If you’re reading this, your family in Russell County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find new friends and build a future. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening actions disguised as “tradition” or “brotherhood.” We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the confusion. We are Attorney911, and we are here to help families in Russell County fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

Here in Russell County, the dream of a college education often includes joining a fraternity or sorority at one of Virginia’s many esteemed institutions, or even at universities across the country. Students from our community attend Virginia Tech just down the road in Blacksburg, Appalachian State in North Carolina, or larger state schools like the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, or Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. They pursue their academic and social goals, and parents expect them to be safe. But the dark reality is that hazing is not confined to obscure campuses far away; it can happen anywhere, even to students from our close-knit communities, shattering their lives and the lives of their families.

We are not just a law firm that talks about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently engaged in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries. What happened in Houston could happen to a student from Russell County, and we are ready to bring the same level of fight and dedication to your case.

The Landmark Battle: Our $10 Million Fight Against Hazing

We want families in Russell County to understand the full scope of what we’re up against, and what we’re fighting for. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is a powerful testament to the severity of modern hazing and our firm’s commitment to justice. Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who wasn’t even eligible to join the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, this fact did not spare him from weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that ultimately landed him in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We’ve shared Leonel’s story extensively with the media, and it has garnered significant attention from news outlets wanting to shed light on this horrific problem. You can read about the case in reports from:

• ABC13 Houston: Published November 21-22, 2025, detailing “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” View article here.
• KHOU 11: Their report on November 21, 2025, announced a “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” Read more here.
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, they confirmed the “$10 million over alleged hazing” in their coverage titled “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” Read their full report.

Within days of the hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. The national organization even issued a statement on November 21, 2025, which you can find on their website here, acknowledging “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure, effective November 14, 2025, came just a week before our lawsuit was filed – a clear attempt to manage public perception before the legal hammer dropped.

Leonel’s story began in September 2025 when he accepted a bid to join the fraternity. What followed was a systematic program of abuse designed to break him down both physically and psychologically. On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Leonel was subjected to extreme physical demands: over 100 pushups, 500 squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.

As Attorney 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.” Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and spent three nights and four days in the hospital diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This devastating medical condition, rhabdomyolysis, occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, leading to potential kidney failure and even death. It’s the same medical condition our firm has experience litigating, and Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in these types of hazing cases.

This case is not just about Leonel; it’s a stark warning to all families in Russell County. Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters nationwide, including at colleges and universities where students from our community might attend. The same violent “traditions” that hospitalized our client are happening at other fraternities. Universities, near Russell County and across the nation, face the same institutional liability failures as the University of Houston. We want families in Russell County to know that if their child is being hazed, we are ready to fight for them with the same aggression and legal acumen we’re bringing to this current landmark case. As Attorney 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.”

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Russell County might imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences, perhaps an outdated and harmless rite of passage. The reality, as revealed in the Bermudez case and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic torture, designed to break pledges down physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is not about building character or fostering brotherhood; it is about inflicting pain and asserting dominance.

When we talk about hazing, this is what we mean:

• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Leonel Bermudez was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” as reported by KHOU. Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics and forced to run repeatedly under the threat of further waterboarding. This is recognized internationally as an act of torture. The Houston Public Media stated unequivocally that “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Consumption to the Point of Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. The lawsuit alleges he was then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and lie in his vomit-soaked grass after vomiting. This is not a harmless prank; it’s a dangerous act of degradation.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The November 3 incident that led to Leonel’s hospitalization involved over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. The constant exertion caused his body to break down, leading to kidney failure. The Houston Chronicle also reported that pledges were “being struck with wooden paddles.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing is not just physical. Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. ABC13 reported that another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to degrade, humiliate, and instill fear.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges like Leonel were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, creating a constant state of exhaustion. This constant drain interferes with academic performance and leaves victims vulnerable to further abuse.
• Coercion and Threats: Leonel was threatened with “physical punishment and/or expulsion from the fraternity” if he failed to comply with demands. This element of coercion highlights the lack of true consent that often characterizes hazing.

This is not a list of isolated incidents from a distant past. These are the details of a case we are actively litigating right now. These cruel and barbaric activities are happening in our colleges and universities today. If your child attends a college or university near Russell County, such as Virginia Tech, Radford University, Emory & Henry College, or Washington and Lee University, they too could be vulnerable to such abuses. The same national fraternities that engage in these practices have chapters at institutions across Virginia.

The consequences of such hazing go beyond immediate injury. Victims often suffer long-term physical problems, including chronic kidney disease, and profound psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Leonel Bermudez, our brave client, “is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a testament to the lasting psychological impact of the abuse. This fear is a clear indication that hazing is far from a harmless activity; it is a crime that leaves deep scars.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing leaves a student in Russell County injured or, tragically, takes their life, we believe every single individual and institution connected to that hazing must be held fully accountable. These cases are rarely the fault of just one person or one organization. The web of responsibility often extends far beyond the immediate perpetrators. In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, our litigation strategy targets every party that allowed this abuse to occur.

Here are the categories of defendants we pursue, and why:

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing against Leonel Bermudez. The chapter officers, including the president and pledgemaster, were instrumental in directing these activities. Every member who participated in the hazing, or even witnessed it and failed to intervene, bears direct responsibility. Their actions are often a direct violation of university policy, state law, and the national fraternity’s own rules.
2. The National Fraternity Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national body with over 150 chapters across America, is a primary target. They have a documented history of severe hazing incidents, including the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017. Despite this tragic loss, and despite their alleged knowledge of a “hazing crisis” within their organization, they failed to implement effective safeguards. The national organization bears significant liability for failing to supervise its local chapters, failing to enforce anti-hazing policies, and perpetuating a culture where such abuses can thrive. They have substantial assets and liability insurance, making them a “deep pocket” defendant crucial for meaningful compensation.
3. The Housing Corporation: Often, a separate entity, like the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. with EIN 462267515, owns and manages the fraternity house. If hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws. They have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises and prevent illegal activities from taking place.
4. The University or College: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This fact is devastating for them, establishing undeniable premises liability. Universities have an inherent duty to protect their students, enforce their own policies, and provide a safe learning environment. The University of Houston also had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 with another fraternity, meaning they had actual notice of the dangers on their campus and failed to prevent future incidents. Institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford, UVa, and VCU in Virginia have the authority to regulate Greek life and bear the responsibility when they fail to do so.
5. The University Board of Regents: For state institutions like the University of Houston, the Board of Regents holds ultimate governance responsibility. They are named as defendants to ensure accountability at the highest institutional level for oversight failures.
6. Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the leadership, every individual who participated in the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes current members and, significantly in the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence. This extends the net of accountability to property owners who facilitate these dangerous activities. As seen in the Stone Foltz case, individual perpetrators can face multi-million dollar judgments against their own assets.

These are not “broke college kids” we’re suing. This is about holding powerful, well-funded institutions and their enablers fully responsible. National fraternities often have millions in assets and insurance. Universities possess massive endowments and comprehensive liability insurance policies. These are the “deep pockets” from which fair and just compensation can be secured for Russell County hazing victims. Our firm’s background, with both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena having previously worked on the insurance defense side, gives us unique insight into how these powerful entities attempt to evade responsibility, and we use that knowledge to our clients’ advantage every single day.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Proof of What Russell County Victims Can Win

The message we send to hazing fraternities, negligent universities, and their national organizations is clear: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and these same results are attainable for Russell County victims. These landmark settlements and jury verdicts are not just numbers; they represent comprehensive accountability and, in many cases, have paved the way for stricter anti-hazing laws.

Here are some of the most significant precedent cases that demonstrate what is possible for victims of egregious hazing:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
  • Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event in March 2021.
  • Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha, along with numerous individuals, settled for a combined $7.2 million. This case set the record for the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Just recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was issued against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating that individual chapter officers can be held personally liable for massive sums. The total recovery for the Foltz family combines these figures, proving that courts will hold multiple parties accountable.
  • This case reinforces that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is well within the recognized range for such grave injuries, even when the victim, thankfully, survives.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
  • Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning at a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink excessive alcohol based on answers to fraternity questions. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495.
  • A civil jury returned a $6.1 million verdict in favor of the Gruver family.
  • This tragedy also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana – a powerful example of how civil litigation can drive legislative change.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlement)
  • Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He fell down basement stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911.
  • The family settled for an undisclosed, but widely reported and estimated, sum of over $110 million. The incident was captured on security cameras, providing irrefutable evidence.
  • This case, too, resulted in numerous criminal charges, convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing, and inspired the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening state anti-hazing statutes.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
  • Tragically, Andrew Coffey died on November 3, 2017, after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. His death was also due to acute alcohol poisoning.
  • Crucially, this occurred at a chapter of Pi Kappa Phi – the same national organization involved in our Bermudez case. This devastating fact establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a known deadly hazing culture within Pi Kappa Phi that they demonstrably failed to address over the subsequent eight years. This is a critical piece of evidence for punitive damages in Leonel’s case.

These cases, representing millions of dollars in accountability, send an undeniable message across the nation. They prove that when hazing causes severe injury or death, institutions and individuals will be forced to pay. For families in Russell County whose children have faced similar abuses at colleges and universities here or elsewhere, these precedents offer powerful encouragement that justice can be achieved. We leverage this proven track record to build the strongest possible case for every client we represent.

Virginia Law Protects Your Child: Consent is Not a Defense

If your child has been hazed in Russell County or at a university in Virginia, you are protected by strong anti-hazing laws. Just as Texas law is clear and robust in its stance against hazing, Virginia has its own crucial protections designed to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Laws are among the strongest in the nation.

In Virginia, hazing is not merely a university disciplinary matter; it is a crime. Virginia law, which has been significantly strengthened in recent years, addresses hazing as a serious offense:

• Felony Hazing (Virginia Code § 18.2-56.1): Virginia law makes hazing a Class 5 felony if it results in the bodily injury of another person and is intentionally caused by a person (1) to initiate into or affiliate with any student, athletic, social, or other organization; or (2) for the purpose of continuing as a member of, or maintaining membership in, any such organization. Bodily injury is defined broadly. This means hazing that causes significant harm, like the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure suffered by Leonel Bermudez, rises to the level of a felony. A Class 5 felony carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.
• Misdemeanor Hazing (Virginia Code § 18.2-56.1): Any action that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of another person for the purpose of initiation or affiliation, or continued membership, is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This covers a wide range of hazing activities even if they don’t result in severe physical injury but still endanger a student.
• Consent Is NOT a Defense: Just like in Texas, Virginia law explicitly states that the “consent of the victim is no defense.” This is a critical legal tenet. While fraternity members or university officials may claim that your child “agreed to participate” or “knew what they were getting into,” Virginia law, like Texas Education Code § 37.154, rejects this argument. No student can legally consent to being injured or humiliated. The power dynamics, peer pressure, and psychological manipulation inherent in hazing negate any claim of voluntary participation.
• Organizational Liability: Educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and other organizations in Virginia can also face severe penalties. Organizations that permit or condone hazing can be penalized with fines, suspension of their right to operate, and potentially forfeiture of property. Virginia’s law makes it clear that the organization itself can be held accountable, not just the individual perpetrators.
• Duty to Report (Virginia Code § 23.1-807): Virginia law also places a responsibility on colleges and universities to report certain hazing incidents and maintain records. Failure to comply can lead to institutional penalties and can also be used as evidence of negligence in a civil suit.

For families in Russell County, this means you have a powerful legal framework to support your case. These laws are designed to hold individuals criminally accountable and provide a basis for civil lawsuits that seek compensation for your child’s injuries. Our firm, with its federal court authority and dual Texas and New York bar licenses, is equipped to navigate these complex laws, whether your child was hazed in Virginia or any other state. We understand how to connect state-specific hazing statutes with broader civil liability claims, ensuring every responsible party is brought to justice.

Why Attorney911 Is the Choice for Russell County Hazing Victims

When your family in Russell County is confronted with the nightmare of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions you will make. You need a legal team with the experience, knowledge, and relentless dedication to fight against powerful institutions. We are Attorney911, and we believe we are uniquely positioned to represent hazing victims from Russell County and across the country.

Here’s why families trust us:

• We Are Actively Fighting This Battle: We aren’t just reading about hazing cases; we are making headlines with them. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live, ongoing fight. This is proof that our strategies are not theoretical – they are being deployed right now, in real courtrooms, to demand accountability. Russell County families can be confident that the same aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach will be brought to their case.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both began their careers working for insurance defense firms. That means we have seen how the other side thinks, strategizes, and attempts to deny or minimize claims. Lupe Pena, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, where he gained invaluable insider knowledge across a range of practice areas, from product liability to commercial disputes. This “enemy’s playbook” insight is a massive advantage for our clients. We anticipate their defenses, dismantle their arguments, and leverage our intimate knowledge of their tactics to maximize your compensation.
• Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licenses: Hazing often involves national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph Manginello’s dual licenses in Texas AND New York, provide us with the authority and flexibility to pursue cases in federal courts anywhere in the country. This means whether your child was hazed at a university in Russell County, another part of Virginia, or a different state entirely, we have the reach and legal standing to represent you effectively.
• Proven Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort case involving 15 deaths and over 180 injuries, demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against the largest corporate defendants. Fraternities and universities are powerful institutions, but we have a track record of holding giants accountable.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise and Focus: We don’t just handle hazing cases; we specialize in them. Ralph Manginello has direct experience with fraternity litigation, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis – which is precisely what Leonel Bermudez suffered. We understand the unique legal, medical, and cultural aspects of these cases, from the specific hazing tactics employed to the long-term physical and psychological impacts on victims.
• Aggressive, Relentless Pursuit of Justice: Our philosophy is simple: Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight. We are aggressive from day one, working to preserve evidence, identify all liable parties, and build an unassailable case. We will not back down from insurance company bullying tactics or institutional cover-ups. We are relentless because we believe deeply in justice for hazing victims.
• Compassionate and Client-Focused: We know that a hazing incident is a traumatic experience for both the victim and their family. We treat every client from Russell County with empathy, warmth, and respect. “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” as one testimonial states. Our staff is bilingual, genuinely passionate, and available to guide you through every step of the legal process.
• Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost to You: We understand that families grappling with medical bills and emotional trauma should not have to worry about legal fees. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing families from Russell County to pursue justice against well-funded adversaries without financial risk. Learn more about how contingency fees work here.
• “Se Habla Español”: For the Hispanic community in Russell County and across the nation, language barriers should never be a barrier to justice. Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Spanish, ensuring that all families can communicate comfortably and effectively with their legal team.
• We Will Travel to Russell County: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We regularly travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. For Russell County families, we offer convenient video consultations so you can discuss your case with us from the comfort of your home. We’re here to make the process as accessible as possible.

We believe that every family in Russell County dealing with the devastating aftermath of hazing deserves to have the most powerful and experienced legal representation available. Our mission is to ensure that your child’s trauma is met with unwavering advocacy and that every responsible party is held accountable.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Russell County Families

If your child in Russell County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it’s a terrifying and confusing time, taking the right steps can significantly impact the success of any future legal action. We provide this guidance with the utmost empathy, knowing that you are likely searching for answers at an incredibly difficult hour.

Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. If your child has been physically injured, seek medical care immediately at hospitals like Russell County Hospital in Lebanon, Virginia, or any emergency room close by. Even if injuries seem minor, complications like rhabdomyolysis or internal damage may not be immediately apparent. Tell medical providers exactly what happened and ensure it’s documented in their records. This creates a crucial paper trail of the injuries. Any delay in treatment can be used by the defense to argue your child wasn’t truly hurt. Learn why seeing a doctor immediately is critical.
2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything: This cannot be stressed enough. Evidence disappears quickly.
   • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. Photograph or video the location where the hazing occurred, any items used in the hazing, and conditions of the environment. If your child is hospitalized, have someone take pictures or videos of them in the hospital bed. Continue taking photos throughout the healing process. See our video on using your phone to document evidence.
   • Communications: Save every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity members, other pledges, or conversations about the activities. Do not delete anything!
   • Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, even if they were unwilling participants or simply heard about it. Other pledges are crucial witnesses.
   • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written materials given to your child by the fraternity or university that relate to their pledging process. Keep medical bills, receipts, and academic records.
3. DO NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers: Once hazing has occurred, organizations will immediately move to protect themselves. Do not give any statements, sign any documents, or speak to their representatives (including university officials, fraternity advisors, or national representatives) without legal counsel present. Anything your child says can be twisted and used against them. Avoid common mistakes that can ruin your case.
4. Stay Off Social Media: Counsel your child to immediately stop posting anything about the incident on social media. They should also refrain from deleting past posts related to the fraternity, even if they seem innocuous. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can undermine your child’s claims. Learn why you shouldn’t post on social media after an incident.
5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Virginia, like Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. While this may seem like a long time, evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Call us for a free, confidential consultation. Distance is not a barrier; we can conduct video consultations for Russell County families. Understand the statute of limitations for your case.

For families in Russell County, experiencing hazing is a legal emergency. We are equipped and ready to be your first responders. Do not face this alone. Your child deserves justice, and we are prepared to fight tirelessly to get it for them.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Begins Here

If your child in Russell County has been harmed by hazing, you are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by yourself. The trauma, the anger, the confusion—we understand it all. We are Attorney911, and our mission is to stand by your side, aggressively pursuing justice and accountability for the inexcusable actions of fraternities, universities, and individuals who allow hazing to occur.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently leading the charge in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that hospitalized a student. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, ongoing, and we are bringing the full force of our firm’s expertise to bear on the problem. We offer the same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to hazing victims and their families in Russell County.

Russell County families, your legal emergency starts with one call.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24/7, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. When you call, you will speak with a member of our dedicated team who will listen with empathy and guide you on the crucial next steps.

You can also reach us via email at ralph@atty911.com.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is absolutely $0 upfront cost to you. We believe that financial hardship should never be a barrier to justice. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that our interests are completely aligned with yours: to secure the maximum possible compensation for your child’s injuries and suffering. Learn how contingency fees work so you can focus on healing.

We are ready to serve families in Russell County, Virginia, and nationwide. While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing knows no geographic boundaries. We regularly serve clients across the country through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts gives us the power to litigate cases across federal jurisdictions, which is often essential when national fraternities or universities are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello’s licenses in both Texas and New York provide us with expanded reach and strategic advantages, particularly in cases against national organizations that may be headquartered or conduct operations outside of Texas.
• Video Consultations: For families in Russell County, we offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing you to discuss your case thoroughly with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• Commitment to Travel: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trial, our legal team is prepared to travel to Russell County or any other location to advocate for your child. Distance will never be a barrier to delivering justice.

We represent victims of hazing in all forms and contexts, not just traditional fraternities and sororities. This includes:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions near Russell County, such as Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Radford University in Radford, Emory & Henry College in Emory, and Washington and Lee University in Lexington, among others.
• Russell County sports teams at high schools or colleges.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations.
• Military academies or any organization that uses abuse as a twisted form of “initiation.”

If you are a parent in Russell County, or even another student who witnessed the hazing detailed in the Bermudez case, we want to hear from you. We know there are more victims. As Lupe Pena said, “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 now. Let Attorney911 be your unwavering advocate. Let us help you turn pain into accountability and ensure that what happened to your child in Russell County sends a powerful message to prevent future tragedies.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Your free, confidential consultation awaits.