If you’re reading this in Clarke County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. They were supposed to thrive, to explore new ideas, and shape their future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and dehumanized under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” We’re here to help families in Clarke County fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing that continues to plague campuses across America.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear for your child’s well-being – these emotions are overwhelming. You probably found us searching online at 2 AM, desperate for answers and someone who understands what you’re facing. We want you to know you are not alone, and you have powerful legal allies ready to stand with you. Here in Clarke County, and across Georgia, students are being brutalized by so-called “traditions” that leave them with physical injuries, psychological scars, and sometimes, even death. We believe that enough is enough.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle. Right now, our firm is engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston over a hazing incident so egregious it resulted in our client’s hospitalization with kidney failure. We are not a theoretical firm that “hopes to handle hazing cases.” We are in the trenches, aggressively pursuing accountability and justice for victims and their families. The same legal strategies, the same relentless pursuit of justice, and the same deep understanding of institutional negligence that we bring to our Houston cases, we will bring to your family in Clarke County.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is an act of violence. It is not about building character; it is about breaking spirits. It is a crime, and the perpetrators – from the individual students to the national organizations and the universities that enable them – must be held accountable. We are here to ensure that they are.

The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning for Clarke County Families

What happened in Houston to our client, Leonel Bermudez, is a chilling reminder of how brutal and dangerous hazing has become. This isn’t a story from decades ago; it unfolded in the fall of 2025, just weeks before Attorney911 filed our $10 million lawsuit. It’s a stark warning for every parent in Clarke County whose child is attending or considering attending college here in Georgia or anywhere else.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a promising student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester and wanted to build connections. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse and psychological torture.

The lawsuit details harrowing acts of physical and mental torment that directly mirror the kind of hazing we know occurs at universities throughout Georgia’s vibrant campus communities, including those near Clarke County like the University of Georgia, Piedmont University, or Athens Technical College where Greek life often thrives. Leonel was subjected to:

Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning, a practice widely recognized as torture. This wasn’t a game; it was a deliberate act of terror.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 500 squats and 100 push-ups, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, high-volume “suicides,” two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This forced exertion continued until he could not physically stand without assistance. He was even made to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this torment.
Physical Beatings: The lawsuit alleges he was struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t roughhousing; it’s assault.
Forced Eating and 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 physical distress, and even lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was made to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather. He witnessed another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant.
Sleep Deprivation and Servitude: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to profound exhaustion.

The cumulative effect of this brutal “pledge process” was devastating. On November 3, 2025, after a particularly grueling session, Leonel collapsed, physically unable to stand. He managed to crawl up the stairs to his bed. Over the next two days, his condition worsened dramatically. By November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a horrifying sign of severe muscle breakdown.

Diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to permanent damage or even death. This is the medical reality of hazing: not just bruises, but life-threatening organ failure.

This case is not theoretical for us; it’s an active fight in a Houston courtroom. We’ve seen the evidence, we’ve spoken with the victim’s family, and we are determined to secure justice for Leonel. This is the kind of aggressive, hands-on representation that Clarke County families can expect when they call Attorney911.

You can learn more about the disturbing details of this case and our fight for Leonel Bermudez from various news outlets:

Within days of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the University of Houston chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was suspended. The national organization, as documented on their own website, closed the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, even before our lawsuit was filed – a clear sign they knew the gravity of the situation. Criminal referrals were initiated against the perpetrators. We went further, naming the university, the national fraternity, the local housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members in our $10 million lawsuit. This is exactly how we fight back, and how we will fight for any student in Clarke County harmed by hazing.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Clarke County

For many parents in Clarke County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks, mild discomfort, or challenging rites of passage. Unfortunately, the reality is far darker and more dangerous. Today’s hazing rituals, particularly within Greek life and other student organizations at universities near Clarke County, often involve criminal acts that result in severe physical injury, lasting psychological trauma, or even death.

This isn’t “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” These are acts of assault, battery, torture, negligent homicide, and sometimes, murder.

Here in Clarke County, your child might be attending the University of Georgia, with its sprawling campus and vibrant Greek system, or perhaps Piedmont University, or Athens Technical College. All these institutions, like colleges nationwide, face the silent threat of hazing. The stories of abuse we see in our current litigation are not isolated incidents; they are part of a deeply entrenched culture.

Based on our current litigation and nationwide reports, hazing often includes:

Extreme Physical Abuse: Beyond the typical image of push-ups, this involves exercises to the point of collapse, forced calisthenics that cause muscle breakdown like Leonel experienced, paddling, branding, striking, and even sexual assault. Injuries can range from broken bones and concussions to internal bleeding and rhabdomyolysis.
Forced Consumption: This is a hallmark of dangerous hazing. It means forcing students to consume excessive amounts of alcohol (leading to alcohol poisoning), large quantities of food until vomiting, or even vile, inedible substances. Many hazing deaths are the direct result of rapid alcohol ingestion.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days or confined to small spaces for extended periods. This compromises judgment, lowers resistance, and can lead to dangerous accidents or severe psychological distress.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This can leave scars far deeper than physical ones. It includes verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, forced public degradation, forced nudity, isolation, threats, and creating an environment of constant fear and anxiety. The fanny pack with sexual objects, the hog-tying, and forced lying in vomit were all designed to humiliate and break spirit.
Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As seen in Leonel’s case, this extreme form of abuse involves dousing pledges with water to simulate drowning, demonstrating a terrifying escalation of violence that directly parallels torture tactics.
Exposure: Students may be forced to endure extreme cold or heat, or left stranded in remote locations in minimal clothing, risking hypothermia, heatstroke, or accidental injury.
Servitude and Degradation: This involves forcing pledges to perform demeaning tasks for fraternity members, such as cleaning, driving, running errands, or performing personal services.

The Medical Realities of Hazing:
The consequences of these rituals are severe. We continue to see:

Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: When muscle tissue breaks down from extreme exertion, it releases toxins that can lead to permanent kidney damage or death, as Leonel Bermudez experienced.
Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, often from forced binge drinking, where students consume fatal amounts of alcohol rapidly.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or other concussive events.
Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From forced weather exposure.
Organ Damage: From physical assaults or forced consumption.
Psychological Trauma: Lifelong battles with PTSD, severe anxiety, chronic depression, and suicidal ideation are common among survivors.

The National Hazing Prevention Week organization reports alarming statistics: 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. Perhaps most chillingly, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or misplaced loyalty to the organization. This silence only perpetuates the cycle of abuse.

The institutions, including the University of Georgia, Piedmont University, and Athens Technical College, know this happens. National organizations know this happens. They have the power, and indeed the legal obligation, to stop it. Yet, all too often, they fail to act until a tragedy occurs. Only then do they “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, offering platitudes about being “deeply disturbing” while victims and their families are left to pick up the pieces. This is an institutional failure that we work tirelessly to combat for Clarke County families.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable in Clarke County

When hazing leaves a student in Clarke County injured or dead, identifying all responsible parties is a complex but crucial step in securing justice. At Attorney911, we aggressively pursue every individual and institution that contributed to the harm, ensuring that accountability reaches far beyond just the students involved. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case exemplifies this comprehensive approach, and we bring the same tenacity to cases across Georgia, including Clarke County.

We cast a wide net, because hazing is rarely the fault of just one person or group. We investigate thoroughly to name all potential defendants, including:

The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: This is usually the most obvious defendant. The chapter directly organized, facilitated, and participated in the hazing activities. Their collective actions, or inactions, directly caused the harm. In Leonel’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter is a primary defendant.
Individual Members: This includes not only the “pledgemaster” or “hazing coordinator” but also the chapter president, other officers, and any active member who participated in, encouraged, or failed to stop the hazing. In our Houston lawsuit, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including former members and even the spouse of one former member who allowed hazing to occur at their residence. As the $6.5 million judgment against a single chapter president in the Stone Foltz case demonstrates, individual students absolutely can be held personally liable for their actions.
The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These are the “deep pockets.” National organizations (like Pi Kappa Phi National in our case) oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, including those with a presence near Clarke County. They have a duty to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. When they fail to do so, especially after previous hazing incidents or deaths (like Andrew Coffey’s death at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017), their negligence becomes a critical factor. We allege that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce rules despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.”
University or College Administration: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on their property or within organizations they officially recognize and oversee. This includes the University of Georgia, Piedmont University, Athens Technical College, and other institutions in and around Clarke County. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because they owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place and failed to prevent it, despite a prior hazing hospitalization on their campus in 2017. Their Board of Regents is also named.
Local Chapter Housing Corporations: Often, a separate entity owns the fraternity or sorority house where hazing occurs. This housing corporation (like the Beta Nu Housing Corporation in our lawsuit) can be held liable for premises liability if they allowed dangerous activities to take place on their property.
Alumni Boards/Advisors: Alumni often play a significant, sometimes insidious, role in perpetuating hazing culture. If alumni actively encourage, condone, or directly participate in hazing, they too can be held accountable.
Insurance Carriers: This is where the money usually comes from. We target the liability insurance policies of the national organizations, the university, housing corporations, and even individual homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, which often have coverage for personal liability. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña have invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate, strategize, and value claims. They know how to penetrate those layers of protection to ensure maximum recovery for the victim.

By meticulously investigating every angle and naming every responsible party, we ensure that the full weight of legal accountability falls on all who allowed hazing to happen. It’s not just about one fraternity brother in Clarke County; it’s about shifting the culture.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Clarke County Families

For families in Clarke County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for substantial recovery can offer a glimmer of hope. We want you to know that significant financial justice is achievable. Across the nation, precedent-setting verdicts and settlements demonstrate that juries and institutions are increasingly willing to award multi-million dollar compensation for hazing-related injuries and deaths. These cases send a powerful message that Greek organizations and universities can no longer operate with impunity.

Our own $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these landmark results, and illustrates the firm’s commitment to aggressively pursuing justice. We believe families in Clarke County deserve the same level of advocacy and the same comprehensive recovery.

Here are some of the critical precedent cases that underscore the financial and legal consequences of hazing, and why Attorney911 is demanding $10 million in our current litigation:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
- What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event.
- The Outcome: The Foltz family received nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and another $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other defendants. This resulted in a total recovery of over $10.1 million. Furthermore, in December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability. This case is a direct parallel to our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, showcasing that our request is firmly grounded in legal precedent.
- Relevance for Clarke County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand, validating the significant sums awarded even in non-death cases involving severe injury and institutional negligence. It also shows individuals can be held personally responsible.
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 at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for “incorrect” answers. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.
- The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million, sending a clear message about juror outrage over hazing deaths. This case also led to the passage of Georgia’s “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Relevance for Clarke County: This verdict demonstrates that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar figures for hazing deaths. Our Bermudez case, with its egregious acts of torture, has even stronger emotional appeal for a jury.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Over $110 Million (Estimated Settlements)
- What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. He suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs and fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call for help. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
- The Outcome: While confidential, settlements in the Piazza case are estimated to exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. This tragedy also spurred Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
- Relevance for Clarke County: This case highlights the potential for astronomical sums when evidence is strong and the misconduct is egregious. It demonstrates that universities and national organizations will pay tens of millions to avoid public trials and further scandal.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement
- What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at FSU, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
- The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family reached a civil settlement, though the amount remains confidential.
- Relevance for Clarke County: This is crucial for our current litigation: Pi Kappa Phi, the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s hazing, had a pledge die from alcohol poisoning just eight years prior. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a “knowledge of risk” that greatly strengthens our case against the national organization and justifies punitive damages.

These multi-million dollar outcomes prove several critical points for Clarke County families:

Hazing is Expensive: For universities and national fraternities, ignoring hazing is far more costly than preventing it.
Juries are Outraged: When these cases go to trial, juries are incensed by the callous disregard for student safety, often awarding massive verdicts.
Institutional Accountability: These cases force universities and national organizations to be held accountable, even if they try to hide behind legal defenses.
Lives Can Be Saved: These lawsuits often lead to legislative changes and stricter anti-hazing policies, protecting future students in Clarke County and beyond.

If your child in Clarke County has suffered injuries from hazing, these precedents show that aggressive legal action can lead to substantial compensation, which helps victims cover medical costs, lost income, and rebuild their lives, while also providing a measure of justice by holding the responsible parties accountable.

Texas Law Protects You: A Framework for Justice in Clarke County

For families in Clarke County seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the laws designed to protect students is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing legislation and civil liability theories are often mirrored in Georgia law and other states. Moreover, our experience in federal court and our attorneys’ dual-state bar admissions give us the authority to pursue hazing cases across state lines, bringing our expertise to your local situation in Clarke County.

Here in Georgia, there’s a strong legal framework aimed at combating hazing, similar to the Texas Education Code sections that are central to our current litigation. It’s important for Clarke County families to know that these laws not only criminalize hazing but also provide pathways for civil lawsuits to recover significant damages.

The Georgia Anti-Hazing Statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)

Like Texas, Georgia has a specific anti-hazing statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61, which provides a legal backbone for holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Definition of Hazing:
Georgia law defines hazing as “any willful act, occurring on or off the campus of any school, college, university, or other educational institution, directed against a student by any person, which is done for the purpose of pledging membership in or affiliation with or being initiated into or affiliated with any student organization and which causes or is likely to cause bodily injury to any student or any willful act or action by one or more students, acting with or without the consent of the victim, against any student which (1) is connected with an initiation into or an affiliation with a student body or a student organization; and (2) is intended to or causes a substantial risk of causing physical injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in psychological harm to any student.”

This definition, much like the Texas statute, broadly covers acts that endanger both physical and mental well-being, whether on or off campus, and includes activities related to pledging or maintaining membership. The acts our client, Leonel Bermudez, endured – waterboarding, extreme physical exertion, forced eating, and humiliation – would clearly fall under Georgia’s definition of hazing.

Criminal Penalties:
Georgia’s law makes hazing a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. This means perpetrators can face:

Imprisonment: Up to 12 months in jail.
Fines: Up to $5,000.

While these criminal penalties target individuals, they also lay the groundwork for civil claims by demonstrating that the acts committed were illegal.

Crucially, in Georgia, just like in Texas, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. The law often explicitly states that a student cannot consent to an act that is likely to cause bodily injury or significant psychological harm. This directly contradicts the common, cynical defense used by fraternities: “He agreed to participate.” No student can truly consent to being tortured, abused, or placed in life-threatening situations, especially under duress and peer pressure. Our legal system recognizes the power imbalance inherent in hazing.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges for Clarke County Victims

Beyond criminal prosecution, which seeks to punish perpetrators, civil lawsuits empower victims and their families in Clarke County to recover financial compensation for their injuries and suffering. We leverage various civil liability theories to hold all responsible parties accountable:

Negligence: This is often the cornerstone of a hazing lawsuit. We argue that universities, national organizations, and chapter leaders had a legal duty of care to protect students from foreseeable harm, they breached that duty by allowing hazing to occur, and this breach caused the victim’s injuries and damages. This legal principle is universal and applies regardless of location.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house), those entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Failing to address known dangers, like recurrent hazing, can make them liable. Many universities in Georgia, including the University of Georgia, either own or have significant control over their Greek housing, creating a clear line of premises liability.
Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and universities have a duty to adequately supervise their chapters and Greek life organizations. This includes implementing and enforcing anti-hazing policies, providing proper training, and investigating credible reports of hazing. When a national organization knows about a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in Leonel’s case) and fails to intervene, or a university ignores persistent rumors of hazing on its campus, they are negligent.
Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be pursued against individual fraternity members who commit acts of violence, such as striking, forcing consumption, or physical harassment. Each act of physical abuse can form the basis of an assault and battery claim.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing is designed to inflict emotional harm. Acts like waterboarding, extreme humiliation, or threats can constitute “outrageous conduct” that causes “severe emotional distress,” providing grounds for an IIED claim.
Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death in Clarke County, their family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and loss of companionship.

Our federal court admission and dual Texas and New York bar licenses offer a strategic advantage, especially when dealing with national fraternities that operate across state lines. This allows us to pursue these powerful entities in federal courts, bypassing limitations that local firms might face. Whether the hazing incident occurred at the University of Georgia, Piedmont University, Athens Technical College, or any other institution in Clarke County or beyond, we can bring our expertise to bear on your case, seeking justice with the full force of the law.

Why Attorney911: Your Dedicated Hazing Litigation Experts in Clarke County

When your child in Clarke County has been victimized by hazing, you need legal representation that is not only experienced but deeply committed to fighting this devastating epidemic. Attorney911 offers a unique blend of legal expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication that makes us the obvious choice for families seeking justice from hazing in Clarke County and throughout Georgia.

We understand that choosing a law firm is a critical decision during an incredibly vulnerable time. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out and why we are uniquely positioned to serve your family:

1. Active, Aggressive Hazing Litigation — We’re in the Fight Right Now

This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. This means:

Real-time Experience: We are actively engaged in the strategies, discovery practices, and negotiations specific to modern hazing cases.
Proven Aggression: Our firm doesn’t back down from powerful defendants like national fraternities and universities. We embrace the fight.
Current Knowledge: We stay ahead of developing legal trends, media narratives, and defendant tactics in hazing litigation, ensuring your Clarke County case benefits from the most up-to-date approach.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both of our principal attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, began their careers working for insurance companies and large corporate defendants. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage for you.

Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña, for example, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. Ralph Manginello also started on the defense side. They know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize for denial, and try to minimize payouts.
Anticipating Defenses: We can anticipate the arguments and tactics the defense will use against your Clarke County hazing claim, allowing us to build a stronger, more resilient case from day one.
Maximizing Recovery: This insider perspective allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, dismantling defense strategies and maximizing the compensation you deserve.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses — Nationwide Reach for Clarke County

Hazing often involves national organizations and can cross state lines. Our legal capabilities empower us to fight wherever justice demands:

Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities in federal jurisdiction, which can be crucial for complex, multi-state litigation.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual-state admission provides a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities or universities with headquarters or significant operations outside of Georgia. It broadens our legal reach and expertise.
Willingness to Travel: Although headquartered in Houston, we represent hazing victims across the country, including those in Clarke County. We conduct remote consultations via phone or video, and our attorneys will travel to Clarke County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. Extensive Litigation Experience — Tried and Tested

With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello has a proven track record against formidable opponents:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Ralph was involved in this multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a skill directly applicable to battling national Greek organizations and major universities.
Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury: Our firm regularly handles cases involving severe injuries and wrongful death, ensuring we understand the profound impact hazing can have and how to pursue maximum compensation for lifetime effects.
Aggressive Evidence Challenging: Ralph’s history of successfully defending DUI cases by exposing flawed evidence translates directly to hazing investigations, where institutions often attempt to hide, destroy, or minimize critical information.

5. Deep Understanding of Hazing & Institutional Negligence

We don’t just understand personal injury law; we understand the unique dynamics of hazing:

Rhabdomyolysis Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel’s, highlighting our understanding of these rare but severe injuries.
University Accountability: We know how to expose a university’s failures in oversight, whether it’s their ownership of property where hazing occurs or their deliberate indifference to known patterns of abuse on campus.
Greek Life Culture: As a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach, Ralph understands team culture, locker room dynamics, and the pressures that can lead to hazing, giving him unique insight into these environments.

6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach — We Treat Clarke County Families Like Our Own

Hazing trauma is deeply personal. We operate with empathy, warmth, and a fierce dedication to our clients:

“They Treat You Like Family”: Our testimonials consistently praise our firm for making clients feel like family, not just a case number. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the legal process.
“Se Habla Español”: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Clarke County have full access to legal representation without language barriers.
Contingency Fee Basis: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that every Clarke County family, regardless of their financial situation, can afford top-tier legal representation.

7. Changing the Narrative — Beyond Your Case

Lupe Peña said it best regarding the current Houston lawsuit: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe that every hazing lawsuit is not just about one victim, but about changing a dangerous culture and protecting future students in Clarke County and nationwide.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is actively fighting hazing, understands the intricacies of the legal landscape, and is deeply committed to securing justice for your family in Clarke County.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Clarke County Families

If you or your child in Clarke County has been subjected to hazing, the immediate aftermath can be a whirlwind of shock, confusion, and fear. It’s crucial to act quickly and strategically to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and seek justice. Time is often of the essence. Here are the steps we urge all hazing victims and their families in Clarke County to take:

1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If they are still in a situation where hazing is occurring, get them out immediately. Their physical and psychological safety is paramount.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor or visit an emergency room. Some severe conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, have delayed symptoms. Explain how the injuries occurred. This creates a vital medical record. Preserve all medical records, hospital bills, and doctor’s notes.
Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional. Document these sessions and the diagnoses; this is critical evidence of non-economic damages.

2. Preserve Crucial Evidence (DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING)

Photographs and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. If safe to do so, document the location where hazing occurred. Any photos or videos of the actual hazing itself are invaluable.
Digital Communications: This is often the smoking gun. DO NOT DELETE ANY TEXT MESSAGES, GROUPME CHATS, SNAPCHATS, INSTAGRAM DMs, EMAILS, OR ANY OTHER DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS. Screenshot everything. These messages often contain direct evidence of hazing instructions, threats, coercion, and victim distress.
Physical Evidence: Keep any items used in the hazing, tattered clothing, “pledge books,” or other artifacts.
Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications received from the organization or university.
Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be crucial.
Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any academic expenses related to the disruption caused by hazing.
Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

Our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, available on our YouTube channel, provides comprehensive guidance on documenting evidence. Another important resource, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” warns against common pitfalls like deleting messages or posting on social media.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions

This is critical to protecting your legal rights:

DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: They will attempt to control the narrative, minimize the incident, and may try to coerce your child into signing documents or making statements that waive their rights.
DO NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: Universities have their own legal teams and risk managers. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not necessarily your child. Any statements given to them can be used against your case.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted about the incident, or even seemingly innocent posts about your child’s activities, can be twisted and used by the defense to undermine your claim. Our video, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident,” reinforces this vital warning.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity, sorority, or university without first consulting with an attorney.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

The moment you suspect hazing has occurred, call Attorney911.

Statute of Limitations: Most states, including Georgia, have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you typically have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade, making early action essential. Our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” explains these critical deadlines, which are similar in many states.
Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer a 24/7 hotline. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options without any obligation.
Contingency Fee Basis: We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we secure compensation for you. This ensures that every family in Clarke County can afford expert legal representation, regardless of financial hardship. Our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains this in detail.
Nationwide Reach: While we are headquartered in Houston, we serve hazing victims in Clarke County and across America. We offer video consultations for remote access and will travel to Clarke County for meetings, depositions, and trials as needed.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that you have strong advocates by your side—from gathering evidence and dealing with medical personnel, to confronting powerful institutions and negotiating for the best possible outcome.

Your child’s future, and the safety of other students, depends on taking action. Don’t wait. Make the call that can change everything.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Clarke County

If your family in Clarke County, Georgia, is grappling with the horrific reality of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. Do not face it alone. Attorney911 is here to provide immediate, aggressive, and expert legal help. We are actively fighting this battle in courts across the nation, and we are ready to fight for you.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. This is not theoretical; this is our ongoing commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. We know what it takes to build these cases, to confront national fraternities and universities, and to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves. The same aggressive representation we provide in Houston, we extend to families in Clarke County.

Clarke County Families: Call Now For a Free Consultation

If your child has been injured, humiliated, or traumatized by hazing in Clarke County or at a university anywhere else, please reach out to us immediately. Every moment counts.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. When you call, you will speak with a compassionate team member ready to listen and connect you with our expert attorneys.

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

Here’s why you should contact us without delay:

No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. Our legal fees are only paid if, and when, we successfully secure compensation for your family. There is no financial risk to you in seeking our help.
Time is Critical: There are strict deadlines for filing hazing lawsuits, often within two years of the incident. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case can be.
Expert Guidance: We provide clear, actionable advice from your very first call. We will help you understand your legal rights, navigate the complexities of hazing law, and take the necessary steps to protect your child’s future.
Nationwide Reach: While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to practice in federal courts and the dual-state bar admissions of our attorneys (Texas and New York) allow us to serve hazing victims in Clarke County, Georgia, and across the United States. We offer convenient video consultations for remote clients and will travel to Clarke County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice when it comes to fighting for hazing victims.
Comprehensive Representation: We pursue all responsible parties, from individual students and local chapters to powerful national fraternities, housing corporations, and university administrations.
“Se Habla Español”: Our bilingual staff is ready to assist Spanish-speaking families in Clarke County, ensuring no language barrier stands in the way of justice.

For Students in Clarke County: You Deserve Justice

To any student reading this in Clarke County, whether you’re at the University of Georgia, Piedmont University, or Athens Technical College: if you have been hazed, know that what you experienced was wrong. It was not your fault, and you do not have to suffer in silence. We understand the pressure, the fear of retaliation, and the misplaced loyalty. But your well-being, your health, and your future are paramount.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim in the Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at the University of Houston. The lawsuit mentions another pledge who lost consciousness, and others who endured similar torture. If you or someone you know was part of this incident, or any other egregious hazing event, we can help. You have rights, and we can represent you. As Lupe Peña 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.”

Your call can be the catalyst for change, not just for your family, but for countless students who will follow. Let Attorney911 be your first responder to this legal emergency. We are ready to listen, we are ready to fight, and we are ready to win.

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

Clarke County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike & $12.6M Kappa Sigma Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911