If you’re reading this, your family in Echols County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, pursue an education, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Echols County and across America fight back.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – it’s overwhelming. You’re searching for answers, for justice, and for a way to prevent this nightmare from happening to another family in Echols County. We want you to know that you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, stands with hazing victims and their families in Echols County, Georgia, and nationwide. We are actively fighting this battle right now, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach to every case we handle.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Echols County Families Need Attorney911

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is dangerous, illegal, and often lethal abuse disguised as tradition. For families in Echols County, Georgia, sending a child off to college, whether to a university here in Georgia or out of state, there’s an expectation of safety and trust. That trust is being shattered by fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations that prioritize secrecy and control over the well-being of young people.

Every year, students suffer horrific physical and psychological injuries. Too many die. These aren’t isolated incidents; they are part of a national crisis that universities and national Greek organizations have largely failed to address. From our headquarters in Houston, Texas, we witness the devastating impact of hazing firsthand. We are seeing hospitals fill with students just like the ones from Echols County, students who were promised camaraderie but received brutality.

According to national statistics, a staggering 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. Over 40% of student athletes report being hazed. What’s even more alarming is that 95% of students who are hazed never report it. This culture of silence, intimidation, and fear allows hazing to flourish unchecked, turning college campuses into potential danger zones for unsuspecting students.

The consequences are real and devastating: physical injuries, psychological trauma, academic failure, and, in far too many cases, death. This is why every family in Echols County needs to know their rights and understand that aggressive legal action is often the only way to compel change. We’re not just talking about theory; we’re talking about real cases, real victims, and real accountability.

The Landmark Case That Powers Our Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & The University of Houston (2025)

Breaking: Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Echols County

Echols County Families: This is what hazing looks like today, in America. This is what we do about it. This case happened in Houston, but the same hazing occurs at universities near Echols County, Georgia, and throughout the United States. The same national fraternities operate within our state and yours. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to thrive at the University of Houston exists at countless other universities.

At Attorney911, we are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi, its housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity members, the University of Houston, and the UH Board of Regents. This is not a hypothetical fight; it’s happening right now in Harris County Civil District Court. This case exemplifies everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims.

In the News: Media Coverage of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi

Within weeks of our lawsuit filing on November 21, 2025, major Houston news outlets covered the story:

ABC13 Houston (November 21-22, 2025): “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” ABC13 featured quotes from our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, detailing the horrific hazing and the victim’s subsequent hospitalization. You can read their full report at https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/.
KHOU 11 (November 21, 2025): “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” KHOU was the first to identify Leonel Bermudez by name and reported that our lawsuit alleges both the national organization and the local housing corporation enabled a harmful environment despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.” Their full coverage is available at https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71.
Houston Chronicle (November 22, 2025): “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.” The Chronicle provided specific details of the grueling physical hazing activities, including “high-volume suicides” and “being struck with wooden paddles.”
Houston Public Media (November 24, 2025): “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” This report confirmed the $10 million figure and further elucidated Leonel’s status as a “ghost rush” and the severe medical consequences he suffered, specifically acute kidney failure. Their story can be found at https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2025/11/24/536961/uh-lawsuit-hazing-allegations-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/.

Even Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters issued a statement on their website, acknowledging their closure of the Beta Nu Chapter: https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/. Their statement, while attempting to minimize the scandal, inadvertently provides critical admissions against interest.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez – A “Ghost Rush”

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston when he was hazed. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025, with plans to transfer to UH for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. The fraternity subjected someone who wasn’t even their student to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing. This shocking detail underscores the fraternity’s reckless disregard for human life and its willingness to exploit anyone, regardless of their enrollment status.

What Happened: A Timeline of Torture

September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately.
Throughout September & October: Weeks of escalating physical and psychological abuse, including enforced dress codes, study hours, and weekly interviews designed to exert control and humiliation. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a barbaric act of psychological torment.
October 13, 2025: In a separate incident listed in the lawsuit, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, exemplifying the extreme nature of the brotherhood’s rituals.
October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he revived. This critical incident demonstrates that the fraternity was aware of severe physical distress among initiates, yet the hazing continued.
November 3, 2025 (The Incident): As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was forced into an intense regimen of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other grueling exercises. He was struck with wooden paddles and waterboarded with a garden hose, simulating drowning. He was compelled to eat until he vomited, then forced to continue running through his own vomit, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. The intensity was such that he became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
November 4-5, 2025: Leonel was unable to move due to extreme soreness and muscle breakdown, his condition worsening each day.
November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital when he began passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment to avert permanent kidney damage.
November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter, just days after Leonel’s hospitalization and mere days before our lawsuit was filed. This action, buried in a corporate press release on their website, signals their awareness of severe wrongdoing.
November 21, 2025: Attorney911 files a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena further emphasized: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Our firm believes it is indeed enough, and we will pursue every avenue to justice for Leonel and for other victims of hazing in Echols County and beyond.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s torture resulted in rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream that can overwhelm the kidneys. This led to acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that required four days of inpatient hospitalization. He suffered immense pain, passed brown urine (a clear indicator of muscle breakdown), and faced the risk of permanent kidney damage. This is the same medical condition Attorney911 has previously encountered and successfully litigated in other hazing cases, demonstrating Attorney Manginello’s specific expertise in this area.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Cover-Up?

While Pi Kappa Phi stated they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” their statement also added: “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership. … We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This corporate language reveals a disturbing lack of remorse and a readiness to resume operations after public scrutiny dies down.

The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged the events were “deeply disturbing” and pledged disciplinary action, “up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” Yet, the fact that the hazing occurred in a university-owned fraternity house raises serious questions about the university’s oversight and responsibility. They knew. They owned the property. They had the power to prevent it. They failed.

Why This Case Matters to Echols County Families

Proof that “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t harmless pranks. Waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, brutal physical exertion – this is systematic abuse that could happen at universities where students from Echols County attend.
Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of these horrific acts occurred. Universities in Georgia, including those around Echols County like Valdosta State University or Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (though the latter is a state college, not a university, its students may interact with Greek life at other institutions), have similar responsibilities and must be held accountable when they fail to protect students.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters closed the chapter the moment the hazing was exposed, proving they were aware of the severity. This same national organization has chapters in Georgia and across the country.
Victims Are Afraid: Leonel fears retribution. This fear is a common and tragic byproduct of hazing, and we offer a safe haven for victims in Echols County to come forward.
One Brave Victim Can Protect Echols County Students: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your Echols County hazing case could save lives.
$10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit signals that there is an unacceptable price for this level of abuse. Echols County families can send the same powerful message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, the word “hazing” conjures images of college students performing silly pranks or undergoing challenging, but ultimately harmless, initiations. We want families in Echols County to understand that modern hazing is far more sinister and dangerous. It is systematic abuse designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and enforce unquestioning loyalty through physical and psychological torment.

Based on the atrocities committed against Leonel Bermudez and countless other victims nationwide, hazing today is:

Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling with wooden boards, branding, burning, forced exercise to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100+ pushups), and simulated waterboarding.
Forced Consumption: Victims are made to consume massive amounts of alcohol, food (often until vomiting, as Leonel was forced to do with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), or even non-food substances. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, choking, and severe internal damage. In cases like Leonel’s, forced movement after vomiting demonstrated an extreme disregard for internal injuries.
Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, or waking them at all hours for tasks or abuse, severely impairs their physical and mental health. Leonel was made to drive fraternity members during early mornings, leading to chronic exhaustion.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This involves degrading rituals like forced nudity, carrying sexually explicit objects (such as Leonel’s fanny pack), mock interrogations, verbal abuse, social isolation, and threats of physical punishment or ostracism if they don’t comply. The hog-tying incident described in our lawsuit, where a pledge was left face-down with an object in his mouth, is exemplary of this type of torment.
Exposure: Leaving pledges in extreme cold or heat, or confining them in small, dark spaces, poses serious health risks like hypothermia or hyperthermia. Leonel was stripped to his underwear and sprayed with a garden hose in cold weather.
Sexual Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and sexual acts to explicit discussions and acts related to sexual themes, causing profound and lasting trauma.

These violent and demeaning acts can lead to severe medical consequences, including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (as Leonel tragically experienced), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, cardiac arrest, and profound psychological damage such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In the worst cases, as we have seen far too many times, it leads to wrongful death. For Echols County families, understanding the true nature of hazing is the first step toward preventing it and holding abusers accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a child in Echols County is harmed by hazing, it is rarely the fault of just one “bad apple.” Hazing is a systemic problem, woven into the fabric of Greek life and often enabled by institutional indifference. Our firm is committed to identifying and suing every single entity responsible for hazing injuries and deaths. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates this comprehensive approach, targeting all liable parties.

Here’s who can be held responsible in a hazing case:

The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority: This is the most direct culprit. In Leonel’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. They are vicariously liable for the actions of their members.
Chapter Officers and Individual Members: Those who planned, directed, participated in, or even passively allowed the hazing to occur are personally liable. In the Bermudez lawsuit, we named the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and 13 individual current and former members. Notably, this includes former members and even a spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence, extending liability beyond the campus.
- The Stone Foltz precedent in Ohio is critical here: a former Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in the hazing death of Stone Foltz. Individual officers cannot hide behind the organization.
The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, often claim ignorance or distance themselves from local chapters. However, they are responsible for setting and enforcing anti-hazing policies, providing training, and ensuring their chapters comply with national standards. When they fail to do so, especially after previous hazing incidents or deaths within their organization (like Andrew Coffey’s death at FSU’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017), they are liable for negligent supervision and deliberate indifference. These national organizations typically possess significant assets and robust insurance policies, making them crucial “deep pockets” in litigation.
The University or College: Educational institutions have a non-delegable duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, especially when hazing occurs on university property, involves university-recognized organizations, or when the university has prior knowledge of hazing. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston directly owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Furthermore, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity. Such prior incidents create a clear pattern of institutional failure and a legal obligation to act, which UH failed to meet.
The Chapter’s Housing Corporation: Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the properties. These entities can be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment or for allowing hazing on their premises.
Insurance Carriers: The “real money” in these cases often comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and even the homeowner’s or renter’s policies of individual members who hosted hazing activities. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to identify and pursue maximum recovery from these policies.

At Attorney911, we are not intimidated by powerful institutions or their legal teams. We rigorously investigate every hazing incident to identify all responsible parties, ensuring that justice is served for victims in Echols County and their families, no matter how complex the case. This is not about suing “broke college kids”; it’s about holding the responsible institutions accountable.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Justice Prevails

For families in Echols County grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the potential financial recovery is an important part of the healing and justice process. These cases send a powerful message: hazing costs millions. We leverage landmark verdicts and settlements from across the nation to demonstrate that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is justified and consistent with established legal precedents. These results are not just for the victims; they are critical deterrents for fraternities, universities, and national organizations that continue to enable hazing.

Here are some of the national precedents that prove hazing victims CAN and DO win substantial compensation:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total: $10.1 Million+

Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University, died in March 2021 from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. His family’s pursuit of justice resulted in:

$2.9 Million from Bowling Green State University.
$7.2 Million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and various individuals.
$6.5 Million personal judgment in December 2024 against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his role in the hazing. This judgment, awarded to the Foltz family for survivorship and wrongful death damages, highlights that individual officers face significant personal liability.

This landmark case set the record for the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history and directly supports our $10 million demand, demonstrating that even with serious injuries, non-fatal outcomes can still command multi-million dollar recoveries.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died in September 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—over six times the legal limit.

A jury awarded his family $6.1 Million.
The incident led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and the passage of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

This case powerfully illustrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State student, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a BAC of 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.

The civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement estimated at over $110 Million.
Multiple criminal convictions followed, and the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was enacted in Pennsylvania.

The sheer magnitude of this settlement, driven by clear evidence (security camera footage captured the events), shows that truly egregious hazing incidents can lead to astronomical recoveries.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

The Same National Fraternity in Our Case

Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU student, died in November 2017 from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” in which pledges were forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.

This led to criminal charges against nine fraternity members and a confidential civil settlement with his family.
The FSU chapter was permanently closed.

This case is particularly damning for Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey’s death occurred eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization, proving they had ample opportunity to address their deadly hazing culture but failed to do so.

Other Significant Cases:

Adam Oakes (VCU / Delta Chi, 2021): Died from alcohol poisoning during hazing; resulted in a $4 Million+ settlement in October 2024 and the enactment of “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
University of Alabama (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 2023): A lawsuit was filed for a traumatic brain injury sustained during hazing, showing that severe but non-fatal injuries also warrant major legal action.

The Message to Echols County Institutions: Our $10 Million Demand is Justified

These precedents prove that:

Our $10 million demand is firmly supported: With Leonel’s severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure), our demand aligns with national outcomes for non-fatal, yet life-altering, hazing incidents.
Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of death: They knew their rituals could kill, yet allowed history to repeat itself. This supports punitive damages.
The University of Houston had prior hazing incidents: They knew the risks on their campus and failed to protect another student.
Juries despise hazing: The egregious nature of acts like waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse will outrage any jury, reinforcing the potential for substantial judgments, including punitive damages.
These cases lead to legislative change: Every major hazing tragedy has been followed by stricter laws, increasing accountability and liability.

For families in Echols County, these multi-million dollar outcomes offer a glimmer of hope and a path to justice. They prove that you can fight back against fraternities, universities, and individuals who allow hazing to occur, and that significant financial accountability is possible.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Echols County

For families in Echols County pursuing justice for hazing, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability and hazing laws are applicable nationwide. We detail Texas hazing statutes here, but rest assured, similar anti-hazing laws and civil remedies exist in almost every state. Moreover, our authority in federal courts allows us to pursue comprehensive claims regardless of state lines.

Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas has one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes, defining hazing broadly and establishing clear penalties.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

(1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding… or similar activity;
(2) 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;
(3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm…;
(4) is any activity that involves a violation of the Penal Code;
(5) involves coercing… the student to consume a drug or an alcoholic beverage… in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated…”

Application to Leonel Bermudez’s Case: Every element of Leonel’s horrific experience directly constitutes hazing under Texas law: being struck with wooden paddles (physical brutality); forced calisthenics (500 squats, 100+ pushups) leading to rhabdomyolysis (unreasonable risk of harm); forced consumption of food until vomiting; sleep deprivation; and exposure to the elements (stripped to underwear, sprayed with hose). The specific nature of the abuse in the Bermudez case hits on multiple counts within the state’s hazing definition.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Hazing is a crime in Texas.

Simple hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor.
Hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony, carrying 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson has already indicated “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case, underscoring the severity of the conduct.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can be penalized if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their members commit hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and denial of permission to operate on campus.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal provision for hazing victims. 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.”

This means that the common excuse used by fraternities – “he agreed to it,” or “he knew what he was getting into” – is directly rejected by Texas law. A student cannot legally consent to be hazed, regardless of their willingness to participate. This principle is vital for Echols County families to understand, as it dismantles a primary defense tactic of hazing organizations.

Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): University officials in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. This ensures an institutional record of hazing, which can be crucial evidence in civil litigation against the university.

Civil Liability: Your Right to Sue for Damages

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow hazing victims and their families in Echols County to pursue substantial financial compensation from all responsible parties. Our firm pursues these claims under various legal theories:

Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individual members had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” that duty by allowing or participating in hazing, that this breach “caused” injuries, and that the victim suffered “damages.”
Premises Liability: Because the Pi Kappa Phi hazing occurred, in part, in a fraternity house owned by the University of Houston, the university bears premises liability. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe and are liable for dangerous conditions they knew or should have known about.
Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to supervise their chapters and Greek life. When they fail to do so, allowing hazing to occur, they are liable.
Assault and Battery: The physical acts of hazing, such as being struck with wooden paddles, waterboarding, or forced physical exertion, constitute assault (the threat of harmful contact) and battery (the actual harmful contact). Each perpetrator can be sued individually for these intentional torts.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, such as psychological torture and severe humiliation, can lead to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, compensating victims for profound psychological harm like PTSD.
Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, hazing too often leads to death. In such tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover damages for their immense grief, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the deceased’s lost future earnings.

For Echols County families, these civil claims exist in Georgia and nearly every state, allowing you to seek justice and compensation irrespective of whether criminal charges are filed. Our attorneys are adept at navigating these complex laws to hold all liable parties accountable.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Echols County Hazing Victims

When a hazing crisis strikes your family in Echols County, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who understand the nuances of hazing litigation, who are not intimidated by powerful institutions, and who genuinely care about your family’s healing and justice. Attorney911 is that firm. We bring a unique blend of compassion, strategic insight, and aggressive litigation experience to every hazing case, distinguishing us from general personal injury firms.

Our Unparalleled Experience and Expertise

Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in the Harris County Civil District Court. Our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are deeply entrenched in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, bringing all the lessons learned directly to your Echols County case. This current, high-stakes litigation demonstrates our commitment, capability, and real-world understanding of how to win these complex cases.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This “insider knowledge” is an unfair advantage for our clients. Mr. Pena, with his background at the national defense firm Litchfield Cavo LLP, knows precisely how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, delay payouts, and attempt to minimize or deny damages. Mr. Manginello has seen their playbook from the inside. We use this intelligence to dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients.
Federal Court Authority (U.S. District Court Admission): Hazing incidents often involve national fraternities and universities, making them appropriate for federal court jurisdiction. Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, means we have the authority to pursue hazing cases aggressively across state lines, including your case in Echols County. This is critical when national Greek organizations headquartered elsewhere are involved.
Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a significant strategic advantage, especially when dealing with national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered or incorporated in other states.
25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two and a half decades of battle-tested litigation experience. He has successfully handled complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves our capacity to take on the largest university systems and national Greek organizations.
Specific Hazing Litigation Expertise: We have direct experience with rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel Bermudez’s injury, and a deep understanding of the medical, psychological, and institutional aspects of hazing. Our successful track record against major organizations like Kappa Sigma and our focus on Texas A&M University hazing cases further solidify our specialized knowledge.
Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess who’s responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every liable entity behind the Greek letters, from the local chapter to the national headquarters and their associated housing corporations.
- For example, our database includes organizations like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, which is the entity behind the UH chapter we sued. When hazing happens, we already know who to sue, who owns their properties, and who carries their insurance. This meticulous approach ensures we don’t miss any responsible party.
- The Dallas–Fort Worth metro area alone has 510 Greek organizations, Houston has 188, Austin has 154, and collectively there are 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. Our intelligence system tracks them all, making it clear we see every organization with chapters in or near Echols County.

Our Empathetic and Client-Centered Approach

Parent-Facing and Empathetic Tone: We understand that a hazing incident turns a family’s world upside down. We communicate with warmth, respect, and clear language, avoiding legal jargon. We treat Echols County families like our own, guiding you through every step of the legal process. Our reviews consistently highlight our compassionate approach, with clients stating we “treat you like family” and offer “amazing communication.”
Multilingual Support (Se Habla Español): For our diverse communities, especially in Texas and for many families who may have children attending colleges in Echols County, Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish. Our bilingual staff ensures comprehensive legal services for Spanish-speaking clients, removing language barriers to justice.
Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs for Echols County Families: We firmly believe that financial hardship should never prevent a victim from seeking justice. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and levels the playing field against well-funded institutions. You can learn more about this by watching our video, “How Contingency Fees Work” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
Commitment to Travel: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We travel to Echols County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. We also offer secure video consultations, ensuring Echols County families can connect with us conveniently and remotely.
Transparency and Communication: Our clients consistently praise our clear and consistent communication. We keep you informed at every stage of your case, ensuring you understand the strategy and progress. Our YouTube channel, “Attorney911,” provides valuable educational content for victims, like “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, to keep clients informed.
Community Roots and Values: Ralph Manginello is a third-generation Texan who grew up in Houston. Lupe Pena is a third-generation Texan with deep roots tied to the historic King Ranch. They are fathers themselves, intimately understanding the devastating impact of hazing on families. Their commitment to community safety is evidenced by their support of organizations like Crime Stoppers of Houston and their involvement in youth sports. Protecting young people, whether in Houston or Echols County, is a personal mission.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining advocates with a proven track record, insider knowledge of the defense’s tactics, and a fierce dedication to holding hazing institutions accountable. For families in Echols County, we are ready to bring that fight to your doorstep.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Echols County Families

When hazing leaves your child injured or worse, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It can be overwhelming and confusing, but prompt action can significantly impact the success of your legal case. For families in Echols County, Georgia, seeking justice, here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Injuries

Your child’s health is paramount. If your child has been physically harmed, seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, get them thoroughly checked by a doctor or hospital. Some serious injuries, like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis symptoms, can have delayed onset.

Insist on a full medical evaluation. Make sure all injuries, no matter how small, are documented in medical records.
Keep all medical records. This includes emergency room reports, hospital admission and discharge papers, doctor’s notes, test results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), and bills. These records are the backbone of your case.
Photograph the injuries. Take clear, well-lit photos of any bruises, cuts, swelling, or other visible signs of injury as soon as possible, and continue to photograph them throughout the healing process. Our video, “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), offers crucial tips. If your child is too injured or traumatized, ask a trusted friend or family member to do it.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing organizations and universities are quick to “clean up” their act once an incident comes to light. It is vital to secure evidence before it disappears.

Digital Communications: Save every text message, Snapchat, GroupMe chat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. This includes conversations between pledges, fraternity members, and discussions about activities or threats. Do NOT delete anything.
Photos and Videos: Collect any photos or videos taken by your child, other pledges, or witnesses related to hazing activities, events, or injuries.
Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or individuals who can corroborate your child’s story.
Fraternity Documents: If your child received any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the fraternity, secure these documents.
Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, pharmacy receipts, therapy costs, and any lost wages or academic expenses incurred due to the hazing.
Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

Step 3: Avoid Key Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Many well-meaning actions can inadvertently damage a hazing claim.

Do NOT talk to the fraternity or university administration without legal counsel. They are not on your side; they are looking to protect their institution. Anything you say can be used against you.
Do NOT sign anything. Avoid signing any documents, waivers, or agreements presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without reviewing them with an attorney.
Do NOT delete any messages or social media posts. Even seemingly innocent deletions can be construed as evidence tampering.
Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used by the defense to undermine your credibility or the severity of your injuries. Our video, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident,” provides more details.
Do NOT confront individual fraternity members. This can escalate the situation and make it harder to gather direct evidence later.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately – Time is Critical

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Georgia, like in Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s two years from the date of death. While this may seem like a long time, crucial evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and organizations can destroy records surprisingly quickly. Our video, “Texas Statutes of Limitations” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c, explains why acting quickly is essential.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Our initial consultation is free, and there’s no obligation. We can assess your Echols County hazing case, explain your legal options, and begin the critical process of preserving evidence and building a strong claim.

For Echols County families: Distance is not a barrier to receiving aggressive, expert legal representation. We offer remote consultations via phone or video, allowing you to connect with our legal team from the comfort and privacy of your home. We are also committed to traveling to Echols County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

By following these steps, you empower yourself and your family to pursue justice effectively and hold those responsible for hazing in Echols County fully accountable.

Contact Us: Your Legal Hotline for Echols County Hazing Emergencies

🚨 Echols County Families: Has Your Child Been Hazed? Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Now

If your child in Echols County has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. This is a moment of profound crisis, and you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help from a team that understands not only the law but also the emotional torment your family is enduring. At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates committed to fighting for justice for hazing victims in Echols County, Georgia, and across the United States.

We are actively engaged in the fight against hazing right now. Our attorneys are leading a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for egregious hazing that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure in a young college student. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, ongoing litigation in Harris County Civil District Court. We bring the same level of dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of accountability to every Echols County case we take on.

Echols County Families: Don’t Wait. Your Initial Consultation is FREE.

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website: attorney911.com

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Echols County Hazing Case?

No Upfront Fees: We take all hazing cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that every family in Echols County, regardless of their financial situation, can access top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.
Proven Expertise: With former insurance defense attorneys on our team, like Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, we understand how the defense thinks and how to effectively counteract their strategies. Our deep experience in complex personal injury litigation, including multi-million dollar cases against major corporations, gives us an edge in challenging universities and national fraternities.
Nationwide Reach: Hazing is a national problem, and we are a national solution. While headquartered in Houston, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue hazing cases no matter where in the country your child attends college. For Echols County families, that means we can evaluate your case, conduct remote consultations, and travel to Georgia for depositions and trials as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.
Comprehensive Data Intelligence: Our proprietary database of Greek organizations across Texas and nationwide, including IRS corporate structures and historical hazing incidents, allows us to immediately identify all liable parties and build a robust case from day one. We know who is behind the Greek letters, and we will hold them all accountable.
Compassionate Advocacy: We know that behind every hazing case is a family in distress. We approach each client with empathy, respect, and a commitment to clear communication. We treat your family like our own, guiding you through every step of the legal process. Se habla español – our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Echols County receive full and transparent support.

What Happens When You Call Us?

Immediate Response: Our hotline is available 24/7. When you call, you’ll speak with a compassionate and experienced member of our team who understands the urgency of your situation.
Free, Confidential Consultation: We’ll schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, either by phone or video conference, to discuss the details of your child’s hazing incident. We’ll listen carefully, answer your questions, and begin to strategize the best course of action.
Expert Case Evaluation: We will assess the strength of your case, identify potential defendants, and explain the legal process in clear, understandable terms.
No Pressure: Our goal is to empower you with information so you can make the best decision for your family. There is never any pressure to hire us during the consultation.

To other victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We know you exist. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one subjected to abuse. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others endured waterboarding, forced eating, and brutal physical exertion. Our doors are open to you. 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.” Call us. Let’s work together to bring every perpetrator to justice.

For Echols County, Georgia, and beyond, if your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, do not suffer in silence. Contact Attorney911 immediately. We are your legal emergency lawyers, and we are ready to fight for you.