If you’re reading this in Bibb County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college, expecting to make friends, chase dreams, and build a future. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and physical torment under the guise of “brotherhood” or “tradition.” We are here to help families in Bibb County fight back when their children are hurt by hazing.

We are Attorney911. We are a team of Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we represent hazing victims and their families in Bibb County and across the nation. We understand that this isn’t just a legal challenge; it’s a personal tragedy that leaves deep scars, both visible and invisible. We know the fear, the anger, and the desperation you might be feeling when a university or fraternity betrays the trust you placed in them. We are here to tell you that you are not alone, and there is a path to justice.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is a crime. It is abuse. It is often assault and battery. And in too many tragic cases, it leads to catastrophic injury or death. When this happens, Attorney911 stands ready to hold every responsible party accountable—from the individual perpetrators to the largest national fraternities and seemingly untouchable universities.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Bibb County Families Need Us

Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous problem on college campuses across America, and institutions near Bibb County are not immune. It penetrates fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and even military organizations, turning what should be formative experiences into nightmares. The emotional and physical toll on victims and their families is immense, often leading to lifelong trauma, academic failure, and severe health consequences.

Statistics paint a grim picture:

Over 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
More than 40% of student-athletes report being hazed.
Shockingly, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group that abused them.
Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.

These aren’t just numbers; they represent shattered lives and broken families. When a Bibb County child leaves home for college, parents rightfully expect them to be safe. They expect universities to protect them and fraternities to foster positive growth. All too often, that trust is catastrophically betrayed.

We’ve seen firsthand how these incidents devastate families. We’re actively fighting this battle right now, bringing our aggressive, data-driven litigation strategies to bear against powerful institutions. We believe that by holding those responsible accountable, we can not only secure justice for our clients but also prevent future tragedies.

BREAKING: Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle Right Now – The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Bibb County

Bibb County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

This case happened in Houston, but the same forms of hazing occur at universities across the country, including institutions that students from Bibb County attend. The same national fraternities operate in university towns around Bibb County. The same institutional negligence and failure to act can be found at colleges throughout Georgia and beyond. And we want Bibb County families to know that we will fight for them with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to this landmark case.

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston for severe hazing that led to a pledge’s hospitalization. This isn’t a theoretical exercise; we are in the trenches right now, fighting for justice for Leonel Bermudez.

Media Coverage – Multiple Outlets on the Bermudez Case

The gravity of this case has captured the attention of major news outlets:

ABC13 Houston: Published November 21-22, 2025, detailing “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” (Link to ABC13 Coverage)
KHOU 11: Reported November 21, 2025, on “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” (Link to KHOU 11 Coverage)
Houston Chronicle: Covered the “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” on November 22, 2025. (Link to Houston Chronicle Coverage)
Houston Public Media: Revealed new details on November 24, 2025, stating, “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” (Link to Houston Public Media Coverage)

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, one of the defendants, issued a statement on November 21, 2025, confirming the closure of their UH chapter due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy.” (Link to Pi Kappa Phi Statement)

The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning to All Parents

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush.” He wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, this 19-year-old fell victim to weeks of systematic abuse after accepting a bid to Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025.

What followed was a horrific ordeal that ended with Leonel hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. As our attorney Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Mr. Manginello further explained in the KHOU 11 report, “He was passing brown urine, which is a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He had very high creatine kinase levels in his blood tests.”

This case is a stark warning for Bibb County families:

Pi Kappa Phi is a national fraternity with 150+ chapters across America, including at universities that Bibb County students attend.
The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can, and do, happen at fraternities across the country.
Universities, like those near Bibb County, face the same potential liability when they fail to oversee Greek life.
If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel.

As our attorney Lupe Pena said to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Torment

The lawsuit details a harrowing period of abuse:

September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts his bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately.
September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
October 13, 2025: In a separate incident foreshadowing the escalation, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. These warning signs were ignored.
November 3, 2025: The incident that led to Leonel’s hospitalization. He was forced to do extreme exercises, including over 100 pushups and 500 squats, while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened, unable to move or recover.
November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found “passing brown urine,” a clear sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment.
November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, as stated on their own website—a mere seven days before our lawsuit was filed.
November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County. News outlets like ABC13 and KHOU 11 covered it the same day, followed by the Houston Chronicle and Houston Public Media.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The lawsuit meticulously details the horrific activities Leonel endured:

Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: KHOU 11 reported, “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose during calisthenics. This is a form of torture, internationally recognized as a war crime.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. He was then forced to continue running sprints while in clear physical distress and lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to continue until he couldn’t stand without help. The Houston Chronicle also reported instances of “being struck with wooden paddles.”
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature.” A separate incident involved another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour.
Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s severe hazing directly led to rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream that can cause acute kidney failure and even death. The symptoms he experienced—”passing brown urine,” severe muscle pain, difficulty walking, and “very high creatine kinase levels”—are all classic indicators of this life-threatening condition. He required intensive medical care during his hospitalization, and faces a risk of long-term kidney damage.

This is the very medical condition Attorney911 has successfully litigated in other hazing cases, underscoring our specialized expertise.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Effort to Evade Accountability

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025): “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… Any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” Translation: They acknowledge the severity and wrongdoing, but their statement is carefully crafted to limit the university’s liability while putting blame on individuals.
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025): Their statement announced the chapter closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Tellingly, it also said, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership… We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” Translation: They knew what was coming, closed the chapter prematurely to shield themselves, and are already planning their return while Leonel recovers. There is no genuine remorse, only strategic maneuvering.

The lawsuit alleges that both the national organization and the university “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This demonstrates a pattern of deliberate indifference that enabled such extreme abuse to occur.

Why This Case Matters to Bibb County Families

This case isn’t just about what happened in Houston; it’s a critical warning for every family in Bibb County whose child attends college.

“Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t harmless pranks. They are systematic abuse that happens at universities across the nation. Bibb County students at institutions like the University of Georgia, Mercer University, Georgia College & State University, or even out-of-state schools, are at risk.
Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. Universities around Bibb County have the same power to stop hazing on their campuses and are equally liable when they don’t.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters knew about this deadly culture, yet failed to prevent it. The same national fraternities operate in Georgia, and their actions (or inactions) have nationwide consequences.
Victims Are Afraid: Leonel fears retribution for speaking out – a common and terrifying reality for hazing victims everywhere, including those from Bibb County. We protect our clients.
One Brave Victim Can Protect Students: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your Bibb County case could be the one that saves another student’s life.
$10 Million Sends A Message: The demand for $10 million in damages reflects the devastating impact of this hazing and aims to send a clear message that torturing college students will come with a steep price, ensuring accountability for Bibb County victims.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students from Bibb County might have a dated idea of hazing – perhaps some embarrassing tasks or silly rituals. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister and dangerous. This isn’t “boys being boys” or “character building”; it’s systematic abuse, psychological torture, and often outright criminal assault.

Beyond Harmless Pranks: The True Face of Hazing

Physical Abuse: This can range from forced strenuous exercise (like the 500 squats and 100 pushups Leonel endured) to beatings, paddling (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles), branding, or forced exposure to extreme temperatures. The goal is often physical degradation and exhaustion, leading to injuries like broken bones, internal organ damage, and in Leonel’s case, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Forced Consumption: A common and deadly form of hazing involves forcing pledges to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, food (to the point of vomiting, as with Leonel), or even non-food substances. This has led to numerous deaths from alcohol poisoning and severe health complications. Our client was made to eat hot dogs and peppercorns, then made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This is often as damaging as physical abuse. It includes verbal degradation, forced nudity, social isolation, sleep deprivation (Leonel was forced to drive late at night for members), and threats. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with “objects of a sexual nature” and subjected to simulated waterboarding, which Houston Public Media rightly characterized as a “form of torture.” The hog-tying of another pledge for over an hour also falls into this horrifying category.
Sexual Abuse and Harassment: Alarmingly, hazing can escalate to forced sexual acts, sexualized rituals, or various forms of sexual humiliation.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often deprived of sleep by forced late-night activities, early morning wake-ups, or constant tasks, leading to profound exhaustion, impaired judgment, and vulnerability.
Reckless Endangerment: Hazing often involves pushing individuals to their physical and mental breaking points, creating situations of extreme danger without regard for their well-being. The collapse of another pledge and Leonel’s kidney failure due to forced immense physical exertion are prime examples.

The True Cost: Medical and Psychological Trauma

The consequences of such abuse are devastating:

Severe Physical Injuries: Beyond Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, victims can suffer from alcohol poisoning, brain injuries from falls or blows, broken bones, severe burns, hypothermia, and cardiac arrest.
Profound Psychological Trauma: Hazing frequently leads to long-term conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and deep trust issues. Leonel’s fear of retribution, as noted by ABC13, is a direct result of this psychological manipulation.
Academic and Career Impact: Hazing often interferes with studies, leads to academic decline, lost scholarships, and can even prematurely end a student’s college career, impacting future opportunities.

Bibb County parents need to understand that this is not acceptable. This is not normal. And when it happens, we are ready to fight back with every legal tool at our disposal.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When hazing inflicts such severe harm, it’s not just the individual perpetrators who are liable. A comprehensive legal strategy, like the one Attorney911 employs, targets every entity that played a role, directly or indirectly, in allowing the abuse to occur. For Bibb County families, this means the possibility of holding multiple powerful defendants responsible.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, our lawsuit seeks to hold multiple parties accountable for Leonel’s horrific injuries:

The Local Fraternity Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is where the hazing organically originates. The members directly organized and carried out the brutal activities. Their collective actions, or inactions, constitute direct participation in the abuse.
Chapter Officers (e.g., Fraternity President, Pledgemaster): These individuals bear a heightened responsibility. They are the leaders who directed, encouraged, sanctioned, or even personally participated in the hazing. Their positions of authority make their negligence, and often their direct involvement, undeniable. We are suing the President and Pledgemaster in Leonel’s case, along with other key members.
Individual Fraternity Members: Every member who participated in, facilitated, witnessed and failed to report, or encouraged the hazing can be held personally liable for assault, battery, negligence, and other civil wrongs. The Stone Foltz case in Ohio saw a chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million – a powerful precedent for individual accountability.
Former Members and Hosts: The Bermudez lawsuit uniquely highlights the liability of former members who hosted hazing activities at their private residences. These individuals and their spouses, if they allowed such events to occur on their property, can face premises liability claims. For example, some major hazing sessions in Leonel’s case occurred at a former member and his spouse’s residence, and they are named defendants.
The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): National fraternities are often the “deep pockets” in hazing litigation. They are liable for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce their own anti-hazing policies, and address known patterns of dangerous behavior. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi’s own internal documents (as reported by KHOU 11) allegedly show they had “knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis’.” Furthermore, the shocking death of Andrew Coffey in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 proves they had a documented history of deadly negligence which they failed to rectify in the eight years leading up to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization.
The University (University of Houston and UH Board of Regents): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students from harm, especially when hazing occurs on their property or within their sanctioned organizations. The University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred, indicating direct responsibility as a landlord. Moreover, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had actual notice of the danger and failed to implement sufficient safeguards. Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to warn, and allowing a dangerous environment to persist.
Insurance Carriers: These are often the ultimate source of recovery. National organizations, universities, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) typically carry substantial liability insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable “insider” knowledge of how these carriers operate, allowing us to strategically pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

For Bibb County parents, understanding this multi-layered approach to accountability is crucial. Hazing is enabled by a web of individuals and institutions, and our firm is committed to unraveling that web to secure justice for your child. We don’t guess who might be responsible; we identify and pursue every party, ensuring that “deep pockets” are held to account.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For Bibb County families wondering if a hazing lawsuit can truly make a difference, the answer is a resounding yes. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, while significant, is benchmarked against and supported by a long history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the country. These precedents send a clear message: hazing costs millions, and families like yours can, and do, win life-changing compensation.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements – They Will Pay

STONE FOLTZ – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
- What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation.
- Outcome: The Foltz family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individual members, totaling over $10.1 million. In December 2024, a former chapter president was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million. This remains the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
- Relevance to Bermudez: This case directly supports our $10 million demand. It shows universities and national fraternities are held liable for multi-million dollar sums, even against individuals. Pi Kappa Alpha is another major national fraternity that operates, along with Pi Kappa Phi, in states including Georgia.
MAXWELL GRUVER – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
- What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.”
- Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family a $6.1 million verdict. This tragedy also prompted the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Relevance to Bermudez: Proves juries will award millions for hazing deaths and injuries, and that these cases drive legislative change.
TIMOTHY PIAZZA – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlement)
- What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs repeatedly while highly intoxicated during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 crucial hours. Security cameras captured everything.
- Outcome: The Piazza family secured a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
- Relevance to Bermudez: Shows that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, as in Leonel’s case, settlements can reach truly astronomical figures.
ANDREW COFFEY – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Amount Confidential)
- What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
- Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential settlement.
- Relevance to Bermudez: Andrew Coffey was a pledge of Pi Kappa Phi – the SAME national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a systemic failure dating back eight years, directly supporting our claim for punitive damages.
ADAM OAKES – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4+ Million Settlement
- What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. The family initially sued for $28 million.
- Outcome: The family settled for over $4 million, with $2.5 million going to parents and another $425,000 donated to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation. This also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
- Relevance to Bermudez: Reinforces the high value of hazing cases and their ability to drive legislative change.
UT AUSTIN / Sigma Chi (November 2025): Lawsuit Recently Filed
- What Happened: Tragically, a wrongful death lawsuit was just filed at the University of Texas at Austin against Sigma Chi, alleging “horrific abuse” leading to a freshman’s death by suicide.
- Relevance to Bermudez: Filed the same week as Leonel’s, this case highlights the ongoing and deadly nature of hazing, even in Texas, and demonstrates a heightened awareness and legal response to the crisis.

The Message for Bibb County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations:

These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing is not just a moral failing, but a massive financial liability. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, though he survived, is firmly rooted in these precedents. The emotional and physical trauma, the long-term medical costs, and the need for punitive damages all justify this demand. For every Bibb County student harmed by hazing, we will leverage these precedents to ensure justice is served, and that responsible parties pay the price.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Bibb County

While Attorney911 is primarily based in Texas, the fundamental legal principles that govern hazing liability—including civil negligence, institutional accountability, and criminal penalties for perpetrators—are similar across most states, including Georgia, where Bibb County is located. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to operate nationally, pursuing justice for Bibb County victims wherever their incidents occurred.

Understanding the law is the first step towards seeking justice. Let’s look at the foundational Texas Hazing Law, which mirrors protections found in many other states:

Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157: The Anti-Hazing Law

This statute provides a clear definition of hazing and outlines severe penalties, both civil and criminal, for those involved.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:
1. Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like Leonel being struck with wooden paddles), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
2. Endangers mental or physical health/safety: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (Leonel stripped in cold weather, sprayed with a hose), confinement, calisthenics (Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups until kidney failure), or other activities that pose an unreasonable risk of harm.
3. Involves forced consumption: Forcing food, liquid, alcohol (Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting), drugs, or other substances that create an unreasonable risk.
4. Requires illegal acts: Any activity inducing or requiring violation of the Penal Code.
5. Involves coercion to consume dangerous amounts of drugs or alcohol: Leading a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated.
Bibb County Application: The hazing activities endured by Leonel Bermudez—including waterboarding, forced exercise, eating until vomiting, and physical assaults—clearly fall within and exceed this legal definition, which is consistent with anti-hazing laws in states like Georgia.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law establishes serious criminal consequences for hazing:
- Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting, encouraging, or failing to report it (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure qualify as serious bodily injury.
- State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can face severe penalties, including fines up to $10,000, and even a denial of the right to operate on campus or forfeiture of property, if they condone, encourage, or participate in hazing. Our lawsuit seeks to prove that Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter are liable under this principle.
University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges for administrators.
CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps the most critical protection for hazing victims. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

Bibb County Impact: When a fraternity or university tries to argue, “He knew what he was getting into,” or “He could have just left,” the law in states with similar anti-hazing statutes directly refutes this. Coercion, peer pressure, and the desire to belong negate genuine consent in these abusive contexts. This utterly dismantles a common defense tactic and strengthens the victim’s case.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in a conviction, Bibb County hazing victims can still pursue substantial civil lawsuits to recover damages. Our litigation strategy employs multiple civil liability theories:

Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. We demonstrate that the university, national organization, and individual members owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing hazing to occur), which directly caused the student’s injuries and resulting damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH-owned fraternity house in Leonel’s case) or by individuals (like the former member’s residence), those property owners can be held liable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
Negligent Supervision: This applies to both national organizations and universities that fail to adequately supervise their chapters or Greek life systems, despite knowing the risks of hazing.
Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who physically harm a student can be sued directly for assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual physical harm), regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, especially psychological torment like waterboarding, can lead to claims for severe emotional distress, PTSD, and other mental health impacts.
Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, where hazing leads to death, families in Bibb County can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their immense losses, including loss of companionship, future earnings, and funeral expenses.

For Bibb County families, it’s vital to know that these legal avenues are robust and enforceable. Attorney911 specializes in leveraging these laws, combined with relentless investigation, to build an unassailable case for our clients.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Bibb County’s Darkest Hour

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation and knows how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions. Attorney911 brings unparalleled expertise and a proven track record to Bibb County families facing these unimaginable circumstances. While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including Bibb County, leveraging our federal court authority and willingness to travel wherever justice demands.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Insiders

At Attorney911, both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage for our clients.

Insight into the Opponent’s Playbook: Ralph and Lupe have spent years working for the insurance companies and corporations that now stand as our adversaries. They know the defense tactics, the strategies for minimizing payouts, and the internal frameworks used to deny claims. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, counter their arguments, and build a case designed to succeed. They know precisely how Bibb County defendants will try to fight back, and how to defeat those tactics.
Decades of Combined Experience: With over 37 years of combined legal experience, Mr. Manginello and Mr. Peña have a wealth of experience across complex litigation. Mr. Manginello’s background includes multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation from the BP Texas City Explosion, demonstrating his capability to take on massive corporate defendants. Mr. Peña’s experience at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, means he understands the strategies of the largest insurance companies.

Specialized Expertise in Hazing Litigation

Our firm isn’t just generally experienced; we have a focused dedication to hazing cases.

Actively Litigating Landmark Cases: We are currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, making us one of the few firms in the nation actively engaged in such a high-stakes hazing case. This isn’t theoretical; it’s proof of our immediate and aggressive approach to hazing accountability. Bibb County families get this same aggressive, proven representation.
Deep Medical Knowledge: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel’s. This includes understanding the medical implications, expert witnesses needed, and long-term damages for such life-altering injuries.
Understanding Institutional Failures: We dissect how national fraternities and universities, including those near Bibb County, create an environment where hazing can flourish unchecked, turning a blind eye to danger until tragedy strikes.

National Reach, Local Dedication for Bibb County

While our physical offices are in Texas, our commitment to hazing victims extends across the United States.

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing us with the authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential tool when national organizations are involved.
Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, offering a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered across various states.
Remote & On-Site Capabilities: We offer video consultations for Bibb County families who cannot travel, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Bibb County for depositions, client meetings, or trials when needed. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

Compassion and Communication

We understand that pursuing a lawsuit after a traumatic hazing incident can be overwhelming. Our team provides compassionate, clear communication throughout the entire process.

Bilingual Staff: We are proud to offer services in Spanish (“Se Habla Español”), ensuring that language barriers never prevent Bibb County’s Hispanic families from accessing justice. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, is fluent in Spanish.
Client-Centered Approach: Our Google reviews reflect a 4.9-star rating from over 250 clients, consistently praising our responsiveness, communication, and genuine care. As client Chad Harris remarked, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”
Contingency Fees: We take hazing cases on contingency. This means Bibb County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows any family, regardless of economic status, to pursue justice against well-funded institutions. (Learn more about contingency fees here)

More Than Just Lawyers: We Are Legal Emergency Responders™

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 to “make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.” Hazing is absolutely a legal emergency. When a parent from Bibb County is searching for help at 2 AM after their child has been brutalized, they need immediate, actionable assistance. That’s what we provide.

We know Bibb County families have choices. What sets us apart is our deep emotional investment in hazing victims matched with our aggressive litigation strategy. We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. And we will fight fiercely because we truly believe in holding accountable those who would allow such atrocities to occur.

What to Do Right Now: Your Immediate Steps for Justice in Bibb County

If your child in Bibb County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do, or don’t do, can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. We know this is a distressing time, but taking these urgent steps can help protect your child’s rights and build a foundation for accountability.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Injuries:

Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis) may not fully manifest for days.
Be Thorough: Inform medical staff that the injuries resulted from hazing. Ensure all physical signs of abuse (bruises, cuts, burns, muscle pain, difficulty moving, changes in urine color) are thoroughly documented in medical records.
Follow Up: Adhere strictly to all doctor’s recommendations, including follow-up appointments, specialist referrals, and therapy. Any gap in treatment records can be used by the defense to argue your child’s injuries weren’t severe.

2. Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

Photographs and Videos: Use a cell phone to capture images or videos of injuries at all stages of healing. If possible and safe, document the location of the hazing, any physical items used, or the environment. (Learn how to use your phone to document evidence)
Communications: This is crucial. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communications related to the hazing. These are invaluable for showing coordination, threats, coercion, and the extent of the abuse. Screenshots are powerful evidence.
Witness Information: Collect names, contact details, and any statements from other pledges, witnesses, or individuals who observed the hazing or your child’s injuries.
Hazing “Manuals” or Schedules: If your child received any written or digital materials outlining pledge activities, schedules, or “rules,” save them immediately.
Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, expenses related to missed school or work, and any other financial losses incurred due to the hazing.
Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, attendance, or enrollment status.

3. Critical “DO NOTs” to Protect Your Case:

DO NOT Delete Communications: Deleting messages, posts, or photos can be seen as destruction of evidence and severely harm your case.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or you post about the incident can and will be used against you by the defense. This includes photos, status updates, or comments about their well-being. Assume everything is visible and will be scrutinized. (Avoid mistakes that can ruin your case)
DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Without Legal Counsel: They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect themselves and minimize liability. They may try to get your child to sign documents, give statements, or accept inadequate solutions that waive their rights. Refer all inquiries to your attorney.
DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Never give a recorded statement to anyone (especially insurance adjusters) without legal representation. They are trained to manipulate you into saying things that can harm your case.

4. Act Immediately: Time is Critical!

Statute of Limitations: In Texas (and most states, including Georgia), the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically TWO YEARS from the date of the injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever. (Understand Statutes of Limitations)
Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely it is that critical evidence will be lost or destroyed. Text messages are deleted, social media archives disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade.
Witnesses Become Reluctant: Other pledges or members involved may become less willing to come forward over time due to fear or loyalty to the organization.
Organizational Cover-ups: Fraternities and universities may attempt to destroy or obscure records if not immediately put on notice.

Leonel Bermudez’s case proves the importance of swift action: he was hospitalized on November 6, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate response allowed us to secure evidence and put all defendants on notice.

5. Contact Attorney911 for a FREE Consultation:

This is the most crucial step. Our lawyers can guide you through every aspect of this challenging process, ensuring no critical steps are missed. We will evaluate your case, help preserve evidence, and begin building a strategy to hold those responsible accountable. Remember, we work on contingency, so there are no upfront costs for Bibb County families.

Your child didn’t deserve this. You have rights. Take the crucial step today.

CALL TO ACTION FOR Bibb County FAMILIES: The Time to Act is Now

🚨 Bibb County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You are not alone. What happened to your child was inexcusable, and you have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll bring the same relentless pursuit of justice to Bibb County victims.

Our attorneys at Attorney911 are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We have proven our ability to build these complex cases, hold powerful institutions accountable, and win. Bibb County families deserve nothing less than this aggressive, experienced representation.

Bibb County Families – Call Now for a FREE Consultation

If your child has been injured or worse due to hazing, please do not hesitate. The clock is ticking, and evidence can disappear quickly.

📞 Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7:

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS – this means there are $0 upfront costs for Bibb County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

What Bibb County Hazing Victims and Families Should Do Right Now:

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Ensure your child receives immediate and thorough medical evaluation, even for seemingly minor injuries. Document everything.
PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, photo, video, and social media post related to the hazing. Get names and contact information of any witnesses.
DO NOT TALK TO THE FRATERNITY/SORORITY, UNIVERSITY, OR THEIR LAWYERS: Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications.
DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Refrain from posting any details about the incident or your child’s condition on social media.
CALL US IMMEDIATELY: The statute of limitations (typically two years) means time is of the essence. Critical evidence disappears quickly.

We Serve Hazing Victims Nationwide, Including Bibb County

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our commitment to justice for hazing victims extends across the country. Hazing is a national scourge, and we are equipped to help families in Bibb County and beyond through:

Federal court authority: Allowing us to pursue cases with national implications.
Dual-state bar licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas and New York, providing broader litigation capabilities against national organizations.
Video consultations: We offer convenient and confidential virtual meetings for Bibb County families, eliminating geographic barriers.
Travel commitment: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Bibb County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Justice knows no boundaries.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities; we represent victims in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities near Bibb County (e.g., University of Georgia, Mercer University).
Sports teams at local schools and colleges.
Marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations.
Any group that misuses power to inflict physical or psychological abuse.

To Other Victims of Hazing:

We know there are more stories like Leonel’s. Our client was not the only one hazed. Other pledges collapsed, were hog-tied, and endured the same torture. If you or someone you know has been a victim of hazing, whether in Bibb County or elsewhere, please come forward. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com