surry-county-featured-image.png

Surry County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, North America, Surry County, United States, Virginia

If you are reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life right here in Surry County, Virginia. Your child went off to college, hoping to make friends and forge connections. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and danger in what was supposed to be a welcoming environment. We understand what you’re going through, the fear, the anger, the confusion. We’re here to help families in Surry County fight back against hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates for justice, particularly for those who have been harmed by the insidious practice of hazing. Our firm, Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands as a beacon for victims and their families in Surry County, across Virginia, and nationwide. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact hazing has on young lives, and we are actively engaged in holding responsible institutions and individuals accountable. Our work isn’t theoretical; we are in the trenches right now, fighting aggressively for victims.

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but our commitment to justice extends far beyond our state lines. If your child has been subjected to hazing in Surry County, or at any institution in Virginia, we are ready to bring our expertise, our resources, and our unwavering dedication to your cause. We understand that parents in Surry County send their children to colleges and universities expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow, not to be tortured. When that trust is betrayed, we step in to ensure that betrayal has serious consequences for those responsible.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Surry County, Virginia families need to understand that what we are seeing today is not the “mild pranks” of decades past. This is systemic abuse, often leading to severe injury, and even death. The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the embodiment of our firm’s aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims. This didn’t happen in a distant land; it happened in Houston, Texas, at a major university. This is a stark warning that such horrific events can and do occur anywhere, including institutions where a child from Surry County might attend.

BREAKING: Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

This landmark $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, names multiple defendants: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (specifically their University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter), Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, a fraternity president, a pledgemaster, and 13 individual fraternity members, including a former member and his spouse where some of the hazing tragically occurred.

Surry County, Virginia families, this is what hazing looks like today. This is what we, Attorney911, do about it. The same fraternities that operate at the University of Houston also have chapters at universities throughout Virginia and near Surry County. The same institutional negligence that we allege against the University of Houston can exist at universities your children attend. And we will bring the same aggressive fight and unwavering commitment to accountability to families in Surry County that we are currently bringing to this case in Houston.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez and His Harrowing Ordeal

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled student at the University of Houston. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the upcoming semester. Despite not being a student yet, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse and psychological torture that culminated in a serious medical emergency.

As his attorney, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13 Houston, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was passing brown urine, a terrifying sign that his muscles were breaking down from extreme exertion.

Lupe Pena, another attorney on the case, powerfully stated to ABC13 Houston, “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 concur wholeheartedly. Every legal action we take is driven by the hope of preventing similar tragedies for other students, including those from Surry County.

For more detailed reporting on this ongoing case, we encourage Surry County families to review the comprehensive news coverage:

The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters’ Response

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement on November 21, 2025, confirming they had closed their Beta Nu Chapter, effective November 14, 2025, due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” While they claimed to take “all allegations of hazing seriously,” their swift chapter closure just seven days before our lawsuit was filed strongly suggests a calculated move to distance themselves from the impending legal action. They even audaciousely stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a clear indication of their unwavering belief that they can simply weather this storm and re-establish themselves, despite the severe harm caused to a young man. The full statement can be found on their website: https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/

This case is a testament to what we stand for. We actively track these organizations and will pursue every entity responsible when hazing causes harm.

What Happened: A Timeline of Abuse Leading to Hospitalization

The hazing of Leonel Bermudez was not a single incident but a prolonged period of systematic abuse. Here’s a brief timeline of the horrors he endured:

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately.
  • Throughout the 7-week pledge period: He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, adhere to an enforced dress code, complete extensive study hours, and conduct weekly interviews with members. He was driven to exhaustion from being forced to chauffeur fraternity members during early mornings. Non-compliance resulted in threats of physical punishment and expulsion.
  • October 13, 2025: 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 event for Leonel, but a glimpse into the chapter’s culture.
  • October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. This was a clear warning, yet the hazing continued.
  • Multiple occasions: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to run sprints while in distress, lying in his own vomit-soaked grass. He was also stripped to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose. The lawsuit also alleges he was “struck with wooden paddles.”
  • November 3, 2025: The climax of the abuse. Punished for missing an event, Leonel was forced into an extreme workout regimen: over 100 pushups, over 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother drills,” two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. The abuse continued until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without assistance.
  • November 6-10, 2025: Leonel’s health rapidly deteriorated. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care. He was passing brown urine, a critical indicator of severe muscle breakdown.
  • November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter.
  • November 21, 2025: Our $10 million lawsuit was filed.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s injuries were not minor. Rhabdomyolysis, the medical diagnosis, is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This can quickly lead to acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that can result in permanent kidney damage or even death. The brown urine he passed was a classic symptom, confirming the severe muscle breakdown his body endured. This is the same medical condition that Attorney911 has successfully litigated before, showcasing Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in these severe hazing cases. The University of Houston spokesperson admitted to Houston Public Media that the “events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” further validating the severity of these actions.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Surry County, the term “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks and embarrassing rituals. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others, is far more sinister. Hazing is organized, systematic abuse, designed to degrade, control, and injure. It is often hidden under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood,” but it results in genuine trauma, both physical and psychological.

The True Face of Hazing: Torture, Not Tradition

  • Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond playful taps. We’re talking about beatings with wooden paddles, forced and extreme physical exertion until collapse, branding, sustained positions of discomfort, and exposure to dangerous elements. Leonel was subjected to over 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and repeatedly struck with wooden paddles.
  • Forced Consumption: This often involves large quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and death, but it can also involve bizarre concoctions, non-food substances, or, as in Leonel’s case, forced eating until vomiting. He was made to consume vast amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he was violently ill, then forced to continue physical activity while covered in his own vomit.
  • Psychological Torture: The aim is to break down a person’s will and self-esteem. This includes humiliation, isolation, sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, sexual degradation, and threats. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, stripped in cold weather, and constantly threatened with physical harm or expulsion from the fraternity. Another pledge was even hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
  • Waterboarding: This is perhaps the most shocking aspect of Leonel’s ordeal. As reported by KHOU 11 and Houston Public Media, he was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Houston Public Media unequivocally stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” When these tactics are used on prisoners of war, they are called war crimes. When they are inflicted upon a prospective fraternity member, they are simply criminal.

The Medical Realities of Hazing

The consequences are severe and often life-altering:

  • Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As Leonel experienced, extreme physical exertion can break down muscle tissue, leading to kidney damage and even death.
  • Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, where forced binge drinking overwhelms the body’s systems.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury: From falls, beatings, or violent shaking.
  • Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Internal Injuries: From beatings or forced consumption.
  • Psychological Trauma: Long-term effects include PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and difficulty forming trusting relationships. Our client’s fear of retribution highlights the deep psychological impact.
  • Death: Tragically, hazing deaths continue to occur annually across the nation.

This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “team building.” It is violent, illegal, and unacceptable. And for parents sending their children off to college from Surry County, understanding this reality is the first step in protecting them.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, multiple layers of individuals and institutions are often complicit, either through direct action or negligent inaction. At Attorney911, we are relentless in identifying and pursuing every party responsible, ensuring that justice is comprehensive and accountability is absolute. For families in Surry County, we meticulously investigate every angle to build the strongest possible case.

Every Entity Behind the Greek Letters

We pursue anyone who participated, facilitated, or allowed hazing to occur. The targets in a hazing lawsuit, as demonstrated by our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, often include:

  • The Local Chapter: The immediate perpetrators who organized and carried out the hazing activities. This includes the chapter as an entity and its officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager), who hold positions of authority and responsibility.
  • Individual Members: Any fraternity or sorority member who actively participated in, encouraged, or failed to intervene in hazing events can be held personally liable. This includes the 13 individual fraternity members named in Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit. The lesson from cases like Stone Foltz, where a chapter president was held personally liable for millions, is clear: individuals cannot hide behind the organization. We even sued a former member and his spouse in the Bermudez case because the hazing occurred at their private residence.
  • The National Organization: This is a crucial “deep pocket” defendant. National fraternities and sororities have central offices, substantial assets, vast endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies. They are responsible for setting anti-hazing policies, educating chapters, and overseeing compliance. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” or prior incidents like the death of Andrew Coffey at Pi Kappa Phi’s Florida State chapter in 2017, they are directly liable for allowing such a dangerous culture to persist.
  • The Housing Corporation: Many fraternity houses are owned by separate “housing corporations,” which are often tax-exempt entities with their own assets and insurance. These corporations are responsible for maintaining safe premises. In Leonel’s case, part of the hazing took place in a “University-owned fraternity house,” making the housing entity and the university itself directly responsible for premises liability.
  • The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to provide a safe learning environment for their students. This includes protecting them from hazing. Universities can be held liable for:
    • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee Greek life or other student organizations.
    • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property, as it did in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
    • Failure to Act: If the university knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (like the University of Houston did with the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing incident) yet failed to implement effective preventative measures.
    • Breach of Contract: The implied contract between the university and its students that promises a safe educational experience.
  • Insurance Carriers: While not perpetrators of hazing, insurance companies represent the deep pockets that often ultimately pay out settlements and verdicts. This includes liability policies held by national fraternities, universities, housing corporations, and even homeowners’ insurance policies for individuals where hazing occurred off-campus. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insight into how these companies operate, strategize, and what it takes to effectively pursue maximum recovery.

The Power of Our Data-Driven Approach:

At Attorney911, we don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, meticulously tracing every entity behind the Greek letters. This database includes IRS-registered organizations with their EINs and legal names, house corporations, alumni chapters, and detailed insurance structures. When hazing injures a student from Surry County, we use this intelligence to identify every potential defendant and construct a powerful case.

For example, our intelligence database tracks entities like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas), which is the exact entity tied to the UH chapter we sued. We also track Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786 in College Station, Texas) and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427 in San Marcos, Texas), along with hundreds of other fraternities and sororities with chapters at various institutions throughout Virginia and near Surry County.

This meticulous data means we can connect the dots between local chapters, national organizations, and specific individuals. When hazing happens, we know their corporate structure. We know their national organization’s hazing death record. We know how much they have paid in settlements. And when hazing harms a student from Surry County, we use every piece of this intelligence to hold them accountable. The Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way; your child’s institution or fraternity could be next.

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

For families in Surry County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is often about justice and accountability. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the suffering endured or a life lost, significant financial verdicts and settlements serve as powerful mechanisms for change, punishing wrongdoers and deterring future hazing. Here at Attorney911, we pride ourselves on pursuing these cases with the utmost aggression, mirroring the multi-million dollar outcomes seen nationwide.

These landmark verdicts and settlements send an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and these same results are absolutely possible for victims from Surry County. The precedents prove that hazing cases win, and we bring these same proven legal strategies to every case we handle, regardless of location.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Justice Has a Price Tag

We utilize these significant court outcomes to illustrate the true cost of negligence and abuse, and to demonstrate what is achievable for our clients:

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

    • In March 2021, Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. His family’s pursuit of justice resulted in a settlement package exceeding $10.1 million. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Importantly, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was issued against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his personal role, emphasizing that individuals cannot escape accountability.
    • Relevance for Surry County: Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly aligned with this precedent. It clearly establishes a benchmark for significant hazing injuries, even when they don’t result in death. It also proves that both universities and fraternities are held financially liable.

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

    • In September 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495) during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event notorious as “Bible Study,” where incorrect answers resulted in forced drinking. The Gruver family fought relentlessly, securing a $6.1 million jury verdict. This tragic case also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
    • Relevance for Surry County: This verdict underscores that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums for hazing deaths. It also demonstrates how hazing cases can drive significant legal reform, impacting future students from Surry County and beyond.

  • Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — Total: $110+ Million (Multiple Settlements)

    • In February 2017, Timothy Piazza died after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He suffered horrific falls, including down a flight of basement stairs, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The settlements in this case were reportedly over $110 million, securing substantial justice for the Piazza family. This horrific incident also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
    • Relevance for Surry County: The Piazza case proves that in situations involving egregious conduct and strong evidence (security cameras captured the entire ordeal, similar to how digital evidence plays a role in modern hazing investigations), settlements can reach astronomical figures. It highlights the institutional cover-ups and delays that often occur, which we actively expose.

  • Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Same Fraternity as Our Client!

    • In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being compelled to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
    • Relevance for Surry County: This case is a smoking gun for our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. It unequivocally proves that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had undeniable knowledge of deadly hazing within their organization eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. Despite this tragic death, they failed to implement effective safeguards, showcasing a pattern of negligence that is invaluable for our case and any future cases involving Pi Kappa Phi chapters near Surry County.

  • Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) — $4+ Million Settlement

    • In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi fraternity bid acceptance event where he was forced to consume a liter of Jack Daniel’s. The Oakes family settled their $28 million lawsuit for over $4 million from the fraternity and university in October 2024. This case led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring hazing education and reporting.
    • Relevance for Surry County: This case occurred in Virginia, directly impacting the legal landscape and university environment where a child from Surry County might attend college. It underscores significant financial outcomes and the legislative impact of such tragedies within your home state.

The Message to Universities and Fraternities Operating Near Surry County

These precedents are not just statistics; they are solemn warnings. The message to fraternities like Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Pi Kappa Phi (with its history of both Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Chi, Sigma Chi, and Kappa Sigma — all of which have chapters at universities throughout Virginia and near Surry County — is clear: If your chapter engages in hazing, you will face severe financial repercussions. These organizations annually pay multi-million dollar settlements because their reckless behavior has devastating consequences.

The same applies to universities. Institutions like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, and Longwood University, all of which may attract students from Surry County, have a critical responsibility to protect their students. When they fail, leaving young people vulnerable to the dangers of hazing, they can and will be held directly accountable.

Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary. It is a figure firmly grounded in these precedents and reflective of the severe injuries, long-term health implications, and the profound pain and suffering Leonel and his family have endured. We will continue to build on these successes to ensure that every hazing victim from Surry County receives the maximum possible compensation, and that those who enable these barbaric practices are held fully responsible.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in a Hazing Incident

For families in Surry County, navigating the legal landscape after a hazing incident can feel overwhelming. While our firm is based in Texas, the fundamental principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are often similar across states, including Virginia. Moreover, our admission to federal courts and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice wherever it’s needed, including for victims in Surry County. We ensure that the laws, which are designed to protect students, are vigorously enforced.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Legal Foundation

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws that serve as an excellent model for victim protection. Many states have adopted similar legislation, and the principles often apply broadly:

  • Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.151): Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if that act endangers their mental or physical health or safety. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, forced calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats), forced consumption of substances (such as milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting), or any activity that violates the Penal Code.
    • Surry County Application: The heinous acts committed against Leonel Bermudez—waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, wooden paddles, forced eating, sleep deprivation—fall squarely within this definition. The hazing your child experienced in Surry County or Virginia would likely meet similar definitions under state law, often creating both criminal and civil liability.
  • Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) for basic participation, to Class A misdemeanors (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine) if serious bodily injury occurs (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), and even State Jail Felonies (up to 2 years, $10,000 fine) if hazing causes death.
    • Surry County Application: The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case. Similar penalties exist for hazing in Virginia, underscoring the severity of these acts beyond just civil lawsuits.
  • Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can also be penalized if they condone, encourage, or if their officers or members commit hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating privileges, and forfeiture of property.
  • Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of anti-hazing law. Texas explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
    • Surry County Application: This shatters the common defense that victims “voluntarily participated” or “knew what they were signing up for.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot be given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of social ostracization. This principle applies in many states and is a cornerstone of our legal strategy.
  • University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges for administrators.

Civil Liability: Seeking Compensation and Justice for Surry County Victims

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits provide victims and their families from Surry County the critical avenue to seek financial compensation for their suffering, medical bills, lost earnings, and emotional trauma. Our civil claims typically include:

  • Negligence Claims: We argue that the defendants—individuals, chapters, national organizations, and universities—owed a duty of care to the victim, breached that duty through their hazing actions or inactions, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as it did in Leonel’s university-owned fraternity house), these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
  • Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately oversee their chapters, or when universities fail to monitor Greek life activities, leading to hazing. The history of prior hazing incidents at both Pi Kappa Phi National (Andrew Coffey’s death) and the University of Houston (a 2017 hospitalization) strengthens these claims significantly.
  • Assault and Battery: These intentional torts directly target the individuals who physically harmed the victim, for actions such as waterboarding, 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 distress, such as the psychological trauma Leonel endured.
  • Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, families can sue for wrongful death, seeking compensation for lost companionship, future earnings, funeral expenses, and more.

For Surry County families, it’s crucial to understand: these civil claims are distinct from criminal charges and can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or convictions obtained. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions mean we can pursue all relevant claims, ensuring that justice is sought not just locally, but nationally where appropriate, for your child.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Surry County Families

When a hazing crisis shatters your family in Surry County, Virginia, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team that understands the gravity of your situation and has the proven capacity to fight against powerful institutions. Attorney911 is meticulously built to offer aggressive, empathetic, and expert representation, distinguishing us from general practice firms.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Insiders

Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic design. They
‘ve seen the playbook from the inside. They know exactly how insurance adjusters, corporate lawyers, universities, and national fraternities strategize to deny, delay, and minimize claims. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for victims.

  • Ralph P. Manginello: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph, a former insurance defense attorney, has handled complex litigation against massive corporations, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience against formidable defendants directly translates to taking on national fraternities and major universities for Surry County families. His journalism background also makes him adept at investigating, uncovering facts, and telling compelling stories—crucial for exposing hidden hazing.
  • Lupe Eleno Peña: As a former associate attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, Lupe spent years defending insurance companies against personal injury claims across a wide range of practice areas. He learned their valuation methods, their manipulation tactics, and their refusal to negotiate fairly. Now, he employs every strategy they taught him to use against them, ensuring that victims from Surry County benefit from his unparalleled insight. He “outworks, outsmarts, and outfights” the other side, an essential philosophy for winning hazing cases.

This combined 37+ years of experience from both sides of the courtroom grants victims from Surry County an “unfair advantage.”

Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise: We’re Fighting NOW

We aren’t just talking about hazing litigation; we are actively doing it. Our flagship Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university, demonstrates our current, real-world engagement in this complex field. Surry County families directly benefit from the strategies, intelligence, and resolve we’re deploying in this high-profile case.

  • Rhabdomyolysis Injury Recovery: Ralph has specific expertise in hazing cases involving severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, precisely what Leonel Bermudez suffered.
  • University and Fraternity Accountability: We know how to hold both local chapters, national organizations, and universities liable, tracing their corporate structures, organizational charts, and institutional failures.

Nationwide Reach for Surry County Families

While our headquarters are in Texas, our capabilities extend nationwide, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to justice for Surry County families:

  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us the power to litigate cases in federal jurisdictions, providing broader reach against national organizations.
  • Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed to practice in both Texas and New York, offering a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered or heavily operating in states beyond Texas.
  • Willingness to Travel: For key depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Surry County or any location where the hazing incident occurred.
  • Remote Consultation Technology: We offer video consultations, making it easy and convenient for Surry County families to connect with our expert legal team from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
  • Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): With fluent Spanish speakers like Lupe Pena on our team, we ensure that Spanish-speaking families in Surry County receive comprehensive legal support without language barriers.

Empathy & Compassion: We Treat You Like Family

We understand that behind every hazing case is a family in crisis. Our firm’s culture is built on empathy, warmth, and genuine care. As many of our 250+ Google reviews attest (with a 4.9-star rating), clients consistently feel treated like family, not just another case. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning Surry County families pay absolutely $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal fight.

We know Surry County families have many choices, but what truly sets us apart is our profound emotional investment in hazing victims. We’ve seen the devastation hazing causes, and we are fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will fight just as hard for Surry County families as we do for our own.

Our Commitment to Surry County

Universities like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Old Dominion University, which draw students from Surry County, are active participants in Greek life. Hazing is a national problem, and these institutions, like the University of Houston, can become complicit through negligence. When the unthinkable happens, families in Surry County deserve the most aggressive and experienced legal representation available. Attorney911 is that choice.

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

If your child in Surry County, Virginia, has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It can be a confusing, frightening, and emotionally draining time, but taking prompt, informed action can be pivotal in protecting your child’s legal rights and building a strong case. We are here to guide you through every step, starting now.

Your Immediate Priorities: Protect Your Child and Preserve Evidence

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological symptoms are emerging, get professional medical evaluation. Many hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, are not immediately apparent, and psychological trauma can manifest weeks later. Medical records are critical evidence:

    • Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or a trusted physician.
    • Be explicit about how the injuries occurred: “I was forced to do X as part of a fraternity initiation.”
    • Document all physical symptoms, no matter how small.
    • Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Delaying medical care can be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries were not severe or were unrelated to the hazing.
    • For psychological trauma, seek counseling or therapy from a licensed mental health professional. Their notes and diagnoses are also crucial evidence.

  2. Preserve ALL Evidence (Digital and Physical): Hazing is often covert, but digital footprints and physical items can be powerful.

    • Digital Communications: SAVE EVERYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat logs, Instagram DMs, emails, and any social media posts. Do not delete them. Screenshots are invaluable. These often contain direct evidence of coercion, instructions for hazing activities, warnings, or admissions from other members. Ralph Manginello frequently advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” This applies equally to screenshots of digital conversations.
    • Photos/Videos: If your child has photos or videos of the hazing, or images of their injuries at any stage of healing, preserve them. If they are in the hospital, take photos of them in their hospital bed. Continue to document visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) as they heal.
    • Documents: Any pledge manuals, recruitment flyers, schedules of events, written “rules,” or communications from the organization related to membership.
    • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
    • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel expenses for treatment, and any documentation of lost wages due to injury or recovery.
    • Academic Records: Note any impact on grades, missed classes, or changes in enrollment status due to the hazing.

  3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Alone:

    • Fraternity/Sorority: Do not talk to chapter leaders, members, or national representatives without legal counsel present. They will try to get information, minimize their liability, or coerce your child into silence.
    • University Administration: Be cautious when speaking with university officials (Greek life office, dean of students, Title IX coordinator). While reporting to the university is important, understand that their primary loyalty is to the institution, not necessarily to your child. Any statements your child makes can be used against them. We can guide you on the best way to report while protecting your child’s rights.
    • Sign Nothing: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer reviewing them first. This could waive your child’s rights.

  4. Stay OFF Social Media: This is a critical point. Anything your child or family posts on social media can and will be scrutinized by defense attorneys. Do not post about the incident, your child’s injuries, or the legal process. Do not delete old posts; this can be seen as destruction of evidence. As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” emphasizes, discretion is vital.

  5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately: The sooner you involve experienced legal counsel, the better.

    • Statute of Limitations: In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. For minors, this period may be tolled but acting quickly is always best. Waiting means evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and your legal rights can expire. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, highlights this urgency.
    • Complex Cases: Hazing cases are complex, involving multiple defendants and intricate legal theories. An experienced attorney can immediately begin building your case, sending preservation letters, and navigating the investigative process.
    • Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer a completely free and confidential consultation to Surry County families. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to understand your options.

Your Child’s Rights in Surry County

We understand that you may be concerned about retribution or the impact on your child’s academic future. We prioritize our clients’ safety and privacy. Your child has the right to:

  • A Safe Educational Environment: Universities in Virginia and nationwide have a duty to protect students from hazing.
  • Report Hazing: Students have the right to report hazing without fear of retaliation from their university or the organization.
  • Seek Justice: State laws, like those in Virginia, and federal laws support legal action against hazing perpetrators. Adam’s Law in Virginia, passed after the tragic death of Adam Oakes at VCU, is a testament to the state’s commitment to fighting hazing, creating new legal duties for universities.

We Are Here for Surry County Families

Our firm is committed to ensuring that all victims, including those from Surry County, have access to top-tier legal representation. Regardless of whether your child attends a state university in Virginia like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or James Madison University, or a private institution, the risks of hazing are universal. We are prepared to travel to Surry County or any part of Virginia to assist you, offering seamless remote consultations and in-person meetings as required.

Surry County, Virginia, Families: HAVE YOU OR YOUR CHILD BEEN HAZED?

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

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these complex cases. We know how to hold powerful institutions accountable. Most importantly, we know how to WIN. Families in Surry County deserve and will receive the same aggressive, empathetic, and expert representation.

Surry County, Virginia, Families – Call Now – FREE Consultation

Navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident alone is overwhelming. Let us stand with you.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

You can reach us 24/7. We understand that legal emergencies do not adhere to business hours, especially when your child has been traumatized. Whether it’s 2 AM or 2 PM, our team is ready to listen and help.

We work on CONTINGENCY: This means $0 upfront for Surry County families. You pay absolutely nothing for our services unless and until we secure compensation for you. We invest in your case, taking on the financial risk, so you can focus on healing.

What Surry County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if symptoms appear minor, get professional medical evaluation and ensure everything is thoroughly documented. This creates a critical medical record for your case.
  2. Preserve All Evidence: Do not delete text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat logs, Instagram DMs, emails, or any photos or videos related to the hazing. Screenshot everything. These digital communications are often the most powerful evidence.
  3. Do NOT Communicate Without Counsel: Refrain from discussing the incident with the fraternity/sorority, university officials, or their lawyers without first consulting with our legal team. Any statements made without legal guidance can be used against your child.
  4. Avoid Social Media Posts: Do not post about the incident or your child’s condition on any social media platform. Anything posted can be scrutinized and twisted by defense attorneys.
  5. Call Us Immediately: Time is critical. The statute of limitations (typically two years in Virginia) means your right to file a lawsuit can expire. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade. The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case can be.
  6. Distance Is Not a Barrier: Even though our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Surry County and across America. We offer convenient video consultations, and our commitment means we are ready to travel to Surry County for depositions, client meetings, or trials, ensuring you have direct, personal support.

We Serve Surry County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

Hazing is a pervasive problem that extends beyond Greek life and beyond state borders. Students from Surry County attend colleges and universities across Virginia and the nation. Our expertise allows us to represent victims of hazing in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at institutions across Virginia, such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, and Longwood University.
  • Sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations at schools and universities in Surry County and beyond.
  • Any organization that uses abuse or humiliation as a condition of membership or initiation.

To Other Victims of Hazing: You Are Not Alone.

In the Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. Other pledges faced similar horrors, with one collapsing and losing consciousness. We know there are often more victims than initially come forward. If you or your child have been caught in a hazing incident, please remember Lupe Pena’s words: “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 bravery in stepping forward can not only secure justice for your child but also protect countless others. Let us stand with you in this fight against the barbarism of hazing.

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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