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 Clay County, Georgia, and nationwide, fight back.

We understand what you’re going through. Your child went off to college, perhaps to one of Georgia’s esteemed institutions like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, or even a smaller college like Georgia Southwestern State, thinking they would find camaraderie and community. Parents across Clay County, Georgia, and beyond, send their children to these schools with hopes for their future, not fears for their safety. Yet, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare when hazing rears its ugly head. Hazing isn’t harmless fun; it’s a dangerous, often criminal, act that can leave lasting physical and psychological scars, or even steal a life.

We are Attorney911, and our firm, recognized across Texas and beyond for our aggressive pursuit of justice, is actively fighting hazing in America’s courthouses. Just weeks ago, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for the horrific hazing of a young man. This isn’t theoretical – we are in the fight right now, challenging powerful institutions and holding individuals accountable.

Our commitment extends to families throughout Clay County, Georgia, for several crucial reasons. The same national fraternities and sororities that engage in hazing at universities in Georgia are the same organizations we are fighting elsewhere. The same pattern of institutional negligence that allows hazing to flourish at one university is prevalent at others. And most importantly, children from Clay County, Georgia, deserve the same fierce advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice as any other victim in America.

Hazing is a crisis that transcends state lines. While we are headquartered in Houston, Texas, our reach and expertise know no geographic boundaries. We are admitted to practice in federal courts, allowing us to pursue justice anywhere in the United States, including Clay County, Georgia. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) further enhance our ability to tackle national organizations wherever they are based. We offer remote consultations, and our team is prepared to travel to Clay County, Georgia, for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to securing the justice your family deserves.

We know that when you’re searching for answers in the middle of the night, likely scared and angry, you need more than just legal theory. You need proven action. You need a team that understands the trauma of hazing and is willing to fight every step of the way. That’s who we are. That’s what we do. And we are ready to stand with families in Clay County, Georgia, to ensure that no child suffers needlessly at the hands of those who betray their trust.

The Case That Shows Clay County, Georgia, Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near Clay County, Georgia. The same fraternities operate near Clay County, Georgia. The same negligence exists at institutions throughout the state. And we will fight for Clay County, Georgia, families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

On November 21, 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. in Harris County Civil District Court. This isn’t just another legal proceeding; it’s a battle against the entrenched culture of hazing that continues to plague campuses nationwide. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, endured weeks of systemic abuse, torture, and hazing at the hands of the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, resulting in a terrifying hospitalization with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Leonel was a “ghost rush,” a prospective fraternity member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student. This heinous act occurred at a university that prides itself on its educational mission, within a fraternity house that, shockingly, was owned by the very institution now named as a defendant.

The hazing Leonel endured was an escalation of cruelty that included simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, forced eating of large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, and extreme physical punishment like 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was subjected to psychological torture, forced to carry sexually explicit objects, and deprived of sleep. This wasn’t “brotherhood”; it was systemic abuse that directly led to his collapse and subsequent hospitalization.

When Leonel finally made it home after one such brutal session on November 3, 2025, he could barely move. As Attorney Ralph Manginello recounted to 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.” Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, his urine turning brown from muscle breakdown, facing the very real threat of permanent kidney damage. His body was literally breaking down under the strain of their abuse.

Within days of the hazing being reported, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended the UH chapter. By November 14, 2025, the national organization officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. This swift action, taken before our lawsuit was even filed, speaks volumes. It shows a consciousness of wrongdoing and an attempt to distance the national entity from the egregious acts of its local chapter. Yet, in their public statement on November 21, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi declared, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This statement, made while our client was recovering from their brutality, demonstrates a profound lack of remorse and a disturbing assumption that their conduct will simply blow over.

The University of Houston, despite controlling the property where some of these atrocities occurred, and despite having faced a prior hazing lawsuit in 2017 involving another fraternity, failed to prevent this tragedy. Their spokesperson acknowledged the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” even hinting at “potential criminal charges.” These aren’t just words; they are admissions of institutional failure and foreshadow both criminal and civil liability.

This case is a stark warning to families in Clay County, Georgia. Pi Kappa Phi, like many national fraternities, has over 150 chapters across the country, many operating at universities in and around Georgia. The cruel “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez can, and do, happen at institutions where students from Clay County may attend. Our $10 million lawsuit is designed to send an unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible, from the individual students to the national organizations and the universities themselves, will be held fully accountable. As Attorney Lupe Pena told 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.”

We are relentless in our pursuit of justice for Leonel, and we bring this same dedication and expertise to every hazing victim we represent, no matter if they are in Houston, Clay County, Georgia, or anywhere else in the nation.

Local Media Coverage of Our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” (November 21-22, 2025)
• KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” (November 21, 2025)
• Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” (November 22, 2025)
• Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” (November 24, 2025)

You can also read Pi Kappa Phi’s own admission on their national website, where they announced the chapter closure: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston” (November 21, 2025).

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Clay County, Georgia

When families in Clay County, Georgia, send their children to college, they envision academic growth, new friendships, and exciting opportunities. They do not envision their child being subjected to cruel, demeaning, and dangerous rituals disguised as “tradition.” Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is systematic abuse that can leave lifelong scars, both physical and psychological, or tragically, end a life.

The reality of modern hazing is far more brutal and sophisticated than the pranks and “animal house” antics often portrayed in popular media. As evidenced by the horrific ordeal endured by our client, Leonel Bermudez, hazing has evolved into forms of psychological and physical torture that replicate tactics used in military interrogations.

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It is:

• Assault and Battery: Direct physical violence, forced contact, and egregious actions that cause bodily harm.
• Torture: Prolonged physical and psychological abuse designed to break a person down.
• Reckless Endangerment: Placing students in situations where their mental or physical health is at severe risk.
• Manslaughter or Murder: Tragically, hazing can and does lead to death when institutions fail to intervene.

Whether your child attends a university close to Clay County, Georgia, like Albany State University, Valdosta State University, Columbus State University, or goes further afield to the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, they are susceptible to these dangers within fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and other student organizations. Hazing is a pervasive issue, affecting all types of student groups and all types of students.

For Clay County, Georgia, families, here’s what real hazing looks like today:

1. Simulated Waterboarding and Drowning:

• What it is: As Leonel Bermudez experienced, pledges can be sprayed in the face with a hard stream of water from a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating the terrifying sensation of drowning. They may be forced to run until exhausted, knowing that if they stop, this “waterboarding” will resume.
• Why it’s torture: Our own lawsuit describes it best: waterboarding is a form of torture. It is designed to create extreme psychological distress and physical fear, breaking an individual’s will.

2. Forced Consumption: Eating and Drinking to the Point of Vomiting and Collapse:

• What it is: Pledges are forced to ingest massive quantities of substances that cause extreme discomfort, often leading to vomiting. For Leonel, this included large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns. After vomiting, students may be forced to continue rigorous physical activity or even lie in their own vomit.
• The danger: Beyond humiliation, this can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, aspiration (inhaling vomit into the lungs), and dangerous dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. In many hazing deaths, forced alcohol consumption, far beyond legal or safe limits, leads to acute alcohol poisoning and death.

3. Extreme Physical Exertion to Muscle Breakdown and Organ Failure:

• What it is: Pledges are subjected to relentless physical activity designed to push their bodies far beyond safe limits. For Leonel, this included hundreds of pushups and squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, “wheelbarrows,” and “save-you-brother” drills, often combined with sleep deprivation. Such activities are typically used as punishment for perceived infractions.
• The medical terrifying reality: This level of exertion, especially without proper nutrition or rest, can cause rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue. As in Leonel’s case, this releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and even death. The victim will likely experience excruciating muscle pain, dark brown urine (a clear symptom of myoglobin in the urine), and potentially permanent organ damage.

4. Psychological Degradation and Humiliation:

• What it is: Hazing aims to strip individuals of their dignity and self-worth. This can involve forced nudity, carrying degrading objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack containing sexually explicit items), verbal abuse, isolation, and public shaming. Pledges are often forced to endure such humiliation for weeks, under constant threat of further punishment.
• The lasting impact: These experiences can lead to severe psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a profound loss of trust. Victims may struggle academically and socially long after the physical injuries heal.

5. Sleep Deprivation and Servitude:

• What it is: Pledges are often required to perform tasks late into the night or early in the morning, such as driving members or cleaning, drastically reducing their sleep. This intentional deprivation weakens their mental and physical resistance, making them more susceptible to other forms of hazing.
• The hidden danger: Lack of sleep impairs judgment, increases stress, and makes students vulnerable to accidents. It also disrupts their ability to manage academic responsibilities, leading to academic failure.

The institutions that host these organizations, including universities throughout Clay County, Georgia, and the national fraternities and sororities themselves, are often aware of the risks. They have policies in place, yet time and again, they fail to enforce them until tragedy strikes. They prioritize their reputation and “tradition” over the safety of the young people entrusted to their care.

If your child in Clay County, Georgia, has experienced any of these forms of hazing, understand that it is a serious betrayal of trust and a potential criminal act. We recognize the profound pain and anger this causes, and we are here to help turn that emotion into powerful, decisive legal action.

Who is Responsible When Hazing Occurs in Clay County, Georgia?

When a child in Clay County, Georgia, suffers from hazing, it’s natural to immediately focus on the individuals directly involved. However, the tragedy of hazing rarely rests solely on the shoulders of college students. Behind every hazing incident are layers of institutional responsibility – the national organizations, the local chapters, and the universities themselves. Our approach at Attorney911 is comprehensive: we identify and pursue every single entity that can be held accountable, ensuring maximum justice for our clients.

In our landmark $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., we have named a broad array of defendants, demonstrating our commitment to holding all responsible parties accountable. This includes:

1. The Individual Perpetrators:

• What they did: These are the fraternity members who directly planned, organized, and participated in the hazing acts. They are the ones who handed the garden hose to Leonel, forced him to do 500 squats, or wielded wooden paddles.
• Our approach: We sue the chapter president, pledgemaster, and other active members who inflicted the abuse. This includes current members, and in some cases, former members and even their spouses who hosted hazing activities at their private residences, as seen in the Bermudez case. Each individual who participated or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable for their actions.

2. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority:

• What they did: The local Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. They fostered an environment where abuse masqueraded as “tradition.”
• Our approach: The chapter itself, as an entity, is a direct defendant. We hold them responsible for the actions of their members, their failure to provide a safe environment, and their direct involvement in the hazing process.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

• What they did: National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi have explicit anti-hazing policies, risk management guidelines, and often claim a commitment to member safety. However, they consistently fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce their own rules, and intervene when hazing flourishes. Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 due to hazing, yet 8 years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This demonstrates a pattern of negligence and conscious indifference. As alleged in our lawsuit, the national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce policies.
• Our approach: National organizations possess “deep pockets” – substantial assets, endowments, and liability insurance. They cannot claim ignorance when their local chapters engage in such acts. We target them for negligent supervision, failure to train, and vicarious liability for the actions of their chapters. With over 150 chapters across America, including those potentially operating at universities throughout Georgia where Clay County students may attend, their systemic failure is a grave concern. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage in pursuing these national-level defendants, many of whom are headquartered in states like New York.

4. The University or College:

• What they did: Universities owe a fundamental duty to protect their students. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of the most heinous hazing occurred. Despite a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity on their campus, UH failed to implement effective oversight or intervene to prevent further tragedies. Universities, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or Mercer University, have the power to regulate, supervise, suspend, or even ban Greek life organizations. When they fail to use this authority, they become complicit.
• Our approach: We sue the university, and often its governing board (like the UH Board of Regents in our case), for institutional negligence, negligent supervision, and premises liability (especially when they own or control the property where hazing occurs). Universities have significant financial resources and liability insurance to cover such claims.

5. The Chapter Housing Corporation:

• What they did: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter’s physical property. In our case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation controlled the property where hazing occurred. These entities have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment.
• Our approach: The housing corporation is sued under theories of premises liability and negligent property management. They have a duty to maintain a safe premise and prevent dangerous activities from occurring on their property.

6. Insurance Carriers:

• What they did: Ultimately, the financial recovery often comes from the various insurance policies held by these defendants. This can include the national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, and even personal homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies held by individual members.
• Our approach: As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate. They know their valuation methods, their delay tactics, and their strategies for minimizing payouts. This unique background allows us to anticipate their moves and aggressively pursue the maximum possible compensation from every available policy.

For families in Clay County, Georgia, dealing with the aftermath of hazing, understanding these layers of responsibility is crucial. It’s not about attacking “college kids”; it’s about holding powerful institutions and their enablers fully accountable. We are equipped to dismantle the defenses of each of these parties, ensuring that every entity that contributed to your child’s suffering is brought to justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Clay County, Georgia, Victims

When the unspeakable happens—when hazing leads to severe injury or death—families often feel overwhelmed and powerless. But our mission at Attorney911 is to empower victims and hold the powerful accountable. History, and numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, show that justice can be won. These precedents underscore that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not only justified but a necessary message to deter future atrocities. Families in Clay County, Georgia, should know that these same legal strategies, evidence-based approaches, and formidable outcomes are possible for their cases.

These landmark cases prove that juries and courts are making campuses safer by demanding accountability from negligent institutions:

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

• What happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event at Bowling Green State University. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: This landmark case resulted in over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, while Pi Kappa Alpha national and individual members contributed $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million, highlighting the personal liability faced by hazing perpetrators. This case became the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history.
• Relevance for Clay County, Georgia: This case directly validates our $10 million demand. It proves that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability. It also shows that the individuals directly responsible can face significant personal financial consequences, sending a clear message to students involved in hazing at institutions near Clay County.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – Total: $6.1 MILLION Jury Verdict

• What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died in September 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for every wrong answer to fraternity questions. Gruver’s blood alcohol content reached a fatal 0.495.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million, and several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one, Matthew Naquin, convicted of negligent homicide. This tragedy also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making felony hazing a reality in Louisiana.
• Relevance for Clay County, Georgia: This case demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and will award substantial sums to victims. When you bring a hazing case before a jury in Georgia, they will likely feel the same indignation at the reckless disregard for student safety.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Total: $110+ MILLION (Multiple Settlements)

• What happened: Timothy Piazza, 19, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. He was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 agonizing hours before calling for help.
• The Outcome: Multiple settlements, estimated at over $110 million, were reached with various defendants, including the national fraternity, local chapter, and individual members. Over a dozen fraternity members faced criminal charges, some leading to convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The incident led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
• Relevance for Clay County, Georgia: This case illustrates the financial magnitude possible when hazing is egregious and compelling evidence (like the security camera footage in Piazza’s case) exposes the truth. It underscores that universities and national fraternities face colossal liability when they turn a blind eye to dangerous activities.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE

• What happened: Andrew Coffey, 20, died in November 2017 after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University, where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
• The Outcome: The FSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was permanently closed, and nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges. A confidential civil settlement was also reached with his family.
• Relevance for Clay County, Georgia: This is the most damning precedent for Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey’s death eight years prior to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters. Despite this knowledge, they failed to implement effective safeguards, leading directly to Leonel’s injuries. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and conscious indifference, which significantly strengthens arguments for substantial punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi National for victims in Clay County, Georgia.

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

• What happened: Adam Oakes, a freshman at VCU, died in February 2021 after a Delta Chi hazing event involving forced alcohol consumption.
• The Outcome: The family settled for over $4 million, with multiple criminal charges brought against fraternity members. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, focusing on hazing prevention and reporting.
• Relevance for Clay County, Georgia: Another recent multi-million dollar settlement affirming the value of hazing injury claims and the ability of families to secure justice.

These documented settlements and verdicts, totaling over $130 million, demonstrate a clear pattern: when hazing causes serious injury or death, the responsible parties—from individual members to national fraternities and universities—are held financially accountable. The same national fraternities operating at the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, and other Georgia colleges, face this same liability. For families in Clay County, Georgia, these cases offer not just hope, but a roadmap. They prove that aggressive, data-driven litigation is essential to prevent future harm and secure the justice your child deserves.

Texas Law Protects You: A Framework for Clay County, Georgia, Victims

While our firm is based in Texas, where some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation exist, the legal principles that underpin our pursuit of justice for hazing victims are universally applicable. Moreover, many states, including Georgia, have their own robust anti-hazing statutes. For families in Clay County, Georgia, understanding these laws is crucial, as they form the bedrock of civil liability and criminal accountability for hazing incidents.

Consent is NOT a Defense Anywhere, Including Georgia:

One of the most insidious myths surrounding hazing is the idea that victims “consented” to the activities or “knew what they were signing up for.” This fallacy is systematically rejected by the law. In Texas, Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states: “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 is a critical point for Clay County, Georgia, families: your child cannot legally consent to being tortured, abused, or placed in grave danger. No amount of peer pressure, desire for acceptance, or loyalty to an organization negates the unlawful nature of hazing. Georgia law, like Texas law, recognizes that true consent cannot be given under duress or for criminal acts. When fraternities or universities argue consent, they are attempting to sidestep their legal obligations, but the law is clear.

Understanding Hazing Under the Law (Georgia’s Perspective):

Georgia, like Texas, defines hazing broadly to encompass a range of harmful activities. While specific statutes may vary, the core principles of what constitutes hazing remain consistent: any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes acts occurring on or off campus, whether intentional, knowing, or reckless.

Common Hazing Activities That Violate the Law (Applicable to Clay County, Georgia):

1. Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, forced physical exercise to exhaustion (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100+ pushups that led to rhabdomyolysis), or any activity causing physical pain or injury.
2. Forced Consumption: Requiring the consumption of food, liquids (including excessive alcohol), or other substances to the point of illness or danger. Forced alcohol is a leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide.
3. Sleep Deprivation and Exposure: Depriving students of adequate sleep or exposing them to harsh elements or uncomfortable conditions as a form of punishment or “initiation.”
4. Psychological Torture: Any activity that causes mental, emotional, or psychological distress, humiliation, degradation, or extreme intimidation. This includes acts like simulated waterboarding, public shaming, or threatening calls to parents from purported gang members (as seen in other tragic cases).
5. Servitude: Requiring members to perform tasks or services that place them in a subordinate role, often unrelated to legitimate organizational activities, such as driving members at all hours or unwarranted cleaning duties.

Organizational and Institutional Liability in Georgia:

Just as in Texas, Georgia’s laws, and civil negligence principles, allow for organizations (local chapters, national fraternities/sororities) and institutions (universities) to be held liable for hazing. These entities have a legal duty to protect students and prevent dangerous activities. When they fail in this duty, they are responsible for the consequences.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing:

Georgia has its own criminal penalties for hazing. Georgia Code Annotated § 16-5-61 defines hazing as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties can be severe, including felony charges. These criminal proceedings, separate from civil lawsuits, highlight the gravity with which the law views hazing. It’s not merely a campus policy violation; it’s a crime.

For families seeking justice in Clay County, Georgia, it’s vital to recognize that the perpetrators, the chapter, the national organization, and the university can all be held responsible under these laws and legal principles. Our federal court admissions mean we are equipped to navigate the specific legal frameworks in Georgia or any other state, ensuring your case is built on the strongest possible legal foundation.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Hazing Victims in Clay County, Georgia

When hazing shatters your life or the life of your child in Clay County, Georgia, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the profound trauma you’ve experienced and knows exactly how to fight back against powerful institutions. Attorney911 offers a unique blend of expertise, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication that positions us as the definitive authority in hazing litigation, ready to serve families throughout Georgia.

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW: The Bermudez Case

• Our Proof: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re in the trenches. Our firm recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National, the University of Houston, and multiple individuals for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This ongoing, high-profile case demonstrates our capacity for aggressive, data-driven litigation against formidable defendants.
• Your Benefit in Clay County, Georgia: This means we bring real-time, cutting-edge strategies and a proven track record to your case. We know the playbook of the national fraternities and universities because we’re dismantling it right now. Families in Clay County, Georgia, get the same fierce and immediate advocacy that we provide to our clients in Houston.

2. Insider Knowledge: We Know the Defense Playbook Because We Wrote It

• Our Edge: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is a critical differentiator. We spent years on the other side, learning precisely how insurance companies and large institutions (like universities and national fraternities) evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.
• Your Benefit in Clay County, Georgia: When you hire Attorney911, you’re not just getting lawyers; you’re getting insiders who have seen the enemy’s war room. We anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and use their own tactics against them to maximize your compensation. This is an unfair advantage for hazing victims in Clay County, Georgia, ensuring that no defensive maneuver takes us by surprise.

3. Unparalleled Experience Against Massive Defendants: From BP to Pi Kappa Phi

• Our History: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation, which addressed 15 deaths and 180+ injuries, demonstrates our capacity to take on the largest corporate defendants and secure justice in mass tort cases. This aggressive, comprehensive approach is directly transferable to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities and state universities.
• Your Benefit in Clay County, Georgia: Whether your child was hazed at a large public university like the University of Georgia, a private college like Mercer, or a smaller institution, you’re almost certainly up against a multi-million or multi-billion dollar entity. We have proven capacity to face down these giants, ensuring they cannot simply use their resources to intimidate or outspend grieving families in Clay County, Georgia.

4. Nationwide Reach, Local Dedication

• Our Authority: While based in Texas, our federal court admissions allow us to pursue hazing cases in U.S. District Courts across the nation, including Clay County, Georgia. Our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide strategic flexibility when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered in New York.
• Your Benefit in Clay County, Georgia: Hazing tragically occurs at universities throughout Georgia, including those where Clay County students may attend, like Albany State University, Valdosta State University, or even larger institutions like the University of Georgia. We travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings, and offer video consultations to make the process as accessible as possible. Distance is not a barrier to justice; we will come to Clayton County, Georgia, or wherever your case demands.

5. Deep Understanding of Hazing’s Unique Legal and Medical Aspects

• Our Specialization: We have specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel’s, and wrongful death cases resulting from hazing. We understand the complex medical conditions that arise from extreme physical abuse and forced consumption, and how to effectively translate these into compelling legal arguments for damages.
• Your Benefit in Clay County, Georgia: Hazing cases require more than general personal injury knowledge; they demand specific expertise in Greek life culture, university regulations, and the psychological impact of trauma. We speak your language and understand the unique challenges of your situation.

6. Compassionate, Bilingual, and Client-Centered Approach

• Our Heart: Our staff is not only highly skilled but also deeply empathetic. We treat every client like family, understanding the immense emotional toll hazing takes. We offer services in Spanish (“Se Habla Español”), ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Clay County, Georgia, or anywhere else.
• Your Benefit in Clay County, Georgia: When you’re navigating one of the worst moments of your life, you need a legal team that truly cares. Our 4.9-star rating and over 250 positive Google reviews speak to our commitment to client communication, responsiveness, and genuine compassion. We will be your steadfast allies through every step of this journey.

Choosing the right attorney for a hazing case is one of the most critical decisions you will make. For families in Clay County, Georgia, Attorney911 doesn’t just promise to fight; we’re already proving it in court. We offer the experience, the insider knowledge, the resources, and the unwavering dedication to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable, secure the justice your family deserves, and prevent future tragedies.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Clay County, Georgia, Hazing Victims and Families

If you or your child in Clay County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional and physical pain may be overwhelming, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving evidence, protecting rights, and ultimately securing justice. Our firm, Attorney911, understands the urgency and sensitivity of these situations. Here’s what you should do right now:

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation: Ensure they are safe and away from the perpetrators and the hazing environment. This might mean bringing them home from college or arranging alternative housing.
• Seek medical care immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological distress is the primary concern, prompt medical evaluation is crucial. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, may have delayed symptoms. For students at institutions near Clay County, Georgia, like Albany State University or Valdosta State, this could mean visiting Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital or other local emergency departments or urgent care clinics.
• Why this matters: Medical records are paramount evidence. They document the extent of physical injuries, diagnoses (such as rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, or alcohol poisoning), and the necessary treatments. Delaying care can weaken your case, as defense attorneys may argue the injuries weren’t severe or were not directly caused by hazing.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

• Photographs and Videos: If safe to do so, take pictures and videos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), the hazing location (fraternity house, off-campus residence, specific rooms, fields), and any physical evidence. Continue to document the healing process of injuries over time. (Refer to our video: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?“).
• Digital Communications: THIS IS CRITICAL. Preserve every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes messages from perpetrators, instructions for hazing activities, discussions among pledges, and any threats or coercion. Screenshots can be invaluable.
• Hazing Documents: Keep any “pledge packets,” manuals, schedules, rules, or lists of tasks distributed by the organization.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of other pledges, current members who may have witnessed the hazing, or any bystanders.
• Physical Items: Preserve any clothing, objects, or other physical evidence related to the hazing.
• Medical and Financial Records: Keep all medical bills, receipts for treatment, and records of any lost wages or tuition fees if the hazing impacted academic or professional commitments.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

• Avoid Contact: Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, individual members (especially those involved in the hazing), or their alumni advisors.
• No Statements: Do not give statements to university officials (Dean of Students, Title IX office, Greek life advisors) without consulting with an attorney first. Remember, their primary loyalty is to the institution, not necessarily to your child’s best interest.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without having an attorney review them. You could unwittingly waive your legal rights.
• Why this matters: Anything you say or sign can be used against you. Defense attorneys and institution representatives are skilled at eliciting information that minimizes their liability. Let your lawyer control communication.

4. Stay Off Social Media:

• Complete Silence: Do not post anything about the hazing incident on social media. Do not delete old posts. Do not engage with others online about the fraternity or university. (Refer to our video: “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident”).
• Why this matters: Anything posted can be discovered and used by the defense to undermine your credibility, suggest your injuries aren’t severe, or to twist your words. Just stay quiet.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation:

• Urgency: Hazing cases have strict deadlines, including statutes of limitations (typically two years in states like Georgia and Texas). Evidence disappears, memories fade, and perpetrators may coordinate their stories. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. (Refer to our video: “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?“).
• Our Commitment: We offer free, confidential consultations for families in Clay County, Georgia, and nationwide. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and outline the path forward. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
• Accessibility for Clay County, Georgia: You can reach us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available for remote video consultations, eliminating geographic barriers. If your case in Clay County, Georgia, requires it, our attorneys will travel to meet with you, conduct depositions, and represent you in court.

Clay County, Georgia, Families: You are not alone. The trauma of hazing is immense, but justice is possible. Take these immediate steps to protect your child’s future and hold those responsible accountable. Let us take on the legal fight so you can focus on healing.

Call to Action for Clay County, Georgia, Hazing Victims

Clay County, Georgia, Families: Has your child been hazed?

Your child went to college to learn, to grow, to thrive. Not to be tortured, abused, and left with lifelong scars. If your child in Clay County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing at any institution, from Valdosta State University, Albany State University, or Columbus State University, to the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, you have legal rights. We are not just talking about this issue; we are actively fighting it in the courtrooms, right now.

Our attorneys are leading the charge in a $10 MILLION lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that hospitalized a young man. We know how to build these complex cases, how to dismantle the defenses of powerful fraternities and universities, and how to secure the justice your family deserves.

Families in Clay County, Georgia, deserve the same relentless and expert representation.

Clay County, Georgia, Families – Don’t Wait. Call Now for a FREE Consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7 for Clay County, Georgia, hazing emergencies.

NO UPFRONT COST: We work on a contingency fee basis. For Clay County, Georgia, families, this means you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid. This ensures that powerful institutions cannot outspend you in your pursuit of justice.

What Clay County, Georgia, Hazing Victims Should Do RIGHT NOW:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Ensure your child receives a thorough medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records are crucial evidence.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, email, photo, and video related to the hazing. These digital trails are often damning.
3. DO NOT TALK TO THEM: Do not communicate with the fraternity/sorority, university administration, or their lawyers without legal counsel by your side. They are not on your side.
4. DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Any online activity can be twisted and used against your case. Stay silent on social media.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY: Time is critical. The statute of limitations (typically two years) limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case will be.

We Serve Clay County, Georgia, Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

Hazing is a national crisis, not confined to any single state or institution. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our legal capabilities extend across the United States. We have the authority and the commitment to represent families in Clay County, Georgia, and beyond by leveraging:

• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and have experience in federal appellate courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions nationwide.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With admissions in both Texas and New York, our legal team has strategic advantages when confronting national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered in New York.
• Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, making it easy for Clay County, Georgia, families to meet with our attorneys remotely.
• Travel Commitment: We will travel to Clay County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trial proceedings as needed. Distance will never be a barrier to securing justice for your child.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We passionately represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at colleges and universities throughout Georgia.
• Clay County, Georgia sports teams and athletic programs.
• Marching bands, clubs, and other student organizations at schools across the state.
• Military academies and other uniformed groups.

We will hold every organization accountable that uses abuse, degradation, or violence as “initiation.”

To any other victims of hazing at the University of Houston, or any other institution, who have not yet come forward: We know there are more of you. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one subjected to this torment. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding and physical abuse. You have rights too. Please, call us. As Lupe Pena bravely stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

No family in Clay County, Georgia, should suffer in silence. Call Attorney911 today. Your call is confidential, and the consultation is free.

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