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 Dade County, Georgia fight back. We are Attorney911, and we bring aggressive, data-driven litigation to the fight against hazing, ready to stand with families throughout Dade County and across the nation when the unthinkable happens.

For families in Dade County, nestled in the scenic Appalachian foothills of Georgia, sending a child off to college is a dream filled with hope for academic achievement, new friendships, and personal growth. Whether they attend a major university like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, or choose the smaller, close-knit campuses closer to home like Kennesaw State University or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga just across the border, parents expect their children to be safe, nurtured, and intellectually challenged. The idea that their son or daughter could be subjected to brutal, humiliating, or life-threatening hazing rituals by a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any other organization is a nightmare no parent should ever have to confront.

Yet, this nightmare is a stark reality. At Attorney911, we are actively fighting this battle right now. Just weeks ago, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members after a prospective student, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to unspeakable horrors, leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This case is not an anomaly; it is a chilling reminder of the pervasive and dangerous hazing culture that plagues campuses nationwide, including those where children from Dade County, Georgia may attend.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear—it’s overwhelming. You might be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how to protect your child, how to hold those responsible accountable. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. We want you to know that you are not alone, that what happened to your child is not their fault, and that legal action is a powerful tool to demand justice and prevent future tragedies. We serve hazing victims in Dade County, Georgia, and nationwide, bringing the same aggressive, expert-level representation to your local community as we do in our home state of Texas.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight You Need to Know About

For families in Dade County, Georgia, this is not just a news story from afar; it’s a stark warning. The hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez in Houston could happen at any university, under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” It demonstrates why vigilant, informed legal action is so critical.

The plaintiff in our lawsuit is Leonel Bermudez. He wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet; he was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student hoping to join Pi Kappa Phi in the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who hadn’t even officially joined their university community.

The Defendants: Our lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, names a comprehensive list of defendants:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The UH Board of Regents
• The fraternity’s President
• The Pledgemaster
• Multiple current and former members
• Even a former member and his spouse, because some of the hazing took place at their private residence.

We are seeking $10 million in damages because this is what accountability looks like, and this is the level of compensation that matches the horrific precedent of hazing incidents nationwide.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: The Horrific Details

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment. These were not harmless pranks; these were deliberate acts designed to break him down.

The hazing activities he endured are shocking in their brutality:

• Waterboarding: He was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, where water was forcefully sprayed in his face while he was engaged in grueling calisthenics. This is torture—a war crime when done to enemy combatants.
• Physical Beatings and Punishment: He was struck with wooden paddles, a blatant act of assault. He was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. He endured constant “high-volume suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This extreme physical exertion led to his collapse.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was required to recite the fraternity creed while being physically punished. He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with water. He had to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or immediate expulsion were constant.
• Forced Consumption: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly degrading act, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and even commanded to lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was repeatedly forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to his extreme exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The relentless physical abuse culminated in a terrifying medical emergency on November 3, 2025. Leonel had been punished with extreme exercise. He collapsed, unable to stand without help. He crawled home that night, and over the next two days, his condition worsened. His mother, observing his deteriorating state and the alarming presence of brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown—rushed him to the hospital on November 6.

He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can severely harm the kidneys. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, undergoing intensive medical treatment. The long-term risks include chronic kidney disease, the potential need for dialysis, or even a kidney transplant. He still faces the possibility of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response: An Attempt at Damage Control

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025 – a mere seven days before our lawsuit was filed – they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. In a statement on their website, the national organization even acknowledged “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”

Meanwhile, a University of Houston spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of “a clear violation of our community standards,” noting that the university was conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and that anyone found responsible could face expulsion and “potential criminal charges.”

What these carefully worded statements truly mean for families in Dade County:

• Pi Kappa Phi National: They knew enough to close the chapter before the lawsuit was public, demonstrating a clear consciousness of guilt and an attempt to distance themselves. Their statement even claimed they “look forward to returning to campus,” showcasing a profound lack of remorse.
• University of Houston: Despite owning the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place and having a prior hazing hospitalization at another fraternity in 2017, the university allowed the culture of abuse to persist. Their initial response points to institutional failures that facilitated an environment where such atrocities could occur.

This case is the proof that Attorney911 is not theoretical. We are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court for Leonel Bermudez. This represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes for Dade County Families

For families in Dade County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or embarrassing rituals. But the reality, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not about “building brotherhood.” It is, in fact, systematic abuse, psychological torture, physical torment, and often criminal behavior designed to break pledges down.

We want Dade County parents to understand that this is not a game.

• It is assault. When someone is beaten with wooden paddles or waterboarded, it is physical assault.
• It is battery. When there is unwanted and harmful physical contact, it is battery.
• It is torture. Waterboarding, forced eating, extreme sleep deprivation—these are tactics used to break human beings.
• It is reckless endangerment. Forcing someone to exercise until their kidneys fail or to drink until they blackout risks their life.
• It can be manslaughter or even murder. Tragically, over one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S. since 2000.

The Common, Yet Horrifying, Forms of Hazing Today:

Hazing transcends fraternities and sororities, appearing in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC groups, and other student organizations.Dade County students participating in any of these groups could be at risk. Here’s what modern hazing often entails:

• Physical Abuse: This includes forced physical exertion to the point of collapse (as Leonel endured), beatings, paddling, branding, burning, sleep deprivation, or exposure to harsh elements.
• Forced Consumption: This is particularly dangerous and often deadly, involving binge drinking of alcohol, forced eating until vomiting, or consuming non-food substances. Our client was made to vomit and then continue physical activity in his own vomit, demonstrating the extreme degradation involved.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, psychological manipulation, and making new members feel worthless are rampant. The continuous threats and fear of retribution are powerful tools of control.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and uncomfortable sexual acts to outright sexual assault, leaving deep and lasting trauma. The requirement for our client to carry sexual objects is a form of this degrading behavior.
• Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As seen in Leonel’s case, this extreme form of physical torment inflicts terror and can easily lead to accidental drowning or severe health complications.
• Servitude and Degradation: New members are often forced into menial tasks, driving older members around at all hours, or cleaning up after them, reinforcing a power imbalance and stripping them of their dignity.

The True Costs: Physical and Psychological Injuries

The consequences of hazing are profound and often permanent. For Leonel, it was life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. For others, it can be:

• Alcohol poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths.
• Traumatic brain injuries: From falls, beatings, or violent physical activities.
• Broken bones, burns, internal injuries: The direct result of physical abuse.
• Hypothermia or heat stroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac arrest: From extreme physical exertion.
• Severe mental health issues: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common and can persist for years, affecting academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. Our client’s fear of retribution, as noted by Mr. Manginello, highlights this deep psychological impact.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is a crime that leaves victims with scars, both visible and invisible, that can last a lifetime. Families in Dade County, Georgia, deserve to know the truth about what is happening on campuses, and they deserve relentless advocacy when their children become victims.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable for Hazing in Dade County

When hazing leaves a child from Dade County, Georgia, injured or dead, we believe that everyone who contributed to that tragedy must be held accountable. This isn’t just about individual perpetrators; it’s about the institutions that enable, overlook, or profit from a culture of abuse. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez demonstrates our commitment to targeting every entity responsible.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members: The Direct Perpetrators

• The Chapter Itself: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. They fostered the environment where abuse became “tradition.”
• Chapter Officers: Individuals like the fraternity President and the Pledgemaster are explicitly named in our lawsuit. They held positions of power and leadership, directly ordering, directing, and facilitating the hazing. Their leadership responsibility makes them prime targets.
• Individual Members: Every current member who participated in, encouraged, or stood by while hazing occurred can be held liable. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and hazing under state law.
• Former Members and Their Associates: In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse are named defendants because hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who provided a venue or facilitated the abuse, even if they were not active members. Often, alumni play a key role in perpetuating hazing culture.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: The Deep Pockets

National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, are multi-million dollar corporations with vast resources and insurance policies. They provide charters, enforce rules, and often receive significant financial contributions from local chapters.

• Failure to Supervise: Despite documented histories of hazing incidents, including deaths, national organizations often fail to adequately supervise their chapters or enforce their own anti-hazing policies. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National knew enough to immediately suspend and then dissolve the chapter once news of the hospitalization broke. This is a clear admission that they knew the conduct was wrong.
• Pattern of Negligence: The death of Andrew Coffey at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017 provided the national organization with undeniable warning that their hazing policies were failing. Yet, eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was severely injured, demonstrating a pattern of conscious indifference.
• Financial Resources: These national organizations have substantial assets, endowments, and liability insurance. They are often the “deepest pockets” available to compensate victims.

3. The University or College: The Ultimate Oversight Failure

Universities, whether public institutions like the University of Georgia or private colleges throughout Dade County, Georgia’s surrounding regions, have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When they fail, they are liable.

• Premises Liability: In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house where heinous acts of hazing occurred. This establishes a clear case of premises liability—the university had a responsibility to ensure safety on its property and failed.
• Failure to Supervise Greek Life: Universities have the power to regulate, suspend, or remove Greek organizations. When they fail to monitor these groups, ignore warning signs, or have inadequate oversight, they can be held responsible for the resulting harm. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, clearly indicating institutional knowledge of a problem they failed to address.
• Institutional Resources: Universities have massive budgets, endowments, and liability insurance that can cover substantial settlements and verdicts.

4. Insurance Carriers: The Key to Recovery

Ultimately, money for settlements and verdicts often comes from various insurance policies:

• National Organization’s Liability Insurance: Covering the national fraternity’s negligence.
• University’s Institutional Insurance: Covering the university’s liabilities.
• Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: For off-campus hazing locations like the former member’s residence in our case.
• Personal Liability Coverage: Some individual defendants may have personal liability policies.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know precisely how these insurance companies operate. They’ve seen the playbook from the inside and use that invaluable insight to dismantle defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. For families in Dade County, Georgia, choosing an attorney who understands the intricate web of liability and where to find the compensating parties is crucial. We leave no stone unturned in identifying every possible defendant and source of recovery.

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

For families in Dade County, Georgia, faced with the devastating aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for recovery is essential. These aren’t small claims; they are often multi-million dollar battles that send a resounding message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing has a steep price. We have the receipts, and these same aggressive legal strategies are available to victims in Dade County, Georgia.

Our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case is not arbitrary. It is grounded in a pattern of precedent-setting verdicts and settlements across the country, cases where victims and their families have received substantial compensation for the physical, psychological, and financial damages caused by hazing.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements:

Think of these as powerful warnings that hazing culture cannot escape accountability. These cases set the stage for what is possible for victims from Dade County, Georgia:

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

  • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a new pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: The university paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national along with several individuals paid $7.2 million. In a separate action, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in December 2024.
  • Significance: This case proves that both universities and national fraternities are willing to pay millions when found liable. The $10 million figure in our Bermudez case directly aligns with this precedent, despite Leonel surviving his injuries.

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

  • What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver was forced to play a drinking game called “Bible Study” where he was made to consume excessive alcohol. He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Criminal convictions for negligent homicide followed, and Louisiana passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.
  • Significance: This jury verdict demonstrates that courts and communities are outraged by hazing and are willing to award multi-million dollar compensation. It also shows that these cases drive legislative change.

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

  • What Happened: In February 2017, during a bid acceptance night, Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a dangerously high BAC of 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died days later.
  • The Outcome: An estimated $110+ million in confidential settlements from various defendants. Criminal charges were brought against 18 fraternity members, leading to multiple convictions, and Pennsylvania enacted the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Significance: This case proves that aggressive litigation, especially with strong evidence like the security camera footage that captured every horrific detail, can result in astronomical settlements. It changed national awareness and legislation.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case

  • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential settlement.
  • Significance: This is critically important for our Bermudez case. It means Pi Kappa Phi National KNEW the deadly risks of their chapters’ hazing rituals. Eight years later, with Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, it’s clear they failed to learn or implement effective change. This establishes a powerful “pattern of negligence” that severely impacts their defense, making punitive damages more likely.

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

  • What Happened: Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event in February 2021.
  • The Outcome: His family received a $4 million+ settlement. Criminal charges were brought against several members, and new state legislation, “Adam’s Law,” was enacted.
  • Significance: Another recent case demonstrating multi-million dollar recovery and legislative impact.

Why These Precedents Matter for Dade County Families:

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported: The severity of Leonel Bermudez’s injuries (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring hospitalization) and the egregious nature of the hazing (waterboarding, forced exertion, physical assault) logically places his case within the multi-million dollar range, just like the Stone Foltz settlement.
2. Pattern of Institutional Failure: Both Pi Kappa Phi National (after Andrew Coffey’s death) and the University of Houston (after the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing) had clear warnings and opportunities to prevent future harm. Their failure to do so strengthens our claims for negligence and punitive damages.
3. Juries Hate Hazing: The public outrage surrounding these cases translates into significant jury awards. Our experienced trial attorneys know how to present these horrific facts to elicit appropriate compensation.
4. Criminal and Civil Accountability: Hazing is a crime. As the UH spokesperson noted, “potential criminal charges” are being considered. Civil lawsuits often run parallel to criminal investigations, forcing comprehensive accountability.
5. Legislative Change: Each of these cases has spurred new anti-hazing laws. Your child’s case in Dade County, Georgia, could be the one that finally brings about meaningful change and protects countless other students.

For Dade County families, this means that hiring an experienced firm like Attorney911, which is deeply familiar with these precedents and actively shaping new ones, provides the best chance at securing justice and maximum compensation. We are prepared to build a compelling case, connecting national patterns of abuse to the specific failures that harmed your child. The message to fraternities near Dade County, Georgia, and the universities they operate on is clear: hazing costs millions, and we are prepared to make them pay.

Texas Law Protects You: A Legal Framework for Dade County Victims

For families in Dade County, Georgia, navigating the legal complexities after a hazing incident can feel daunting, especially when the event may have occurred in a different state. While our firm is based in Texas, where Leonel Bermudez’s case is currently being litigated under robust state laws, it’s crucial to understand that similar anti-hazing legislation exists in most states. Furthermore, federal civil rights claims and general negligence principles apply regardless of location, meaning our federal court authority allows us to pursue your case wherever the hazing occurred, including in Dade County, Georgia.

Our deep expertise in Texas Hazing Law, particularly the Texas Education Code, provides a powerful model for understanding the legal protections available to hazing victims nationwide.

Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

These statutes are designed to provide clear definitions, criminal penalties, and organizational liabilities, offering a strong legal foundation for victims.

• The Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing very broadly as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging… if the act:

  • Is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding…
  • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
  • Involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm…
  • Is any activity that induces… the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code.”

  Dade County Application: The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured—waterboarding, forced eating, 500 squats, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation—falls squarely within these definitions. Most states have similar definitions. If your child from Dade County was subjected to any of these acts, it likely constitutes hazing under the law.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law assigns criminal penalties based on the severity of the hazing:

  • Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in or aiding hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor if hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). This applies directly to Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
  • State Jail Felony if hazing causes “death” (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine).

  Dade County Application: The fact that hazing is a criminal offense underscores its severity. “Serious bodily injury” is a key standard, met by life-threatening harm like organ damage or extensive hospitalization.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations that “condone or encourage hazing” or whose officers/members commit hazing can face fines up to $10,000 and even denial of the right to operate on campus.

  Dade County Application: This holds the fraternity chapter and national organization accountable, moving beyond just individual perpetrators.

• Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical provision. Texas law 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.”

  Dade County Application: Too often, fraternities and universities try to argue that victims “consented” or “knew what they were getting into.” Texas law unequivocally rejects this. You cannot legally consent to be physically assaulted, tortured, or placed at unreasonable risk of harm. This powerful legal principle protects victims from victim-blaming and allows their cases to move forward with integrity.

Civil Liability: What Dade County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Dade County, Georgia, to seek substantial financial compensation for their suffering and losses. These civil claims are typically available regardless of the specific state where the incident occurred.

1. Negligence Claims: This is a broad category that applies in virtually all personal injury cases. We must prove that:

   • The defendants (university, fraternity, individuals) owed a “duty of care” to the student (e.g., a duty to keep them safe, a duty to enforce anti-hazing policies).
   • They “breached” that duty (e.g., by permitting hazing, failing to supervise, actively participating).
   • This breach “caused” the student’s injuries.
   • The student suffered “damages” (e.g., medical bills, pain, emotional trauma).

2. Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house) or another entity, that property owner can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions (like hazing) to exist.

3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, advisors fail to intervene, or universities fail to monitor Greek life activities.

4. Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harmed the victim can be sued directly for intentional torts like assault (threatening harm) and battery (causing harmful physical contact).

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for extreme instances of psychological torment, such as waterboarding or severe humiliation, this claim allows victims to seek compensation for severe emotional and psychological trauma.

For Dade County families, this legal framework means that pursuing a civil hazing lawsuit is a viable and powerful path to justice. Our firm’s expertise in these laws, coupled with our federal court admissions (Texas and New York), allows us to represent victims whether the hazing occurred in a nearby Georgia university, across state lines, or anywhere in the country. We can cut through the legal jargon and explain your rights in plain English, ensuring you fully understand how the law can work to protect your child and hold those responsible accountable.

Why Attorney911 is the Clear Choice for Dade County Hazing Victims

When your child from Dade County, Georgia, becomes a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team fiercely dedicated to justice. At Attorney911, led by Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, we are uniquely positioned to represent hazing victims and their families, bringing unparalleled experience, strategic insight, and aggressive advocacy that Dade County deserves. We are currently leading the fight in a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Houston, a fight that showcases exactly what kind of firm we are: relentless, data-driven, and deeply committed to our clients.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Insiders

Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña began their careers working for the other side: insurance companies and national defense firms. This isn’t just a detail; it’s our superpower.

• They know the playbook: Ralph and Lupe have spent years learning how insurance adjusters, corporate lawyers, and university defense teams think, strategize, and try to minimize or deny claims. They’ve seen the tricks, studied the tactics, and understand the internal valuation methods used to lowball victims.
• Dismantling Defenses: Now, they use that insider knowledge against the powerful institutions responsible for hazing. They anticipate defenses before they’re even raised, allowing us to build cases with surgical precision, dismantle opposing arguments, and maximize compensation for our clients. For Dade County families, this means we’re always one step ahead.

Ralph P. Manginello: The Battle-Tested Trial Attorney

Ralph, a Texan with deep community roots, is the founder and president of Attorney911. His 25+ years of courtroom experience speak for themselves.

• Aggressive Litigation Against Giants: Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a mass tort case against a massive corporate defendant. This experience proves his capacity to take on and win against formidable institutions, a skill directly applicable to battling national fraternities and universities in Dade County.
• Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with appellate experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Ralph can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, a critical advantage when fighting national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions: Licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph expands our strategic reach, especially valuable when national fraternities are headquartered out of state.
• Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories. This is vital in hazing cases, where institutions often try to suppress the truth.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience litigating fraternity hazing cases, including those involving rhabdomyolysis—the exact injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. This specialized knowledge ensures your child’s medical and legal complexities are fully understood and expertly argued.
• Personal Commitment: As a father of three, Ralph understands the profound pain and anger a parent feels when their child is harmed. His work is driven by a genuine commitment to protecting young people.

Lupe Eleno Peña: The Insurance Counter-Intelligence Expert

Lupe is a third-generation Texan with over 12 years of litigation experience, bringing an equally formidable background to our team.

• National Defense Firm Insight: Lupe previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. There, he defended insurance companies against a wide range of claims, learning their strategies for valuing, delaying, and denying payouts.
• Master of Corporate Structures: His Business Administration degree from Saint Mary’s University, coupled with his finance background, gives him a critical understanding of corporate structures and financial damages—essential when dissecting national fraternity and university finances to maximize victims’ compensation.
• Wrongful Death & Dram Shop Expertise: His experience recovering millions for families in wrongful death and dram shop (alcohol-related liability) cases is directly applicable to severe hazing incidents, especially those involving forced alcohol consumption, unfortunately all too common in Dade County’s university communities.
• Bilingual Advantage: Fluent in Spanish (Se Habla Español), Lupe ensures that Hispanic families in Dade County and across the country receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, providing a crucial connection for many in Georgia.
• “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight”: Lupe’s litigation philosophy is precisely what hazing victims need. He vows to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition, bringing relentless advocacy to every case.

Why Dade County Families Choose Attorney911:

1. Active Hazing Litigation: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court with a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and national fraternity. This proves our capabilities are current and hands-on.
2. Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we serve hazing victims in Dade County, Georgia, and across America. Our federal court admissions and willingness to travel ensure distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for convenience and will come to Dade County for depositions or trials when needed.
3. Comprehensive Client Support: Our staff is bilingual, empathetic, and passionate about helping. We treat Dade County families like family, understanding the trauma they’re enduring.
4. Contingency Fees: Facing hazing trauma shouldn’t come with financial stress. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This levels the playing field against powerful institutions with limitless legal budgets.
5. Proven Results and Credibility: Our 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews, testimonials across various impactful cases (including major wins for car accidents, criminal defense, and more), and media coverage of our high-profile cases demonstrate our effectiveness. We have the experience and the track record.

When your child’s future is on the line due to hazing, you need a firm that is not only experienced but also personally invested and strategically armed. That is Attorney911. We are the legal emergency team for Dade County, Georgia, ready to turn your pain into powerful action against those who wronged your child.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Dade County Families After Hazing

If you’re a parent in Dade County, Georgia, and your child has been a victim of hazing, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic and terrifying. You are facing a legal, medical, and emotional emergency. We understand the urgency and the need for clear guidance. Here are the critical steps you should take immediately to protect your child, preserve crucial evidence, and secure your legal rights.

STEP 1: Prioritize Immediate 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 safety is paramount.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if the primary harm is psychological, a doctor’s visit is crucial. For physical injuries, go to an emergency room or urgent care. For severe psychological distress, seek mental health support.
  • Why it’s critical: Medical records provide objective, undeniable proof of injuries and their connection to the hazing. Delaying care can weaken your case, as defense attorneys will argue the injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by hazing.
  • Document everything: Ensure the medical professionals are aware of how the injuries occurred, including specific hazing activities.

STEP 2: Preserve ALL Evidence (This is CRITICAL)

• Your Cell Phone is a Weapon for Justice: This is where today’s technology empowers victims.
  • Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs: Screenshot and save every single conversation related to the hazing. This includes invitations, instructions, threats, derogatory comments, and discussions among members or pledges. Do not delete anything.
  • Photos and Videos: Save any images or videos of the hazing activities, the location where it occurred, or your child’s injuries at all stages of healing (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, etc.). If your child is hospitalized, ask friends or family to take pictures of them in the hospital bed.
  • Social Media Posts: Take screenshots of any relevant social media posts by the perpetrators, the organization, or even your child’s own posts before or after the incident.
• Physical Evidence:
  • Clothing/Items: If any clothes your child wore during hazing are soiled or damaged, do not wash or discard them. Place them in a sealed bag.
  • Hazing Objects: If any items used in hazing (e.g., paddles, fanny packs) came into your child’s possession, preserve them carefully.
• Documents:
  • Pledge Manuals/Schedules: Any official or unofficial documents given to your child outlining “pledge activities,” schedules, or rules.
  • Medical Bills: Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, prescriptions, and therapy costs.
  • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, missed classes, or changes in enrollment.
• Witness Information:
  • Collect the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have observed the hazing activities or your child’s condition. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Financial Records: Keep track of any lost wages if your child missed work, or any fees/tuition paid that were disrupted by the hazing.

STEP 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions

This is perhaps the hardest step, but also one of the most important.

• Do NOT talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, officers, or advisors without legal counsel. They will try to get your child to minimize the event, sign documents, or provide statements that can be used against them.
• Do NOT talk to the University Administration Alone: Universities have their own legal teams and risk management departments. Their priority is to protect the institution, not your child. Any statement your child makes to them can be used against him or her. Let us handle these communications.
• Do NOT Sign ANYTHING: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without having an attorney review them first. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or you post online can and will be scrutinized by defense attorneys and used to undermine the case. Avoid posting about the incident, discussing injuries, or even showing your child out having fun, as it can be used to argue they were not as traumatized as claimed.

STEP 4: Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – FREE Consultation

This is where we step in as your legal emergency responders for Dade County, Georgia.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our hotline is available 24/7. The consultation is free, confidential, and without obligation.
• Email: You can also reach us directly at ralph@atty911.com.
• Why Immediate Action Matters:
  • Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury. While this sounds like a long time, crucial evidence disappears quickly. For hazing cases, this can be complex due to delayed discovery of injuries or long-term psychological effects. Acting now ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines.
  • Evidence Disappears: Text messages get deleted, social media accounts are scrubbed, witnesses forget details or move on. The sooner we get involved, the better we can secure and preserve evidence.
  • Organizations Hide: Perpetrating organizations have a vested interest in covering up incidents. Rapid legal intervention can prevent them from destroying records or coordinating false narratives.
  • Level the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have powerful legal teams. You need your own experienced advocates to protect your rights, even if you are in Dade County, Georgia, and we are based in Houston.

For Dade County Families: Distance is Not a Barrier

While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve hazing victims in Dade County, Georgia, and nationwide.

• Video Consultations: We can conduct comprehensive consultations via video call, allowing you to meet with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home in Dade County.
• Travel for Your Case: We are willing to travel to Dade County, Georgia, for critical depositions, client meetings, or trial, ensuring your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.
• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases involving national organizations across state lines, bringing federal resources to your local fight.

You and your child deserve justice. By following these immediate steps and contacting our experienced team, you can build a strong case, hold those responsible accountable, and help prevent future hazing tragedies. Enough is enough.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Responders for Hazing Victims in Dade County, Georgia

If you’re a parent in Dade County, Georgia, or anywhere across the country, and your child has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to respond. We are not just lawyers; we are relentless advocates, actively fighting the hazing crisis with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We offer the same aggressive, expert-level representation to victims and families in Dade County, Georgia.

Dade County, Georgia Families: Call Now for a FREE Consultation

The time to act is now. Every moment that passes can jeopardize crucial evidence and your child’s legal rights. Don’t face this battle alone.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This legal emergency hotline is available 24/7 for Dade County, Georgia hazing victims and their families. When you call, you’ll speak directly with our team, ready to listen with compassion and provide clear, actionable advice.

You can also reach us via email at: ralph@atty911.com

Our Commitment to Dade County Families:

• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We are compensated only if we win your case. This ensures that financial hardship does not prevent you from seeking justice against powerful institutions.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Service: While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims anywhere, including in Dade County, Georgia. We offer convenient video consultations to discuss your case remotely.
• Bilingual Support: Se habla español. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, ensuring comprehensive legal services without language barriers for Hispanic families in Dade County and beyond.
• Unmatched Expertise: With decades of combined experience, including insider knowledge from former insurance defense work, we understand exactly how to build and win complex hazing cases. Your child’s case in Dade County will benefit from the same strategic intelligence we apply to our high-profile lawsuits.

We Represent Victims of Hazing in ALL Organizations:

Hazing is not confined to Greek letters. If your child from Dade County, Georgia, was harmed in any of the following, we can help:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Dade County, Georgia (e.g., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Kennesaw State University, University of Alabama, University of Georgia).
• Dade County-area sports teams (high school, club, or college).
• Marching bands or student organizations.
• ROTC programs.
• Any club, military academy, or group where abuse is disguised as “initiation.”

A Word to Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. We know another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. We know others endured waterboarding, physical beatings, and forced eating. If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at the University of Houston, you have rights too. We want to hear your story and help you pursue justice.

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

Your call to 1-888-ATTY-911 is the first step towards accountability. Let us fight for your child, just as we are fighting for Leonel. Let us send a clear message to every institution in Dade County, Georgia, and across the nation, that hazing will no longer be tolerated.

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