Hazing Lawyers Serving Suwannee County, Florida – Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Suwannee County – Nationwide Representation
Suwannee County families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Suwannee County, Florida, you are not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston – waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, physical abuse – happens at institutions near Suwannee County too. The same fraternities with chapters across Florida operate in our region. The same universities that fail to protect students in Houston fail students in Suwannee County.
At Attorney 911, we are actively 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 win. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Suwannee County hazing victims.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
The Hazing Crisis in Suwannee County, Florida
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – It Happens Near Suwannee County
Suwannee County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But hazing is a nationwide epidemic, and Florida is no exception.
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have active chapters at universities near Suwannee County, including:
- University of Florida (Gainesville) – Less than 2 hours from Suwannee County
- Florida State University (Tallahassee) – Approximately 2.5 hours away
- University of North Florida (Jacksonville) – About 2 hours from Suwannee County
- Florida A&M University (Tallahassee) – 2.5 hours away
- Santa Fe College (Gainesville) – Less than 2 hours away
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. The same fraternities that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez operate near Suwannee County. The same universities that failed to stop hazing at UH have failed students in Florida.
Florida Hazing Laws – What Suwannee County Families Need to Know
Florida has strong anti-hazing laws, but universities and fraternities continue to ignore them. Under Florida Statute § 1006.63, hazing is a felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
What constitutes hazing in Florida?
- Forced physical activity (e.g., extreme exercise, calisthenics)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Physical brutality (paddling, beating, branding)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation, isolation)
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of harm
Penalties for hazing in Florida:
- Up to 5 years in prison for hazing causing serious injury
- Up to 15 years in prison for hazing causing death
- Organizations can be fined, suspended, or banned
- Civil lawsuits for damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages)
Suwannee County families: If your child was hazed, you have legal rights. Florida law allows victims to sue for compensation, and we have the experience to maximize your recovery.
Our Current Hazing Case: The $10 Million Fight That Could Protect Suwannee County Students
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez – And Why It Matters to Suwannee County
In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue running
- Hog-tied face-down on a table (another pledge, not Bermudez)
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
He spent 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life.
Why This Case is a Warning for Suwannee County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters near Suwannee County – including at University of Florida and Florida State University.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez happen at Florida schools.
- Universities near Suwannee County have the same oversight failures as UH.
- This isn’t the first time Pi Kappa Phi has harmed students – Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at Florida State University in 2017.
- If it happened at UH, it can happen at UF, FSU, or any school near Suwannee County.
Suwannee County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Suwannee County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Suwannee County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity house |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
Suwannee County families: We will pursue every liable party to ensure full accountability and maximum compensation.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Suwannee County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other hazing injuries can be life-threatening.
- Even if your child “feels fine,” get them checked. Some injuries (like kidney damage) don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Save everything:
✅ Photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or abusive activities
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – do not delete anything
✅ Social media posts about hazing activities
✅ Witness names and contact information
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
✅ Medical records and bills
Do NOT:
❌ Talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media
❌ Delete any messages or posts
Step 3: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- Evidence disappears quickly – fraternities delete messages, universities destroy records.
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
Damages We Pursue for Suwannee County Hazing Victims
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. We fight for full compensation, including:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from abuse, medical treatment |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Academic Impact | Failed classes, lost scholarships, delayed graduation |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for Leonel Bermudez’s injuries. Suwannee County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Suwannee County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Actively 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 exactly how these cases work – from evidence preservation to trial strategy.
- Suwannee County families get the same high-level representation we provide in Houston.
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 try to minimize claims – and we know how to defeat their strategies.
- We’ve won millions for clients by exposing insurance company tactics.
3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Suwannee County from Houston
- Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal court, which is critical for national fraternity cases.
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York (strategic for national organizations headquartered out of state).
- We travel to Suwannee County – For depositions, client meetings, and trials.
- Video consultations available – Meet with us remotely if you can’t travel.
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases
- $10 million hazing lawsuit pending (current case)
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – Experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how to maximize your recovery
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
- Many hazing victims in Suwannee County come from Spanish-speaking families.
- We provide full legal services in Spanish – no language barriers to justice.
6. Contingency Fee – No Upfront Cost
- You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
- No risk to you. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
- We take the financial burden off Suwannee County families.
Suwannee County Hazing Cases We Handle
We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:
- Fraternities and sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, etc.)
- College sports teams (football, baseball, basketball, etc.)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Student clubs and organizations
- Military academies
If your child was hazed in Suwannee County or anywhere in Florida, we can help.
The Time to Act Is Now – Suwannee County Families Deserve Justice
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse. And it has no place in Suwannee County or anywhere in Florida.
If your child was hazed:
- Get medical attention.
- Preserve all evidence.
- Call Attorney 911 immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We fight for Suwannee County families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Suwannee County
1. What is considered hazing in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 1006.63, hazing includes any activity that:
- Creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death
- Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Includes physical brutality (paddling, beating, branding)
- Causes psychological harm (humiliation, sleep deprivation)
- Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership
Examples from our current case:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose
- Forced exercise until collapse
- Being struck with wooden paddles
- Forced eating until vomiting
2. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
3. Who can be sued for hazing in Suwannee County?
We pursue all liable parties, including:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter
- The national organization
- The university or college
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
- Former members or alumni who hosted hazing
- Housing corporations that owned the property
4. What is the statute of limitations for hazing lawsuits in Florida?
- Personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
5. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
- Egregiousness of conduct (torture, forced consumption, physical abuse)
- Prior incidents at the same chapter (pattern of negligence)
- University’s knowledge and failure to act
- National organization’s awareness of hazing culture
Precedent cases:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million jury verdict – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
6. What if my child was hazed at a school outside Suwannee County?
We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed at:
- University of Florida (Gainesville)
- Florida State University (Tallahassee)
- University of North Florida (Jacksonville)
- Any other Florida school or out-of-state university
We can help. Our federal court authority and nationwide experience allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
7. What should I do if my child is currently being hazed?
Act immediately:
- Get them out of the situation.
- Document everything (photos, videos, messages).
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Do not confront the organization alone. They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses. We will protect your child and build a strong case.
Suwannee County Hazing Resources
Report Hazing in Florida
- Florida Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- University of Florida Hazing Reporting: https://studentconduct.ufl.edu/hazing/
- Florida State University Hazing Reporting: https://dos.fsu.edu/hazing
Medical Resources Near Suwannee County
- UF Health Shands Hospital (Gainesville): (352) 265-0111
- North Florida Regional Medical Center (Gainesville): (352) 333-4000
- Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare: (850) 431-1155
Mental Health Support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- UF Counseling & Wellness Center: (352) 392-1575
Contact Attorney 911 – Suwannee County’s Hazing Lawyers
📍 Serving Suwannee County from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices
📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
We will travel to Suwannee County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Suwannee County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not your child’s fault. The organizations that allowed this to happen must be held accountable.
We are fighting this battle right now. We are representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit. We know how to win. And we will bring the same aggressive, compassionate representation to Suwannee County families.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
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Serving Suwannee County, Florida and nationwide.
