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, build a community, and further their education. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Fannin County fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing.

Here in Fannin County, we believe in community, in raising our children with strong values, and in a future built on integrity. When our children leave our homes in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to pursue higher education, whether at a university across Georgia or beyond, we trust that those institutions will protect them. The painful reality is that hazing, a brutal practice disguised as tradition, is endangering our youth right now, even those from towns like Blue Ridge, McCaysville, and Morganton.

We are Attorney911, and we are Legal Emergency Lawyers. We stand with victims and families in Fannin County and across the nation who have suffered at the hands of fraternities, sororities, and other organizations that have allowed hazing to spiral into abuse. We don’t just talk about hazing; we actively fight it. Right now, our attorneys are prosecuting a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities in America and a major university for the severe hazing of a young man who nearly died. This case, and the principles we fight for, are directly relevant to every parent in Fannin County whose child attends college or is considering joining a Greek organization.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Fannin County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it’s a dangerous act of abuse that has devastating consequences. For too long, fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations have hidden behind the veil of “tradition” and “brotherhood” while perpetrating acts of psychological torture, physical brutality, and forced consumption that can lead to severe injury, permanent trauma, and even death.

In Fannin County, our children grow up with a deep sense of community and connection. We send them off to institutions of higher learning, often outside our immediate area, expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to thrive. The thought of them being subjected to inhumane acts of hazing is unfathomable, yet it is a reality for far too many. Hazing incidents, like the one we are currently litigating, underscore the urgent need for aggressive legal representation that holds negligent organizations and institutions accountable.

Statistically, the problem is alarming:

• Over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed.
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed never report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.

These aren’t just numbers; they represent young lives shattered and families left to pick up the pieces. Whether your child attends a state university, a smaller regional college, or a technical institution, if Greek life or other student organizations are present, so is the risk of hazing. We believe that parents in Fannin County and communities like it deserve to know that when this trust is betrayed, there are powerful advocates ready to fight for justice.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

This is not a hypothetical scenario; this is a live, ongoing battle in a courtroom right now. We are actively fighting for Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was brutally hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. This case is the very embodiment of what Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and unrelenting pursuit of accountability.

Fannin County Families: What happened to Leonel in Houston could happen to your child at a university they attend. The same national fraternities operate in Georgia and across the nation. The same negligent attitudes exist. But with Attorney911, the same aggressive fight for justice is available to you.

Media Coverage – Multiple Outlets Are Reporting

Our lawsuit, filed in November 2025, immediately garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severity of the hazing and the institutional failures involved.

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

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued their own statement on November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston“, which ironically confirmed our allegations about their knowledge and response.

The Fight for Leonel Bermudez

Our firm, Attorney911, filed this $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025. This case names a wide array of defendants, ensuring accountability from every angle:

• 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 president, the pledgemaster, other current and former individual members, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing at their residence.

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student at the time; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer in the spring. Yet, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025, and what followed was nothing short of weeks of systematic abuse and torture.

As Attorney 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.” Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring intensive medical treatment and a four-day hospital stay.

Attorney Lupe Pena emphasized the firm’s mission to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The Horrific Hazing Activities Uncovered in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing are sickening and highlight the extreme dangers our children face:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Pledges were sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under threat of being waterboarded. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress, often lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. They were even struck with wooden paddles. Leonel was forced to continue until he couldn’t stand without help. We also know another pledge lost consciousness during these forced workouts earlier in the pledge period.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with 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 expulsion were constant.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced early morning drives for fraternity members led to extreme exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s body was pushed beyond its limits, leading to a life-threatening medical condition called rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein (myoglobin) into the blood. This can cause acute kidney failure. The tell-tale sign of “passing brown urine” and very high creatine kinase levels confirmed the severe muscle damage and subsequent kidney failure that kept him hospitalized for four days. This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated before, showcasing Attorney Manginello’s specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence

The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events and “a clear violation of our community standards,” noting that individuals could face expulsion and criminal charges. This statement, while seemingly proactive, also revealed a failure of oversight. The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, in their own website statement, highlighted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” announcing the chapter’s closure. Yet, they also expressed a desire to “return to campus at the appropriate time,” a troubling sign of a lack of true remorse.

What these responses truly reveal is that both the national fraternity and the university knew an egregious violation had occurred. The fraternity immediately shut down the chapter—a week before our lawsuit was even filed—indicating a clear awareness of their liability. KHOU 11 reported that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical admission of knowing disregard.

This case is a stark warning for Fannin County families. Pi Kappa Phi, like many national fraternities, has chapters on campuses across America, and indeed, around Georgia, including at institutions such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, and Kennesaw State University. The same dangerous “traditions” and institutional oversight failures that led to Leonel’s hospitalization could tragically unfold at any of these campuses where students from Fannin County attend.

Our lawsuit proves that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are in the trenches fighting for victims. We believe this case, and others like it, are crucial to sending a message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Fannin County might still imagine hazing as innocent pranks or a bit of harmless fun. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far darker. Hazing has evolved, and in many instances, it resembles torture. It is designed to degrade, humiliate, and instill fear, often pushing individuals to the brink of physical and psychological collapse.

We often categorize hazing into different areas, but they all share a common thread: abuse of power and systematic dehumanization.

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond push-ups. It involves beatings with objects like wooden paddles (as Leonel endured), forced extreme exertion leading to muscle breakdown, sleep deprivation, exposure to harsh elements, and even branding. The danger of rhabdomyolysis and other severe organ damage is very real.
• Forced Consumption: This is a hallmark of dangerous hazing. It’s not just excessive alcohol, which has led to countless deaths from alcohol poisoning, but also forcing individuals to consume non-food items, or massive quantities of food and liquids until they vomit, as happened to Leonel with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns. This can result in choking, physical illness, and psychological trauma.
• Psychological Torture: This is often the most insidious and long-lasting form of hazing. It involves humiliation, degradation, isolation, verbal abuse, threats of physical harm or expulsion, and sexual harassment. The “fanny pack with sexual objects” forced upon Leonel is a prime example of such dehumanization. This can lead to severe mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
• Sexual Hazing: This is a deeply disturbing aspect that is often underreported. It includes forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects. These acts are not playful; they are assaults and can have profound, lifelong psychological consequences.
• Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding: As in Leonel’s case, this extreme form of torture takes hazing to the level of criminal conduct and can cause severe physical trauma and psychological terror.
• Servitude and Isolation: Pledges are often forced to perform menial, demanding tasks for active members, driven to exhaustion, disrupting their academic and personal lives. They are often isolated from outside contact and threatened if they speak out.

When parents in Fannin County hear these details, it helps them understand that this is not acceptable behavior. This isn’t “boys being boys” or “character building.” It is assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and in too many tragic cases, manslaughter or murder. This is why we are taking such aggressive action in the Bermudez case – to shine a spotlight on these horrific practices and demand an end to them.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When a child from Fannin County is injured or killed by hazing, it’s natural to ask: who is to blame? The answer, unequivocally, is everyone who participated, enabled, or should have prevented it. Our approach, demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is to pursue accountability from every possible liable party.

The Greek Organizations: Local and National

• The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): These are the direct perpetrators. They organized the hazing, implemented the rituals, and actively engaged in the abusive acts. The chapter officers—the president, pledgemaster, and other leaders—bear direct responsibility for directing and allowing the hazing. Individual members who participated or stood by and did nothing are also liable.
• The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): National fraternities and sororities have a supreme command structure over their local chapters. They are responsible for setting anti-hazing policies, providing training, and ensuring compliance. When they fail to do so, especially when they have actual knowledge of past hazing incidents (as Pi Kappa Phi National did with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), their negligence becomes indefensible. Their “deep pockets” from endowments and insurance make them primary targets for significant damages. Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis,” a devastating claim against them.
• Housing Corporations & Alumni Oversight: Many chapters have dedicated housing corporations (like the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. named in our suit) that own or manage the properties where hazing occurs. Alumni oversight boards similarly have a responsibility to monitor and guide undergraduate members. When hazing occurs on their property or under their influence, they too are liable under premises liability and negligent supervision theories.

The Universities

• The Educational Institution (e.g., University of Houston): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on their property or under their watch. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because they owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, suspend, and remove Greek organizations, a power they demonstrably failed to use effectively, particularly given their prior hazing incident in 2017 with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. This establishes a pattern of institutional negligence.
• University Boards of Regents: These governing bodies hold ultimate responsibility for the institution’s policies and oversight. When hazing becomes a pattern, the Board of Regents shares in the institutional failure.

Individual Perpetrators

• Every individual who actively participated in, planned, or facilitated the hazing is personally liable. Our lawsuit names the fraternity president, pledgemaster, other current and former members, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence. The Stone Foltz case precedent, where a chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment, proves that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s corporate veil when their actions cause harm.

Insurance Carriers

Ultimately, the significant compensation families receive often comes from the national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, and even homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies for individuals. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know precisely how to navigate these complex insurance policies to maximize recovery for our clients. We understand that these cases are not about suing broke college students; they are about holding powerful institutions and their insurers accountable.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Fannin County grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the financial compensation available can be a crucial step towards rebuilding their lives and sending a powerful message. These are not small claims; they are multi-million dollar fights against well-funded organizations. We have a proven track record, and the precedents set by other devastating hazing cases show exactly what is possible.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Justice for Victims

• STONE FOLTZ – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+ Total. Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha and individuals settled for $7.2 million. This landmark case, where an individual chapter president was later held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment in December 2024, directly underpins our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It sets a clear benchmark for accountability.
• MAXWELL GRUVER – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict. Maxwell Gruver, just 18, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) during a forced drinking ritual called “Bible Study.” A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and his death spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict shows that juries are outraged by hazing and will compensate victims generously.
• TIMOTHY PIAZZA – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated). Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes and repeatedly falling down stairs. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. The settlements, though confidential, are estimated to exceed $110 million, leading to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case exemplifies that when evidence is strong (and we have strong evidence in the Bermudez case), major outcomes are possible.
• ANDREW COFFEY – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential). In a chilling parallel to our current case, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi event. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National had a hazing death on its record 8 years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized is a critical piece of pattern evidence for our case.
• ADAM OAKES – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement. Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after hazing. His family settled for over $4 million, and his death led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

These cases send an undeniable message: hazing results in massive financial penalties. The $10 million we are seeking for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary figure; it is consistent with past verdicts and settlements in hazing cases, especially given the egregious nature of the torture he endured and the documented institutional negligence. For our client, who survived but faces potential long-term medical complications, the economic and non-economic damages, combined with punitive damages for such reprehensible conduct, justify this demand.

Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths

The tragic loss of life in these cases has driven legislative change across the country, showing a growing intolerance for hazing:

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Felony charges for hazing causing death, with immunity for reporting.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Made hazing a felony and increased penalties.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Named after Collin Wiant, establishing felony hazing charges.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (Federal, Pending): Requires colleges to publicly report hazing incidents.

These laws are a testament to the power of one family’s fight to change a broken system. We are committed to achieving a similar impact with the Bermudez case, not just for monetary justice but to drive real change in the culture of Greek life across America.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For families in Fannin County who suspect hazing, understanding the legal framework is essential. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of accountability for negligence and abuse are universal. Georgia, like many other states, has its own anti-hazing laws, and our federal court authority often allows us to pursue these cases regardless of state lines. We are deeply familiar with the nuances of these laws and how to apply them effectively to secure justice for victims.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Foundation

The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 outlines the specific legal prohibitions against hazing, and Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically violated multiple elements of this statute:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, occurring on or off campus. This includes physical brutality (like being struck with paddles), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather or being sprayed with a hose), calisthenics creating an unreasonable risk of harm (like the 500 squats that caused rhabdomyolysis), and forced consumption of substances that risk health (like milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting). Leonel’s experience clearly fits this definition.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Engaging in hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor. However, if hazing causes “serious bodily injury”—a term that certainly applies to Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—it elevates to a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. If a death occurs, it’s a State Jail Felony. The University of Houston spokesperson even hinted at “potential criminal charges,” confirming the serious criminal implications.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can face fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, or forfeiture of property if they condone or encourage hazing. This applies directly to both the Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most critical aspects of anti-hazing laws, and Texas law is explicit: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This completely demolishes the defendants’ common defense that “they knew what they were signing up for” or “they could have just left.” You cannot consent to be a victim of a crime, and Texas law recognizes that the power dynamics involved in hazing negate true consent.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Suing for Justice

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families far greater recovery. We pursue every possible legal avenue available:

• Negligence Claims: We prove that the university, national fraternity, and individuals owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house), they can be held responsible for failing to maintain a safe environment and allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: We argue that national organizations failed to supervise their chapters effectively, and universities failed to adequately monitor Greek life, leading directly to incidents like Leonel’s.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators, and even organizations that encourage such acts, can be sued for intentional harmful contact (e.g., paddling, waterboarding).
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, particularly acts of torture like waterboarding or forced humiliation, can lead to severe emotional distress, giving rise to this claim.

These civil claims are recognized in nearly every state, meaning that even if your child attends college far from Fannin County, a strong legal case can be built. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority also position us to litigate against national organizations that often operate across state lines.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Fannin County and Beyond

When tragedy strikes and hazing wounds your child, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who know how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions. At Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers, and we bring a unique blend of experience, insight, and fervent dedication to every hazing case, serving families in Fannin County and across the nation.

Our Unfair Advantage for Your Family

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, has over a quarter-century of litigation experience. He is a formidable presence in the courtroom, skilled at investigating complex cases, revealing facts, and telling compelling stories to juries. His involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a crucial skill when facing national fraternities and universities.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña (who is male, despite the common assumption) are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” Mr. Manginello worked on the defense side for insurance companies, and Mr. Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means they’ve seen the insurance companies’ playbooks from the inside. They know how adjusters think, how they value claims, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize or deny payouts. Now, they use that insider knowledge to deconstruct the defense’s arguments and maximize recovery for our hazing victims. For families in Fannin County, this means we anticipate every move from the other side, giving your case a significant edge.
• Federal Court Admissions: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This is vital for hazing cases, as national fraternities and universities often operate across state lines, making federal court a necessary and powerful avenue for litigation. This ensures we can pursue justice for Fannin County families regardless of where the hazing occurred.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York): This further extends our reach and strategic flexibility, especially beneficial when taking on national organizations headquartered outside Texas.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: We aren’t just personal injury lawyers; we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case right now. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, directly relevant to Leonel Bermudez’s medical trauma. We know the Greek life culture, the university politics, and the tactics employed by both to evade responsibility.
• Journalism Background: Ralph Manginello’s journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin trained him to investigate, uncover facts, and craft compelling narratives. Hazing cases often involve hidden truths and institutional cover-ups, and our team excels at bringing these to light.
• “Se Habla Español”: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families and victims in Fannin County and beyond can communicate freely and clearly, eliminating language barriers to justice.
• Compassionate but Aggressive: Our firm maintains a warm, empathetic approach with our clients, treating Fannin County families like our own. However, in the courtroom, we are relentless. As Mr. Peña says, with him, “you get an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.”
• Available 24/7 and We Travel: We understand that hazing emergencies don’t stick to business hours. Our hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available 24/7. While headquartered in Houston, we regularly conduct remote consultations via video and will travel to Fannin County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance is never a barrier to justice for your family.
• Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost: We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you do not pay us a single dollar upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden and risk from your family, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for your compensation.

We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting. The tragic reality of hazing is that it will continue until institutions are forced to make it stop. Your case, like Leonel Bermudez’s, can be the catalyst for that change. When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining former insiders, seasoned litigators, and passionate advocates committed to holding every responsible party accountable for what happened to your child.

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

If your child in Fannin County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It’s a terrifying, confusing time, but swift, informed action can protect your child’s legal rights and dramatically strengthen any potential case. Do not be afraid, and do not delay.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room. Some hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. Document everything with medical professionals. Make sure they know the injuries are from hazing. Any delay in treatment can be used by the defense to argue the injuries weren’t severe or related to the incident.
   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results, and any therapy or counseling records. Leonel’s brown urine and high creatine kinase levels were crucial evidence.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Document Everything!: In today’s digital world, evidence is everywhere. This is often where hazing cases are won or lost. As Attorney Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.”
   • Photos/Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If safe and possible, photograph the hazing location, any equipment used, or anything else that documents the environment.
   • Communications: This is often the smoking gun. Save every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Do not delete ANYTHING. These digital breadcrumbs often reveal the coordination, threats, and details of the hazing.
   • Witness Information: Get the names and contact information of other pledges, active members who witnessed the hazing, or any bystanders. They may be reluctant to come forward, but their initial contact information is vital.
   • Documents: If your child received any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents from the organization, save them.
   • Financial & Academic Records: Keep records of medical bills, any lost wages from missed work, or impacts on tuition/fees paid if academics were disrupted.
3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel: This is a critical mistake victims make.
   • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership. They will try to get your child to recant, deny, or downplay the events. They will coordinate their stories and delete evidence.
   • Do NOT give statements to university administration. While you may have a duty to report, let your attorney guide this process. Universities are institutions that will seek to protect themselves first, not your child.
   • Do your best to AVOID posting on social media. Anything your child posts, especially anything showing them recovering quickly or in a celebratory mood, can be used by the defense to minimize their injuries or pain and suffering.
   • Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university without an attorney reviewing it. You could unknowingly waive your child’s rights.
4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately: Time is of the essence.
   • Statute of Limitations: In most states, including Texas, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits have a strict two-year statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, your right to sue is forever lost. In Georgia, the basic personal injury statute of limitations is also two years.
   • Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence. Messages get deleted, witnesses’ memories fade, and video footage can be erased.
   • Expert Guidance: An experienced hazing attorney knows how to navigate these complex cases, protect your child’s rights, and build a strong legal strategy.

For families in Fannin County, we understand that geographical distance might seem like a barrier. It is not. We offer video consultations, and our federal court authority combined with dual-state bar admissions means we can handle cases nationwide. We will travel to Fannin County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever needed. Your family’s well-being and justice are our priority.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Fannin County

If your child from Fannin County has been subjected to devastating hazing, you are likely feeling scared, angry, and overwhelmed. We want you to know that you are not alone, and you have powerful advocates ready to fight for you. Attorney911 is your Legal Emergency Hotline, prepared to bring the same aggressive, data-driven legal strategy that powers our $10 million lawsuit in Houston directly to your fight for justice.

Fannin County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking justice. The consultation is completely free, confidential, and available 24/7. We are here to listen, to understand, and to provide clear, actionable guidance during this critical time.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Anytime: ralph@atty911.com
Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

We work on a contingency fee basis: This means for families in Fannin County, there is zero upfront cost. You only pay us if and when we win your case. Our interests are aligned with yours: we are fully invested in securing the maximum possible compensation for your child’s suffering. You owe us nothing unless we achieve a positive outcome for you.

We Serve Fannin County and Beyond

While our headquarters are in Houston, our reach extends far beyond. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are prepared to represent victims and families from Fannin County attending colleges across Georgia or anywhere in the United States. Our ability to litigate in federal courts and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide significant advantages when confronting large national fraternities and university systems. We are ready to travel to Fannin County for critical meetings, depositions, or trial, ensuring comprehensive representation.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. If your child has been hazed in a sports team, marching band, ROTC program, or any other student organization in Fannin County or at their university, we can help.

To Other Victims of University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know the abuse was widespread. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness just weeks before, and many more were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical torture. If you or someone you know was part of this chapter’s pledge class, or any other organization’s hazing, your voice matters. It can contribute to a stronger case and help prevent future tragedies.

As Lupe Pena 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 send a clear message: Hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.

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