Washington Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — Chapters Closed, Millions Recovered | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new ideas, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were exploited by a system that prioritizes tradition and reputation over human dignity and safety. We’re here to help families in Washington fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we are not just legal advocates; we are warriors dedicated to dismantling the hazing culture that has plagued campuses across America. We understand the profound fear, anger, and devastation that washes over parents when their child is harmed by the very organizations meant to foster belonging. We are currently embroiled in a high-stakes, $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for the severe hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. This isn’t theoretical; this is real. This is happening right now in civil district court, and it reflects the aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation we bring to every hazing case, including those for families in Washington.

The Haunting Echoes of Houston: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez and Why It Matters to Washington Families

Just recently, in November 2025, our legal team at Attorney911 filed a lawsuit that is sending shockwaves through the collegiate Greek system and university administrations nationwide. This case, involving our brave client Leonel Bermudez, his fight against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and numerous individuals, is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of hazing today. It happened in Texas, just down the road from many of your children who may be attending colleges there or elsewhere, but the same patterns of abuse, the same fraternities, and the same institutional failures exist in Washington. We are ready to bring this same aggressive fight to Washington to protect your children.

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” planning his transfer for the upcoming semester, eager to become part of the Pi Kappa Phi brotherhood. What he found instead was weeks of sadistic abuse, culminating in a harrowing incident that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Imagine this: your child accepts a bid from a fraternity, the promise of camaraderie and connection. Instead, they are subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomit, only to be made to run sprints through their own puke. They are hog-tied, stripped to their underwear in cold weather, and forced to perform hundreds of painful physical exercises until their body literally breaks down. This isn’t a scene from a horror film; it’s what happened to Leonel Bermudez.

On November 3, 2025, after weeks of relentless hazing, Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was forced through a brutal regimen of 100+ pushups, 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. Our client suffered so intensely that he could not stand without help, crawling upstairs when he finally made it home. “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,” revealed lead attorney Ralph Manginello to ABC13. He passed brown urine, a classic sign that his muscles were breaking down and releasing toxins into his bloodstream.

Hospitalized for three nights and four days, Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the blood, overwhelming the kidneys. The long-term implications for his kidney health remain a serious concern.

This horrifying incident was not isolated. The lawsuit alleges that just a few weeks prior, on October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Just two days later, on October 15, yet another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he recovered. These individuals were forced to endure unimaginable physical and psychological torment.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. By November 14, just a week before our lawsuit was filed, the chapter was permanently closed, members voting to surrender their charter. The University of Houston, which actually owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred, released a statement calling the events “deeply disturbing” and mentioning “potential criminal charges.”

But this quick action, while welcome, does not absolve anyone of responsibility. Pi Kappa Phi’s own website stated, chillingly, that they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This statement, made while our client was recovering from kidney failure caused by their organization, reveals a profound lack of remorse and a chilling commitment to an abusive culture.

For families in Washington, the Bermudez case is a crucial warning. Pi Kappa Phi, like many national fraternities, has chapters across America, including those near major universities in Washington. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez could be happening in Pullman, Seattle, Cheney, Bellingham, or Tacoma. The same insidious culture of silence, the same institutional failures, and the same drive to protect reputation over safety exist, regardless of state lines.

As our own 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.” We believe this case will not only secure justice for Leonel but will serve as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message to fraternities and universities in Washington and beyond: hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and Why It’s Thriving in Washington

When most people think of hazing, they might picture harmless pranks or silly dares. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic torture, abuse, and even criminal assault. It’s happening in every state, including Washington, at universities your children attend, and in a variety of organizations from fraternities to sports teams.

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”

IT IS:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Sometimes manslaughter
• Sometimes murder

Let’s dissect the reality of hazing, drawing from our current litigation and years of experience representing victims. This is what hazing truly looks like in the 21st century, and Washington families need to be aware.

A Spectrum of Abuse: Hazing Activities Exposed

From the detailed allegations in our Bermudez lawsuit and the facts surfacing in other cases, we see a consistent pattern of abuse:

1. Physical Abuse and Brutality

• Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: Leonel Bermudez was made to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This is designed not to build strength, but to break the pledges down. The tragic consequence for Leonel was rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Beatings and Paddling: The Houston Chronicle reported that Leonel was “struck with wooden paddles.” This isn’t a game; it’s physical assault.
• Exposure to the Elements: Forcing pledges to strip to their underwear in cold weather or spraying them with a garden hose, as happened to Leonel, can lead to hypothermia and severe discomfort.
• Branding and Burning: While not in the Bermudez case, other hazing incidents have involved actual branding with hot irons or burning students.

2. Forced Consumption: A Deadly Ritual

• Food and Non-Food Substances: Leonel was forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was made to continue running sprints while covered in his own vomit, and even lie in it. This is designed to humiliate and exert control.
• Binge Drinking: This is the most common cause of hazing deaths. Students are pressured or forced to consume dangerous, even lethal, amounts of alcohol. Max Gruver at LSU died with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit. Andrew Coffey at FSU (Pi Kappa Phi, the same fraternity as our case) died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. This happens at universities in Washington too, where students are driven to alcohol poisoning by the very groups promising friendship.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel Bermudez was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” When used by nation-states, it draws international condemnation. When used by fraternities in Washington, it’s called hazing.
• Degradation and Embarrassment: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with sexually suggestive objects. Another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth. These acts are designed to break a student down psychologically, to make them subservient and compliant through shame.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members in the early morning hours, as Leonel was, or keeping them awake for extended periods, leads to exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability to further abuse.
• Threats and Coercion: Threats of physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity for non-compliance are common, creating a climate of fear that traps victims.

4. Sexual Hazing

• While not explicitly detailed as sexual assault in the Bermudez case, activities like forced nudity, exposure to sexually suggestive objects, or sexual acts are a horrific component of hazing in many organizations. This is among the most traumatizing forms of hazing and can inflict lifelong scars.

The Institutional Failure Behind Hazing

The disturbing truth is that hazing incidents like Leonel’s are not anomalies. They are symptoms of a systemic institutional failure.

• Universities know hazing happens. While institutions like the University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University, Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, or Western Washington University might publicly condemn hazing, they often fail to implement rigorous oversight or enforce deterrents until tragedy strikes. They have a documented pattern of prioritizing their image over student safety.
• National organizations know hazing happens. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi alleges that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017. Their public statement following Leonel’s hospitalization shows that instead of genuine remorse, they are already planning their “return to campus.”
• Silence and Intimidation: 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. Victims like Leonel Bermudez fear retribution for speaking out. This culture of silence protects perpetrators and allows abuse to flourish.

The Statistics Are Grim (and They Reflect What’s Happening in Washington)

• Prevalence: Studies show that 55% of students involved in Greek organizations and 40% of student athletes experience hazing. This is not limited to fraternities; it occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student groups.
• Deaths: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. These tragedies affect families in every state, and Washington is not immune.

The types of hazing activities that devastated Leonel Bermudez are not unique to one fraternity or one university in Texas. They are a widespread, dangerous reality across college campuses, including institutions like those in Washington where your children pursue their education. Parents in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Olympia need to understand: this is what hazing looks like, and it demands aggressive legal action to stop it.

Who Is Responsible for Hazing? We Sue Everyone Who Participated Or Allowed It

When a student is subjected to the horrific abuse of hazing, it’s natural to ask: who is to blame? The answer, as our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates, is almost always multiple parties. At Attorney911, we believe in relentless accountability. We don’t just go after the individuals who inflict the abuse; we tirelessly pursue every entity that enabled, encouraged, or failed to prevent it. We cast a wide net, ensuring that everyone who played a role in the trauma—from the individual student to the national organization and the university—is held responsible.

In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we are diligently pursuing a comprehensive list of defendants, each of whom bears a share of the blame:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter): This is the immediate perpetrator. The chapter directly organized, orchestrated, and conducted the hazing activities. Their leadership, policies (or lack thereof), and culture directly led to Leonel Bermudez’s grievous injuries. They created the environment of fear and coercion.

2. Chapter Officers (Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager): These individuals hold positions of authority within the local chapter and are directly responsible for the health and safety of their pledges. The fraternity president and pledgemaster, specifically named as defendants in our lawsuit, were actively involved in directing and overseeing the abusive activities. Their leadership, or lack thereof, directly contributed to the hazing. The risk manager, whose job it is to prevent such incidents, also bears significant responsibility.

3. Individual Members: Every fraternity member who participated in the hazing, encouraged it, or stood by and did nothing while it occurred can be held personally liable. These are not just “college kids”; they are individuals who committed assault, battery, and other potentially criminal acts. As seen in the Stone Foltz case, individual chapter officers can be held personally liable for millions of dollars, a clear warning to fraternity members in Washington that their actions have severe consequences.

4. Former Members: In the Bermudez case, former members and even their spouse are named as defendants because some of the “major hazing sessions” allegedly occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to alumni who provide venues or actively participate in hazing, holding them accountable for their role in perpetuating the culture of abuse. This element of premises liability expands who can be held responsible to include non-students.

5. National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): National organizations are often the “deepest pockets” in hazing litigation and bear immense responsibility. Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017—eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization. Their failure to implement effective safeguards, their knowledge of a pervasive “hazing crisis,” and their general oversight responsibility make them a primary target. The national organization has the power, resources, and obligation to ensure their chapters nationwide, including those at schools like the University of Washington or Washington State, adhere to anti-hazing policies. When they fail, they are liable.

6. The University (University of Houston, and potentially University of Washington, Washington State University, etc.): Universities have an undeniable duty to protect their students. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston’s liability is particularly glaring because it owned and controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This makes the university directly responsible under premises liability laws. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving a different fraternity, meaning they had clear knowledge of hazing prevalence on their campus. Their failure to implement adequate preventive measures or enforce their own rules, especially after a prior incident, demonstrates institutional negligence. Universities in Washington that house Greek life, operate under similar assumptions of responsibility for student safety, and when they look the other way or fail to act, they too become liable.

7. University Board of Regents/Trustees: For public institutions like the University of Houston, the Board of Regents or Trustees holds ultimate governance. They, too, can be named as defendants for institutional oversight failures. They are responsible for ensuring the university fulfills its duty to provide a safe educational environment.

8. Insurance Carriers: While not named as direct defendants in the initial lawsuit, insurance policies are the ultimate source of financial recovery. This includes the national fraternity’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, and potentially homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies for individual defendants. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insight into how these companies operate, strategize, and value claims—knowledge we now use to maximize recovery for our clients.

The Deep Pockets of Accountability

It is crucial to understand that our goal is not just to target vulnerable college students. While individual perpetrators are held accountable, the primary financial responsibility often lies with the “deep pockets”—the national fraternity organizations with millions in assets and comprehensive liability insurance, and the universities with substantial endowments and institutional insurance policies.

We leverage our comprehensive Hazing Intelligence Database, which tracks over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 metropolitan areas in Texas alone, including hundreds of IRS-registered organizations like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc in Frisco, Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc in College Station, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated in San Marcos. This granular data allows us to identify every entity behind the Greek letters—the house corporations, alumni chapters, and national headquarters—so we know exactly who to sue when hazing happens. We don’t guess; we know. And we will deploy this same level of investigative rigor for hazing victims in Washington.

When your child is hazed in Washington, we will trace every thread of responsibility, identify every liable party, and pursue them relentlessly. We will hold every institution, every organization, and every individual accountable for their role in the abuse, because parents in Washington deserve nothing less than full justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Hazing Accountability Is Possible

For families in Washington reeling from the trauma of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is often: can justice truly be served, and what does that justice look like financially? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Hazing cases, when aggressively litigated by experienced attorneys who understand the intricate web of liability, consistently result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These precedents are not mere statistics; they are battle-tested proof that we can and do secure substantial compensation for victims and their families.

The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations with chapters near Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Pullman, and other Washington communities is clear: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. And these same results are entirely possible for Washington victims.

Let’s look at some of the landmark cases that pave the way for our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and why they empower us to fight for Washington families:

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

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

• What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: This horrific case resulted in a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and a staggering $7.2 million settlement from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individual members. More recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in a personal judgment for his role.
• Why it Matters for Washington: This case established one of the largest public university hazing payouts in Ohio history. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with—and justified by—this precedent. It proves that both universities and national fraternities will pay multi-millions, and that individual perpetrators can face massive personal liability.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

• What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU’s Phi Delta Theta chapter, was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family an impactful $6.1 million verdict. Beyond the civil judgment, multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with some receiving prison time for negligent homicide. The case also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
• Why it Matters for Washington: This jury verdict demonstrates that when cases go to trial, juries are willing to impose substantial financial penalties on those responsible for hazing. It also highlights how these cases can powerfully drive legislative change, setting a higher bar for accountability in states like Washington.

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

Total Recovery: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

• What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a hazing event. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a catastrophic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire horrific ordeal.
• The Outcome: This case resulted in confidential settlements estimated to exceed $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, leading to multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in response.
• Why it Matters for Washington: The sheer magnitude of this settlement demonstrates the potential for enormous financial recovery in hazing cases, especially when the evidence is irrefutable and the negligence blatant. It underscores the profound cost of institutional indifference and serves as a powerful testament to holding all culpable parties accountable.

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

Confidential Settlement – Same Fraternity as Bermudez Case

• What Happened: Andrew Coffey died in November 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during an initiation ritual at Florida State’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter.
• The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. A confidential civil settlement was reached with his family.
• Why it Matters for Washington: THIS IS THE CRITICAL PRECEDENT FOR OUR BERMUDEZ CASE. Andrew Coffey’s death proves that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had undeniable knowledge of deadly hazing within its chapters in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a fundamental failure by Pi Kappa Phi National to address a known, deadly risk. This directly strengthens our claim for punitive damages against them—to punish this conscious indifference and deter future harm at their chapters operating near Washington.

Beyond the Millions: Driving Change

These multi-million dollar outcomes are more than just financial redress; they are statements. They force institutions and fraternities to take hazing seriously. They lead to new laws, stricter policies, and greater oversight. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not just about compensating him for his suffering; it’s about forcing change and sending a message that resonates across every campus in Washington and beyond: you cannot torture our children and expect to walk away.

We understand the specific dangers of hazing that may exist at colleges and universities in Washington, such as the University of Washington (Seattle-Tacoma), Washington State University (Pullman-Tri-Cities-Vancouver), Gonzaga University (Spokane), Seattle University, Western Washington University (Bellingham), Eastern Washington University (Cheney), Central Washington University (Ellensburg), and Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma). Fraternities like Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Pi Kappa Phi, with a documented history of severe hazing, maintain chapters at many of these institutions or similar ones across the state.

The families of Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, and Timothy Piazza, and now Leonel Bermudez, have courageously stood up against a culture of abuse. Their journeys prove that aggressive legal action can secure monumental victories, not just for the victims involved but for all students vulnerable to hazing. For families in Washington, these precedents offer powerful reassurance: justice is attainable, and Attorney911 knows how to fight for it.

Texas Law Protects You, and Federal Law Amplifies Your Rights, Washington

Hazing is more than just a college prank or a misguided tradition; in Washington, as in Texas, it is a crime and a civil offense that carries severe legal consequences. For families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is rooted in Texas, our expertise in hazing litigation, coupled with the nationwide reach of federal civil laws, means we can effectively represent victims in Washington. The principles of justice are universal, and the laws designed to protect students from abuse are robust.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, codified in the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These statutes define hazing broadly, outlawing acts that endanger mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or membership.

Key Provisions of Texas’s Anti-Hazing Law Applicable to Washington Cases:

1. Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person or a group, directed against a student for the purpose of joining an organization if it:

   • Involves physical brutality (whipping, striking, branding).
   • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or calisthenics that subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental/physical health.
   • Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substance that poses an unreasonable risk.
   • Requires performing a task that violates the Penal Code.
   • Involves coercing consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol.

   Washington Application: While Washington has its own hazing statutes (e.g., RCW 28B.10.901 through 28B.10.903), the detailed definitions under Texas law are often mirrored or paralleled in other states. The activities Leonel Bermudez endured—waterboarding, extreme physical exertion, forced eating—unequivocally fall under these definitions, providing a clear legal basis for our claims that is often transferable to other jurisdictions.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a criminal offense in Texas.

   • Engaging in hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor.
   • Hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s kidney failure) is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
   • Hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony, with penalties up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

   Washington Application: Many states, including Washington, also have criminal penalties for hazing. Our firm works closely with law enforcement when criminal acts occur, seeking justice through both civil and criminal avenues. The University of Houston spokesperson, in reference to Leonel Bermudez’s case, themselves noted “potential criminal charges,” underscoring the severity of the alleged conduct.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations that condone or encourage hazing, or whose officers or members commit hazing, face fines and can be denied permission to operate on campus.
   Washington Application: This is critical. It allows us to hold the fraternity chapter and the national organization directly accountable. When Pi Kappa Phi’s national entity shuts down a chapter, it is an admission of guilt that facilitates such organizational penalties. Universities in Washington also have the power to penalize Greek organizations for hazing violations, which often means suspension or permanent expulsion of the chapter from campus.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial provision.

   “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.”

   Washington Application: This powerfully dismantles the common defense strategy: “he agreed to participate,” or “he could have left.” Texas law, like the laws in many other states, explicitly states that a victim cannot legally “consent” to being hazed. The inherent power imbalance, the psychological manipulation, and the fear of social retaliation involved in hazing negate any claim of genuine consent. This principle means we can focus squarely on the actions of the perpetrators and institutions, rather than the victim’s perceived choices.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Suing for Justice in Washington

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits provide victims and families in Washington with the means to recover damages for their injuries and suffering. Our firm leverages a variety of civil liability theories, applicable in Washington and across the nation:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury claims. We argue that the university, national fraternity, local chapter, and individual members owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing violent hazing), which directly caused the student’s injuries, resulting in damages.
2. Premises Liability: As in the Bermudez case where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house, universities and property owners can be held liable if hazing occurs on their property and they failed to maintain a safe environment or address dangerous conditions. This is particularly relevant for university-owned housing in Washington.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory holds national organizations liable for failing to adequately supervise their chapters and prevent hazing, and universities liable for failing to monitor Greek life organizations on their campus. Given Pi Kappa Phi’s history (Andrew Coffey’s death) and the University of Houston’s prior hazing incident, this is a strong pathway in our current case.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual hazing perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact. Acts like paddling, forced water administration, or physical abuse clearly fall under these categories.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies when the hazing conduct is truly outrageous and causes severe emotional suffering, such as PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression. Waterboarding, as described in Bermudez’s case, is a prime example of such outrageous conduct.
6. Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a student’s death, families can sue for wrongful death, seeking compensation for loss of companionship, financial support, and punitive damages.

Federal Law: Expanding Our Reach to Washington

Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage when pursuing hazing cases across the United States. Federal civil rights claims, such as those made under Title IX when hazing involves sexual abuse or harassment, can be pursued regardless of state lines. This means that even if a Washington state hazing statute has limitations, our ability to argue negligence, assault, battery, and constitutional violations in federal court ensures that victims in Washington have a powerful path to justice.

Hazing is illegal. It is dangerous. And for parents in Washington, understanding these legal avenues—whether through state or federal law—is the first step toward reclaiming justice for a child whose trust was shattered and whose safety was violated. We leverage every legal tool available to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Washington Families: Experience, Insight, and Unwavering Commitment

When your world is shattered by a hazing incident, selecting the right legal team is paramount. You need more than just an attorney; you need warriors who understand the intricate landscape of hazing litigation, who possess the insider knowledge to dismantle institutional defenses, and who are relentless in their pursuit of justice. For families in Washington seeking aggressive, empathetic, and effective representation, Attorney911 stands apart.

We are not a general personal injury firm dabbling in hazing cases. We are actively fighting the battle against hazing right now, at the forefront of this complex litigation. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez is not just another case; it is the embodiment of our firm’s core values: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and unyielding accountability. We bring this same level of dedication and expertise to hazing victims in Washington.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice for Washington families enduring the nightmare of hazing:

1. Active, Front-Line Experience: We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW.

   • The Bermudez Case is Our Proof: Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and numerous individuals is a live, ongoing fight. This isn’t theoretical expertise; this is real-time, in-the-trenches litigation against a national fraternity and a major state university. Washington families benefit directly from the strategies, insights, and precedents we are building right now.
   • Our Attorneys Are Quoted in the Media: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are on the record in major Houston news outlets discussing the Bermudez case. We are not afraid to put our names, our faces, and our commitment to hazing victims on the line.

2. Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook Because We Wrote It.

   • Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena cut their teeth representing insurance companies and large corporations. Lupe worked for a nationwide insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, defending multi-million dollar products liability, construction, and personal injury cases. Ralph also spent years on the defense side. This is an unparalleled advantage. We understand exactly how insurance companies, national fraternities with chapters near Washington’s universities, and university legal teams strategize, value claims, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We know their weaknesses, their delay tactics, and their internal processes, allowing us to anticipate their moves and dismantle their defenses to maximize recovery for Washington victims. It’s like having military intelligence from inside the enemy’s war room.

3. Aggressive Litigation Against Major Players: Proving Capacity and Grit.

   • BP Texas City Explosion Litigation (2005): Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds. This experience proves our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, manage complex, high-stakes cases, and secure justice against seemingly insurmountable odds—the very kind of fight required against national fraternities and major universities in Washington.

4. Nationwide Reach with Local Sensitivity for Washington Families.

   • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are admitted to the U.S. District Court. This federal authority allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, regardless of where the incident occurred in Washington. Hazing often involves federal laws, such as Title IX for cases involving sexual assault or harassment, expanding the legal avenues available to Washington victims.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual-state admission provides a strategic advantage for hazing cases involving national fraternities or universities with headquarters or significant operations outside of Washington. It allows us to seamlessly navigate multi-state legal complexities.
   • We Travel to Washington: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We regularly travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. For initial consultations, Washington families can easily connect with us through video conferencing, ensuring prompt access to expert legal advice regardless of geographic location.
   • “We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every institution in Washington, every national organization, and every individual who thinks they can torture our kids and walk away,” is our promise.

5. Data-Driven Investigation and Strategy: We Don’t Guess, We Know.

   • Hazing Intelligence Database: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc in Frisco, Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc in College Station, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated in San Marcos. This includes EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. This allows us to identify and target every liable entity, ensuring no one hides behind corporate veils, whether they are in Houston or operating near universities in Washington. We deploy this same rigorous investigative approach for hazing incidents in Washington.
   • Pattern Evidence: Our deep understanding of past hazing cases, such as the Andrew Coffey death, allows us to establish powerful pattern evidence against fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, showing a history of negligence and conscious indifference. This strengthens claims for punitive damages for Washington victims.

6. Empathetic Advocacy and Clear Communication: You Are Part of Our Family.

   • “You are Family to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” as one client review states. We understand the profound emotional toll hazing takes. Our bilingual staff ensures no Washington family is left unheard—se habla español—and we are committed to transparent, consistent communication. You will always know the status of your case and what to expect.
   • Contingency Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means Washington families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes the financial burden, allowing you to focus on healing while we focus on justice. “We don’t get paid unless we WIN your case.”

7. Proven Track Record and Community Commitment:

   • Hundreds of Cases, Millions Recovered: Our long history of successful personal injury and wrongful death cases, both big and small, means we know how to secure maximum compensation.
   • Community Values: Ralph’s involvement in youth sports and his support for organizations like Crime Stoppers of Houston reflect a deep commitment to community safety and protecting the vulnerable. Lupe’s roots in Texas and finance background add valuable layers of business acumen to our legal strategy. Their genuine care for victims is palpable.

For Washington families facing the aftermath of a hazing incident at the University of Washington, Washington State University, or any other institution, Attorney911 offers not just legal representation, but a partnership built on trust, expertise, and a shared dedication to eradicating hazing. We come to Washington for your case, providing video consultations and making sure distance is never a barrier to justice. “We simply won’t rest until we achieve justice and hold every responsible party accountable.”

What To Do Right Now: An Urgent Guide for Washington Families After Hazing

In the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident, especially one as traumatic as what Leonel Bermudez endured, parents and victims in Washington can feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what steps to take. The actions you take—or fail to take—in the first hours and days can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. At Attorney911, we understand this critical window and provide clear, actionable guidance to Washington families.

TIME IS CRITICAL. EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS. ACT NOW.

STEP 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute priority.

• Remove Your Child from the Situation: If hazing is ongoing, ensure your child is immediately safe and away from the perpetrators.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury, may not manifest symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain. For Leonel Bermudez, his symptoms worsened over days before his mother rushed him to the hospital.
  • Go to the Emergency Room: If there’s any doubt, go to the nearest ER in Washington.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms (physical and psychological), and the alleged cause are meticulously documented in medical records. Explain to doctors exactly what happened—forced exercise, forced alcohol, waterboarding, etc.
  • Follow Doctor’s Orders: Adhere strictly to all medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and pursue recommended therapies (physical, psychological). Any deviation will be used by defense attorneys to argue that injuries weren’t severe or treatment wasn’t necessary.

STEP 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – Digital and Physical (CRITICAL)

In hazing cases, the perpetrators often rely on secrecy and silence. Your ability to document and preserve evidence is paramount.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most damning evidence.
  • Text Messages: Crucial for showing coordination of hazing events, threats, instructions, and discussions among members. Save ALL texts, including GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, and Facebook Messenger.
  • Photos and Videos: Screenshots of any relevant social media posts, stories, or messages. If there are photos or videos of hazing activities, even if others took them, secure copies.
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Do not delete any messages, photos, or social media posts, even if they seem irrelevant or unflattering. Deleting evidence (spoliation) can severely damage your case.
• Photos of Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) immediately, and continue to document the healing process over time.
• Hazing Paraphernalia: If safe to do so, document any physical objects used in hazing (paddles, specific clothing, degrading items). Do not touch or disturb if it’s a crime scene.
• Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “big-little” reveal documents, or any other paper documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work or internships), and any tuition or fees for the semester impacted.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

IMPORTANT WARNING: DO NOT. DO NOT. DO NOT.

• DO NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administration, or their lawyers without consulting us first. They will attempt to control the narrative, gather information to use against you, or pressure you into silence.
• DO NOT sign anything from the organization or university. You may unknowingly waive critical 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 posts can be twisted to undermine your credibility.

STEP 3: Identify Witnesses

Witnesses are crucial for corroborating your child’s story.

• Other Pledges: Secretly identify other pledges who were present or witnessed hazing. They may be reluctant to come forward, but their testimony can be invaluable.
• Bystanders: Anyone who saw or heard hazing activities.
• Contact Information: Secure names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for potential witnesses.

STEP 4: Understand the Statute of Limitations and ACT FAST

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to the organization. However, delaying action can be catastrophic for a legal case.

• Statute of Limitations: In most states, including Washington, there is a limited time period (typically two to three years from the date of injury or discovery of injury) to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your legal rights forever.
• Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely digital evidence is deleted, physical evidence is removed, and witness memories fade.
• Act Immediately: For Leonel Bermudez, his hospitalization occurred on November 6, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate action is how you protect your rights.

STEP 5: Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – FREE Consultation

This is the most crucial step for Washington families seeking justice.

• Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: Our phone lines are open 24/7. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
• Email Us: You can also reach us at ralph@atty911.com.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. We will review your child’s case, explain their legal rights, and discuss the best course of action without any obligation. We offer video consultations for Washington families who cannot travel to our offices.
• Contingency Fees: Remember, with Attorney911, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. This removes financial barriers and allows any Washington family to pursue justice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hazing is a legal emergency. We are legal emergency lawyers. You don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are fighting this battle right now for victims like Leonel Bermudez, and we will bring that same aggressive, unwavering commitment to Washington families.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us fight for your child.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Washington Hazing Victims

If your family in Washington is reeling from the trauma of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. In this terrifying moment, you need immediate, aggressive, and expert legal help. At Attorney911, we are your legal emergency lawyers, and we are ready to stand with you. Our dedication to dismantling hazing culture, as demonstrated by our active $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, is unwavering, and we bring this same fight to Washington.

This isn’t a plea; it’s a promise: We will fight for Washington hazing victims with the same fury we’re bringing to our current cases, and we will not rest until every responsible party is held accountable.

Washington Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

We understand that reaching out is a huge step. You may be scared, angry, or exhausted. That’s why we make it simple and risk-free to connect with us.

📞 Immediate Help for Washington Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: Hazing emergencies don’t keep office hours, and neither do we. Our hotline is available around the clock to ensure you can reach expert legal advice precisely when you need it most.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us is always free and entirely confidential. There is no obligation, only a compassionate ear and expert guidance. We will listen to your story, evaluate your child’s case, and explain their legal rights without any cost to you.
• No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: We know the financial strain a hazing incident can place on a family. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. Our fees are paid only if we successfully secure compensation for you. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to all Washington families, regardless of financial circumstances.

Email Us Directly:

• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• For less urgent inquiries or to send initial details, feel free to email our managing partner directly.

Visit Our Website:

• Website: attorney911.com
• Learn more about our firm, our approach, and our successful track record in personal injury and complex litigation.

We Serve Washington Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach extends far beyond. Hazing is a national crisis, affecting students at colleges and universities across Washington and every other state.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, granting us the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdictions, a critical advantage when national fraternities and universities are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello’s licenses in both Texas and New York provide a strategic edge in navigating complex multi-state litigation, particularly when national organizations are involved.
• Video Consultations: For Washington families and victims who cannot travel, we offer convenient and secure video consultations. You can meet with our expert attorneys face-to-face from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• Commitment to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are fully prepared to travel to Washington for depositions, critical meetings, and trials whenever your case demands our presence on the ground.

Your Call Can Make a Difference

As Lupe Pena said for the Bermudez case, “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 decision to come forward can not only secure justice and compensation for your child but can also contribute to dismantling a dangerous culture, protecting future generations of students in Washington and across the country.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Your legal rights have deadlines. Take the first step towards healing and accountability today.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Let us be your champion in this fight.