🛡️ Attorney 911 — Hazing Victim Legal Representation for Wayne County, New York

Justice for Hazing Victims — No Matter Where You Are

“What happened to our client at University of Houston — waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, wooden paddles — happens at colleges across America. Including right here in Wayne County. If your child was hazed at a Wayne County university, fraternity, or sorority, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this $10 million case. You are not alone. Enough is enough.”

— Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña, Attorney 911

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Wayne County, New York

Wayne County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They trust Greek organizations to uphold values of brotherhood and sisterhood.

That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.” It isn’t “boys being boys.”

It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. Sometimes, it’s manslaughter.

And it’s happening right here in Wayne County.

⚠️ This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen Here.

The Case That Proves Hazing Is Everywhere

On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during pledge activities.

What they did to him:

• Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced him to eat until vomiting, then made him keep exercising
• Hog-tied another pledge with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Deprived him of sleep — forced him to drive members at all hours
• Humiliated him — carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather

The result:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition
• 4 days in the hospital — fighting for his life

And here’s the outrageous part:

• He wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — someone they hazed before he even enrolled.
• The same fraternity had a member die from hazing in 2017. They had 8 years to fix their culture. They didn’t.
• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. They had 8 years to implement real oversight after another hazing hospitalization in 2017. They didn’t.

Why This Matters to Wayne County Families

The same fraternities operate at Wayne County universities.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — these are national organizations with chapters across America, including right here in Wayne County.

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston happen in Wayne County.

Waterboarding. Forced drinking. Extreme physical punishment. Humiliation. Sleep deprivation. These aren’t isolated incidents — they’re part of a culture.

Wayne County universities face the same liability failures as UH.

When a university owns or controls a fraternity house, they have a duty to ensure student safety. When they fail to act on reports of hazing, they’re complicit.

Wayne County parents: Your child could be next.

And if they are, you deserve a law firm that knows how to fight back.

⚖️ Wayne County Hazing Victims Have Legal Rights

Hazing Is Illegal in New York

New York has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under New York Education Law § 6450, hazing is defined as:

“Any act, whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects another person to anything that may endanger, abuse, degrade or intimidate the person as a condition of association with a group or organization, regardless of the person’s consent or lack of consent.”

This means:

• Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter.
• Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing.
• National organizations can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters.
• Individuals can be held personally liable for their actions.

Who Can Be Sued in Wayne County Hazing Cases?

Wayne County families: These defendants have deep pockets.

• National organizations have millions in assets and insurance
• Universities have substantial endowments and insurance
• This isn’t about suing broke college students — it’s about holding institutions accountable.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Prove You Can Win

Hazing cases do not settle for pennies. They settle for millions. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent years:

These aren’t outliers. These are what happens when hazing victims fight back.

Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly in line with these precedents.

🏢 Wayne County Universities & Greek Life — The Risk Is Real

Wayne County is home to Finger Lakes Community College, and is near major universities including:

• University of Rochester (25 miles)
• Rochester Institute of Technology (30 miles)
• Syracuse University (50 miles)
• Cornell University (60 miles)
• SUNY Brockport (20 miles)
• SUNY Geneseo (30 miles)

All of these institutions have active Greek life programs.

All of them face the same risks as University of Houston:

• National fraternities with chapters on campus
• Universities that own or control fraternity housing
• Administrations that fail to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Students who are pressured into dangerous “traditions”

Wayne County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Wayne County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can have delayed symptoms
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
✅ Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
✅ Document everything — write down what happened, when, who was involved
✅ Get witness names and contact information
✅ Save physical evidence — clothing, objects used in hazing
✅ Do NOT delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing or incriminating

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• They will try to control the narrative
• They will ask you to sign documents that waive your rights
• They will pressure you to stay quiet
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you
• Even innocent posts (“I’m fine!”) can be twisted to claim you weren’t hurt
• Do not engage with Greek life members online
• Do not delete old posts (that’s destruction of evidence)

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Wayne County families
• $0 upfront cost — we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
• Nationwide representation — we serve hazing victims across America
• Aggressive litigation — we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing case
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks

🔍 How We Build Your Wayne County Hazing Case

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep evidence
• Obtain text messages, social media, photos, videos before they’re deleted
• Secure witness statements while memories are fresh

2. Medical Documentation

• Work with medical experts to document injuries
• Calculate past and future medical expenses
• Assess long-term health consequences (kidney damage, PTSD, etc.)

3. Pattern Evidence

• Investigate prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Research national organization’s history of hazing violations
• Identify institutional knowledge — did the university know this was happening?

4. Liability Analysis

• Determine who is responsible — chapter, nationals, university, individuals
• Establish negligence — failure to supervise, failure to protect
• Prove intentional torts — assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress

5. Damages Calculation

• Economic damages — medical bills, lost wages, educational disruption
• Non-economic damages — pain and suffering, mental anguish, PTSD
• Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing

6. Aggressive Litigation

• File lawsuit against all responsible parties
• Conduct aggressive discovery — depositions, document requests
• Negotiate from position of strength
• Try the case if necessary — we’re not afraid to go to court

🎯 Why Wayne County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• We know exactly how to build these cases
• We know exactly how to hold institutions accountable
• Wayne County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims
• We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — now we use it against them

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Wayne County

• Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims across America
• Federal court authority — we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
• Video consultations — meet with us remotely
• We travel to Wayne County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials

4. Proven Track Record of Results

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph)
• 12+ years of litigation experience (Lupe)
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
• Hazing-specific expertise — rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M cases

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish
• We serve Spanish-speaking Wayne County families without language barriers
• All consultations available in Spanish

6. We Care About Our Clients

“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.” — Ralph Manginello

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families. We’re not just fighting for compensation — we’re fighting for justice, accountability, and change.

📞 Wayne County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child was hazed at a Wayne County university or college, you have legal rights. You have options. You are not powerless.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Wayne County hazing emergencies.

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Wayne County Families

1. My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Is it still worth calling a lawyer?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, hazing can cause:

• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Academic decline
• Social withdrawal
• Trust issues

These are serious harms that deserve compensation. We can help.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still be held liable?

Yes. New York law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter. The law is clear: you cannot consent to being hazed.

3. We’re worried about retaliation. How do you protect my child?

We take retaliation concerns very seriously. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was fearful of retribution for speaking out.

How we protect your child:

• Confidential consultations — no one needs to know you called
• Legal protections against retaliation — it’s illegal under Title IX and other laws
• Anonymity in early stages — we can investigate without revealing your identity
• Aggressive legal action against anyone who retaliates

4. My child attends college outside Wayne County. Can you still help?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• University of Rochester
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Syracuse University
• Cornell University
• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY Geneseo
• Any college or university in America

Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and will travel to you for depositions and meetings.

5. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery — typically 33-40%

If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

6. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Every case is different, but most hazing cases follow this timeline:

• First 3 months: Investigation, evidence gathering, filing lawsuit
• 3-12 months: Discovery (depositions, document requests)
• 6-18 months: Settlement negotiations
• 12-24+ months: If no settlement, trial

Severe cases with multiple defendants (like our Pi Kappa Phi case) can take 2-3 years.

7. What if the hazing happened months or years ago?

New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. However, there are exceptions:

• Delayed discovery — if injuries weren’t immediately apparent
• Minor victims — statute may be tolled until victim turns 18
• Ongoing hazing — each incident may restart the clock

Even if you think it’s too late, call us. We can evaluate your case and determine if you still have time to take action.

8. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate?

Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing if they:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement effective oversight
• Had prior incidents and didn’t act

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. They are named as defendants in the lawsuit.

9. What if my child was hazed but didn’t want to report it?

Many hazing victims don’t report because of:

• Fear of retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Shame or embarrassment
• Not recognizing it as hazing

You don’t need your child’s permission to call us. We can:

• Explain their legal rights
• Discuss options confidentially
• Help them understand the process
• Protect them from retaliation

10. How much is my Wayne County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• Severity of injuries — hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage
• Egregiousness of conduct — torture, sexual assault, life-threatening activities
• Pattern of abuse — was this a one-time incident or systematic hazing?
• Institutional knowledge — did the university or national organization know about prior incidents?
• Defendant’s ability to pay — universities and national organizations have deep pockets

Our Pi Kappa Phi case is seeking $10 million for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Your case could be worth similar amounts depending on the facts.

🏆 Our Commitment to Wayne County Hazing Victims

1. We Will Listen Without Judgment

Hazing victims often feel shame, embarrassment, and guilt. We understand. We will listen to your story without judgment and help you explore your options.

2. We Will Fight Aggressively

We are not afraid of universities or national fraternities. We are not intimidated by their lawyers or insurance companies. We will fight for every dollar you deserve.

3. We Will Protect Your Privacy

Your case will be handled confidentially. We will protect your identity and your child’s identity to the fullest extent possible.

4. We Will Seek Justice, Not Just Money

While compensation is important, we also seek accountability and change. We want to:

• Hold the perpetrators responsible
• Force institutions to implement real safeguards
• Prevent this from happening to another Wayne County family

5. We Will Be There for You

We understand that this is a traumatic experience. We will support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final resolution.

📢 To Wayne County Fraternities and Sororities: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Delta Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Gamma Delta —

If your chapter operates in Wayne County or at a nearby university, know this:

We are watching. We are tracking. We are ready.

The same legal strategies that are securing $10 million verdicts across America apply to your chapter.

The same punitive damages that punish egregious conduct apply to your members.

The same institutional liability that holds universities accountable applies to your national organization.

If you haze students in Wayne County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your Wayne County chapter could be next.

🏛️ To Wayne County Universities: The Choice Is Yours

University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Cornell University, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Geneseo —

You have a duty to protect your students. When you own or control fraternity housing, you have a legal responsibility to ensure student safety.

When you fail to act on reports of hazing, you become complicit.

When you have prior incidents and don’t implement real change, you become liable.

The choice is yours:

• Implement real oversight now — before another student is hospitalized or killed
• Or face multi-million dollar lawsuits — like University of Houston is facing right now

We don’t want to sue you. But we will if you force us to.

💔 To Wayne County Families Who Have Lost Children to Hazing

If your child died from hazing, we are so sorry for your loss.

Nothing can bring your child back. But we can help you seek justice.

Wrongful death claims allow families to sue for:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future earnings
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

These cases often result in the highest verdicts because juries understand the lifetime of loss families endure.

Call us. Let us fight for your child’s legacy.

🚀 Wayne County Families: Take Action Today

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not harmless fun.

It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s sometimes murder.

And it has to stop.

If your child was hazed at a Wayne County university or college, you have legal rights. You have options. You are not alone.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Wayne County hazing emergencies.

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win.

🔥 Enough Is Enough. Justice Starts Now.

Wayne County families: Your child deserves better. Your family deserves justice. The time to act is now.