is far from harmless; it is systematic abuse, a form of torture that leaves deep, lasting scars, often going far beyond what people imagine. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident, but a clear example of the severity and depravity that hazing has reached.

This isn’t about “boys being boys” or “building character.” It is about a culture that normalizes violence, humiliation, and abuse under the guise of loyalty. For students from Roanoke County attending universities like Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, or Hollins University, the threat of hazing can be immediate and devastating. Our case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and the horrifying details it has brought to light, serves as an essential education for every parent.

Let’s break down what hazing truly looks like today, using the confirmed incidents from the Bermudez case and other documented abuses nationwide:

1. Physical Brutality and Torture:
This category goes far beyond forced calisthenics. It involves direct physical harm and often mimics interrogation techniques.

• Waterboarding: In Leonel’s case, he was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is not a prank; it is a technique of torture that simulates drowning and causes immense psychological and physical distress. When applied to enemy combatants, the U.S. government has classified it as torture and a war crime.
• Paddling and Beatings: Leonel was “struck with wooden paddles.” This is direct assault, causing blunt force trauma, bruising, and severe pain.
• Forced Extreme Exercise: Leonel was pushed to do over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These aren’t just exercises; they’re designed to induce collapse and muscle breakdown, leading directly to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Another pledge even lost consciousness during these forced workouts.
• Exposure: Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and repeatedly sprayed with a garden hose while minimally clothed. This can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and extreme discomfort.

2. Forced Consumption and Poisoning:
This dangerous practice often targets students’ physical health and can quickly become life-threatening.

• Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. This isn’t about bonding; it’s about control and humiliation, pushing the body to its absolute limit.
• Post-Vomiting Abuse: After vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while in clear physical distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass. This demonstrates extreme sadism.
• Forced Alcohol Ingestion: While not explicitly mentioned in Leonel’s physical injuries, forced binge drinking is rampant in hazing. Max Gruver at LSU died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495 after being forced to drink; Stone Foltz at BGSU died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to chug an entire bottle of liquor. This is a common and deadly risk in Greek life, including at universities that students from Roanoke County may attend.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation:
The scars from these abuses may be invisible, but they are often the deepest and longest-lasting.

• Degrading Symbolism: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. This is designed to humiliate, objectify, and assert dominance.
• Hog-Tying: Another pledge in the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was found hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This is an act of extreme power assertion, humiliation, and potential asphyxiation risk.
• Threats and Coercion: Leonel and other pledges were “threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion from the fraternity” if they didn’t comply. This creates an environment of fear where reporting is stifled.
• Sleep Deprivation: Beyond physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation breaks down a person’s cognitive and emotional resilience, making them more susceptible to control and further abuse. This was consistently applied to Leonel.

4. Servitude and Control:
Pledges are often treated as slaves, used to fulfill the needs and desires of active members.

• Running Errands: Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, as Leonel was, for non-essential tasks.
• Demands on Time: Enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, all consume pledges’ time and autonomy.

These activities are not part of any “tradition” that benefits student development. They are unlawful, dangerous, and often criminal acts. For Roanoke County parents, understanding this reality is the first step toward protecting your child and recognizing the signs of genuine abuse, not just “roughhousing” or “pranks.” Hazing devastates lives, and our firm is committed to shining a light on these dark corners of campus life and holding every responsible party accountable.

Unmasking Accountability: Who is Responsible When Hazing Harms Your Child in Roanoke County?

When your child in Roanoke County suffers from hazing, the immediate thought is often to blame the individual students who carried out the abuse. While these individuals are undoubtedly responsible, our deep experience with hazing litigation, including the ongoing Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, has shown us that accountability stretches much further. We believe that nearly every entity connected to the Greek organization and the university can and should be held responsible for contributing to or failing to prevent the harm. This is not about just suing “broke college kids”; it’s about holding powerful institutions and their leaders accountable, financially and ethically.

Here’s a breakdown of who we identify as responsible and why, proving that a network of negligence often enables hazing:

1. The Local Chapter:
The most direct perpetrators. In the Bermudez case, the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston directly organized and conducted all the hazing activities. They fostered an environment where waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and physical violence were not only tolerated but mandated. This local chapter is primarily liable for the direct harm caused.

2. Individual Perpetrators:
This includes every student who actively participated in, organized, or facilitated the hazing. In the Bermudez lawsuit, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster, who held positions of authority and actively directed the abuse. It also extends to former members and even a former member’s spouse who hosted hazing sessions at their private residence, actively allowing and enabling the abuse on their property. Every person who physically harmed Leonel, coerced him, or failed to intervene when they had a duty to do so, is a defendant.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:
This is often where the “deep pockets” lie. In Leonel’s case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national organization. National fraternities charter, regulate, and provide resources to their local chapters. They have anti-hazing policies, risk management guidelines, and often collect dues from every member. Our argument is that they knew, or should have known, about the dangers of hazing within their organization, especially given the tragic death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017. Their failure to enforce these policies, provide adequate oversight, and respond effectively to a known “hazing crisis” (as alleged in our lawsuit) makes them directly and vicariously liable. They cannot simply claim ignorance when their own chapters behave egregiously.

4. The Housing Corporation:
Often a separate legal entity, the housing corporation owns or leases the physical fraternity house. In the Bermudez case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a defendant because it owned/controlled the chapter property where hazing occurred. These entities have responsibilities related to property maintenance and ensuring a safe environment. Allowing dangerous and illegal activities on their property is a breach of their duty.

5. The University or College:
Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, a duty they often fail. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant, crucially because it owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This establishes a clear premises liability claim. Beyond property ownership, universities:

• Have oversight of Greek life: They approve and regulate fraternities and sororities on campus.
• Are aware of hazing risks: The University of Houston itself had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (involving a different fraternity). This means they had actual knowledge of hazing’s dangers on their campus and failed to implement sufficient safeguards.
• Provide resources and support: Many universities offer Greek life advisors, educational programs, and disciplinary processes. When these fail, the institution is liable.
• Have immense control: They have the power to suspend, sanction, or ban organizations, yet often choose to prioritize reputation over student safety until tragedy strikes.

6. The University’s Board of Regents/Trustees:
These governing bodies hold ultimate responsibility for the institution’s policies, safety protocols, and overall conduct. Naming the UH Board of Regents as a defendant means we are holding the top leadership accountable for systemic failures to protect students.

7. Insurance Carriers:
Behind every national organization, university, and sometimes even individuals, are insurance policies designed to cover liability. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to the table. We understand how these carriers operate, how they value claims, and the tactics they will use to try and minimize payouts. Our goal is to leverage their coverage to secure maximum compensation for our clients.

For families in Roanoke County, this comprehensive approach to accountability means that if your child is hazed at any institution — whether Virginia Tech, Radford University, Roanoke College, or any other — there are multiple avenues for legal recourse. We don’t guess who is responsible; we investigate thoroughly, identify every liable party, and pursue collective justice, ensuring that institutions with the financial means to make a difference are held to account.

The Cost of Cruelty: Precedent-Setting Verdicts and Settlements in Hazing Cases

For families in Roanoke County grappling with the trauma of hazing, one of the most pressing questions, beyond seeking justice, is often: “What is my child’s case worth?” Our answer is unambiguous: the suffering inflicted by hazing, particularly when it leads to severe injury or death, results in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These cases are not merely about compensation; they are about sending a powerful message that institutions and individuals who enable hazing will pay a steep price.

The $10 million lawsuit we filed in the Leonel Bermudez case is not an arbitrary number; it is firmly rooted in a long history of successful hazing litigation across the United States. These landmark cases prove that juries and courts are increasingly willing to impose substantial financial penalties to deter hazing and hold institutions accountable. The same legal principles and the same outrage that led to these massive payouts apply to hazing incidents that might occur at universities and colleges near Roanoke County.

Let’s look at some of the most significant precedent cases that define the landscape of hazing litigation:

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

Total Compensation: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died in March 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” hazing event at Bowling Green State University. His blood alcohol content was dangerously high. The university eventually settled with his family for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity, along with other individuals, settled for an additional $7.2 million. This case marked the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Crucially, a recent development in December 2024 saw the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a separate judgment. This demonstrates that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind their organization’s corporate structure, and that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case aligns directly with established precedents for non-death acute injuries when one factor can contribute to millions.

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

Total Verdict: $6.1 Million
In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing ritual at Louisiana State University. His family pursued justice through civil courts, and a jury ultimately awarded them a $6.1 million verdict. This case was so impactful that it led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana, proving the power of individual cases to effect legislative change. Our lawyers argue that the extreme brutality Leonel Bermudez endured, including waterboarding and physical assault, warrants a similar multi-million dollar outcome, as such actions are arguably more egregious than coerced alcohol consumption.

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

Total Settlement: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after falling multiple times down a flight of stairs during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night at Penn State, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 agonizing hours, during which security cameras captured their horrific attempts to revive him internally. While the exact settlement amount is confidential, reports estimate the total recovery for the Piazza family, primarily from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi, to be well over $110 million, making it one of the largest hazing settlements in U.S. history. This case highlights how overwhelming evidence of institutional negligence and egregious conduct can lead to astronomical payouts. When Leonel’s story is fully told, the jury should be similarly outraged. It also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.

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

Total Settlement: $4 Million+
Adam Oakes died in February 2021 during a Delta Chi hazing event at Virginia Commonwealth University involving forced alcohol consumption. In October 2024, his family reached a significant settlement of over $4 million from the fraternity and university, which included a substantial donation to their “Love Like Adam” foundation. This case, like Gruver and Foltz, underscores the severe consequences of alcohol-related hazing and the financial liability of both Greek organizations and the universities that house them.

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

Chapter Closed, Criminal Charges, Confidential Settlement
Andrew Coffey died in November 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. This is critically important: Pi Kappa Phi is the SAME national fraternity involved in our Leonel Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family also reached a confidential civil settlement. The direct parallel between the Coffey case and the Bermudez case provides irrefutable evidence that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of their chapters’ deadly hazing culture as far back as 2017 and failed to enact sufficient changes, making them directly culpable for Leonel’s injuries through an established pattern of negligence.

UT Austin / Sigma Chi (2025 – Pending)

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed
In the very same week that our Bermudez lawsuit was filed, another tragic hazing death lawsuit was filed against Sigma Chi and the University of Texas at Austin, involving a freshman who died by suicide after “horrific abuse.” This breaking news underscores a chilling statewide pattern, amplifying the critical importance of hazing litigation in Texas and across the country, including for families in Roanoke County. It proves hazing is not confined to one fraternity or one university.

What These Cases Mean for Roanoke County Families:

• High-Value Cases: These precedents send a clear message: hazing cases involving severe injury or death result in multi-million dollar payouts. Your child’s suffering has significant legal value.
• Institutional Accountability: Universities and national fraternities are consistently held liable, demonstrating that their oversight failures are indefensible.
• Individual Liability: Chapter officers and members are increasingly being held personally responsible, as seen in the $6.5 million judgment against Dunson in the Foltz case.
• Pattern Evidence: If the same fraternity (like Pi Kappa Phi) or the same university (like the University of Houston) has a history of hazing incidents, it strengthens allegations of gross negligence and supports higher punitive damages.
• Legislative Change: These cases often drive new anti-hazing laws, highlighting the societal demand for accountability.

Our demand for $10 million in the Leonel Bermudez case is not just a number; it’s a statement. It’s grounded in legal precedent and a fierce commitment to ensuring that hazing’s devastating emotional and physical costs are borne by those who perpetuate it and those who allow it to fester. If your family in Roanoke County has been affected by hazing, you deserve this same level of aggressive, experienced representation.

Understanding Your Rights: Texas Hazing Laws and Civil Liability for Roanoke County Victims

For families in Roanoke County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial to pursuing justice for your child. While this section will focus on Texas hazing laws, where our firm is based and currently fighting the landmark Bermudez case, it is important to remember that most states, including Virginia, have similar anti-hazing statutes. More importantly, the civil liability theories discussed here—negligence, premises liability, negligent supervision, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress—are universally applicable across the United States. Our firm’s federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) mean that we are fully equipped to pursue your hazing case regardless of whether the incident occurred in Roanoke County, at Virginia Tech, or anywhere else nationwide.

Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code Sections 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, which our firm leverages directly in our current litigation. These laws define illegal hazing, establish criminal penalties, and critically, assert that consent is never a defense.

1. Definition of Hazing (§37.151): Broad and Inclusive
Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.” Crucially, this act must “endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.”

The statute then provides specific examples that directly apply to the abuses Leonel Bermudez suffered:

• (1) Physical Brutality: Includes “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.” Leonel was struck with wooden paddles, a clear violation.
• (2) Extreme Physical Exertion & Exposure: Covers “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel’s 500 squats, 100-yard crawls, forced calisthenics to exhaustion, stripping in cold weather, and water hose spraying directly fall under this.
• (3) Forced Consumption: Addresses “consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a direct match.

The inclusion of “waterboarding” (simulated drowning) in our lawsuit, while not explicitly listed, undeniably falls under “physical brutality” and activities endangering mental and physical health. The comprehensive nature of this definition ensures that almost any form of abuse disguised as initiation is illegal.

2. Criminal Penalties (§37.152): Everyone Can Be Held Accountable
Texas law imposes severe criminal penalties for hazing, recognizing its gravity.

• Class B Misdemeanor: For simply engaging in hazing, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it, individuals can face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (which rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure undeniably are), perpetrators face up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, individuals can face 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston spokesperson already stated that “any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This underscores that the criminal justice system is prepared to act alongside civil litigation.

3. Organizational Liability (§37.153): Beyond Individual Actors
This critical section holds the entire organization responsible: “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.” Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means the Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization are liable for the actions of their members.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.154): A Game-Changer
This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of hazing law, frequently misunderstood by offenders and even some victims. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This directly combats the common defense that “he was a willing participant” or “he could have left at any time.” The law recognizes that the power dynamics, coercion, and peer pressure inherent in hazing negate true consent.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§37.155): Holding Institutions to Account
University chief administrative officers are legally required to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is vital for tracking incidents and exposes universities that try to sweep hazing under the rug.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal penalties punish offenders, civil lawsuits provide the means for victims and their families in Roanoke County to recover comprehensive compensation for their suffering and losses. Our firm pursues multiple civil liability theories, ensuring that every possible avenue for justice is explored:

1. Negligence: This is the most common civil claim. We argue that the university, the national fraternity, and local chapter leaders had a “duty of care” to protect Leonel, that they “breached” this duty by allowing the hazing, that this breach “caused” his injuries, and that these injuries resulted in “damages.” This applies globally to any institution with a duty to protect students.
2. Premises Liability: Because the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, they are directly liable under premises liability laws. Owners of property have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. Allowing a place of torture to operate on their property is a clear breach. This applies to Roanoke County institutions that own fraternity or sorority houses, or allow hazing on their property.
3. Negligent Supervision: We allege that the national organization failed to adequately supervise its local chapter and that the University of Houston failed to adequately supervise its Greek life organizations and residential properties. Their failures allowed hazing to thrive unchecked.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts. Every individual who physically harmed Leonel (e.g., paddling, waterboarding) can be sued directly for assault (the threat of harm) and battery (the actual harmful contact).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Given the “outrageous” nature of the hazing Leonel endured, particularly the waterboarding and humiliation, we can pursue an IIED claim. This addresses the severe psychological and emotional trauma inflicted.
6. Vicarious Liability: This doctrine holds an entity responsible for the actions of its agents or employees. The national fraternity is vicariously liable for the local chapter, and the university may be vicariously liable for student organization actions under certain circumstances.

For Roanoke County families, these legal avenues ensure that whether your child attends Virginia Tech, Radford University, or any other institution, they can pursue justice against all responsible parties. The law is on your side, and our firm knows how to wield it effectively.

Why Attorney 911: Your Relentless Advocates in Roanoke County Hazing Litigation

When your family in Roanoke County faces the unimaginable pain of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need fierce, compassionate advocates who know how to dismantle institutional defenses and demand justice. That’s where Attorney 911, and our founding partners Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, come in. We are not just personal injury attorneys; we are specialists in hazing litigation, aggressively taking on universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators. While our headquarters are in Houston, our dedication to hazing victims extends nationwide, and we are fully prepared to bring our expertise and aggressive legal strategies to Roanoke County.

Here’s why families in Roanoke County should choose Attorney 911:

1. We Are Currently Fighting This Battle for Hazing Victims – Right Now:
This isn’t theoretical for us. We are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, in Harris County. This means we are in the trenches, facing down the same institutional defendants, gathering the same type of evidence, and deploying the same aggressive strategies we will use for your child in Roanoke County. We know the current tactics, the latest defenses, and the most effective ways to win. As Lupe Peña 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.” We are walking the talk.

2. Insider Knowledge from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña previously worked for insurance companies, defending corporate defendants against personal injury claims. This unique experience gives us critical insight into how the opposition thinks. We know their playbooks, their valuation methods, their delay tactics, and their strategies to deny or minimize claims.

• Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including complex mass tort litigation against giants like BP. He understands how to build a case against deep-pocketed corporate defendants.
• Lupe Peña specifically honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies assess risk and fight payouts.
  This insider knowledge is an unfair advantage for your child in Roanoke County. We anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and leverage our understanding to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions:
Hazing cases often involve national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and our attorneys’ dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) give us the jurisdictional reach and flexibility to pursue national organizations wherever their headquarters or assets may be located. This means we can effectively represent hazing victims from Roanoke County, even if the national fraternity is based in another state, or the university has federal ties.

4. Expertise in Severe Injuries and Wrongful Death:
Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a serious, life-threatening condition. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases. Our firm also has extensive experience in wrongful death claims, which are tragically common in hazing incidents. Lupe Peña’s background includes recovering millions for wrongful death clients. We understand the complex medical aspects, the long-term impacts, and how to accurately value the devastating physical and emotional toll hazing takes.

5. Aggressive, Data-Driven Investigation:
We don’t just react; we proactively gather intelligence. Attorney 911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. This allows us to instantly identify every entity behind the Greek letters—from the national headquarters and house corporations to alumni chapters—so we know exactly who to sue. This meticulous data-driven approach means we don’t guess; we know who is responsible.

6. Compassionate and Client-Focused Approach for Roanoke County Families:
We understand that reporting hazing is terrifying. Victims often fear retribution, shame, or social ostracization. Our entire firm operates with a “we treat you like family” philosophy. We protect our clients, understanding their emotional vulnerability. We offer transparent communication and ensure you are informed at every step. As one client testimonial states, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” For families in Roanoke County, you’ll find us responsive, empathetic, and dedicated. Our staff is bilingual (Se Habla Español) to ensure no language barrier prevents justice.

7. Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Costs for Roanoke County Victims:
We believe that financial constraints should never prevent a victim from seeking justice. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, aligning our success directly with yours. This allows families in Roanoke County to pursue powerful institutions without worrying about hourly legal fees.

8. Willingness to Travel and Provide Remote Consultations:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations for families in Roanoke County to discuss their case from the comfort of their home. Furthermore, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Roanoke County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Your location will never hinder our commitment to your case.

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you need a legal team that combines fierce legal expertise with genuine compassion. Attorney 911 offers the proven track record, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication necessary to fight for accountability against the powerful forces of universities and national fraternities. For families in Roanoke County, if your child has been affected by this senseless violence, we are ready to stand with you.

Your Immediate Steps: What Roanoke County Families Must Do Right Now After Hazing

If you’re reading this, time is of the essence. Finding this information means your family in Roanoke County may be in crisis, and rapid, informed action is critical to protecting your child’s legal rights and ensuring their well-being. Hazing incidents are traumatic, and the aftermath can be confusing, but by following these immediate steps, you can start building a strong case for accountability and justice.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention
Your child’s health is paramount. No matter how minor an injury may seem, or even if the harm is primarily psychological, seek professional medical attention immediately.

• Seek Medical Care: If there are physical injuries, get to a doctor or emergency room in Roanoke County without delay. A delay can not only impact your child’s health but also weaken your legal claim, as defense attorneys will use it to argue the injuries weren’t severe.
• Document Everything: Ensure that all injuries, however small, are documented by medical professionals. Tell the doctor exactly how the injuries occurred – that they are the result of hazing. Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions. For Leonel Bermudez, his mother rushing him to the hospital, his brown urine samples, and the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure were crucial medical evidence.
• Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek counseling or therapy for your child from a qualified mental health professional in Roanoke County. These records are equally important for documenting emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – Everything is a Clue!
Hazing organizations often attempt to destroy evidence as soon as an incident is reported. You must act quickly to secure anything that could be relevant, knowing that every detail, no matter how small, can become a critical piece of evidence. Our firm always tells clients: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

• Communications: This is arguably the most vital evidence. Preserve every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat communication (even disappearing ones if you have screenshots), Instagram direct message, email, or any other digital communication exchanged before, during, or after the hazing. These often contain directive conversations, threats, or boasts about hazing activities. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing exist (even if taken by others), secure them immediately. Also, extensively photograph any physical injuries your child sustained as they appear and as they heal. Document the hazing location if possible (e.g., fraternity house, other residences, specific fields). For Leonel, the allegations detailed the various locations where abuse took place.
• Documents: Collect any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or lists given to your child. These can establish intent, structure, and the coercive nature of the process.
• Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of any other pledges, active members who seemed reluctant, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or its aftermath. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages if your child missed work, and any impact on academic enrollment or scholarships.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers Alone
This is a critical misstep many families make. Universities and fraternities have legal teams and risk management departments whose primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child.

• No Statements: Do NOT give any recorded or written statements to the fraternity, the national organization, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel present. Anything your child says can be twisted and used against them.
• No Signatures: Do NOT sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity, university, or their representatives. These documents may waive your child’s legal rights without you realizing it.
• No Social Media Posts: Do NOT post anything about the incident on social media. Avoid discussing the hazing online, and refrain from posting photos that might be misconstrued (e.g., pictures showing your child seemingly “fine” if they are struggling internally). Your social media history will be scrutinized by defense attorneys. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” emphasizes this crucial point.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately
The moment you suspect hazing, or after your child has been harmed, your very next step should be to contact an attorney specializing in hazing litigation.

• Statute of Limitations: Most states, including Virginia, have a strict “statute of limitations” (usually two years from the date of injury or death) to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” highlights this urgency.
• Evidence Collection: The sooner an attorney is involved, the quicker they can send preservation letters, demand relevant records, and ensure evidence isn’t destroyed.
• Levels the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have vast resources. You need an experienced legal team to stand up to them.
• Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations to families in Roanoke County. This allows you to explore your legal options without any financial commitment. We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win. Our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” explains this in detail.

For parents in Roanoke County, this is a legal emergency. The anguish of seeing your child suffer is immense, but inaction can compound that pain by forfeiting their right to justice. By taking these immediate, decisive steps, you empower your legal team to fight effectively for the accountability and compensation your child deserves.

Roanoke County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Us Now.

If you’re reading this, it’s likely your worst fears have come true. Your child in Roanoke County, who went off to college full of dreams and potential, has been subjected to the horrors of hazing. Perhaps they’ve endured physical abuse, psychological torture, or something so egregious it led to hospitalization, just like Leonel Bermudez. Or, tragically, maybe you’ve lost them entirely. We understand that you’re scared, angry, and unsure of what to do next. We want you to know: you have legal rights, and we are fighting this fight right now – and we will intensely fight for victims in Roanoke County too.

Our attorneys are not just talking about hazing; we are confronting it head-on. We are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 million lawsuit. This is not a theoretical battle for us; it is a live, active case that demonstrates our unwavering commitment to justice for hazing victims. We know how to build these cases, how to dismantle institutional defenses, and how to hold every responsible party accountable. Families in Roanoke County deserve nothing less than the same aggressive, experienced representation that we are bringing to this critical fight.

Roanoke County Families – Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been injured or worse due to hazing, the time to act is now. Every moment that passes can make preserving critical evidence more difficult and risks hitting important legal deadlines.

📞 Call us 24/7 on our Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We work on CONTINGENCY: For Roanoke County families, there are $0 upfront costs. You pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

What Roanoke County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is the priority. Get all injuries, physical or psychological, professionally documented by doctors or therapists in Roanoke County. Do not delay.
2. Preserve All Evidence: Every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, email, photo, video, pledge manual, and witness contact information is crucial. Do NOT delete anything. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” underscores the importance of this.
3. Remain Silent to the Other Side: Do NOT give any statements, recorded or otherwise, to the fraternity, the national organization, university administrators, or their lawyers without your own legal counsel present. Do NOT sign any documents. Anything you say or sign can be used against you.
4. Avoid Social Media: Do NOT post about the incident on any social media platform, including seemingly innocuous updates about your child’s well-being. Defense attorneys will scrutinize every post. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” explains why this is vital.
5. Contact Us Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Virginia is typically two years. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. The sooner you call, the stronger your case.

Our Reach Extends to Roanoke County and Beyond:

While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims transcends geographical boundaries. Hazing is a national crisis, and national fraternities operate in Roanoke County and throughout the country, including at schools like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and Roanoke College. We can effectively represent your family in Roanoke County through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction nationwide.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, we possess a strategic advantage in litigation against national organizations that may be headquartered or operate in various states.
• Video Consultations: Families in Roanoke County can consult with our experienced attorneys remotely, conveniently and confidentially, from their own home.
• Travel Commitment: For critical depositions, client meetings, or trial appearances, our team is prepared to travel to Roanoke County to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves. Distance is never a barrier to justice.

We represent victims of hazing in Greek life, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and any other student organization where abuse is masked as initiation. Hazing is not confined to fraternities or sororities; it is a pervasive problem that impacts students across various groups on campuses near Roanoke County.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know You Are Out There.

If you were a pledge in the same Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, we know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one forced to endure this abuse. The lawsuit mentions another pledge hog-tied on October 13, and another who lost consciousness on October 15 during a forced workout. You have rights too. You do not have to suffer in silence or fear retribution. We can represent you, protect your identity, and help bring every perpetrator to justice. As Lupe Pena 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.”

Your courage in coming forward can protect countless others. Contact us today. Let us be your voice, your shield, and your sword in the fight against hazing. For families in Roanoke County, let’s stand together and demand accountability.

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