If you’re reading this in Appling County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make friends, build a future, and perhaps even join a fraternity or sorority to enhance their university experience. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and seriously harmed. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Appling County fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.

Here in Appling County, parents send their children to colleges and universities across Georgia and beyond, trusting that these institutions will protect them. Whether they attend a major state university, a smaller private college, or a regional institution, the expectation is safety and a nurturing environment. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen nationwide and close to home, that trust is often betrayed by the very organizations meant to foster community and growth. Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous issue that is not limited by state lines or campus size. The same national fraternities and sororities with legacies of hazing operating in Houston, where we are based, have chapters at universities accessible to students from Appling County. The risk is real, and the consequences can be devastating.

The Grim Reality of Hazing in Appling County and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just a college problem; it’s a societal one that impacts families everywhere, including here in Appling County. The romanticized image of “boys being boys” or harmless initiation rites is a dangerous misconception. What hazing truly looks like today is far more sinister: it’s physical assault, psychological torture, sexual abuse, and, tragically, sometimes death. This isn’t about fostering brotherhood or sisterhood; it’s about power, control, and inflicting pain, often leading to severe injuries and lasting trauma.

For example, look at what happened just recently in Houston, Texas, a case we are actively fighting in court right now. Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush” for Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, meaning he wasn’t even an enrolled student yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, during his pledge period in Fall 2025, he was subjected to systematic abuse that included simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, being hog-tied, forced eating until he vomited, being struck with wooden paddles, and extreme physical exertion like 500 squats and 100 push-ups. This horrific ordeal led to severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, landing him in the hospital for four agonizing days.

This is not an isolated incident. This is what hazing looks like, whether it’s at a university just a drive away from Appling County or across the country. Your child, a student from Appling County, could face the same nightmare. We represent families who are living this nightmare, and we are committed to turning their pain into accountability.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Appling County

We understand that for families in Appling County, your child’s safety is paramount. When hazing takes that away, you need to know there are lawyers who truly understand the depth of this issue and are not afraid to confront powerful institutions. Our $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, is against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is not just a lawsuit; it is a battle for justice that serves as a stark warning to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that allow hazing to fester.

Appling County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it. The same national fraternities that have chapters at schools throughout the region, including those attended by students from Appling County, operate under the same national organizations that we are suing. The same negligence exists at institutions across the country. And we will fight for Appling County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case in Houston.

Media Coverage That Amplifies Our Fight

Our commitment to aggressive representation has already garnered significant media attention across Texas. This is not just a legal fight; it’s a public awareness campaign that puts these institutions on notice:

• ABC13 Houston (November 21-22, 2025): “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” (Link to ABC13 article) – This report features vital quotes from our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, detailing the victim’s journey and our firm’s commitment to justice.
• KHOU 11 (November 21, 2025): “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” (Link to KHOU 11 article) – This piece first identified the plaintiff, Leonel Bermudez, by name and shed light on the university’s ownership of the fraternity house and allegations of a “hazing crisis” known to the national organization.
• Houston Chronicle (November 22, 2025): “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” (Link to Houston Chronicle article) – This coverage provided specific details about the grueling physical exercises, like “high-volume suicides” and “bear crawls,” and the use of wooden paddles.
• Houston Public Media (November 24, 2025): “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” (Link to Houston Public Media article) – This article confirmed the $10 million demand and highlighted the “ghost rush” status of the victim, along with a significant statement from the University of Houston.

Even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, released a statement on their website on November 21, 2025 (Link to Pi Kappa Phi statement), admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” and announcing the closure of the Beta Nu chapter just days before our lawsuit was filed. This, in itself, is an admission of guilt, demonstrating they knew litigation was imminent.

The Defendants: Holding Everyone Accountable

Our lawsuit targets all responsible parties, from the national organization to individual members:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): The local chapter that directly orchestrated the hazing.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The national body that, despite having 150+ chapters across America, including those frequented by students from Appling County, failed to adequately supervise and prevent hazing within its ranks, despite previous fatal incidents.
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity that owned or controlled the property where some of the hazing took place.
• University of Houston and UH Board of Regents: The institution that owned the fraternity house and had the responsibility and power to regulate Greek life and ensure student safety.
• Individual Fraternity Members: Including the president, pledgemaster, and others who actively participated in or facilitated the hazing. This also includes former members and their spouses who allowed hazing to occur at their residence.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every entity responsible for hazing injuries faces accountability.

What Happened: The Hazing Timeline

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal of abuse leading up to a critical incident on November 3, 2025, and his subsequent hospitalization.

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, including forced wearing of a fanny pack with sexual objects, driving members at all hours, enforced dress codes, and weekly interviews.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs.
• November 3, 2025 (The Incident): Leonel was subjected to grueling physical punishments—100+ pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, and more, while being sprayed with a garden hose and hit with wooden paddles. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, having passed brown urine due to muscle breakdown. He remained hospitalized for three nights and four days.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National closed its Beta Nu Chapter.
• November 21, 2025: Our firm filed the $10 million lawsuit.

This detailed timeline, supported by media reports, paints a grim picture of college hazing that Appling County families must understand.

The Hazing Activities Exposed: Torture, Not Tradition

The hazing Leonel endured goes far beyond pranks. It mirrors tactics reserved for interrogations, reflecting sheer brutality:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act recognized as torture.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting, then forced to continue exercising in his own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, and “save-you-brother” drills, driving him to muscle breakdown and kidney failure. He was also subjected to wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects, stripping in cold weather, and continuous threats eroded his mental well-being.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced early-morning drives and late-night hazing sessions ensured constant exhaustion.

These acts have serious medical consequences, as confirmed by Leonel’s diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. Attorney Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely qualified to handle cases of this nature in Appling County and nationwide.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Denial and Delay

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National underscore the systemic issues at play. While UH acknowledged the “deeply disturbing” events and “clear violation of community standards,” their statement came after the fact. Pi Kappa Phi National’s decision to close the chapter on November 14, 2025, just days before our lawsuit, reveals a calculated move to mitigate liability, not genuine reform. Their statement also expressed a desire to “return to campus at the appropriate time,” betraying a lack of true contrition and suggesting they believe this will simply blow over.

Their public statements are a classic example of institutions protecting themselves, rather than genuinely addressing the root causes of hazing. Our lawsuit aims to ensure that they are held accountable, not just for Leonel Bermudez, but for every student who could be next.

Why This Case Matters to Appling County Families

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: This case powerfully illustrates that hazing is not harmless fun. The same brutal activities can—and do—occur at universities attended by students from Appling County.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Institutions near Appling County have the same power to stop hazing and the same liability when they fail to do so.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National acted swiftly to shut down the chapter, demonstrating their awareness of the severity of the situation. The same national organizations operate chapters near Appling County, and they are fully aware of what happens behind closed doors.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez feared retribution for speaking out. Students from Appling County who experience hazing often face similar fears. We are here to protect victims and ensure their voices are heard.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Appling County Students: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” By pursuing justice for Leonel, we aim to deter future hazing incidents, potentially saving lives in Appling County and nationwide.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit signals that the price for torturing students is steep. Appling County families seeking justice can send the same powerful message.

This case is not theoretical. It’s happening now in Houston, and it’s a blueprint for how we will fight for your child if they are hurt by hazing, no matter if they attend college in Georgia or anywhere else.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Appling County might imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. The unfortunate truth is that modern hazing is far more dangerous, often involving criminal acts that leave lasting physical and psychological scars. It is critical for families in Appling County to understand what hazing truly entails, as it often operates in secrecy fueled by fear and coercion.

The Disturbing Reality of Hazing

• It’s Not Just “Boys Being Boys”: Hazing is a calculated act of power and humiliation, not some rite of passage. It is often about breaking down an individual’s self-worth and autonomy to assert control.
• It’s Not About “Brotherhood” or “Sisterhood”: True camaraderie is built on respect and mutual support, not on shared trauma or the collective abuse of individuals. Hazing fundamentally undermines these values.
• It’s Not Harmless: From forced binge drinking to physical torture, the actions involved in hazing carry severe risks of injury, illness, and death.

Concrete Examples of Hazing from Our Cases and Others:

• Physical Abuse: This can range from constant calisthenics (like the 500 squats and 100 push-ups in the Bermudez case) to outright beatings, paddling, branding, or forced exposure to extreme temperatures. The physical demands push bodies to their breaking point, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis and organ failure.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves large quantities of alcohol, leading to life-threatening alcohol poisoning. But it can also include disgusting food combinations, non-food substances, or vast amounts of liquid (as seen in the Bermudez case with forced milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting).
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation is a core component. This includes verbal abuse, public degradation, forced servitude, social isolation, and constant threats. The fanny pack incident in the Bermudez case, where pledges were forced to carry sexually suggestive items, falls into this category, aiming to degrade and control.
• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As demonstrated in the Bermudez case, this horrific act involves spraying water into a person’s face to create the sensation of drowning. It is internationally recognized as torture and signals an extreme level of depravity.
• Sexual Harassment/Abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects (as seen in the Bermudez case) are forms of sexual abuse that leave profound and lasting psychological damage.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for extended periods, subjected to late-night activities, early-morning calls, and constant interruptions, leading to exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability.
• Coercion and Threats: Hazing relies heavily on threats—threats of physical harm, social ostracization, or negative consequences to prevent pledges from leaving or speaking out. This systematic intimidation creates a culture of silence.

The Alarming Statistics:

• Widespread Problem: Over half of all students involved in fraternities and sororities report experiencing hazing. This isn’t rare; it’s a fundamental aspect of Greek life for many.
• Diverse Settings: Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities. It occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various other student organizations. If your child from Appling County joins any group that demands “initiation,” they could be at risk.
• Deadly Consequences: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the U.S. These are preventable tragedies.
• The Silence Factor: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This silence is fueled by fear, loyalty, and the misconception that they “signed up for it.” This is precisely why external legal action is often the only way to expose and stop this abuse.

Medical Consequences of Hazing

The direct fallout from severe hazing can lead to a long list of medical emergencies and long-term health issues:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As seen in the Bermudez case, extreme physical exertion forces muscle breakdown, releasing toxins that damage kidneys. This is a life-threatening condition.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced binge drinking is a leading cause of hazing deaths, particularly in cases like Stone Foltz and Max Gruver.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or head trauma during forced activities.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Exposure to extreme weather conditions can lead to severe body temperature regulation issues.
• Cardiac Arrest: Extreme physical stress, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances can trigger heart failure.
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common among hazing survivors, often requiring extensive therapy.

For Appling County parents, understanding these realities is the first step toward protecting your children. This is why our firm exists—to bring these realities to light and hold every accountable party responsible.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. Hazing typically involves systemic failures and a web of responsibility that extends from the individual perpetrators to the organizations they belong to, and the institutions that oversee them. For families in Appling County wondering “Who can I sue?”, the answer is usually comprehensive. Our firm believes in holding every single responsible party accountable, as demonstrated in our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

The Chain of Responsibility

1. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager): These individuals often directly plan, organize, and oversee hazing activities. They bear the most direct responsibility for the immediate harm inflicted. In the Bermudez case, the fraternity president and pledgemaster are named defendants.
   • Current and Former Members: Any individual who actively participates in, directs, or even merely stands by and condones hazing can be held liable. This includes members who host hazing activities at their residences, as seen with the former member and his spouse in our lawsuit. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other claims.

2. Local Chapter (e.g., Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi):

   • The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is responsible for the acts carried out in its name or by its members during official or unofficial chapter activities.
   • Liability stems from direct involvement in orchestrating and executing hazing.

3. National Fraternity or Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):

   • Negligent Supervision: National organizations have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and intervene when hazing occurs. They often fail to do this effectively.
   • Knowledge of Prior Incidents: As seen with Pi Kappa Phi’s history (Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), national organizations often have a documented record of hazing incidents across their chapters. This establishes “actual notice” – they knew their members were dangerous yet failed to act.
   • Deep Pockets: National fraternities and sororities are multi-million dollar corporations with substantial assets and liability insurance, making them crucial targets for compensation.

4. Universities and Colleges (e.g., University of Houston & UH Board of Regents):

   • Institutional Negligence: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, including hazing. This includes providing adequate oversight of Greek life, responding to reports of hazing, and enforcing anti-hazing policies.
   • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property, such as a fraternity house or campus grounds, the university can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition to exist. The University of Houston owned the property where Leonel Bermudez was hazed, a crucial point in our case.
   • Knowledge of Prior Incidents: Many universities have a history of hazing incidents on their campus. The University of Houston, for instance, had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017, demonstrating prior knowledge and a failure to implement necessary reforms.
   • Failure to Act: Despite regulations, inspections, and policies, universities often fail to effectively monitor and address hazing until a severe injury or death occurs.

5. Insurance Carriers:

   • Behind every institution and many individuals are insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. These can include:
     • National fraternity/sorority liability insurance
     • University general liability policies
     • Homeowners’ insurance for individuals who host hazing parties
     • Umbrella policies that provide additional coverage.
   • Our attorneys, with their background in insurance defense, know exactly how to identify and pursue coverage from these policies.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle

While prosecuting individual perpetrators brings important criminal justice, seeking civil damages focuses on where the real accountability and compensation lie: the “deep pockets.” This refers to the entities with substantial assets and insurance coverage that can provide meaningful compensation for victims’ extensive medical bills, lost wages, and profound pain and suffering. These “deep pockets” typically include:

• National fraternities/sororities
• Universities
• Housing corporations
• Their respective insurance providers

Our approach in the Bermudez case, suing the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and multiple individuals, exemplifies our commitment to uncovering every liable party and maximizing the recovery for our clients. For Appling County families, this means we will relentlessly pursue all possible defendants, ensuring that distance is no barrier to justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For families in Appling County who have seen their children brutalized by hazing, the question of “what can we gain?” is paramount. Beyond justice and accountability, multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases demonstrate that these lawsuits can provide substantial compensation for victims and their families. These landmark cases serve as powerful precedents, sending an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that hazing will not be tolerated. The same aggressive legal strategies that secured these results are precisely what we will bring to Appling County cases.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements – They Will Pay

We have seen, time and again, that juries and courts are outraged by hazing. The following cases illustrate the financial consequences for those responsible:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: His family secured over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and its members. A separate $6.5 million judgment was also awarded against the chapter president. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
   • Relevance to Our Case: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It demonstrates that hazing results in multi-million dollar liabilities for both universities and fraternities, even for a non-death case like Leonel’s, which involves significant injury.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers.
   • Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, and a criminal conviction for negligent homicide.
   • Relevance to Our Case: The Gruver verdict proves that juries are willing to award substantial sums for hazing deaths. It also highlights the potential for parallel criminal charges and legislative impact, both relevant to our ongoing fight for Leonel.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Beta Theta Pi, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
   • Outcome: The family’s civil lawsuit resulted in confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million, the largest known hazing settlement in U.S. history. Multiple fraternity members were also criminally charged and convicted. Pennsylvania passed the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in response.
   • Relevance to Our Case: This case, while involving death, sets a precedent for massive institutional liability when hazing is egregious and evidence (like security footage) is strong. The institutional failures at Penn State mirror those we are arguing against the University of Houston.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

   • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night,” where pledges were forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
   • Outcome: Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
   • Relevance to Our Case: This is a critical precedent because it involves the exact same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that hospitalized our client, Leonel Bermudez. This proves a documented history of deadly hazing within the national organization, strengthening our claims of negligent supervision and pattern evidence for punitive damages. Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years since Coffey’s death to prevent another incident. They failed.

5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement

   • What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a Delta Chi pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after consuming a large bottle of whiskey at an initiation event.
   • Outcome: His family secured a settlement of over $4 million from the national fraternity and individuals. Six fraternity members faced criminal charges, and “Adam’s Law” was passed in Virginia to strengthen anti-hazing legislation.
   • Relevance to Our Case: This recent settlement further solidifies the multi-million dollar exposure for national fraternities and demonstrates that legislative change often follows these tragic incidents.

Legal Reforms Driven by Hazing Tragedies

These and other cases have spurred significant legal reforms across the country, underscoring society’s growing intolerance for hazing:

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Felony charges for hazing causing death; immunity for reporting.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Made hazing a felony; increased penalties.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Felony hazing charges, named after Collin Wiant, another hazing victim.
• Adam’s Law (Virginia): Strengthened hazing penalties and prevention efforts.
• Texas Hazing Law: Existing criminal penalties, and crucially, states that consent is NOT a defense.

Why These Precedents Matter for Appling County Cases

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported: The multi-million dollar payouts in similar hazing cases, particularly the $10.1 million in the Stone Foltz case, demonstrate that our demand in the Bermudez case is well-founded and just. For Appling County families, this means your case, even if it doesn’t involve death, can command significant compensation if serious injuries occur.
2. Pi Kappa Phi’s Deadly History: The death of Andrew Coffey at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017 is a critical piece of evidence. It shows that the national organization had prior notice of deadly hazing within its chapters yet failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This pattern of negligence strengthens claims for punitive damages.
3. Universities Suffer Consequences: Significant settlements paid by Bowling Green State and Penn State reflect the institutional liability of universities that fail to protect their students from hazing. For students attending universities from Appling County, this means their institution’s negligence can be grounds for substantial recovery.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case proves that juries are often outraged by hazing and are willing to award significant damages to convey that message.
5. Hazing Leads to Criminal Charges: These cases frequently lead to criminal prosecutions against individual perpetrators, showing the dual civil and criminal accountability.
6. Your Case Can Drive Change: Every major hazing lawsuit brings greater awareness and often contributes to stronger anti-hazing laws. By stepping forward, Appling County families can not only secure justice for their child but also help protect future students.

These precedents underscore a fundamental truth: Hazing is not a victimless crime. It has severe consequences, both human and financial. Our firm’s expertise in navigating these complex cases means that families in Appling County have a powerful advocate who knows how to leverage these precedents to achieve maximum accountability and compensation.

Texas Law Protects You: Your Rights as a Hazing Victim

For families in Appling County, understanding your legal rights is crucial when confronting hazing. While our firm is based in Texas, where we’re actively litgating cases like the Bermudez matter, it’s vital to know that the principles of anti-hazing legislation and civil liability apply nationwide. Most states have similar laws, and the federal court system and common law negligence claims mean that our expertise can extend to Appling County and far beyond, ensuring victims everywhere have legal recourse.

Understanding Texas Hazing Laws

Texas has robust laws designed to combat hazing, found in the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151-37.157. These statutes serve as a powerful tool in holding individuals and organizations accountable, and they often mirror laws found in other states.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):

Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. This definition includes:

• Physical Brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. The wooden paddles and extreme calisthenics in the Bermudez case clearly fall under this.
• Sleep Deprivation: Excessive forced activities, confinement in small spaces, or calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect health. Forcing Leonel to drive members in early morning hours, causing exhaustion, is a direct example.
• Forced Consumption: This covers food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that subject the student to unreasonable risk of harm or negatively impact health. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is explicitly covered.
• Criminal Acts: Any activity that requires a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Coercion to Consume Controlled Substances: Forced consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol leading to intoxication.

Appling County Families: The depth and breadth of these definitions mean that the types of abuse experienced by Leonel Bermudez and countless other students are recognized as illegal and dangerous under the law.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

Hazing is not just a violation of campus policy; it is a crime with serious penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting/aiding hazing, or having knowledge of hazing and failing to report it. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under “serious bodily injury,” meaning individuals involved could face this charge.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

Organizations that condone or encourage hazing, or whose officers or members commit hazing, can also be penalized:

• Fines: Up to $10,000.
• Loss of Campus Privileges: Denial of permission to operate on campus, as seen with Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter closure.
• Forfeiture of Property: Additional financial penalties.

Universities’ Duty to Report (§ 37.155):

The law mandates that the chief administrative officer of an institution must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is designed to ensure transparency and accountability at the institutional level, and it often provides crucial evidence in civil lawsuits.

The Critical “Consent is NOT a Defense” Provision (§ 37.154)

This is one of the most powerful aspects of anti-hazing law for students in Appling County and everywhere:

“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 single sentence shatters the most common defense used by perpetrators and their organizations: “He knew what he was signing up for” or “He participated voluntarily.” The law unequivocally states that a victim cannot legally consent to being hazed. This doctrine recognizes the inherent coercion, peer pressure, and fear of retaliation that prevents true free will in hazing situations. For Appling County families, this means the victim’s perceived “consent” is irrelevant in legal proceedings; the focus remains on the illegal and harmful acts themselves.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, victims in Appling County can still pursue civil lawsuits to recover significant damages. Civil litigation operates under different rules and burdens of proof, making it a powerful tool for justice.

1. Negligence Claims: This is a cornerstone of personal injury law, applicable in Appling County and all states. We demonstrate that the defendants (individuals, fraternities, universities) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), which directly caused the student’s injuries and resulting damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or another entity, that entity may be liable for maintaining unsafe premises or failing to address dangerous conditions. The University of Houston’s ownership of the Pi Kappa Phi house is a prime example of this in the Bermudez case.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to properly oversee their chapters and to universities that fail to adequately monitor Greek life. Our lawsuit alleges both Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston failed in their supervisory duties.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive physical contact, such as the waterboarding, paddling, and forced exercise Leonel endured.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when outrageous conduct causes severe emotional suffering, such as the psychological trauma and dehumanization experienced by hazing victims.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families can sue for a range of damages, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial contributions of the deceased.

Appling County Families: Please know that these comprehensive legal frameworks are ready to be deployed on your behalf. Our firm has the expertise to navigate the complexities of hazing litigation, ensuring that every legal avenue is explored to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves. With our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions, we can bring these powerful legal arguments to bear wherever hazing occurs, including in Appling County.

Why Attorney911 is Your Advocate in Appling County

When your child from Appling County has been gravely harmed by hazing, you need legal representation that is not just competent, but relentless, empathetic, and strategically superior. Attorney911 stands as Georgia’s leading authority on hazing litigation, uniquely positioned to fight for your family. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates who understand the trauma, navigate the legal complexities, and aggressively pursue justice with a proven track record. This isn’t just a job for us; it’s a mission.

Proven Empathy and Unwavering Commitment

Our opening paragraph states our core belief: “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’re here to help families in your area fight back.” This isn’t just rhetoric; it’s the foundation of how we approach every hazing case, especially for families in Appling County. We understand the fear, the anger, the confusion, and the overwhelming desire for justice.

The Attorney911 Difference for Appling County Families

1. Actively Fighting Now: We are not hypothetical. Our firm is currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t theoretical; it’s an active, high-stakes battle. We bring this real-world, current experience directly to your case in Appling County.
2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge (Former Insurance Defense Attorneys): Both our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Eleno Peña, previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. They spent years learning the strategies, tactics, and loopholes insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims. They know the other side’s playbook intimately. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle the defense and maximize recovery for hazing victims. This is a critical advantage for Appling County families facing well-funded fraternities and universities.
3. Extensive Courtroom Experience: With over 25 years in the courtroom, Ralph Manginello is a battle-tested trial attorney. He has handled multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation (like the BP Texas City explosion) and numerous high-stakes cases. This experience means we are prepared to take your Appling County hazing case to trial if necessary, never settling for less than what you deserve.
4. Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal civil rights litigation. This federal court authority allows us to pursue complex cases that cross state lines, giving us a significant advantage when dealing with national fraternities and universities, regardless of their location relative to Appling County.
5. Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas and New York): Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when confronting national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in the Northeast. This broad legal reach is invaluable for Appling County families whose cases may involve entities outside of Georgia.
6. Fluent Spanish Speakers (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Appling County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We believe every family deserves clear and complete communication and access to justice.
7. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain an extensive, proprietary database of IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, including EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every liable entity behind the Greek letters, from national headquarters to local housing corporations, eliminating guesswork and accelerating legal action. This proactive approach ensures we target all responsible parties effectively.
8. Focused on Hazing Specifics: Our firm has direct experience with hazing cases involving severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as evidenced by the Bermudez case. This specialized focus means we understand the unique medical, psychological, and legal aspects of hazing trauma, allowing us to build the strongest possible case for Appling County victims.
9. No Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee): We understand that families grappling with the emotional and financial fallout of hazing may be hesitant to incur additional legal fees. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency basis. You pay us absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This commitment ensures that financial concerns do not prevent Appling County families from accessing top-tier legal representation.
10. Ready to Travel: While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Appling County. Distance is not a barrier to justice for us. We offer remote consultations via video and will travel to Appling County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
11. Client-Centric Approach: Our hundreds of 4.9-star Google reviews highlight our commitment to client satisfaction, communication, and achieving justice. Testimonials frequently praise our empathy, responsiveness, and determination to fight for maximum settlements, treating clients “like family.”

For worried parents in Appling County whose child has been terrorized by hazing, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise, but a deep well of empathy and a proven strategy for accountability. We are prepared to bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation that defines our firm to your family’s fight.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Appling County Hazing Victims

If your child in Appling County has been involved in a hazing incident, the moments immediately following the event are crucial. The actions you take—or fail to take—can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. We understand that this is a stressful and confusing time. That’s why we’ve outlined clear, actionable steps that can protect your child’s legal rights and help build a strong case.

Our Urgent Advice for Appling County Families:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention (and Document Everything):

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute first priority. If injuries are severe, call 911. Take them to the emergency room, a doctor, or a mental health professional immediately.
   • No Delay: Even if injuries seem minor or physical symptoms are delayed (like rhabdomyolysis, which can manifest days later), seek medical evaluation. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will use any delay in seeking treatment to argue that the injuries were not serious or not caused by the hazing.
   • Medical Records Are Key: Ensure all medical visits are meticulously documented. This includes emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, specialist referrals, therapy records, and all invoices. These records are the foundation of proving injury and damages.
   • Photograph Injuries: Take clear, timestamped photos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as soon as possible and continue to document their healing process over time.

2. Preserve All Evidence — Every Detail Matters:

   • Digital Communications: This is critical. Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Take screenshots of everything. This electronic trail often contains direct evidence of instructions, threats, and witness reactions. (Link to “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” video)
   • Photos and Videos: Collect any photos or videos taken by your child, other pledges, or members during hazing events. These can be powerful visual evidence.
   • Physical Evidence: Keep any physical items related to the hazing, such as clothing, specific items used in rituals, or anything that might connect to the abuse.
   • Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written communications given to pledges.
   • Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it, including other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for related expenses, and documentation of any lost wages or academic fees incurred due to the hazing.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Counsel:

   • Silence is Golden: Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership, national representatives, university officials (including Greek life advisors or student conduct officers), or their attorneys without having your own legal counsel present.
   • No Recorded Statements: Under no circumstances should your child give a recorded statement to anyone associated with the fraternity, sorority, or university. These statements are often used to twist words and undermine your case. (Link to “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” video)
   • No Signatures: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements provided by the organization or university. Such documents could waive your child’s rights.
   • No Social Media Posts: Instruct your child to immediately cease posting anything related to the incident or their injuries on social media. Defense attorneys scour social media for anything that can be used against a victim. Even seemingly innocuous posts can be twisted.

4. File Reports as Appropriate:

   • Campus Report: While speaking to university officials alone is cautioned, filing an official hazing report with the university’s appropriate office (e.g., student conduct, Title IX office) may be necessary to trigger internal investigations or meet reporting requirements. Do so strategically, after consulting an attorney.
   • Police Report: In cases involving physical assault, sexual abuse, or extreme conduct, filing a police report is crucial. Hazing is a crime in many states, including Texas, and criminal charges can run parallel to a civil lawsuit.
   • Title IX Report: If the hazing involves gender-based harassment or sexual violence, a Title IX report must be considered.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:

   • Time is Critical: There are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, known as Statutes of Limitations (typically 2 years for personal injury and wrongful death in Texas). Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities can be lost if you delay. (Link to “Texas Statutes of Limitations” video)
   • Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and it costs you nothing to learn about your legal options.
   • We Come to You: For Appling County families, distance is not an issue. We offer video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Appling County for depositions, meetings, or trial if necessary.
   • Level the Playing Field: Fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies will have aggressive legal teams working against you from day one. You need equally aggressive and experienced advocates on your side.

Appling County Families: We want to help. Following these steps will significantly strengthen your child’s case and ensure their rights are protected. Do not navigate this terrifying experience alone. We are here, ready to listen, advise, and fight for you.

Contact Us: Your First Call for Justice in Appling County

If your family in Appling County is reeling from the trauma of hazing, the time to act is now. You don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting these battles in court today. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to every case, committed to securing justice for victims and holding every responsible party accountable.

Appling County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for Appling County victims too. Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Appling County families get the same aggressive representation.

Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Appling County Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Call us 24/7 for a FREE, confidential consultation. We understand that legal emergencies don’t keep business hours, and we’re here to answer your call day or night.

Email Us Anytime: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website for More Information: attorney911.com

Our Commitment to Appling County Families:

• Contingency Fee Basis: You pay absolutely $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means we don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone in Appling County, regardless of financial means. (Link to “How Contingency Fees Work” video)
• Nationwide Reach, Local Focus: While our offices are primarily based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond Texas. Hazing is a national crisis, and we serve victims across America, including those in Appling County. We achieve this through:
  • Federal Court Authority: Allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions against national organizations.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages in national litigation.
  • Remote Consultations: Appling County families can easily connect with us via video chat, making geographical distance irrelevant.
  • Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Appling County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Justice should not be constrained by distance.
• Comprehensive Hazing Representation: Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in:
  • Fraternities and sororities at universities accessible to Appling County students.
  • Sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC programs at colleges and high schools.
  • Clubs and other student organizations.
  • Any group that uses abuse, coercion, or humiliation as an initiation rite.

For Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge collapsed unconscious. Others endured the waterboarding, physical abuse, and forced consumption. If you or someone you know was a victim of this hazing, or any other hazing incident, you have rights too. Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice. As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Don’t let fear or confusion prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. The time to act is now. Contact Attorney911. We are your advocates, ready to listen, fight, and win.

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