🚨 Westchester County Hazing Lawyer — Aggressive Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims

Westchester County families: If your child was hazed, abused, or injured by a fraternity, sorority, or university organization, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Westchester County.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Westchester County. The same negligence exists at Westchester County institutions. We will fight for Westchester County victims with the same fury.

📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing

We represent Westchester County hazing victims nationwide. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Westchester County — What Families Need to Know

Westchester County is home to prestigious universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. Students from Westchester County attend institutions across New York and the nation, expecting to be safe. But the reality is that hazing is happening right now at Westchester County-area schools — and it’s not “tradition.” It’s abuse.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. In New York State, hazing is a crime.

Common hazing activities include:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise until collapse, beatings, paddling, waterboarding, sleep deprivation
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Dangerous stunts: Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure, confined spaces

These aren’t pranks. These aren’t rites of passage. These are crimes.

💔 Real Hazing Incidents — This Is Happening to Westchester County Students

The Case We’re Fighting Right Now — Proof That Hazing Is Alive in 2025

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a student at the University of Houston. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer for the upcoming semester. In Fall 2025, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

What followed was weeks of systematic torture:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a war crime when used on enemy combatants
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with a weapon
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — fraternity members did nothing

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

This happened in 2025. This is not history. This is happening now — and it could be happening to your child at a Westchester County-area university.

📰 This case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media. We are fighting for justice for Leonel Bermudez — and we will fight for Westchester County families too.

Westchester County Families: This Could Be Your Child

The same fraternities that hazed Leonel Bermudez have chapters at universities near Westchester County, including:

• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• New York University (NYU) (New York, NY)
• Fordham University (Bronx, NY)
• Pace University (Pleasantville, NY)
• Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY)
• Iona University (New Rochelle, NY)
• College of Mount Saint Vincent (Riverdale, NY)
• Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
• And many more

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — these organizations operate near Westchester County. They have the same hazing cultures that sent Leonel Bermudez to the hospital.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Westchester County-area university, they face the same risks.

⚖️ Westchester County Hazing Victims Have Legal Rights

New York State Hazing Law — You Are Protected

New York Education Law § 6450 defines hazing as:

“Any act, whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass or intimidate such person, or which may in any fashion compromise the inherent dignity of such person, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”

Penalties in New York:

• Hazing in the first degree: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail)
• Hazing in the second degree: Violation (up to 15 days in jail)
• Organizational liability: Fines, loss of recognition, forfeiture of property

Importantly, consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

Civil Liability — Who Can Be Sued in Westchester County Hazing Cases

Hazing doesn’t just violate criminal law — it creates civil liability. Westchester County families can sue for compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

Potential defendants in Westchester County hazing cases include:

These defendants have deep pockets. National fraternities and universities carry substantial insurance policies and have significant assets. Westchester County families can recover substantial compensation.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents — Westchester County Victims Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are real cases that prove Westchester County families can recover substantial compensation:

These cases prove that juries and courts take hazing seriously. The same results are possible for Westchester County victims.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Westchester County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable — it can cause life-threatening injuries with long-term consequences. Westchester County parents should be aware of these medical risks:

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Like Our Client in the UH Case)

• What it is: Breakdown of muscle tissue releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream
• Causes: Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, etc.)
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine (brown/red), fatigue, confusion
• Complications: Acute kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmias, compartment syndrome, death
• Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis

Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This is a real, life-threatening consequence of hazing.

2. Alcohol Poisoning

• What it is: Overdose of alcohol causing central nervous system depression
• Causes: Forced binge drinking, “drinking games,” pressure to consume large amounts
• Symptoms: Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow/irregular breathing, blue skin, unconsciousness
• Complications: Death, brain damage, aspiration pneumonia
• Treatment: Emergency medical care, potential intubation

This is the most common cause of hazing deaths.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury

• What it is: Brain damage from physical trauma
• Causes: Beatings, falls, being struck with objects (paddles, etc.)
• Symptoms: Headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, memory loss, mood changes
• Complications: Permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, disability

4. Heat Stroke / Hypothermia

• What it is: Extreme body temperature dysregulation
• Causes: Forced exposure to heat or cold (e.g., stripped to underwear in cold weather)
• Symptoms: Confusion, nausea, rapid pulse, unconsciousness
• Complications: Organ failure, death

5. Psychological Trauma

• What it is: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
• Causes: Humiliation, degradation, threats, waterboarding, sexual abuse
• Symptoms: Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, emotional numbness, self-harm
• Complications: Long-term mental health disorders, substance abuse, suicide

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries — it causes lifelong psychological scars.

🚨 Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Westchester County

Hazing is often kept secret. Westchester County parents should watch for these warning signs that your child may be a victim of hazing:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Avoidance of certain topics or groups
• Unusual fatigue or sleep disturbances
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Fear of attending school or events

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Difficulty walking or moving (could indicate rhabdomyolysis)
• Extreme weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Changes in eating habits
• Dark urine (sign of muscle breakdown)

Communication Patterns:

• Reluctance to discuss Greek life or organizational activities
• Defensive when asked about “pledging” or “initiation”
• Mentions of “traditions” that seem concerning
• References to “brothers” or “sisters” in a fearful or negative context
• Sudden use of Greek letters or fraternity/sorority slang

Financial Red Flags:

• Unexplained expenses (fees, “donations,” purchases)
• Requests for money with vague explanations
• Missing cash or valuables

Social Media Clues:

• Sudden deletion of social media posts or accounts
• Posts about “earning” something or “proving” themselves
• Cryptic messages about “tests” or “challenges”
• Photos showing concerning activities (excessive drinking, physical stunts)

If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Act immediately.

📞 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Westchester County

Step 1: Ensure Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
• If they are injured, seek medical attention immediately
• Remove them from the dangerous situation if possible

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries
• Save all communications (texts, emails, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Document everything your child tells you about what happened
• Write down names of people involved, witnesses, locations
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant

Step 3: Report the Incident

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in New York
• Report to the university — file a formal complaint with the school’s Title IX office or student affairs
• Report to the national organization — if Greek life is involved
• Report to the housing corporation — if hazing occurred in a fraternity/sorority house

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are crucial for legal claims

Step 5: Contact an Attorney

• Do not speak to the fraternity, sorority, university, or their insurance companies without legal counsel
• Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
• We will handle all communications and protect your rights

Step 6: Support Your Child

• Reassure them they did nothing wrong
• Encourage them to seek counseling for trauma
• Help them rebuild their confidence and sense of safety

❌ What NOT to Do — Critical Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Do not confront the fraternity/sorority directly — They will destroy evidence and coordinate their story
❌ Do not post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
❌ Do not sign anything — Organizations may try to get you to sign liability waivers
❌ Do not accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney — First offers are always lowball
❌ Do not delay seeking medical attention — Delays hurt your legal case
❌ Do not assume it’s “not that bad” — What seems minor now may have serious long-term consequences
❌ Do not let the statute of limitations expire — You have a limited time to take legal action

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Westchester County Hazing? We Sue Everyone Responsible

1. The Local Chapter — Direct Perpetrators

Why they’re liable: The local chapter directly organizes and conducts hazing activities. They are the ones who waterboarded, beat, and forced Leonel Bermudez to do 500 squats.

What we sue for:

• Negligence
• Assault and battery
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Premises liability (if hazing occurred at their house)

2. The National Organization — Failed Oversight

Why they’re liable: National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters. They knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 and did nothing to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025.

What we sue for:

• Negligent supervision
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Pattern of negligence (prior incidents)
• Vicarious liability for chapter actions

Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement proves they knew:

“Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously.”

If they took it seriously, why did Andrew Coffey die in 2017 and Leonel Bermudez end up in the hospital in 2025?

3. The University — Institutional Failure

Why they’re liable: Universities have a duty to protect students. They know hazing happens. They have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down dangerous organizations — but they often fail to act until someone is hospitalized or dies.

In our UH case:

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
• They did nothing to prevent this from happening again

What we sue for:

• Negligent supervision of Greek life
• Premises liability (if they own the property)
• Failure to protect students
• Deliberate indifference

4. Chapter Officers — Leadership Responsibility

Why they’re liable: Chapter presidents, pledgemasters, and other officers direct hazing activities. They set the culture. They decide what’s acceptable.

In the Stone Foltz case:

• The chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

What we sue for:

• Negligence
• Assault and battery
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Conspiracy

5. Individual Members — Active Participants

Why they’re liable: Every member who participates in or fails to stop hazing can be held personally liable.

What we sue for:

• Assault and battery
• Negligence
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

6. Alumni — Facilitators of Abuse

Why they’re liable: Alumni often host hazing events at their homes. They provide locations, alcohol, and supervision. They enable the culture to continue.

In our UH case:

• A former member and his spouse are named as defendants because hazing occurred at their residence

What we sue for:

• Premises liability
• Negligent supervision
• Aiding and abetting

7. Housing Corporations — Property Owners

Why they’re liable: Housing corporations own the fraternity and sorority houses. They have a duty to maintain safe premises and prevent illegal activities.

What we sue for:

• Premises liability
• Negligent maintenance

💰 What Westchester County Families Can Recover — Damages in Hazing Cases

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays (our client was hospitalized for 4 days)
• Diagnostic tests
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Mental health treatment (therapy, counseling)
• Future medical care (if injuries cause long-term complications)

2. Lost Wages & Earning Capacity

• Time missed from work during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries cause permanent limitations
• Lost internship or job opportunities

3. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress from abuse
• Humiliation and degradation
• Fear of retribution (our client is afraid to speak publicly)

4. Mental Anguish

• PTSD from waterboarding, beatings, or other abuse
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Loss of enjoyment of life

5. Punitive Damages

• Awarded when conduct is particularly egregious
• Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct
• Appropriate when organizations knowingly allow dangerous hazing to continue

In the Maxwell Gruver case, the jury awarded $6.1 million in punitive damages.

6. Wrongful Death (If Applicable)

• If hazing results in death, families can sue for:
  • Loss of companionship
  • Funeral expenses
  • Future earnings
  • Pain and suffering before death

⏳ Westchester County Statute of Limitations — Act Now

New York State has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. Contact Attorney 911 immediately if your child has been hazed.

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Westchester County Hazing Case?

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

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

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort against major corporation
• Wrongful death cases — Representing families who lost loved ones
• Catastrophic injury cases — Rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury
• High-profile criminal defense — Experience in complex, media-intensive cases

4. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Nationwide

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York)
• Can pursue Westchester County cases in federal court
• Can coordinate with local counsel if needed

5. We Come to Westchester County

• We offer video consultations for Westchester County families
• We travel to Westchester County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

6. $0 Upfront — Contingency Fee Representation

• You pay nothing upfront
• We don’t get paid unless you win
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We take the risk — you get the justice

7. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Fluent Spanish-speaking staff
• Bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families
• No language barriers to justice

8. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics and locker room culture
• We know how Greek life operates
• We know the pressures students face
• We know how to expose the truth

9. We Have Media Connections

• Our UH hazing case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
• We know how to use media to apply pressure and drive accountability
• We can help Westchester County families tell their stories

10. We Care About Prevention

Lupe Pena said it best:

“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 don’t just want to win your case. We want to stop the next hazing incident before it happens.

🏆 Our Track Record — Results That Speak for Themselves

Case Results:

Client Testimonials:

“After being injured by a falling stack of gates at a department store I sought medical help & legal advice, after getting nowhere, I contacted Ralph Manginello. He listened intently heard my concerns and issues and immediately began working to protect my rights. He treated me professionally, with respect and understanding.” — Ken Taylor

“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients! Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process. They’re the best!” — Devin Hebert

“Ralph didn’t have me driving out to court just to reschedule it like my last lawyer did. He saved me a lot of time, money, and very prompt on answering any and all questions I had. Case dismissed.” — Kristyn Hinchliffe

“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

📞 Westchester County Hazing Victims — Contact Us Now

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured by a fraternity, sorority, or university organization in Westchester County, we can help.

📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing

Available 24/7. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

🚨 To Westchester County Fraternities and Sororities: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Westchester County, know this:

• We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
• We know your corporate structures
• We know your insurance policies
• We know your hazing histories
• We know how to hold you accountable

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is shut down. Your chapter could be next.

If you haze students in Westchester County, we will find you. We will sue you. And you will pay.

🏛️ To Westchester County Universities: The Time for Accountability Is Now

Columbia University, NYU, Fordham, Pace, Manhattan College, Iona, Mount Saint Vincent — if hazing is happening on your campus, you are responsible.

• You have the power to regulate Greek life
• You have the duty to protect your students
• You own the properties where hazing occurs
• You collect the tuition from students you fail to protect

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing. Now they face a $10 million lawsuit.

If hazing is happening at your Westchester County institution, we will hold you accountable.

🎓 A Message to Westchester County Students

If you are being hazed:

You are not alone. What is happening to you is not your fault. You did not deserve this. You have rights.

You can fight back. You can hold them accountable. You can protect others.

Call us. We will help you. 1-888-ATTY-911

📚 Resources for Westchester County Families

Hazing Prevention Organizations:

• HazingPrevention.org — hazingprevention.org
• StopHazing — stophazing.org
• Clery Center — clerycenter.org

New York State Resources:

• New York State Anti-Hazing Law — NY Education Law § 6450
• New York State Police — troopers.ny.gov
• SUNY Hazing Policy — www.suny.edu/hazing

Mental Health Support:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
• The Jed Foundation — jedfoundation.org

📅 Recent Hazing Incidents — This Is Happening Now

This is not history. This is happening now. It could be happening to your child in Westchester County.

🔥 Final Message to Westchester County Families

Enough is enough.

For too long, fraternities and sororities have hidden behind “tradition” to justify abuse. For too long, universities have turned a blind eye to protect their reputations. For too long, families have suffered in silence.

That ends now.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Westchester County families with the same fury.

If your child has been hazed, call us. We will hold them accountable. We will get you justice. And we will help prevent the next hazing incident before it happens.

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

Westchester County hazing victims: The time for justice is now.