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, to explore new horizons in a supportive environment, whether that’s here in Coffee County, Georgia, or hundreds of miles away. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured, or worse, taken from you forever. We understand the fear, the anger, and the profound sense of betrayal you must feel. We’re here to help families in Coffee County,
Georgia, and across the nation fight back against the insidious spread of hazing.

Here at Attorney911, we don’t just talk about the hazing crisis that threatens our young people. We are actively fighting it, right now, in courtrooms across America. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is fiercely dedicated to holding universities, national fraternities, and every individual responsible for hazing accountable. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that hospitalized our client, Leonel Bermudez, with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This case, fresh from November 2025, isn’t just a lawsuit; it’s a living testament to our commitment, representing everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and undeniable accountability.

The Haunting Reality of Hazing: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston, and Why It Matters to Coffee County, Georgia

While the harrowing events of the Bermudez case unfolded in Houston, Texas, the core message it carries resonates deeply with families in Coffee County, Georgia. This story is a stark warning that hazing is not a distant problem; it is a pervasive threat that can affect any student at any institution, including those your children might attend across Georgia and the Southeast.

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with a future. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of abuse, torture, and hazing that lasted for weeks and culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days.

The severity of the hazing Leonel endured is difficult to comprehend. He was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose: This wasn’t a prank; it was simulated drowning, a form of torture. He was sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under the threat of further waterboarding.
• Hog-tied: On October 13, 2025, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t an isolated incident of cruelty.
• Forced to eat until he vomited: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. After vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Subjected to extreme physical punishment: This included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. These grueling sessions went on for weeks, with one pledge losing consciousness and collapsing during a forced workout on October 15, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he revived.
• Struck with wooden paddles: The lawsuit alleges he was physically assaulted with wooden paddles.
• Suffered psychological torture and humiliation: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, and was constantly threatened with physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance.
• Experienced sleep deprivation and exhaustion: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and creating a state of chronic exhaustion.

The physical toll of these abuses was devastating. Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025, after he began passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can clog the kidneys and lead to life-threatening renal failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment, and faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a pattern. Pi Kappa Phi, the same national fraternity involved in the Bermudez case, had a student, Andrew Coffey, die from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual at Florida State University in 2017. Eight years transpired, during which Pi Kappa Phi National had ample time to address its deadly culture. Yet, in 2025, another student was severely harmed. The University of Houston itself had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017, a case that resulted in a $1 million lawsuit and criminal charges against a national fraternity. Despite this clear warning, the university failed to implement adequate safeguards.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not a distant tragedy; it is a chilling reminder of the dangers that can confront young people from Coffee County as they pursue their education. Whether your child attends East Georgia State College, South Georgia State College, Valdosta State University, the University of Georgia, or any school across the country, the risks of hazing are real. These institutions often have the same national fraternities with the same “traditions” and the same institutional failures that created the conditions for Leonel’s torture. We are fighting this battle in Houston, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to families in Coffee County, Georgia.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences—a rite of passage, perhaps. But the reality, as evidenced by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far more sinister. Hazing today is not about “building brotherhood” or “character”; it is about power, control, and often, systematic abuse that verges on torture. It is a dangerous, even criminal, practice that profoundly impacts the physical and mental well-being of its victims.

Parents in Coffee County, Georgia, need to understand that hazing has evolved into practices that include:

• Physical Brutality: This moves far beyond simple push-ups. It involves forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, beatings, paddling, being struck with objects like wooden paddles, body slams, and extreme endurance challenges that push the human body past its limits, often resulting in severe injury like rhabdomyolysis or cardiac arrest.
• Forced Consumption: This is not just binge drinking. It’s often highly ritualized forced consumption of massive quantities of alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages (like milk or other liquids to the point of vomiting), or even vile substances. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, aspiration, choking, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Water Torture: As in Leonel’s case, waterboarding or simulated drowning with hoses or buckets is a horrifying reality. This is a recognized torture technique, designed to induce extreme fear and a sensation of impending death.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, or dictating their sleep schedules with early morning and late night activities, severely impairs judgment, health, and academic performance.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This is often the most insidious form of hazing, leaving deep, lasting scars. It includes verbal abuse, belittling, public ridicule, forced nudity, carrying degrading objects, and other tactics designed to strip away self-worth and create an environment of constant fear and anxiety.
• Exposure to the Elements: Pledges can be forced to endure extreme cold or heat, often inadequately clothed, leading to hypothermia, heatstroke, or frostbite.
• Sexual Exploitation: While less commonly reported due to shame, hazing can involve forced sexual acts, sexual assault, or sexually degrading activities.
• Servitude and Isolation: Requiring pledges to drop everything to perform tasks for active members, driving them around at all hours, or isolating them from friends and family.

These aren’t isolated acts of “bad apples”; they are often embedded within the culture of organizations, passed down as “traditions” from one pledge class to the next. The consequences are far-reaching, ranging from lifelong physical ailments to severe psychological trauma like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicide. For families in Coffee County, Georgia, whose children are leaving home to join college organizations, this is the brutal truth they must confront. Hazing is a betrayal of trust, a dangerous crime, and it demands accountability.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Coffee County, Georgia, and Beyond

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one person or one entity to blame. The culture of hazing thrives on institutional indifference, negligent oversight, and the active participation of multiple individuals. At Attorney911, we believe that everyone who participated, enabled, or allowed hazing to happen must be held responsible. Our data-driven approach allows us to identify and pursue every liable party, ensuring that justice is comprehensive and sends a clear message.

For families in Coffee County, Georgia, dealing with a hazing incident, understanding who can be held accountable is crucial. Our lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates the breadth of our legal strategy:

• The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter): This is often the most apparent culprit. The chapter directly organizes and conducts the hazing activities. Their student leaders, such as the president and pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility for directing, encouraging, and participating in the abuse. Individual members who actively participate, fail to report, or even witness and fail to intervene, can also be held liable under theories of assault, battery, and negligence.
• The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): This is often where the real “deep pockets” lie. National fraternities and sororities have a legal duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure the safety of their members. In the Bermudez case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters because they knew of a “hazing crisis” and had a documented history of deadly hazing (Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017) yet failed to implement effective safeguards. These national bodies operate on campuses that students from Coffee County might attend, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, or Clemson.
• The Housing Corporation (e.g., Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation): Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the fraternity houses. If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by these entities, they can be held liable under premises liability laws for failing to provide a safe environment. In our ongoing case, a housing corporation is a key defendant.
• The University or College (e.g., University of Houston): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students from harm, especially when it occurs within organizations they recognize and regulate. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred, had the power to regulate its Greek life activities, and had prior knowledge of serious hazing incidents on its campus (the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing). Universities enrolling students from Coffee County, Georgia, such as Stetson University, Florida State, Auburn University, or the University of Alabama, have similar responsibilities.
• Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the officers, any individual who actively participated in the hazing can be sued. This includes pledges who coerce other pledges, and even former members who host or facilitate hazing at their residences, as is alleged in the Bermudez case against a former member and his spouse. As proven by the $6.5 million judgment against a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, individual accountability can be substantial.
• Insurance Carriers: The financial compensation in hazing cases often comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, and local entities. Even individual defendants may have coverage through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña have invaluable insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate, allowing us to effectively pursue all available coverage at universities and colleges across Coffee County, Georgia, and nationwide.

We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations, including EINs, legal names, addresses, and insurance structures, primarily in Texas but reaching nationwide. We don’t guess who might be responsible for hazing on campuses from Coffee County to California; we know. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every entity behind the Greek letters and build aggressive, comprehensive lawsuits to hold them all accountable.

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

For families in Coffee County, Georgia, reeling from the trauma of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is, “Can anything truly be done?” The answer is a resounding yes. Our track record and the national landscape of hazing litigation demonstrate that victims and their families can, and do, achieve multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These outcomes not only provide vital compensation but also compel institutions to take meaningful action, and create powerful legal precedents for future cases, including those that might arise from Coffee County.

Here are just a few landmark cases that showcase the potential for justice:

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

  • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation and died from alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, while the national fraternity and individuals paid over $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating that individual perpetrators face significant personal liability. This case sent a powerful message: universities and fraternities, both national and local, will pay.
  • Relevance to Coffee County: This case sets a benchmark for our current $10 million lawsuit, showing that a similar level of compensation is not only sought but achieved in hazing deaths involving similar fraternities that have chapters on campuses across Georgia.

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

  • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) during a forced drinking ritual called “Bible Study,” where incorrect answers led to more drinking.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and an individual pledgemaster received a criminal conviction for negligent homicide. This case also spurred the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Coffee County: This verdict proves that juries will deliver substantial compensation for hazing deaths, underscoring the severe consequences for institutions and individuals that allow such practices.

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

  • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a Penn State pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He then fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on surveillance cameras. He died two days later.
  • The Outcome: The confidential settlement is estimated to be over $110 million, with multiple criminal convictions against 18 fraternity members, including involuntary manslaughter. The case also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Relevance to Coffee County: This landmark settlement, one of the largest in hazing history, demonstrates the monumental financial liability universities and national organizations face when their negligence leads to catastrophic outcomes, especially when evidence is compelling and egregious.

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

  • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning on November 3, 2017, after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. His family reached a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance to Coffee County: This case is particularly crucial because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez in 2025. It shows that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of its deadly hazing culture eight years prior, yet failed to prevent a similar-if-not-fatal tragedy from occurring again, establishing a clear pattern of negligence that is invaluable to our current case.

These multi-million dollar outcomes serve as unequivocal proof that justice is attainable for hazing victims. For Coffee County families, this means that the severe injuries, psychological trauma, or wrongful death resulting from hazing at Georgia colleges or any university can lead to similar substantial recoveries. Our firm, through cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, applies the same rigorous legal strategies and relentless pursuit of justice that secured these precedents, ensuring that the same message of accountability is heard loud and clear from Coffee County to college campuses nationwide.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Coffee County, Georgia

For families in Coffee County, Georgia, grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing legislation, coupled with federal civil rights and negligence claims, empower us to pursue justice for victims nationwide. This section will primarily highlight the robust framework of the Texas Education Code, which serves as a model for states across the country, and explain how these protections apply to your family, wherever you are.

The Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157) provides a clear and comprehensive definition of hazing and outlines significant criminal and civil penalties. This strong legal foundation is a critical tool in our fight for victims like Leonel Bermudez.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): A Broad Shield
Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if that act:

• Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like being struck with wooden paddles in Leonel’s case), branding, or other similar activity.
• Subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm: This includes sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats that caused rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), or any similar activity adversely affecting mental or physical health. Waterboarding, though not explicitly listed, undeniable falls within this category as an act of physical brutality and subjecting a student to extreme risk of harm.
• Involves forced consumption: Forcing a student to consume substances like alcohol, food (such as eating milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting in Leonel’s case), or drugs that subject them to an unreasonable risk of harm.
• Induces criminal activity: Any activity that causes a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Coerces alcohol or drug consumption: Forcing a student to consume amounts of alcohol or drugs that would lead a reasonable person to believe they are intoxicated.

The Crucial Distinction: Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)
This is perhaps the most vital aspect of Texas anti-hazing law, and it is explicitly stated:

“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 shatters the common fraternity defense that “he knew what he was signing up for” or “he could have left at any time.” The law recognizes that the power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion inherent in hazing negate true consent. For Coffee County families, this means that your child’s initial participation, or perceived consent, does not absolve the perpetrators or institutions of their legal responsibility.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Serious Consequences for Perpetrators
Texas law categorizes hazing offenses with varying degrees of severity:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For actively engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury (such as Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s acknowledgment of “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case directly reflects these statutory provisions.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Holding Chapters and Nationals Accountable
Organizations themselves can be penalized if they condone, encourage, or if their members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This provision is crucial for holding local chapters and national organizations accountable.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution
Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in a conviction, civil lawsuits offer a powerful avenue for justice and compensation for Coffee County hazing victims. Our experienced attorneys will pursue various civil claims, which typically include:

• Negligence: Demonstrating that the university, national organization, or individuals failed in their duty of care to protect the victim, directly causing their injuries.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (like the University of Houston in the Bermudez case), they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: Arguing that national organizations failed to adequately supervise their chapters, or that universities failed to monitor Greek life effectively.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who physically harmed the victim.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that caused severe emotional suffering.

For families in Coffee County, Georgia, it’s imperative to remember that these civil claims often stand independently of criminal proceedings. Our focus is on securing comprehensive financial compensation for your child’s physical, emotional, and financial damages, and ensuring every responsible party pays for their role in the hazing. Your location in Coffee County does not diminish your rights; these foundational legal principles apply across state lines, and our federal court authority positions us to represent you effectively and aggressively.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Coffee County, Georgia Hazing Litigation

When your child is a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal and cultural dynamics of these cases. For families in Coffee County, Georgia, Attorney911 offers an unmatched blend of experience, insight, and aggressive dedication. We are not just personal injury attorneys; we are specialists in hazing litigation, and our unique strengths provide an “unfair advantage” that sets us apart.

Here’s why we are the definitive choice for Coffee County families seeking justice:

• We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now – The Bermudez Case: This isn’t theoretical expertise. We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case involves severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure caused by waterboarding, forced extreme exercise, and other egregious acts. This live, ongoing battle demonstrates our immediate and profound commitment to hazing victims. The strategies, evidence gathering, and legal arguments we are employing in this complex case are precisely what we will bring to your family’s fight, regardless of whether the hazing occurred in Coffee County, Georgia, or any other part of the country.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña both began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This insider knowledge is invaluable. We understand exactly how the other side thinks, how they value claims, their delay tactics, and their strategies to minimize payouts. Lupe Peña, coming from a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, knows the internal workings of large insurers. This means we can anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and negotiate from a position of profound strength, ensuring Coffee County families receive the maximum possible compensation.
• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of battle-tested litigation experience. This extensive courtroom expertise is critical when a case goes to trial, demonstrating to defense counsel that we are not afraid to fight for justice before a judge and jury. This level of experience means proven results and aggressive advocacy for Coffee County victims.
• Federal Court Authority – Nationwide Reach: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission, combined with dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), gives us the authority to represent hazing victims across state lines, including those in Coffee County, Georgia, against national fraternities and universities that often operate across multiple jurisdictions. We can pursue federal claims for civil rights violations or other federal statutes that may apply in hazing cases.
• Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience – Taking on Giants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort case, showcases our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. This experience is directly applicable to challenging powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities. For Coffee County families, this means we are equipped to go toe-to-toe with any institution, no matter how large.
• Data-Driven Litigation Strategy – We Know Who to Sue: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations, including IRS filings, EINs, legal names, and insurance structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every entity responsible for hazing—from the local chapter, to the housing corporation, to the national headquarters—so we know precisely who to sue. We don’t guess; we leverage data to ensure no liable party in Coffee County or elsewhere escapes accountability.
• Se Habla Español – Bilingual Support for Coffee County Families: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. This is crucial for Spanish-speaking families in Coffee County, Georgia, ensuring that language barriers never impede access to justice. We offer consultations and handle all communications in Spanish, providing comfort and clarity during a difficult time.
• Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost for Coffee County Families: We understand that seeking justice can seem financially daunting, especially after a traumatic event. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire us. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing Coffee County families to access top-tier legal representation without added stress.
• Unwavering Dedication and Compassion: We are parents ourselves, and we deeply understand what is at stake when a child is harmed by hazing. Our firm is built on a culture of genuine empathy. We see your child as a person, not a just a case number. While we are aggressive with defendants, we are warm and communicative with our clients, treating Coffee County families like our own.
• Proven Results and Media Recognition: Our work in high-profile cases, including the Bermudez lawsuit that garnered coverage from ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, demonstrates our ability to achieve significant results and command public attention when necessary. This media leverage can be a powerful tool in compelling defendants to negotiate fairly.

In Coffee County, Georgia, and across every corner of the nation, hazing is a scar on our educational system. We believe that by bringing the full force of the law to bear against these powerful entities, we can effect meaningful change and secure justice for victims. When your family faces the nightmare of hazing, choose the firm that is already in the fight, winning. Choose Attorney911.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Coffee County, Georgia, Hazing Victims

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Coffee County, Georgia, or anywhere in the country, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses, but quick, decisive action is essential to protect your child’s well-being and preserve crucial evidence for a potential lawsuit. We understand you’re scared and searching for answers, possibly in the middle of the night. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do right now:

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Care

• Remove Your Child from the Situation: If your child is still in a hazing environment, get them out immediately. Their physical and psychological safety is the absolute priority.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are primarily psychological, get professional medical help without delay.
  • Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room: If there are obvious physical injuries, signs of alcohol poisoning, extreme exhaustion, or any medical distress (like Leonel Bermudez’s brown urine), do not hesitate. Call emergency services or head to the nearest hospital in Coffee County, such as Coffee County Medical Center or a larger facility in a nearby city like Valdosta.
  • Document Everything Medically: Ensure medical professionals document all injuries, symptoms, and statements about how the injuries occurred. This creates an official record that will be invaluable later. Even for psychological effects, seek out a therapist or counselor who can document the emotional and mental toll.
  • Follow All Medical Advice: Follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, physical therapy, or mental health counseling are not just good for recovery; they are crucial evidence that substantiates the severity of the harm. Delays or non-compliance can be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries weren’t serious.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

• Take Pictures and Videos: Immediately photograph and video record any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling), the hazing location (if safe to do so), and any physical evidence (clothing, alcohol containers, degrading items). Continue to take pictures throughout the healing process, as detailed in our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”
• Save All Communications: Digital evidence is paramount. Preserve every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, and social media post related to the hazing. Do NOT delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or unflattering. This could be critical evidence of coercion, instructions, or cover-up attempts.
• Identify Witnesses: Make a list of everyone present during the hazing, or anyone who has knowledge of the events. This includes other pledges, active members, alumni, and bystanders. Obtain their names and contact information if possible. They may be scared to come forward, but their testimony can be vital.
• Collect Documents: Gather any pledge manuals, schedules, “rules,” or paperwork your child received from the organization. Keep records of tuition payments, fees, and any scholarships that might be affected.
• Keep a Detailed Journal: Encourage your child to write down everything they remember about the hazing incidents, including dates, times, locations, names of participants, descriptions of activities, and their physical and emotional reactions. This daily account can be a powerful tool for recalling details and demonstrating the ongoing impact.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

• DO NOT Delete Anything: As discussed in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” deleting texts, photos, or social media posts is a common and devastating error. It can be seen as destruction of evidence, severely damaging your credibility.
• DO NOT Speak with the Organization or University Alone: Do not make statements to fraternity leaders, alumni advisors, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting your own attorney first. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions and will try to minimize liability or get you to admit things that can harm your case. Any statement you give can be used against you.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any waivers, releases, or confidentiality agreements presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without having your attorney review them.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting any information, photos, or comments about the hazing incident on social media. As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns, anything you post can be twisted and used by defense attorneys to undermine your credibility or claim severity of injuries.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney911 24/7: The most crucial step you can take is to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and build a strong case. Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911.
• Understand the Statute of Limitations: In many states, including Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit, and delays can jeopardize your right to compensation, as explained in our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”
• Free and Confidential Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations for Coffee County families. You can speak with our attorneys, Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, without any obligation. We will assess your case, explain your legal options, and outline how we can help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Your child’s pain and suffering from hazing are real, and the fight for justice is complex. But you do not have to face it alone. Attorney911 is here, ready to bring the same aggressive, data-driven advocacy to your family in Coffee County, Georgia, that we are currently deploying in our benchmark $10 million hazing lawsuit. Take action now. Your pursuit of justice can not only heal your family but also help protect countless other students from this kind of egregious abuse.

Contact Us: Your First Responders for Hazing Emergencies in Coffee County, Georgia

If you’re a parent in Coffee County, Georgia, reading this, it’s likely because your family is facing an unimaginable nightmare. Your child has been hazed, and the sense of betrayal, anger, and fear can be overwhelming. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to help. At Attorney911, we operate as your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to move first, fast, and decisively when you need us most, including for hazing emergencies in Coffee County, Georgia, and across the nation.

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for Coffee County victims too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, a case that has garnered significant media attention. This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a mission to hold powerful institutions accountable and protect future generations. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies and relentless pursuit of justice we are applying in this landmark case are precisely what we will bring to your family’s fight, regardless of where the hazing occurred.

Coffee County Families – Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Time is often a critical factor in hazing cases, as evidence can disappear, and statutes of limitations can expire. Do not wait to seek legal guidance.

Our Legal Emergency Hotline for Coffee County, Georgia, Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

You can reach us 24/7. Day or night, weekend or weekday, our team is available to speak with you and offer immediate assistance. Your initial consultation is absolutely free and confidential. There is no obligation, just an opportunity to understand your options, assess your potential case, and begin the journey toward justice.

No Upfront Cost: We Work on Contingency for Coffee County Families

We understand that the financial stress of dealing with a hazing incident can be immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire our expert legal team.
• You will not receive a bill for our services throughout your case.
• We only get paid if and when we win your case, whether through a settlement or a jury verdict. Our fees come as a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.

This commitment ensures that every family in Coffee County, Georgia, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the highest caliber legal representation against powerful universities and national fraternities.

Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice for Coffee County Families

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide to serve hazing victims like your child in Coffee County, Georgia. We achieve this through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions across the country.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in both Texas and New York, we possess strategic advantages in navigating complex claims against national fraternities that often have headquarters or significant operations across different states.
• Remote Consultations: We leverage technology to offer convenient and secure video consultations, allowing Coffee County families to meet with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Commitment to Travel: When necessary for depositions, mediations, client meetings, or trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Coffee County, Georgia, or any other location to aggressively fight for your rights. Distance will never stand in the way of achieving justice for our clients.

We Represent Hazing Victims in All Organizations:

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. It infects various groups where power dynamics and initiation rites are prevalent. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions like East Georgia State College, South Georgia State College, Valdosta State University, the University of Georgia, and other colleges and universities across Georgia and the Southeast.
• College and high school sports teams (e.g., football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading).
• Marching bands and other musical ensembles.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Clubs, student organizations, and professional societies.
• Any group that uses initiation or rites of passage to inflict abuse or humiliation.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you were a pledge in the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston during the Fall 2025 semester, and you witnessed or experienced hazing similar to what Leonel Bermudez endured, we want to hear from you. We know Leonel was not the only victim. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured the waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and psychological abuse. You have rights, and your testimony could be instrumental in holding every responsible party accountable.

As our Attorney 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 courage can not only secure your own justice but also protect countless others.

Don’t remain silent. Don’t let fear dictate your future. Attorney911 is your first call for justice against hazing.

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

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR COFFEE COUNTY, GEORGIA, HAZING VICTIMS. AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION. RESULTS.