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. Instead, they were tortured. We understand the fear, the anger, and the profound sense of betrayal you must be experiencing. For families in York County, Virginia, and across the nation, we are here to help you fight back.

We are Attorney911, and our mission is to ensure that no family has to endure the nightmare of hazing alone. While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice for hazing victims extends far beyond state lines. We leverage our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and a deep understanding of national fraternity structures to represent families in York County, Virginia, and nationwide. We will travel to York County for depositions, meetings, and trials, and we offer seamless remote consultations to ensure geographic distance is never a barrier to justice.

The Nightmare Unfolds in Houston: A Warning for York County Families

Just weeks ago, a tragedy unfolded in Houston that serves as a stark warning to parents everywhere, including those in York County, Virginia. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently engaged in a tenacious legal battle, actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just another lawsuit; it is the centerpiece of everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was just starting his college journey. He wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi with dreams of finding brotherhood and belonging. Instead, he endured weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Imagine the horror: your child, sprayed in the face with a garden hose in a simulated waterboarding, hog-tied with an object in his mouth, forced to eat until he vomited, then made to run sprints through his own sick. Forced to do over 100 push-ups and 500 squats until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. Pushed to the brink of death, all in the name of “brotherhood.” This didn’t happen in some distant, historical past; it happened in November 2025, in Texas, at a major university that could easily be one your child attends.

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH was suspended. Members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against those involved were initiated. But that wasn’t enough. We, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit directly targeting every entity responsible: the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and the 13 individual perpetrators. We are fighting this battle right now in Harris County Civil District Court, and we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven approach to every hazing case, including those impacting families in York County, Virginia.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in York County, Virginia, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or playful rituals. We must disabuse you of that notion. Today’s hazing is not the innocent “boys will be boys” of decades past. It is often brutal, sometimes sadistic, and frequently life-threatening. The details of Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal paint a chillingly clear picture of hazing in the modern era:

Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning. This is a technique considered torture under international law when used against enemy combatants. Yet, it was inflicted upon a young man seeking acceptance into a fraternity.

Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a gruesome display of power, they were allegedly forced to run sprints while in physical distress, sometimes lying in their own vomit-soaked grass. This is not tradition; it is psychological and physical torment designed to break a person down.

Extreme Physical Punishment: Leonel was subjected to arduous workouts, including over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were forced upon him until his body broke down, leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He was even, at times, struck with wooden paddles. Another pledge reportedly lost consciousness during one of these forced workouts, yet the hazing continued. This level of exertion is not about testing endurance; it is about inflicting pain and pushing pledges beyond their physical limits.

Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. In another incident, a pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to degrade, humiliate, and psychologically traumatize individuals, leaving lasting scars long after physical wounds heal.

Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to profound exhaustion. Depriving individuals of sleep impairs judgment, increases vulnerability, and can exacerbate the physical and psychological toll of hazing.

These acts are not the isolated rogue actions of a few individuals. They are often part of a systematic, institutionalized culture of abuse that masquerades as “tradition.” And it’s happening not only in Texas but also at universities throughout Virginia and across the country where young people from York County, Virginia, pursue their higher education.

Who is Responsible When Hazing Occurs? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

One of the most common misconceptions about hazing is that only the individual students directly involved are to blame. This is patently false. When hazing occurs, multiple layers of individuals and institutions often share culpability, creating a complex web of liability that demands aggressive legal action. In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, our multi-faceted lawsuit reflects this truth, targeting all responsible parties to ensure full accountability. The same legal principles apply to hazing incidents that may occur at colleges or universities sending students from York County, Virginia.

Here’s who can be held responsible:

1. The Local Chapter: The most direct perpetrators. The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston directly organized, conducted, and enforced the hazing activities that injured Leonel Bermudez. This includes the chapter’s leadership—the president, pledgemaster, and other officers—who directed the abuse, as well as the individual members who actively participated in, or stood by and enabled, the hazing.

2. The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, have enormous power and responsibility over their local chapters. They set policies, provide training, and are supposed to oversee chapter conduct. In Leonel’s case, our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.” The fact that eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization, another Pi Kappa Phi pledge, Andrew Coffey, died from hazing at Florida State, demonstrates a tragic pattern of negligence by the national organization. This pattern establishes that they knew the risks and failed to act, making them deeply liable. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near York County, Virginia.

3. The University: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on university property or under the university’s purview. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where significant portions of the hazing took place. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (a student from another fraternity suffered a lacerated spleen). This means the university had a history of hazing on its campus and should have implemented stronger safeguards. A university’s failure to regulate, supervise, or intervene effectively can lead to significant liability. Institutions near York County, Virginia, that host Greek life face the same responsibilities.

4. The Housing Corporation: This separate entity often owns the physical property where fraternities operate. In our case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a defendant because it owned or controlled the premises where hazing occurred, failing to ensure a safe environment for students. These entities are typically separate from the national organization, but they too have a role in allowing or preventing dangerous activities.

5. Individual Perpetrators (Including Alumni and Spouses): Every person who actively participated in hazing or created the environment for it can be held personally responsible. Our lawsuit names the former members who hosted hazing sessions at their private residence, and significantly, the spouse of a former member for allowing the abuse on their property. This highlights that hazing liability extends beyond active students to alumni and even non-members who facilitate these egregious acts. These individuals often have assets or homeowner’s insurance policies that can contribute to compensation for victims.

6. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts typically come from the various insurance policies held by these entities. This includes general liability policies of the national fraternity, the university, housing corporations, and even homeowners’ or personal liability policies of individual defendants. Our firm, with attorneys like Lupe Peña, who previously defended insurance companies, possesses an intimate understanding of how these carriers operate and how to compel them to pay just compensation.

When we take a hazing case in York County, Virginia, or anywhere else, we conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify every single entity that played a role, from the individual students who inflicted the harm to the national organizations and universities that enabled it. This thorough approach ensures that no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice for victims.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for York County Families

We understand that pursuing legal action after such a devastating event can feel overwhelming. However, major hazing lawsuits have a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for victims and their families, while also driving critical changes in university and fraternity policies. These multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements send an unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply directly to families in York County, Virginia.

Here are just a few examples that demonstrate what is possible:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. The lawsuit resulted in significant payouts: $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals. This case set a precedent as the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Most recently, in December 2024, the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a civil judgment. This demonstrates that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind their organization’s corporate veil; they too face severe personal liability. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with these precedents.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 (six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event at LSU. A civil jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, which upgraded hazing to a felony offense. This jury verdict highlights how deeply juries are affected by hazing brutality and their willingness to award millions to victims.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual, falling repeatedly down stairs and suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. His death led to one of the largest settlements in hazing history, estimated at over $110 million from various defendants, including Penn State and the national fraternity. The case, heavily documented by security camera footage, also resulted in criminal convictions for multiple fraternity members and the passage of the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania. This case exemplifies that clear evidence of egregious conduct can lead to astronomical recoveries.

4. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU where he was forced to consume a large bottle of whiskey. The lawsuit, originally filed for $28 million, settled for over $4 million in October 2024, with $2.5 million going to his parents and a significant sum to the “Love Like Adam” foundation. This tragedy also motivated “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, promoting hazing prevention. This case is particularly relevant for York County, Virginia, as it occurred in your home state, showing that hazing concerns are very real here.

5. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Chapter Closed, Confidential Settlement
Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a pledge of Pi Kappa Phi (the same national fraternity in our Bermudez case), died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a hazing ritual. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. His family reached a confidential settlement. This case is a smoking gun in our Bermudez lawsuit, proving that Pi Kappa Phi National had clear prior knowledge of deadly hazing within its chapters and failed to prevent future tragedies.

These cases are not isolated incidents; they represent a nationwide pattern of institutional failure and victim suffering. For families in York County, Virginia, contemplating legal action, these precedents offer powerful reassurance: justice can be achieved, and your fight can contribute to preventing future harm. We believe your case, like these, deserves to be heard, and the perpetrators and enablers must be held accountable.

Texas Law Protects You: Why Consent is Not a Defense in Hazing Cases

Many parents and victims in York County, Virginia, may feel guilt or believe their child somehow “consented” to the hazing. Fraternities and universities often exploit this misconception, claiming victims “knew what they were signing up for” or “could have left at any time.” We want to be unequivocally clear: under Texas law, and similar statutes in many other states, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Our legal framework is built to dismantle these cynical arguments.

In Texas, the anti-hazing law is codified under the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157. This law clearly defines hazing, outlines criminal penalties, establishes organizational liability, and crucially, addresses the issue of consent head-on.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging… if the act:

• involves physical brutality…
• involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code.”

Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal—the waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, physical assaults, and sleep deprivation—clearly falls under multiple categories of this definition. The same actions, if they occur at a Virginia institution where your child attends, would constitute hazing under comparable state laws and general civil tort principles.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail and a $2,000 fine) to Class A misdemeanors if serious bodily injury occurs (up to one year jail and a $4,000 fine). If hazing causes death, it becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine). The University of Houston spokesperson herself acknowledged “potential criminal charges” upon the filing of our lawsuit, demonstrating the serious criminal implications.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations, both local chapters and national entities, can be held liable if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their officers or members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property. This means not just individual students but also the fraternity chapter, its housing corporation, and the national organization can be penalized.

Universities’ Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the state. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This underscores the institutional responsibility and the university’s role in preventing and addressing hazing.

The CRITICAL Rule: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most vital aspect of Texas’s anti-hazing law and one that directly applies to our fight for victims in York County, Virginia, and beyond. The statute explicitly states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This means that even if a student “agreed” to participate, or “knew what they were getting into,” or “didn’t object,” the law rejects these arguments. Why? Because true consent cannot be given under duress, coercion, or when an individual’s physical and psychological well-being is at risk from “traditions” they are forced to endure. The power dynamics within fraternities, the intense peer pressure, the fear of social exclusion or retribution, and the desire to belong all negate genuine consent. No one can legally consent to being tortured, physically assaulted, or forced into life-threatening situations.

Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges: While Texas hazing laws outline criminal penalties, they also lay the groundwork for a robust civil lawsuit. If your child has been subjected to hazing in York County, Virginia, we can pursue claims based on:

• Negligence: Proving the responsible parties (individuals, fraternity, university) had a duty of care, breached that duty through hazing, caused injuries, and resulted in damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or housing corporation, they can be held liable for unsafe conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: Alleging that national organizations or universities failed to adequately supervise campus Greek life or chapter activities.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals for physical harms.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the severe psychological trauma caused by extreme hazing.

These civil claims allow victims and their families to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that criminal proceedings do not address. The legal protections exist to empower victims, regardless of where the hazing occurred. If your child faces hazing, remember: the law is on your side, and consent is not a shield for abuse.

Why Attorney911: Your York County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your family in York County, Virginia, is grappling with the aftermath of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate with a proven track record, expert knowledge, and a deep understanding of how to fight powerful institutions. We are Attorney911, and we bring a unique set of advantages to every hazing case, including yours:

1. Aggressive Representation. Immediate Action. Proven Results.
We are not a general personal injury firm dabbling in hazing cases. We are actively fighting the battle against hazing right now, as evidenced by our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; it’s our daily mission. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are in the trenches, aggressively holding universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators accountable. We bring this same immediate, aggressive, and professional legal intervention to every hazing victim and family we represent, no matter if you’re in York County, Virginia, or anywhere else.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook.
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unparalleled advantage for our clients. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, learning firsthand how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.

• What this means for your York County case: We’ve seen their internal tactics. We know how insurance adjusters are trained to manipulate victims, how corporate lawyers build their defenses, and how they attempt to shift blame. We use this insider knowledge to dismantle their arguments, anticipate their moves, and maximize your recovery. They can’t surprise us because we’ve been on their side of the table.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses: Nationwide Reach for Hazing Victims.
Hazing is a national crisis, and national fraternities operate across state lines. Our firm is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us federal court authority that can be crucial in cases against national organizations. Additionally, Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York.

• What this means for your York County case: This dual-state licensure provides a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities or universities headquartered in different states. We can pursue justice wherever it takes us, ensuring that no national organization can hide behind geographic boundaries.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Explosion Litigation.
Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic 2005 Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds.

• What this means for your York County case: This experience demonstrates our firm’s capacity to handle incredibly complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate entities. The legal and investigative skills required to take on a global corporation like BP are directly transferable to battling national fraternities and major universities that deploy vast legal resources against victims.

5. Specialized Hazing Expertise with Rhabdomyolysis Focus.
Our current Bermudez case involves severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

• What this means for your York County case: Whether it’s rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, or other severe medical conditions stemming from hazing, we understand the medical complexities, the long-term implications, and how to quantify these damages. We work with medical experts to build an irrefutable case for your compensation.

6. Se Habla Español: Serving York County’s Diverse Communities.
Our staff is fully bilingual, fluent in Spanish.

• What this means for your York County case: We proudly serve Spanish-speaking families affected by hazing, ensuring no language barrier impedes access to justice. We offer consultations, communicate throughout the process, and handle all legal documentation in both English and Spanish, respecting cultural nuances and providing comfort during a difficult time.

7. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost to York County Families.
We understand that families dealing with hazing trauma are also often facing significant financial strains. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency.

• What this means for your York County case: You pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all litigation costs and attorney fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing you to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

8. Direct, Empathetic Communication & Consistent Updates.
We pride ourselves on transparent, responsive communication. Testimonials consistently highlight our commitment to keeping clients informed at every stage of their case.

• What this means for your York County case: You will never be left in the dark. We know that transparency is crucial, especially when you’re geographically distant from our main offices. We offer video consultations, consistent phone and email updates, and will travel to York County as needed to ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way. As Dame Haskett, a satisfied client, shared, “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”

9. Ralph Manginello’s Unique Background: Athlete and Journalist.
Ralph’s past as a Hall of Fame athlete and a journalism major isn’t just trivia; it shapes his approach to litigation.

• What this means for your York County case: As an athlete, he understands team dynamics, the pressure to conform, and how seemingly innocent traditions can devolve into dangerous hazing. As a journalist, he’s trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories—skills vital for exposing hazing cover-ups and presenting a powerful narrative to a jury.

For families in York County, Virginia, facing the dark realities of hazing, Attorney911 offers not just legal representation, but a dedicated team that combines empathy with unparalleled legal firepower. We are ready to fight for your child’s justice and contribute to building a safer future for all students.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for York County Families

If your child in York County, Virginia, has been hazed, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the shock and emotional distress can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action is paramount to protecting your child’s rights and building a strong legal case. We urge you to follow these steps carefully:

1. PRIORITIZE IMMEDIATE SAFETY AND MEDICAL ATTENTION:

• Ensure Safety First: Get your child out of the hazing environment immediately. Prioritize their physical and psychological safety above all else.
• Seek Medical Care, Even for “Minor” Injuries: If there’s any doubt about your child’s health – physical or mental – take them to an emergency room or a doctor RIGHT AWAY. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent, or adrenaline can mask pain.
  • Document Everything Medically: Ensure that all medical professionals are fully aware that your child’s injuries are due to hazing. Make sure it is explicitly stated in their medical records. Do not downplay symptoms. This creates an irrefutable paper trail linking the hazing to the injuries.
  • For Psychological Trauma: Seek help from licensed therapists or counselors. Documenting PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress is as important as physical injuries.

2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – ACT FAST:
Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases, often intentionally. Your child’s phone is a treasure trove of information.

• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of ALL injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, skin discoloration (like the brown urine in rhabdomyolysis cases)—at all stages. Date and time stamp these photos. Continue taking photos as the injuries heal or evolve.
  • Hazing Environment: If safe to do so, photograph or video the locations where hazing occurred, any paraphernalia used (e.g., paddles, excessive alcohol containers), or any visible signs of hazing.
  • Take More Pictures Than You Think You Need: As Ralph Manginello advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.” We can’t overstate the importance of this.
• Communications (Digital & Physical):
  • Screenshots, DO NOT DELETE: Crucially, take screenshots of ALL relevant text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communications related to the hazing. This includes conversations between pledges, fraternity members, or anyone else planning or discussing the activities. Do NOT delete anything. Deleting messages can be considered evidence spoliation and harm your case.
  • Pledge Manuals/Documents: Collect any printed pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or agreements given to your child.
• Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or people who may have seen your child’s condition.

3. DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE FRATERNITY, UNIVERSITY, OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES WITHOUT LEGAL COUNSEL:

• Silence is Golden: Do not speak to any fraternity members, alumni, university administrators, or insurance company representatives about the incident. They are not on your side, and anything your child says can be twisted and used against them. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
• Decline Recorded Statements: Under no circumstances should your child give a recorded statement to anyone unless explicitly advised by their attorney.
• Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, waivers, releases, or agreements offered by the fraternity, university, or their legal teams without first consulting with your attorney. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.

4. STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Avoid Posting: Refrain from posting any details about the hazing incident on social media. Anything your child posts can be used by the defense to undermine their credibility or claim their injuries are not as severe as reported. Even seemingly innocuous posts can be misinterpreted.
• Review Existing Posts: While you should not delete anything, be mindful of what is publicly accessible. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can contradict your child’s claims.

5. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED HAZING LITIGATION ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY:

• Time is of the Essence: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Virginia, is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. However, crucial evidence vanishes, memories fade, and opportunities close rapidly. Do not delay.
• Free Consultation: Call us today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your child’s situation. We will review the facts, explain your legal options, and answer your questions with no upfront cost.
• We Will Come To You (Virtually or Physically): For families in York County, Virginia, our Houston-based firm offers video consultations to make the process easy and efficient. For depositions, trials, or critical meetings, our attorneys are prepared to travel to York County.

We understand this is a terrifying time. Your child’s pain is real, and the injustice is profound. But you are not alone. By taking these critical steps, you empower yourself and your child to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Let us stand with you.

Contact Us: Your Lifeline in York County, Virginia

To every parent, every hazing victim, every family member in York County, Virginia, who is searching for answers and justice at 2 AM, know this: we are here for you. The fear, the anger, the confusion—we understand it. What happened to your child was not a rite of passage; it was abuse, and you have every right to fight back.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña at Attorney911, are currently engaged in a relentless $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing. This is not a theoretical battle for us; we are actively fighting to hold institutions accountable for torturing young people. And we will bring that same ferocity, that same data-driven strategy, and that same unwavering commitment to justice for your family in York County, Virginia.

Your child deserves justice. You deserve peace of mind. Let us be your legal emergency team.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR YORK COUNTY, VIRGINIA, HAZING VICTIMS:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This is our Legal Emergency Hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak directly with our team, not an answering service. We understand the urgency of your situation and are ready to listen with empathy and provide clear, actionable guidance.

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com
Send us a message, and our team will respond promptly to discuss your case.

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com
Learn more about our firm, our approach, and our commitment to justice for hazing victims.

NO UPFRONT COST. NO FINANCIAL RISK.

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing victims in York County, Virginia, and across the nation. This means:

• $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
• We Only Get Paid If You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for our legal services.
• We Invest in Your Case: We cover all litigation costs and expenses, removing the financial burden from your family during this challenging time. This allows you to challenge powerful universities and national fraternities without financial fear.

DISTANCE IS NOT A BARRIER TO JUSTICE FOR YORK COUNTY FAMILIES

While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to hazing victims are nationwide.

• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient and secure video consultations so you can meet with our attorneys from the comfort of your home in York County, Virginia.
• Travel Commitment: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to York County, Virginia, for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when necessary. We believe justice should not be limited by geography.
• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to federal courts gives us the power to pursue cases against national organizations, no matter where they are headquartered.

Hazing is a crisis that transcends state lines, cultural boundaries, and institutional affiliations. Whether your child attends a university in Virginia, a state university on the East Coast, a major Southern institution, or a local college, the risk is real. The national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements operate in your communities, and at schools where young people from York County, Virginia, go to make their future.

Don’t let fear silence your voice. Don’t let powerful institutions escape accountability. If your family in York County, Virginia, suspects hazing, or if your child has suffered injuries, physical or psychological, due to hazing, pick up the phone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now.

Our client Leonel Bermudez chose to fight. His bravery sparked a lawsuit that sent shockwaves through the Greek life community. Your call could be the catalyst for the justice your child deserves, and a warning to others that this cruel “tradition” must end.

Enough is enough. Let us fight for you.