Hazing Victims in Johnston County: Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Fight
A Special Message to Johnston County Families from Attorney 911
Johnston County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations near Johnston County will protect their students. They believe that the people in charge know the difference between tradition and torture.
That trust is being betrayed.
Right now, in Houston, we are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. He was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Johnston County.
The same national organizations oversee chapters near Johnston County.
The same negligence exists at Johnston County institutions.
And the same hazing is happening to Johnston County students.
You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Johnston County families with the same fury we’re bringing to Houston.
What Hazing Really Looks Like in Johnston County
Johnston County parents need to understand: hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It isn’t “building character.” It isn’t “just a few pranks.”
Hazing in Johnston County looks like this:
- Waterboarding – Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics
- Forced eating until vomiting – Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns consumed until pledges vomit, then forced to continue running
- Extreme physical punishment – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls until collapse
- Wooden paddles – Being struck repeatedly with wooden objects
- Psychological torture – Hog-tying pledges face-down on tables with objects in their mouths
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours causing exhaustion
- Humiliation – Forced to carry fanny packs with sexual objects, strip to underwear in cold weather
- Threats – Immediate expulsion if they stop or complain
This isn’t Johnston County tradition. This is Johnston County torture.
And it happens at universities near Johnston County every year.
The Medical Reality: What Hazing Does to Johnston County Students
Johnston County families need to know the real medical consequences of hazing:
Rhabdomyolysis – The Muscle Breakdown Disease
What it is: When muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin damages the kidneys and can cause acute kidney failure.
How hazing causes it: Extreme physical exertion – 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls until collapse.
Symptoms:
- Severe muscle pain
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Brown/dark urine (myoglobin in urine)
- Very high creatine kinase levels (blood test)
- Acute kidney failure
Treatment: Immediate hospitalization, IV fluids to flush kidneys, potential dialysis.
Long-term consequences:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Need for lifetime dialysis
- Potential kidney transplant
- Increased risk of future rhabdomyolysis
- Cardiac issues from electrolyte imbalances
- Permanent disability
This is what happened to our client in Houston. This is what’s happening to Johnston County students right now.
Alcohol Poisoning – The Silent Killer
What it is: When blood alcohol content reaches toxic levels, shutting down vital functions.
How hazing causes it: Forced consumption of alcohol – entire bottles, “gauntlets” of drinks, drinking games where wrong answers mean more alcohol.
Symptoms:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Blue skin color
- Hypothermia
- Unconsciousness
- Death
This is how Stone Foltz died at Bowling Green State University. This is how Max Gruver died at LSU. This is how Andrew Coffey died at FSU.
And this is happening at universities near Johnston County.
Traumatic Brain Injury
What it is: Damage to the brain from physical trauma.
How hazing causes it: Being struck with objects, falling while intoxicated, being thrown or dropped.
Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Seizures
- Coma
Timothy Piazza suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. He died because fraternity members waited 12 hours to call for help.
Psychological Trauma – The Invisible Injury
What it is: Long-lasting mental health damage from abuse.
How hazing causes it: Torture, humiliation, threats, degradation.
Symptoms:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Trust issues
- Social withdrawal
- Academic decline
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” That fear is real. That trauma is permanent.
The Legal Reality: Johnston County Victims Have Rights
Johnston County families need to know: hazing is illegal. And victims have powerful legal rights.
Texas Hazing Law – What Johnston County Families Need to Know
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 defines and prohibits hazing. Here’s what Johnston County parents should understand:
- Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law says that doesn’t matter.
- Hazing is a crime. Depending on severity, it can be a Class B misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor, or even a felony.
- Organizations can be penalized. Fraternities and sororities can be fined up to $10,000 and denied permission to operate.
- Universities have to report hazing. Failure to report is a crime.
Most importantly: Hazing victims can sue for damages.
Who Can Be Sued for Johnston County Hazing?
When hazing happens to a Johnston County student, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, knew about “hazing crisis,” failed to enforce policies |
| University | Failed to protect students, owned property where hazing occurred, had prior notice |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility, directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing, failed to stop it |
| Former Members | Allowed hazing at their residence |
| Spouses of Members | Premises liability for hazing at their home |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
Johnston County families: These same defendants exist at universities near Johnston County. The same legal strategies apply.
The Financial Reality: Johnston County Families Can Recover Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Johnston County families need to know about compensation:
Economic Damages – The Tangible Costs
| Category | What Johnston County Families Can Recover |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, medications, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery, lost internship opportunities |
| Educational Costs | Tuition for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships |
| Future Medical | Ongoing treatment, potential dialysis, potential kidney transplant |
Non-Economic Damages – The Human Costs
| Category | What Johnston County Families Can Recover |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | The agony of rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, injuries from paddles |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from waterboarding, forced eating, psychological torture |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, fear of retribution |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal college life, social activities |
| Disfigurement | Scars from burns, branding, or injuries |
Punitive Damages – Punishing the Wrongdoers
When conduct is particularly egregious, juries can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.
Johnston County families: This is where the biggest awards come from. When fraternities waterboard students, force 500 squats, and strike with paddles, juries get angry. And they award punitive damages to send a message.
The Precedent: Johnston County Families Can Win Big
Hazing cases have resulted in massive settlements and verdicts. Here’s what’s possible for Johnston County victims:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million+ |
| Max Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Johnston County families: These same results are possible for Johnston County victims. The same legal strategies apply. The same outrage exists.
Our current case: We’re suing Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston for $10 million. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now.
What Johnston County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed at a university near Johnston County, here’s what to do:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms. Medical records are crucial evidence.
2. Preserve All Evidence
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, ER visits, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing activities if any exist |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
3. Do Not Talk to the Organization or University Alone
Universities and fraternities have lawyers. They will try to get statements from your child. They will try to minimize what happened. They will try to shift blame.
Johnston County families: You need your own legal team to protect your rights.
4. Contact an Attorney Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out.
Johnston County families: We offer free consultations. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
5. Report the Incident
Consider filing:
- Police report
- Title IX report
- University conduct report
We can guide you through this process.
Why Johnston County Families Choose Attorney 911
Johnston County families have choices when it comes to legal representation. Here’s why Attorney 911 is the right choice for hazing victims:
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. We’re suing Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston for $10 million. We know the defendants. We know their tactics. We know how to win.
2. We Have Specific Hazing Expertise
Ralph Manginello has specific experience with:
- Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- Texas A&M University hazing cases
- Hospitalization compensation claims
- Life-threatening hazing incidents
3. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how insurance companies think. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses.
4. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue Johnston County cases in federal court when appropriate.
5. We’re Dual-State Licensed
We’re licensed in Texas AND New York. This gives us strategic advantage when suing national organizations headquartered in different states.
6. We Offer Contingency Fees
Johnston County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets.
7. We Speak Spanish
We have bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking Johnston County families. Language should never be a barrier to justice.
8. We Travel to Johnston County
We will come to Johnston County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
9. We Have a Proven Track Record
We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims. We’ve won cases against major institutions. We have the experience to take on Johnston County hazing cases.
10. We Care
We’re not just fighting for compensation. We’re fighting for accountability. We’re fighting for change. We’re fighting to protect the next Johnston County student.
The Attorney 911 Approach to Johnston County Hazing Cases
When a Johnston County family contacts us about hazing, here’s what we do:
1. Immediate Response
We offer 24/7 availability for Johnston County hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak to an attorney, not an answering service.
2. Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We evaluate every Johnston County case based on:
- Severity of injuries
- Strength of evidence
- Identifiable defendants
- Institutional knowledge
- Pattern of abuse
3. Evidence Preservation
We send immediate preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve:
- Text messages
- Social media posts
- Photos and videos
- Chapter documents
- Communications
- Security footage
4. Medical Documentation
We work with Johnston County medical providers to document:
- Initial injuries
- Treatment required
- Long-term prognosis
- Psychological impact
5. Expert Network
We have a network of experts including:
- Medical experts to testify about injuries
- Hazing culture experts to explain organizational dynamics
- Economic experts to calculate damages
- Vocational experts to assess career impact
6. Aggressive Litigation
We build Johnston County hazing cases with:
- Comprehensive discovery
- Strategic depositions
- Pattern evidence
- Institutional negligence arguments
- Punitive damage claims
7. Settlement Negotiation
We negotiate from strength, using:
- Documented evidence
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Case law precedent
- Media pressure
8. Trial Preparation
If defendants won’t settle fairly, we take Johnston County cases to trial with:
- Jury selection strategies
- Compelling storytelling
- Powerful visuals
- Emotional impact
- Unshakable evidence
Common Questions from Johnston County Families
“Is this really worth pursuing legally?”
Yes. Hazing causes real harm – physical, psychological, and financial. Johnston County families deserve compensation for that harm. More importantly, legal action forces institutions to change. Our current case has already resulted in Pi Kappa Phi closing their UH chapter. Legal action protects the next Johnston County student.
“Won’t this just make my child’s life harder?”
We understand the fear of retaliation. That’s why we:
- Handle all communications with defendants
- Protect your child’s identity when possible
- Pursue legal action in a way that minimizes stress
- Provide support throughout the process
Our client in the current case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take that fear seriously and work to protect our clients.
“What if my child ‘consented’ to participate?”
Texas law is clear: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, that doesn’t make the hazing legal or the defendants not liable.
“How much will this cost us?”
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency for Johnston County hazing cases. You pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.
“How long will this take?”
Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years. We work to resolve Johnston County cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing compensation.
“Can you really help us if we’re in Johnston County and you’re in Houston?”
Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to Johnston County for meetings and depositions
- Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
“What if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization?”
Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have a case. Psychological trauma, humiliation, and other forms of abuse can support legal claims. Contact us for a free evaluation.
“What if we’re not sure it was ‘hazing’?”
Hazing takes many forms. If your child was subjected to abusive, degrading, or dangerous activities as part of joining an organization, it may qualify as hazing. We can evaluate your specific situation.
The Message to Johnston County Fraternities
To the fraternities operating near Johnston 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 Johnston County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? They’re now shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Texas.
Your chapter could be next.
The Message to Johnston County Universities
To the universities near Johnston County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You know hazing happens. You have the power to stop it. You choose not to.
When you own fraternity houses where hazing occurs, you share liability.
When you have prior hazing incidents and do nothing, you share liability.
When you fail to implement real oversight, you share liability.
Johnston County universities: The next lawsuit could name you.
The Message to Johnston County Parents
To Johnston County parents:
You sent your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the institutions near Johnston County to protect them.
That trust has been betrayed.
Your child was waterboarded. Your child was forced to do 500 squats until their muscles broke down. Your child was struck with wooden paddles. Your child ended up in the hospital. Or worse – your child didn’t come home.
We understand the pain. We understand the rage. We understand the need for justice.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now.
Johnston County families: We will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to Houston.
Johnston County Families: Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed at a university near Johnston County, contact us immediately.
📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Serving Johnston County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless we win.
Johnston County families: The time to act is now. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
