If you’re reading this in Washington County, chances are your family is living through one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college with dreams of making friends and finding belonging, but instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-altering harm. This isn’t just a story from a faraway city; hazing is a silent epidemic that can happen at any university, even those your children might attend from Washington County.
We are Attorney911, and we are here to help families like yours fight back. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that comes when your child is traumatized by the very organizations meant to support them. You’re not alone, and we are actively fighting this battle in courts right now.
The Landmark Case: Our Fight Against Torture and Negligence
Just weeks ago, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court that embodies everything we stand for. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is a stark warning to parents across Washington County and the nation about the brutal reality of modern hazing. It’s also a clear signal to universities and national fraternities: we will hold you accountable.
The Terrifying Story of Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer in the upcoming semester, eager to find a community within the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Imagine your child, off at college, only to learn they were waterboarded with a garden hose. Leonel was hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, and then made to continue grueling physical exercises in his own vomit. He endured psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion, including hundreds of pushups and squats, until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He passed brown urine, a horrifying sign of his body shutting down. This happened in Houston, just down the road, and it could happen at any institution students from Washington County attend.
Within days of the hazing being reported, the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended. The members, recognizing the severity of their actions, voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against individual members have been initiated, and we, Attorney911, immediately filed a $10 million lawsuit. We named the university, the national fraternity, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members as defendants, ensuring that everyone responsible is held accountable.
Media Coverage of Our Ongoing Fight
The gravity of Leonel’s story and our aggressive pursuit of justice has garnered significant media attention across Texas. This isn’t theoretical; this is happening now, and the world is watching:
- ABC13 (KTRK) Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges“
- KHOU 11 published their coverage on November 21, 2025: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations“
- Houston Chronicle covered the story on November 22, 2025: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit“
- Houston Public Media confirmed the $10 million figure and further details on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing“
Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued their own statement on November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston“, acknowledging “violations” and expressing a desire to “return to campus” – a stark display of their lack of remorse.
As Ralph Manginello told ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
Lupe Pena added, also 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.”
These words encapsulate our mission. We are not just fighting for Leonel; we are fighting to prevent the same nightmare from befalling another student from Washington County or anywhere else.
What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes
Many parents in Washington County might imagine hazing as harmless pranks or silly games – a rite of passage that builds character. The reality is far more brutal and disturbing. Modern hazing can involve extreme physical, psychological, and even sexual abuse, leaving victims with lasting trauma, severe injuries, or even death.
The hazing Leonel endured is a horrifying example:
- Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Being sprayed in the face with a garden hose while exercising, leading to a sensation of drowning. Houston Public Media explicitly called this “torture.”
- Extreme Physical Punishment: Weeks of grueling workouts including 500 squats, 100+ pushups, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and even being struck with wooden paddles. These activities forced pledges to exercise “past the point of physical exhaustion,” directly causing Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
- Forced Consumption: Pledges were made to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, and then forced to continue physical activity, lying in their vomit-soaked grass. This isn’t a game; it’s a deliberate act of degradation and physical assault.
- Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and endured constant threats of physical punishment and expulsion.
- Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive fraternity members during early mornings created profound exhaustion, affecting their physical and mental well-being.
This isn’t “boys being boys” or harmless “tradition.” This is assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment. It’s often criminal, and it happens more frequently than many in Washington County realize.
The Hazing Epidemic: Statistics Washington County Parents Need to Know
- Prevalence: Over 55% of students in Greek organizations and 40% of student athletes report experiencing hazing.
- Deaths: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.
- Underreporting: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or misplaced loyalty.
- Beyond Greek Life: Hazing is not confined to fraternities or sororities. It occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations.
- Medical Consequences: Beyond rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, hazing can lead to alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, sexual assault, and profound psychological damage like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable
When hazing leaves a student from Washington County injured or dead, we believe that every individual and institution that contributed to that harm must be held accountable. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is comprehensive, targeting all liable parties:
- Local Chapter: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH directly organized and conducted the hazing. Their officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility.
- Individual Members: Every member who participated in, facilitated, or even witnessed the hazing and failed to intervene can be held personally liable. In Leonel’s case, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including current and former members, and even the spouse of a former member who allowed hazing to occur at their residence.
- National Organization: The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters knew about deadly hazing within its chapters, evidenced by the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017. Despite this, they failed to enforce anti-hazing policies or adequately supervise the UH chapter, creating a tragic pattern of negligence. National fraternities often have millions in assets and insurance, making them “deep pockets” for significant judgments.
- The University: The University of Houston owned and controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, suspend, or remove organizations that violate policy. Despite having a prior hazing hospitalization on campus in 2017 with another fraternity, UH failed to protect Leonel. Universities have a duty to protect their students, and when they fail, they are liable.
- Insurance Carriers: These corporate entities often hold the keys to restitution. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to identify and pursue all applicable insurance policies—from national organization liability insurance to university institutional insurance and even homeowners’ policies for individuals.
We are not just suing a few college kids; we are relentlessly pursuing every entity, from the students who inflict the abuse to the powerful institutions that enable it through their negligence and failures of oversight. This is how we ensure justice for victims and send a clear message: student safety comes first.
What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof
For families in Washington County trying to imagine a path forward after severe hazing, it’s vital to know that justice is achievable, and the damages awarded can be substantial. Hazing cases across the nation have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, demonstrating that juries and courts are increasingly willing to impose severe penalties on fraternities and universities.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
⚠️ THE SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR UH CASE
Imagine the pain of the Coffey family who lost their son, Andrew, in November 2017. As a pledge at the Florida State University chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, Andrew was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon and died of acute alcohol poisoning. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family’s civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement, sending a clear message to Pi Kappa Phi National.
Tragically, this means Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years between Andrew’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix their hazing culture. They did nothing. This pattern of negligence strengthens our ability to pursue significant punitive damages for Leonel.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
💰 TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+
Stone Foltz was a pledge at Bowling Green State University’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. In March 2021, he was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol and died of alcohol poisoning. The university paid the family $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha National, along with individual members, settled for an additional $7.2 million, making it the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. One individual chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in December 2024.
Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with these precedents. It demonstrates that colleges and national fraternities will pay millions when hazing causes severe injury or death, regardless of whether it’s in Washington County or Ohio.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
💰 TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT
Max Gruver was an 18-year-old freshman at LSU when, in September 2017, he was subjected to a hazing ritual called “Bible Study” by Phi Delta Theta members. He was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and when he answered questions incorrectly, he had to drink more. His blood alcohol content reached a staggering 0.495, and he died of acute alcohol poisoning. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and the tragedy led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
This jury verdict proves that justice is possible directly from the community, and the same aggressive pursuit of accountability is available to families in Washington County.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
💰 TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Estimated Settlements)
Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after a brutal hazing ritual at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal 0.36 BAC. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire horrific event was captured on security cameras. The Piazza family’s lawsuits resulted in estimated settlements exceeding $110 million, and a landmark Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was passed in Pennsylvania.
The Piazza case highlights that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, as it is in Leonel Bermudez’s case, the financial consequences for negligent institutions can be staggering. We bring the same determination to Washington County cases.
Hazing Cases Drive Legislative Change
These cases are more than just about financial compensation; they are about demanding systemic change. From the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, and Collin’s Law in Ohio, victims’ families have turned their unimaginable pain into powerful legislation. We aim to do the same with the Bermudez case and any hazing case we take on in Washington County.
The message is clear: hazing costs millions, lives are irrevocably damaged, and institutions are forced to confront their deadly oversight failures. These same principles of accountability apply regardless of where the hazing occurs. We are ready to bring this fight to Washington County.
Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Never a Defense
For families in Washington County, it is crucial to understand that Texas law provides strong protections against hazing, both criminally and civilly. The laws are designed to combat the insidious arguments often made by fraternities and universities: that victims “consented” to the abuse or “knew what they were signing up for.”
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law
Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:
- Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, electric shocking.
- Risk of Harm: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and other exercises that led to kidney failure), or any activity that causes unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects health.
- Forced Consumption: Forcing a student to consume food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm (like Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting).
Washington County parents: Leonel’s experience squarely fits multiple points of this legal definition. His hazing wasn’t just a violation of university policy; it was a violation of state law, giving rise to serious criminal charges and civil liability.
Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most important legal protection for hazing victims and their families. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This shatters the defense that hazing victims “voluntarily participated” or “knew the risks.” You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. This clear legal precedent means regardless of what the fraternity claims, their conduct is illegal, and they are liable. This law applies to every university in Washington County and across Texas.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing that causes serious bodily injury, like Leonel’s kidney failure, can face Class A Misdemeanor charges, carrying up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If hazing causes death, it becomes a State Jail Felony.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law also makes organizations responsible. If an organization condones or encourages hazing, it commits an offense and can face fines and even denial of the right to operate on campus. This allows us to hold the chapter, the national organization, and even the university accountable.
Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges
Even if criminal charges are not pursued, civil lawsuits, like the one we filed for Leonel, offer a pathway to justice and compensation. We can pursue claims for:
- Negligence: Holding the university and national fraternity responsible for failing in their duty of care to protect students.
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, the institution can be held liable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions. This is critical in Leonel’s case, as the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the abuse took place.
- Negligent Supervision: Holding national organizations accountable for their failure to adequately supervise local chapters, and universities for their failure to regulate Greek life.
- Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who inflicted physical harm, such as paddling or waterboarding.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the severe psychological trauma caused by extreme hazing tactics, like torture and public humiliation.
These civil claims ensure that families from Washington County can pursue justice and compensation, even if criminal prosecution does not occur. We use every legal tool available to ensure accountability.
Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Washington County Families
When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only experienced and aggressive but also deeply compassionate. We bring a unique blend of personal dedication and legal expertise to every case, fighting for Washington County families nationwide.
Battle-Tested Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. He has a proven track record against massive corporate defendants, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This experience in high-stakes, complex litigation is directly applicable to challenging the powerful university and national fraternity systems. Ralph’s journalism background also means he is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories that resonate with juries – crucial for exposing the truth about hazing.
Insider Advantage
Lupe Eleno Peña, a male associate attorney, is a former attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means he knows the insurance industry’s playbook inside and out. He understands how they value claims, strategize defenses, and work to minimize payouts. Now, he channels that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Together, Ralph and Lupe bring a combined 37+ years of legal experience, with unique perspectives from both sides of the courtroom. This is an unfair advantage for Washington County victims.
Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Licenses
While we are headquartered in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, we proudly serve Washington County families and victims nationwide. Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us federal litigation authority that is critical for national hazing cases. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in diverse jurisdictions. We are prepared to travel to Washington County for depositions, trials, and client meetings, or consult remotely via video, ensuring distance is never a barrier to justice.
A Focus on Hazing & Deep Understanding of Your Child’s Ordeal
We have specific expertise in hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis injury recovery cases like Leonel’s. Ralph’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach gives him firsthand insight into team dynamics, institutional pressures, and the environments where hazing often thrives. We understand the physical, psychological, and academic devastation hazing inflicts.
“Se Habla Español”
We are proud to offer bilingual services, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Washington County receive comprehensive legal support without language barriers.
Compassion and Relentless Advocacy
Our firm operates under a strict contingency fee model: you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This commitment ensures that Washington County families, regardless of their financial situation, can access aggressive, expert counsel. We commit to unwavering communication, treating every client like family, as countless testimonials attest:
- “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
- “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
- “Consistency in communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
We are not just litigators; we are advocates for justice, relentlessly pursuing accountability against institutions that protect reputations over lives. When your family in Washington County needs help, we are truly your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
What to Do Right Now if Your Child Has Been Hazed
If your child in Washington County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the trauma may be overwhelming, swift action can significantly impact your ability to seek justice. Here is actionable guidance:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation from a doctor or hospital. Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis or internal damage might not be immediately apparent, and untreated physical or psychological trauma can have long-lasting complications. Crucially, medical records are vital evidence documenting the extent and nature of your child’s injuries. Any delay in seeking medical care can be used by the defense to argue that injuries were not severe or not caused by the hazing.
2. Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”
Hazing organizations and universities will move quickly to control the narrative and suppress evidence. You must act faster. As Ralph Manginello often states, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
- Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, medical bills, and therapy records.
- Photos and Videos: Take photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. Document the hazing location if possible, as well as any physical items used in the hazing. If your child is hospitalized, have someone photograph them in the hospital bed.
- Communications: This is often the smoking gun. Preserve all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communications related to the hazing. Do NOT delete anything, as this can be considered destruction of evidence. Even seemingly innocuous messages or social media posts might contain critical clues or context.
- Witness Information: Identify and gather contact information for any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or have relevant information.
- Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or agreements provided by the organization.
- Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the incident, including medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for a semester disrupted by the trauma.
- Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
3. Do NOT Engage Without Counsel
The fraternity, its national organization, and the university will have their own legal teams and risk management professionals whose primary goal is to protect their institution, not your child.
- Do NOT give any statements to the fraternity, sorority, or university administration without first consulting with an attorney.
- Do NOT sign any documents from the organization, as these may contain waivers of your legal rights.
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used against you by defense attorneys. Even seemingly innocent photos of your child appearing “fine” could be used to discredit their injuries or emotional trauma. (See our YouTube video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” for more guidance.)
4. Act Immediately – Time is Critical
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. While this may seem like ample time, evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records.
Do NOT wait. Victims often hesitate to report due to shame, fear of retaliation, or loyalty. However, every day of delay risks compromising your case and losing your legal rights. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized on November 6; our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate action is how we protect our clients’ rights and secure justice.
5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation
If your child has been subjected to hazing in Washington County or anywhere else, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free, confidential, and directly with our expert hazing litigation attorneys. We will assess your case, advise you on the best course of action, and, if we take your case, bear all upfront costs. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you get paid.
We understand the isolation and fear a family in Washington County might feel. Distance is not a barrier; we offer remote video consultations and are willing to travel to Washington County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary. We stand ready to protect your child, fight for your family, and hold every responsible party accountable.
Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Washington County Hazing Victims
The nightmare of hazing can leave a lasting scar on families in Washington County, turning academic dreams into a living hell. If your child has been a victim, you don’t have to face this alone. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle in courts right now. The same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation we are bringing to the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit is available to families like yours in Washington County.
Washington County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
# 📞1-888-ATTY-911
Email Us: ralph@atty911.com
Visit Our Website: attorney911.com
We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. You don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are $0 upfront costs for Washington County families.
What Makes Attorney911 the Right Choice for Washington County Hazing Litigaton?
- Active Litigation: We are not theoretical. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now, proving our commitment and expertise.
- Insider Knowledge: Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know the strategies and weaknesses of the opposition.
- Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue national fraternities and universities across state lines, including those attended by students from Washington County. We will travel for your case or provide remote consultations.
- Deep Understanding: We understand hazing tactics, medical consequences like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, and the psychological impact on victims.
- Compassionate but Aggressive: We offer a warm, empathetic approach to families while bringing tenacious, uncompromising advocacy to the courtroom. We treat your family like our own.
- No Upfront Cost: Our contingency fee model ensures that financial burdens do not prevent Washington County families from accessing top-tier legal representation.
We Represent Victims of Hazing From All Organizations:
Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent children and young adults from Washington County who have been subjected to abuse in:
- Fraternities and sororities at universities near Washington County
- Washington County sports teams
- Marching bands and other performing arts organizations
- ROTC programs and military academies
- Any student organization that uses abuse for “initiation”
To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:
We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Our lawsuit details how another pledge collapsed on October 15, and other pledges endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. Your silence protects your tormentors. You have legal rights, and we can help you find justice.
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. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.
Your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priority. Let us be your Legal Emergency Lawyers™ and fight for the justice your family deserves.