Hazing Lawyers Serving Clay County, Florida – Attorney 911

Hazing Victims in Clay County Deserve Justice – We’re Fighting for You

If your child has been the victim of fraternity or sorority hazing in Clay County, Florida, you are not alone. The same culture of abuse that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025 exists at institutions near Clay County. The same national fraternities that operate at UH maintain active chapters at universities throughout Florida. And the same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide are available to Clay County families.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Clay County hazing victims.

Clay County Families: This Could Happen to Your Child

In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a prospective Pi Kappa Phi pledge, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The hazing included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather
• Threatened with expulsion if he refused to comply

Bermudez spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life. The fraternity chapter was shut down – but only after a student was hospitalized. The national organization and the university knew this was happening. They did nothing to stop it.

This same abuse happens at universities near Clay County. The same fraternities operate in Florida. And the same negligence exists at Florida institutions.

Why Clay County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are not a local Clay County firm – we are nationwide hazing litigation experts with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we don’t have a physical office in Clay County, we serve hazing victims anywhere in America through:

✅ Federal court authority – We can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York (strategic for national fraternity litigation)
✅ Video consultations – Meet with our attorneys remotely
✅ Willingness to travel – We come to Clay County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ 24/7 availability – Hazing emergencies don’t wait. Call us anytime.

Our Experience Fighting Hazing

• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Rhabdomyolysis injury expertise – Successfully represented victims of muscle breakdown from hazing
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation experience – Deep knowledge of Greek life culture and liability
• Texas A&M hazing cases – Represented victims of dangerous initiation rituals
• Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
• Federal court admission – Can pursue cases against national organizations anywhere in America

We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

Fraternities and universities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. They will argue:

• “Your child consented to participate”
• “This is just tradition”
• “We didn’t know this was happening”
• “It was just a prank gone wrong”

We know how to defeat these arguments. In Texas, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law is clear: if your child was subjected to dangerous initiation rituals, the organization is liable – regardless of whether they “agreed” to participate.

Who Is Liable for Clay County Hazing?

In our current case, we are pursuing every entity responsible for the abuse:

The same liability framework applies to Clay County hazing cases. If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Clay County, we will identify every responsible party and hold them accountable.

What Compensation Is Available for Clay County Hazing Victims?

Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover MILLIONS:

Florida Hazing Laws – Your Rights as a Clay County Victim

Florida has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Clay County:

Florida Statute § 1006.63 – Hazing

• Definition: Any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for initiation or admission into an organization
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor: Hazing that creates substantial risk of physical injury
  • Felony: Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death
• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable

Andrew’s Law (2019)

• Named after Andrew Coffey, who died from hazing at Florida State University
• Provides immunity to the first person who calls 911 to report hazing
• Increases criminal penalties for hazing resulting in death or serious injury

Chad Meredith Act (2005)

• Named after Chad Meredith, who drowned during a hazing incident at University of Miami
• Makes hazing a felony when it results in death or serious bodily injury

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clay County

If your child has been the victim of hazing, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/Videos: Document injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
• Communications: Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, social media posts
• Witness Information: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Medical Records: Request copies of all hospital and doctor records
• Financial Records: Save medical bills, tuition statements, lost wage documentation

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
• They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements
• Do not speak to them without legal counsel present

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Video Consultation: Available for Clay County families

We will:
✔ Preserve evidence before it disappears
✔ Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
✔ File your claim before the statute of limitations expires
✔ Pursue every liable party – individuals, chapter, nationals, university
✔ Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries

Universities Near Clay County with Greek Life

Clay County is home to several institutions with active Greek organizations, including:

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters at these institutions. If your child attends or pledges at a university near Clay County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

Warning to Clay County Fraternities

To fraternities operating near Clay County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Clay County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

Every national fraternity with chapters near Clay County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won. If your chapter harms a student, we will pursue every liable entity.

Clay County Parents: Protect Your Child

Hazing doesn’t just happen at “party schools.” It happens at every type of institution – large universities, small colleges, community colleges.

Warning signs your child may be experiencing hazing:

• Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Avoiding questions about Greek life activities
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Expressing fear about fraternity/sorority activities
• Unexplained exhaustion or sleep deprivation

If you suspect your child is being hazed:

1. Talk to them privately – Let them know you support them
2. Document everything – Save any communications or evidence
3. Contact us immediately – We can help protect your child and preserve their rights

We Come to Clay County

While we are based in Texas, we travel to Clay County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are committed to serving Clay County families with the same dedication we bring to our local clients.

Payment Flexibility for Clay County Families

We understand that cost can be a concern when hiring an attorney. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

✅ $0 upfront costs – No payment required to hire us
✅ We only get paid if we win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation
✅ No hidden fees – Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

Clay County families pay nothing unless we win your case.

Clay County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. They worry about retaliation. They worry about being ostracized. They worry that no one will believe them.

We believe you. We’ve seen what fraternities do to students. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for Clay County families with the same determination.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We understand that fear. We will protect your privacy and your rights.

Clay County Hazing Lawyers – Free Consultation

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Clay County, Florida, contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Video Consultation: Available for Clay County families

We serve Clay County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

About Attorney 911 – Clay County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we don’t have a physical office in Clay County, we proudly serve hazing victims throughout Florida and nationwide through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Our Attorneys

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney – knows how defendants think
• Federal court admission – can pursue cases nationwide
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Federal court admission
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise

Why Clay County Families Trust Us

• We’re in the fight right now – actively litigating a $10 million hazing case
• We know Greek life culture – deep understanding of fraternity/sorority dynamics
• We know how to win – multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
• We protect victims – experienced in handling sensitive, high-stakes cases
• We come to Clay County – willing to travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Client Testimonials

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” – Debra Cambric-Chisolm

Frequently Asked Questions for Clay County Hazing Victims

1. Can I sue for hazing if my child consented to participate?

Yes. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable for any injuries.

2. How much is my Clay County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Egregiousness of hazing conduct
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing incidents
• Whether the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing policies

3. Who can I sue for hazing in Clay County?

You may be able to sue:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university (if they owned the property or failed to supervise)
• Individual members who participated
• Chapter officers who directed hazing

4. What is the statute of limitations for hazing in Florida?

• Personal injury: 2 years from date of injury
• Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death

Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and your rights expire if you miss the deadline.

5. Can I afford a hazing lawyer in Clay County?

Yes. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

6. Will the fraternity retaliate against my child?

Fraternities may try to intimidate victims into silence. We protect our clients by:

• Handling all communications with the organization
• Filing restraining orders if necessary
• Pursuing claims against individuals who retaliate

7. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the activity was part of fraternity/sorority initiation, the organization is still liable.

8. Can I report hazing to the police?

Yes. Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death is a felony in Florida. You can file a police report, and we can help coordinate with law enforcement.

9. What if my child was hazed at a community college near Clay County?

Hazing laws apply to all educational institutions, including community colleges. If your child was hazed at St. Johns River State College or another local institution, they have the same legal rights as university students.

10. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases may take longer. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing compensation.

Clay County Hazing Resources

Clay County Hazing Victims: Act Now

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse, and it has no place on Clay County campuses.

If your child has been hazed, contact Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Video Consultation: Available for Clay County families

We serve Clay County hazing victims nationwide. You are not alone – we’re fighting for you.