If you’re reading this, your family in Rockingham County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, pursue an education, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Rockingham County fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It’s systematic abuse that shatters lives, devastates families, and, far too often, ends in tragedy. We, at Attorney911, understand the pain, the anger, and the desperation you might be feeling. Your child deserves justice, and every institution, every organization, and every individual responsible for inflicting that pain must be held accountable. We are actively fighting this battle in courts right now, representing families just like yours. What happened in Houston can happen in Rockingham County, and whether your child attends a university here in Virginia or elsewhere in the country, the dangers are real, and the need for aggressive legal representation is immediate.

The Nightmare Unfolds: Our Fight Against Hazing at the University of Houston

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re fighting it in court right now. The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the cornerstone of our commitment to ending hazing nationwide. Filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, this $10 million lawsuit names Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. It reveals the horrific truth about modern hazing and demonstrates our unwavering resolve to hold everyone responsible accountable.

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with dreams, planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the spring semester. He was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even an enrolled student yet. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, hoping to find camaraderie and belonging. Instead, he found weeks of systematic torture.

Here’s what they did to Leonel:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: He was sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, simulating the experience of drowning. This is torture, a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants; they did it to a promising college student.
• Hog-tied and humiliated: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t an isolated incident; it was part of a culture of degradation.
• Forced eating until vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hotdogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, he was forced to continue running sprints through his own vomit.
• Extreme physical torment: He endured countless “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. On November 3, 2025, as punishment for missing an event, he was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed. He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was pushed past his physical limits until he collapsed, unable to stand without assistance.
• Struck with wooden paddles: The lawsuit explicitly details that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles,” a brutal act of physical assault.
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.
• Psychological torture: Beyond the physical abuse, he was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, a clear act of sexual humiliation. He and other pledges were made to strip to their underwear in cold weather, then sprayed with a garden hose. The constant threats and demands created an environment of intense psychological fear.

The toll on Leonel’s body was catastrophic. On November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a terrifying sign of severe muscle breakdown. Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, fighting for his life. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to permanent damage or even death. This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated before, showcasing our specific expertise in these brutal injuries.

The Institutions’ Response (and lack thereof)

Within days of the hazing being reported and Leonel’s hospitalization, something telling happened:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston on November 14, 2025—just seven days before our lawsuit was filed. Their website statement admitted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This swift action, pre-lawsuit, speaks volumes: they knew the severity of the allegations and moved to shield themselves. Critically, their statement ends with, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a clear indication of a lack of genuine remorse, seeking merely to weather the storm.
• The University of Houston spokesperson, in a statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards.” They further noted, “any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This acknowledgment from the university validates the seriousness of the situation and signals a potential for criminal investigations to run parallel with our civil lawsuit. The fact that the hazing occurred in a University-owned fraternity house is particularly damning, establishing a direct link of premises liability to the institution.

As Lupe Pena, one of our attorneys, so powerfully 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.” Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, added: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

This case is a stark warning to families in Rockingham County. Hazing is not confined to obscure corners of the country; it is happening now, at major universities, and it can cause life-altering injuries. The same national fraternities that have chapters in Rockingham County, and at colleges and universities where your children might attend, are the very organizations we are fighting against. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven strategy to every victim we represent, knowing that your fight for justice can protect countless others.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When you hear “hazing,” you might imagine harmless pranks or silly initiations. We need to shatter that misconception for families in Rockingham County. Hazing is not about “building brotherhood” or “tradition”; it is about power, control, and often, systematic abuse and degradation. The tactics used are frequently criminal and cause profound physical and psychological trauma.

Based on our current litigation and years of investigation, this is what hazing often entails:

• Extreme Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond push-ups. It includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse (like the 500 squats Leonel was forced to do), prolonged exposure to the elements, and even simulated waterboarding. These activities frequently lead to severe injuries such as broken bones, concussions, severe dehydration, and conditions like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as seen in Leonel’s case.
• Forced Consumption: This is a hallmark of dangerous hazing. It involves coerced binge drinking, often of hard liquor, leading to alcohol poisoning. It also includes forced eating of nauseating or excessive amounts of food until vomiting, or consumption of non-food substances. These acts can be fatal, as seen in numerous documented cases nationwide.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days on end, forced to perform tasks late into the night and early into the morning. This impairs judgment, reduces physical and mental resilience, and makes victims more susceptible to further abuse and accidents.
• Psychological Torture: The mental anguish of hazing is often as damaging as the physical. This includes constant humiliation, verbal abuse, threats, isolation from friends and family, and the creation of an environment where fear and anxiety are pervasive. When Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, it was about stripping him of his dignity and asserting dominance.
• Sexual Abuse and Harassment: Alarmingly common, sexual hazing can involve forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or the coerced performance of sexual acts. The psychological scars from such abuse can last a lifetime.
• Servitude and Dehumanization: Pledges are often treated as slaves, forced to perform demeaning tasks, clean, run errands, and act as personal drivers for older members. This strips them of their autonomy and reinforces their subordinate status.

The Medical and Psychological Aftermath:
Beyond direct injuries, hazing can lead to:

• Acute Medical Emergencies: Alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, hypothermia, heatstroke, traumatic brain injuries, seizures, and internal organ damage. Leonel’s four-day hospitalization for kidney failure is a chilling example.
• Long-Term Physical Consequences: Permanent organ damage, chronic pain, and disabilities.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trust issues, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Leonel’s fear of retribution for speaking out highlights the deep psychological impact of such abuse.
• Academic and Career Derailment: Hazing often leads to declining grades, withdrawal from university, loss of scholarships, and long-term impacts on future career prospects.

This is not “boys being boys.” This is criminal behavior. It is abuse. And it can happen to any child, anywhere, including students from Rockingham County attending colleges and universities either locally, elsewhere in Virginia, or across the country. We believe that by shedding light on the brutal reality of hazing, we can empower families to recognize these dangers and seek help immediately.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, families often wonder who they can hold responsible. The answer is usually multifaceted. We aggressively pursue every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring that accountability extends from the individual perpetrators to the highest levels of institutional power. This is precisely what we are doing in the Bermudez case.

Here’s who can be held responsible in hazing incidents:

1. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Chapter Officers: The president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other leaders who plan, direct, or oversee hazing activities. These individuals often bear significant personal liability. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million.
   • Active Members: Any fraternity or sorority member who actively participates in, encourages, or fails to intervene in hazing.
   • Alumni & Former Members: Individuals who may be alumni or former members but facilitate hazing, for example, by hosting events at their private residences. In the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse are named defendants because hazing occurred at their home. This expands the scope of individual liability significantly.

2. The Local Chapter:

   • The chapter itself, recognized by the university or national organization, is typically the direct organizer of hazing activities. They are responsible for the actions of their members, especially when those actions are part of an established, albeit illicit, chapter “tradition.”

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

   • These entities operate on a national scale, overseeing hundreds of chapters. They have a duty to create and enforce anti-hazing policies, train members, and monitor chapter activities.
   • Liability often arises from:
     • Failure to supervise: Not adequately training or overseeing local chapters.
     • Failure to enforce policies: Having anti-hazing rules but not acting when violations occur or are known to occur.
     • A “Pattern of Negligence”: As is tragically clear in the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi had actual knowledge of deadly hazing (Andrew Coffey died in 2017) and yet failed to prevent further incidents like Leonel’s hospitalization. This establishes a “pattern,” arguing that they were aware of the risk and consciously indifferent.
   • National organizations typically have substantial assets and robust insurance policies, making them “deep pockets” from which significant damages can be recovered.

4. The University or College:

   • Educational institutions have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise control over Greek life activities.
   • University liability can stem from:
     • Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor or oversee Greek-letter organizations effectively.
     • Failure to enforce policies: Having anti-hazing policies but not taking action when hazing occurs.
     • Institutional knowledge: Knowing about previous hazing incidents (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing at UH) and failing to implement sufficient preventative measures.
     • Premises liability: If the university owns or controls the property where hazing occurs, as was the case in the Bermudez lawsuit where hazing took place in a University-owned fraternity house, their liability is undeniable. They have a landlord’s duty to maintain a safe environment and prevent dangerous conditions.
     • Title IX violations: Hazing that involves sexual abuse or gender-based violence can invoke Title IX, a federal civil rights law that requires universities to investigate and address such allegations promptly and effectively.

5. Housing Corporations:

   • Fraternities often have separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. These entities can be held liable for failing to maintain safe premises and for allowing hazing to occur on their property.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Ultimately, the funds for settlements and verdicts often come from the liability insurance policies held by national organizations, universities, and sometimes even individual homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys gives us an invaluable insider’s perspective on how these policies work and how to maximize recovery from them.

In the Bermudez case, we are pursuing all of these avenues: individual chapter members, the local chapter, the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, and its Board of Regents. We do not just sue the “fraternity”; we painstakingly identify every single entity and individual connected to the hazing and hold them all accountable. This comprehensive approach is how we ensure justice for victims and send an unequivocal message that hazing will not be tolerated.

What These Cases Win: Justice Measured in Millions

Families in Rockingham County who have experienced the horror of hazing deserve to know that justice is possible. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss or trauma inflicted by hazing, substantial financial awards serve a critical purpose: they hold powerful institutions accountable, force changes in behavior, and prevent future tragedies. We have seen time and again that courts and juries will not tolerate hazing, and significant verdicts and settlements are a clear message to fraternities and universities across the country.

Here are landmark multi-million-dollar cases that set the precedent for our aggressive $10 million demand in the Bermudez case:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+

  • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization, along with various individuals, contributed to a $7.2 million settlement. In December 2024, the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million judgment.
  • Our Take: This case is a direct blueprint for our $10 million demand. It shows that both universities and national fraternities pay multi-million dollar settlements, and individual perpetrators can face massive judgments, even without the victim’s death. The combined payout clearly supports our aggressive valuation for Leonel’s grievous injuries.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

  • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual called “Bible Study,” where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His BAC was 0.495—six times the legal limit.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide. Importantly, this case led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Our Take: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award millions when presented with compelling evidence of hazing, even when an intoxicated student “participated.” It underscores the public’s outrage and the legal system’s commitment to justice in these cases. Our case, with its visceral details of waterboarding and extreme physical abuse, is likely to evoke a similar, if not greater, degree of outrage from a jury.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated in Settlements)

  • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State, consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes as part of a Beta Theta Pi initiation ritual called “the gauntlet.” His BAC reached 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a catastrophic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
  • The Outcome: The Piazza family received over $100 million in confidential settlements from the university, national fraternity, and individuals. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and assault. This case directly led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Our Take: This is one of the largest hazing settlements in U.S. history, demonstrating the massive liability faced by institutions when hazing is meticulously documented and aggressively pursued. While Leonel Bermudez survived, the conduct inflicted upon him was arguably as egregious as what led to Timothy Piazza’s death, highlighting the potential for equally substantial damages. It proves that strong evidence – which we possess in the Bermudez case – leads to monumental outcomes.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

  • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at FSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.558) after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” ritual involving forced consumption of large quantities of alcohol.
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing, and the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil lawsuit filed by the Coffey family resulted in a confidential settlement.
  • Our Take: This case is critical to the Bermudez litigation because it involves the SAME NATIONAL PI KAPPA PHI ORGANIZATION. It provides irrefutable evidence that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters as far back as 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under alarmingly similar, if not more brutal, circumstances. This pattern of negligence demonstrates a conscious indifference to student safety, strongly supporting punitive damages in our case.

These precedent cases give Rockingham County families hope and a clear understanding of the financial and legal accountability we relentlessly pursue. Whether it’s the University of Virginia, James Madison University, or any other institution where Rockingham County students attend, hazing will not be tolerated, and the same aggressive legal strategies that secured these multi-million dollar outcomes will be applied to your case.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is NOT a Defense

For families in Rockingham County, it’s crucial to understand the strong legal protections available to hazing victims. While our firm is based in Texas, many states have similar anti-hazing laws, and critical principles like “consent is not a defense” apply nationwide. Furthermore, our federal court authority means we can pursue your case effectively, regardless of whether the hazing occurred in Virginia or across the country.

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 is a powerful tool against hazing:

• Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization. This includes physical brutality (like striking, as in Leonel’s case with wooden paddles), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics (like 500 squats to the point of kidney failure), forced consumption of food or alcohol (like forced eating until vomiting), or any activity violating the Penal Code. The actions inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez unequivocally fall under multiple provisions of this definition.
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a crime in Texas. Engaging in hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor. If hazing causes “serious bodily injury,” it elevates to a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If it causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony, with penalties up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case, highlighting the severity of the alleged conduct.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can be held liable if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers or members commit hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and even denial of the right to operate on campus. This provision directly targets local chapters and national organizations.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. This promotes transparency and holds institutions accountable for addressing hazing.

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

This provision is a game-changer and directly combats one of the most common and manipulative defenses used by hazing perpetrators and their institutions:

“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 is paramount for Rockingham County families to understand. Fraternities, universities, and their lawyers often try to shift blame to the victim, claiming “he agreed to participate,” “he knew what he was signing up for,” or “he could have left at any time.” Texas law explicitly shuts down this dishonest argument. You cannot legally consent to be hazed. The power dynamics, peer pressure, threats, and coercion inherent in hazing render any “consent” meaningless in the eyes of the law. This principle greatly strengthens a victim’s civil case, regardless of whether criminal charges are also pursued.

Civil Liability: How Rockingham County Victims Can Seek Justice

Beyond criminal penalties, our firm pursues civil lawsuits to secure financial compensation for hazing victims. This is where significant damages are awarded, holding all responsible parties financially accountable. Key civil claims include:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim, asserting that the fraternity, national organization, and university had a duty to protect the student, breached that duty by allowing hazing, and directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like a fraternity house) or by alumni (like a private residence), property owners can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to properly supervise their chapters, or universities fail to adequately oversee Greek life.
• Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive physical contact, such as paddling or forced physical exertion.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when the hazing conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional trauma, a common outcome in cases involving waterboarding and other forms of psychological torture.
• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue wrongful death claims for their devastating losses.

These legal avenues provide robust pathways to justice for hazing victims and their families in Rockingham County. We use every tool at our disposal, armed with deep knowledge of these laws and our unique ability to navigate both state and federal jurisdictions, to build the strongest possible case for your child.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Hazing Litigation

When your child is a victim of hazing in Rockingham County, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team. At Attorney911, we are purpose-built to aggressively represent hazing victims and their families, no matter where they are in Virginia or across the nation. Our firm is not theoretical – we are actively immersed in one of the nation’s most prominent hazing lawsuits right now, the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case. This active fight, combined with our unique legal advantages, makes us the definitive choice for families seeking justice.

Here’s why Rockingham County families choose Attorney911:

1. Currently Fighting the Fight: We are leading the charge in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t abstract; this is live litigation, showcasing our deep experience in building, filing, and prosecuting these complex cases. Rockingham County families will benefit from the same aggressive, informed approach we apply daily in this landmark case.

2. Unrivaled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña honed their skills working for insurance companies before dedicating their careers to victims.

   • Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, spent years on the defense side, giving him an unparalleled understanding of how insurance companies strategize, undervalue claims, and try to deny payouts. He knows their playbook inside and out, and he now uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
   • Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand how large corporations and their insurers value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. He is your unfair advantage, equipped with battlefield intelligence from the opposition’s war room.
   • This combined experience means we anticipate every defense tactic, building your case with precision and leveraging our insider’s understanding to secure the compensation your Rockingham County family deserves.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: While hazing may occur locally in Rockingham County, the responsible parties often include national fraternities and public universities that operate across state lines. Our firm is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state and federal admission provides a strategic advantage, allowing us to pursue national organizations and complex interstate litigation relevant to hazing cases anywhere in the country, including those affecting students from Rockingham County.

4. Deep Experience with Large-Scale Institutional Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City Refinery explosion demonstrates our capability to take on massive corporate defendants, even when lives are at stake. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities like the University of Houston, or any educational institution that impacts Rockingham County families.

5. Hazing-Specific Expertise and Data-Driven Strategy: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, and insurance structures. We don’t guess who is responsible; we already know every entity involved. The Bermudez case is proof that this data-driven strategy works: we meticulously identified the national fraternity, its housing corporation (with its EIN), the university, and 13 individual members. This level of detail and proactive investigation is brought to every hazing case we handle, including those involving Rockingham County victims.

6. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Basis: We firmly believe that no family should be denied justice due to financial constraints. We represent Rockingham County hazing victims on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes the financial barrier to fighting powerful institutions. Learn more about how contingency fees work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

7. Compassionate, Bilingual, and Dedicated Team: Our team, including our fluent Spanish-speaking attorney Lupe Peña, provides comprehensive legal services to diverse families in Rockingham County. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, treating every client like family, and keeping you informed at every step. We understand the trauma you’re experiencing, and we are committed to making the legal process as clear and supportive as possible.

8. Willingness to Travel: Although our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed in Rockingham County, Virginia, or in a college campus in a neighboring state like North Carolina, Maryland, or West Virginia, we will travel to you for depositions, trials, and critical client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We also offer convenient video consultations for Rockingham County families who cannot easily travel.

We are not just litigators; we are advocates for change. We believe that every lawsuit, every victory, and every dollar recovered sends a powerful message, preventing future tragedies. When you choose Attorney911, you choose an aggressive, proven, and empathetic team ready to fight for your Rockingham County family.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Rockingham County Families

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a university or organization in Rockingham County, elsewhere in Virginia, or anywhere across the country, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, confused, and angry. But acting quickly and strategically is critical to protecting their rights and securing justice. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass.

Here are the immediate, actionable steps we advise Rockingham County families to take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, seek professional medical evaluation. Many hazing-related injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, may have delayed symptoms.

   • Document Everything: Ensure all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and prognoses are thoroughly documented. These medical records are vital evidence.
   • Follow All Medical Advice: Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment, therapy, and follow-up appointments. Any deviation can be used by the defense to argue that injuries were not severe or that your child was not committed to recovery. We explain why seeing a doctor right after an accident is critical here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (Channel Video)

2. Preserve All Evidence – Document, Document, Document! Hazing thrives in secrecy. Your ability to document is your most powerful weapon.

   • Photographs and Videos: If safe to do so, take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), the location where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, specific room), and any objects used during hazing. Take photos throughout the healing process. If your child is hospitalized or incapacitated, have a trusted friend or family member document. We emphasize the importance of using your phone to document evidence here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
   • Digital Communications: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. Take screenshots of these messages, as they often contain direct evidence of coercion, threats, and descriptions of hazing activities.
   • Written Records: Any pledge manuals, “rules,” schedules, or documents given to your child.
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of any other pledges, witnesses, former members, or bystanders who have knowledge of the hazing. Their testimony can be crucial.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any other expenses incurred due to the hazing.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization, University, or Their Representatives Without Legal Counsel.

   • No Statements: Do not give any recorded or unrecorded statements to the fraternity, sorority, national organization, university administrators, or their lawyers. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect their institution and minimize their liability. Anything you say can and will be used against you. This is a common mistake victims make that can ruin their case, as we explain here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
   • No Confidentiality Agreements: Do not sign any documents, waiver forms, or confidentiality agreements offered by the organization or university without first consulting an attorney. These are designed to protect them, not you.
   • Allow Us to Handle Everything: Once you retain our firm, we will handle all communications with these entities, shielding your family from further stress and manipulation.

4. Do NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media.

   • Anything posted on social media can be used by the defense to undermine your child’s case. Even seemingly innocuous posts can be twisted to suggest they are “fine” or enjoying themselves, contradicting claims of injury or emotional distress. Stay completely silent on the matter online.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately.

   • Time is of the Essence: In most states, including Virginia, there is a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases (typically two years from the date of injury). Waiting can mean losing your right to pursue a claim. Evidence vanishes, witnesses move, and memories fade. The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case will be. Learn more about statutes of limitations here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
   • Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation to discuss your child’s case. There is no obligation, only an opportunity to learn your rights and explore your options.

Your child’s courage in coming forward about hazing is immense. Your duty as a Rockingham County parent is to protect them and seek justice. We are ready to stand with you.

Rockingham County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been irrevocably harmed by hazing, whether at James Madison University, Blue Ridge Community College, or any other institution near Rockingham County, across Virginia, or anywhere in the United States, you need immediate, aggressive, and expert legal representation. We are Attorney911, and we are prepared to fight for your child with the same tenacity and expertise we bring to our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

We understand that you may be searching for a “hazing lawyer in Rockingham County” or a “fraternity abuse attorney near Harrisonburg.” While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and our commitment to justice for hazing victims extend nationwide. Hazing is a national crisis, and we have the federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), and relentless dedication to pursue your case wherever it leads. We come to Rockingham County or any location needed for depositions, trials, and essential client meetings, and we offer seamless video consultations to make our services accessible to every family.

You are not alone. Your child’s suffering demands accountability.

When to Contact Us:

• Immediately: If your child has been physically harmed, hospitalized, or experienced severe psychological trauma.
• Anytime: Even if you are unsure whether what happened constitutes hazing, or if you simply need to understand your legal options.
• Before Doing Anything Else: Do not speak to the fraternity, sorority, university, or their insurance companies until you’ve spoken with us.

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7 for a FREE, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Fees: We Work on Contingency.
For Rockingham County families, there are no out-of-pocket legal fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Our success is tied directly to yours. We invest in your fight for justice.

The time to act is now. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass. Let us be your voice, your shield, and your weapon in the fight against hazing. Enough is enough.