If you’re reading this, your child may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of their life, and it’s happening right here in Forsyth County. What was supposed to be a time of growth, friendship, and new experiences at college has instead been marred by the insidious underbelly of hazing. Whether your child attends a university close to home or one of the many institutions across Georgia, the reality of hazing is a nightmare that no parent should ever have to confront. We understand what you’re going through. We are Attorney911, and we’re here to help families in Forsyth County fight back against the destructive culture of hazing.

We see the fear, the anger, and the desperation when parents call us. They’ve discovered that their child has been subjected to brutal rituals, humiliation, and physical or psychological abuse, all under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” This isn’t just about a few college pranks; it’s about systematic abuse that leaves deep, lasting scars, both visible and invisible. We are fighting this battle right now in the courts, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to families in Forsyth County whose children have been victimized.

The truth is, hazing is a nationwide crisis, and Forsyth County is not immune. Our children often leave home for college, whether it’s to one of Georgia’s esteemed institutions like the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia State University in Atlanta, Kennesaw State University closer to Forsyth County, or even further afield. When they step onto those campuses, they are supposed to be in a safe environment, where their well-being is a priority. Yet, hazing rituals, often shrouded in secrecy and fear, continue to inflict severe harm, leaving students traumatized, injured, or, in the worst cases, dead. This phenomenon cuts across all types of student organizations – from fraternities and sororities to sports teams, clubs, and even academic honor societies.

We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing. Just recently, our firm filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for the horrific hazing of a prospective student. This case, and others like it, serve as stark warnings to parents and students in Forsyth County: hazing is real, it’s dangerous, and it happens more often than you think. And when it happens, we are the firm that stands ready to take on powerful institutions and individuals to secure justice for victims. We believe that accountability is the only way to break this dangerous cycle.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Forsyth County Families Need Us

Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous issue that continues to plague colleges and universities across the United States, including those that students from Forsyth County attend. Despite increased awareness and anti-hazing laws, these cruel and often life-threatening rituals persist, shattering lives and devastating families. For parents in Forsyth County, sending a child off to college is a moment filled with hope and pride, not the expectation that they might be subjected to torture and abuse. Yet, this is the grim reality many face.

Consider these sobering statistics that highlight the scale of the problem:

• More than half (55%) of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.
• Forty percent of student athletes report hazing experiences.
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the United States every single year. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a continuous, tragic pattern.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or loyalty to their organization.
• Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. It occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, academic clubs, and various other student groups.

These numbers paint a chilling picture: the institutional failure to adequately address and prevent hazing is widespread. Universities and national organizations often downplay the problem, claiming ignorance until a severe injury or death forces their hand. Then, they resort to temporary suspensions or chapter closures, often with public relations statements that subtly shift blame rather than taking genuine accountability.

For families in Forsyth County, this crisis hits close to home. Many of our local high schools, such as Forsyth Central High School, Lambert High School, South Forsyth High School, and West Forsyth High School, send their graduates to colleges and universities throughout Georgia. Parents trust these institutions to provide a safe environment, to educate, and to foster growth. When that trust is betrayed by hazing, the impact is profound. We believe that every family in Forsyth County deserves to know that if their child is harmed by hazing, there is an aggressive legal team ready to fight on their behalf.

The psychological toll of hazing extends far beyond any physical injuries. Victims often suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. They may withdraw from social circles, struggle academically, or turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. The very social bonds that were promised through group membership are instead replaced with trauma and betrayal. These are not minor inconveniences; these are life-altering injuries that demand justice.

The culture of secrecy surrounding hazing allows it to flourish. Victims are often coerced into silence, threatened with social repercussions or expulsion from the group if they speak out. This culture of fear is a powerful barrier to reporting and accountability. That’s why courageous victims and their families need strong legal advocacy – to break that silence, expose the truth, and demand accountability from every individual and institution responsible.

At Attorney911, we are committed to being that voice for change. We don’t just talk about the hazing crisis; we actively fight it. Our current multi-million dollar lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university is a testament to our resolve. We are taking on the very entities that enable hazing, and we are determined to secure justice for our clients. Forsyth County families are not alone in this fight; we are here to walk alongside you, offering not just legal expertise, but genuine empathy and unwavering support.

The Landmark Case: The $10M Fight We’re Bringing to Forsyth County Families

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

If you’re a parent in Forsyth County, wondering what modern hazing looks like, you need to hear about Leonel Bermudez. His story is a chilling reminder that hazing is not a distant problem; it is a brutal reality that happens today, in American universities, to students who could be your children. It’s a story we are fighting right now in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and many individual fraternity members.

We are Attorney911, and our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are aggressively representing Leonel Bermudez. The lawsuit was filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. It alleges severe, systematic hazing that resulted in Leonel’s hospitalization with life-threatening injuries. This is not just another case; it is the cornerstone of our firm’s commitment to holding hazing perpetrators and enablers accountable.

Here’s what happened to Leonel Bermudez:

Leonel was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester and wanted to join a brotherhood. He accepted a bid to the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of relentless physical and psychological abuse, disguised as “pledge activities.”

The hazing included:

• Waterboarding: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning. The media, in its coverage, noted, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Consumption: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was made to run sprints while in distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. On November 3, 2025, after suffering through this grueling regimen, he could not stand without help.
• Psychological Torture: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. He was threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he didn’t comply. One incident even involved another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

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

Leonel was rushed to the hospital on November 6, 2025, passing brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring intensive medical treatment. He spent and four days hospitalized, facing the very real risk of permanent kidney damage.

The defendants in our $10 million lawsuit include:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• University of Houston
• UH Board of Regents
• The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and 13 other current and former individual fraternity members. Alarmingly, a former member and his spouse are also named, as hazing occurred at their private residence.

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended its Beta Nu Chapter. By November 14, they officially closed it, a full week before our lawsuit was even filed. Their public statement acknowledged “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy,” but then went on to say, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This tone-deaf response demonstrates a chilling lack of remorse and a systemic failure to address serious issues.

The University of Houston, for its part, issued a statement calling the events “deeply disturbing” and acknowledging a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges.” This admission speaks volumes about the severity of the conduct.

Why does Leonel’s case matter so much to families in Forsyth County?

• Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters nationwide, including many throughout Georgia and near colleges where Forsyth County students attend. The aggressive, torturous “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can occur anywhere.
• Universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw State face the same liabilities as UH. If they own fraternity housing or fail to adequately supervise Greek life, they are accountable.
• The national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” according to KHOU 11. They also have a documented history of hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey in 2017, meaning they had ample time to prevent Leonel’s injuries.
• Leonel’s trauma, including his “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” demonstrates the powerful psychological impact of hazing. Forsyth County victims face similar intimidation.
• Our $10 million lawsuit sends an unmistakable message. 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.” Your Forsyth County case can be a part of this vital change.

This case is not theoretical. It is active, it is ongoing, and it is a stark example of what hazing looks like today. For every parent in Forsyth County, it serves as a warning and as a promise: Attorney911 is on the front lines, fighting aggressively for justice, and we are ready to fight for you.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Forsyth County

Many parents in Forsyth County might dismiss hazing as harmless “boys being boys” or “character-building” activities. They might remember innocent pranks from their own college days. But the reality of modern hazing is far more sinister, a brutal continuum of abuse that physically and psychologically scars victims. We want families in Forsyth County to understand that what we are seeing today goes far beyond silly initiations; it is a form of systematic torture.

As exemplified in the harrowing case of Leonel Bermudez, hazing often includes forms of abuse that would be considered criminal assault, battery, and torture in any other context. This is not about building camaraderie; it is about breaking down individuals, asserting power through cruelty, and enforcing conformity through fear.

Here’s a deeper look at the horrific realities of hazing that families in Forsyth County need to be aware of:

1. Physical Abuse and Extreme Exertion:
This category includes direct physical violence and forced exercises that push students to their absolute limits, often resulting in severe injury.

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel Bermudez was forced to endure, this involves spraying water on a student’s face, often while they are restrained, to create the sensation of drowning. It is a known torture technique.
• Beatings and Paddling: Students are struck with hands, belts, or wooden paddles, causing bruising, welts, and internal injuries. The Houston Chronicle reported that Leonel was “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Forced Calisthenics to Exhaustion: This can include hundreds of push-ups, squats, sit-ups, and other exercises, sometimes performed while reciting fraternity creeds or being verbally abused. Leonel suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure because of exercises like 500 squats and 100+ push-ups.
• “High-Volume Suicides” and Crawling: Intense running drills or forcing students to crawl long distances, often through mud or painful terrain, leading to abrasions, joint injuries, and extreme muscle damage. The Houston Chronicle specifically mentioned “high-volume suicides” and “repeated 100-yard crawls” in Leonel’s case.
• Forced Exposure to Elements: Making students strip in cold weather, stand for prolonged periods in extreme heat, or confining them in small, uncomfortable spaces. Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and then sprayed with a garden hose.

Medical Consequences: These acts frequently lead to injuries such as rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown, as suffered by Leonel), acute kidney failure, broken bones, concussions, severe bruising, lacerations, hypothermia, heatstroke, and even cardiac arrest.

2. Forced Consumption:
This insidious form of hazing involves compelling students to ingest substances that are harmful or disgusting, often leading to severe illness or death.

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Binge drinking, “chugging,” or finishing entire bottles of hard liquor. This is a common factor in hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi at FSU).
• Eating until Vomiting: Forcing students to eat large quantities of unappetizing food combinations until they are nauseous and vomit. Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to lie in it.
• Ingestion of Non-Food Items: Swallowing raw eggs, spoiled food, or even non-food substances.
• Rapid or Dehydration: Forcing students to drink large amounts of water in a short time (which can be fatal) or deliberately depriving them of water.

Medical Consequences: Alcohol poisoning, gastrointestinal distress, aspiration (vomit entering the lungs), dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage are common results.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation:
Often overlooked, psychological hazing inflicts profound mental and emotional damage, deliberately eroding self-worth and imposing subjugation.

• Verbal Abuse and Degradation: Constant yelling, insults, derogatory comments, and demeaning tasks designed to strip away confidence.
• Humiliating Acts: Making students wear embarrassing clothes, perform ridiculous tasks in public, or engage in sexually explicit behaviors. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with sexually suggestive objects.
• Isolation and Sleep Deprivation: Intentionally isolating pledges, depriving them of sleep, or forcing them to be “on call” at all hours. Leonel was forced to drive members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.
• Threats and Intimidation: Threatening physical harm, social ostracization, or expulsion from the group if “tasks” are not completed or if they speak out. Leonel was threatened with expulsion if he didn’t cooperate.
• Mock Executions or Ritualistic Abuse: Symbolic acts designed to instill fear and subservience, like the hog-tying incident where another pledge was left face-down with an object in his mouth.

Medical Consequences: This leads to severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, loss of self-esteem, trust issues, and severe emotional distress. Leonel’s fear of retribution for speaking out is a direct manifestation of this psychological harm.

4. Servitude and Forced Labor:
Pledges are often treated as personal servants, forced to complete tasks for active members, further cementing their subordinate status.

• Cleaning and Chores: Being forced to clean fraternity houses, apartments, or cars for extended periods.
• Running Errands: Constantly being on call to pick up food, drinks, or other items for active members.
• Driving Members: As Leonel experienced, being forced to drive members, often at late hours, leading to exhaustion.

This is not brotherhood for students from Forsyth County. This is not how young adults should be initiated into any organization. These acts are crimes, plain and simple, and should be treated with the same gravity as any other assault or abuse. We encourage parents in Forsyth County to talk openly with their children about the dangers of hazing, to recognize the signs, and to understand that consent is never a defense against criminal acts. We are here to help you expose these truths and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of justice.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity in Forsyth County Accountable

When a hazing incident devastates a student and their family in Forsyth County, it’s rarely just one individual who is to blame. The culture of secrecy, the power dynamics, and the institutional failures often create a web of responsibility that extends far beyond a few instigating students. As demonstrated in our landmark $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez, we meticulously identify and pursue every single entity that bears responsibility, from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities themselves.

For families in Forsyth County, understanding who can be held accountable is crucial to achieving comprehensive justice and meaningful change. Here’s a breakdown of the multiple parties we target in hazing litigation:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority:
This is often where the hazing directly occurs. The local chapter’s leadership and members typically organize and carry out the abusive rituals.

• Liability: The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is directly liable for the actions of its members under its auspices. This includes vicarious liability for the actions of its members during hazing activities, and often, negligent supervision of its own members.

2. Individual Perpetrators (Chapter Officers, Members, Alums):
Every person who actively participates in, directs, or enables hazing can be held personally responsible.

• Chapter President & Pledgemaster: These individuals hold positions of authority and are often directly involved in orchestrating hazing. In the Bermudez case, the fraternity president and pledgemaster are named defendants. They have a duty to ensure the safety of pledges, and their failure to do so, combined with active participation, makes them directly liable.
• Current Members: Any member who participates in hazing rituals, even if they are not leaders, can be sued for assault, battery, and other intentional torts.
• Former Members & Spouses: In the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse were named defendants because hazing activities occurred at their private residence. This opens avenues for premises liability (for hosting the hazing) and allegations of aiding and abetting the abuse. Alumni often maintain significant influence and involvement with local chapters, making their roles critical.
• Liability: Individuals can be held personally liable for their direct actions (assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress) and for their failure to intervene when they had a duty to do so. The $6.5 million judgment against a single chapter president in the Stone Foltz case demonstrates the severe personal financial exposure.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:
These entities operate across hundreds of campuses nationwide, including many near Forsyth County colleges. They collect dues, provide guidance, and are supposed to oversee their local chapters.

• Liability: National organizations are often held liable for negligent supervision of their chapters. This includes failing to enforce anti-hazing policies, failing to adequately train members and advisors, and failing to sanction chapters with a history of hazing. In the Bermudez case, we allege the national Pi Kappa Phi organization had knowledge of a “hazing crisis” and a documented history of hazing incidents, including a prior death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU), yet failed to prevent Leonel’s injuries. When a national organization shuts down a chapter immediately after a severe hazing incident (as Pi Kappa Phi did in the Bermudez case), it’s often an implicit admission of direct or indirect responsibility.
• Deep Pockets: National fraternities and sororities typically have substantial assets, including large endowments, property holdings, and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them a primary financial target for damages.

4. The University or College:
Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and provide a safe learning environment.

• Liability: Universities can be held liable for institutional negligence, including negligent supervision of Greek life, failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, providing venues where hazing occurs, and ignoring warning signs. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a key defendant because it owned the fraternity house where significant hazing took place. This is a critical factor for premises liability. Furthermore, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (involving Pi Kappa Alpha), demonstrating a pattern of institutional failure to address the problem effectively.
• Inadequate Response and Cover-ups: Universities are often accused of downplaying incidents, engaging in “slap-on-the-wrist” punishments, or even attempting to cover up hazing to protect their reputation. This can lead to charges of deliberate indifference.
• Deep Pockets: Universities and their governing bodies (like the UH Board of Regents, also named in our suit) possess vast financial resources and insurance coverage, making them significant defendants.

5. Chapter Housing Corporations:
Many fraternities and sororities have separate “housing corporations” that legally own the properties where their chapters reside.

• Liability: These entities can be held liable under premises liability theories for failing to maintain a safe environment and for allowing dangerous activities (hazing) to occur on their property. In the Bermudez case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is specifically named as a defendant.

6. Insurance Carriers:
The ultimate source of compensation in many hazing cases comes from the various insurance policies held by the above entities.

• Liability: National organizations, universities, and individuals (through homeowners or personal liability policies) carry insurance that can cover damages resulting from hazing. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these policies and maximize recovery for our clients. They understand the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims and are uniquely positioned to counter them.

For families in Forsyth County, it’s vital to understand that this multi-faceted approach to litigation is precisely what allows us to secure meaningful justice. We don’t just seek to punish a few individuals; we aim to dismantle the systemic failures that allow hazing to persist. By targeting every single responsible party, we ensure that the costs of hazing are so high that institutions are compelled to make real changes, making campuses safer for future generations of students from Forsyth County and nationwide.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Forsyth County Victims

For families in Forsyth County wrestling with the aftermath of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is often: can we really win? Can we truly hold powerful fraternities, national organizations, and universities accountable? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. We have a powerful track record, and the legal landscape is filled with precedent-setting multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that prove hazing victims and their families can and do win substantial compensation. These cases send a clear message: hazing costs millions.

These precedents, achieved across different states against various fraternities and universities, demonstrate a consistent pattern of justice and financial accountability that we leverage for our clients. They are proof that the legal strategies we employ, including those in our active $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, are effective and powerful.

Here are some of the landmark cases that underscore the potential for significant recovery, and why they matter to Forsyth County families:

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

• What Happened: Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event.
• The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity along with individual members paid $7.2 million. In a separate, more recent development in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay the Foltz family an additional $6.5 million in personal damages. This represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
• Relevance for Forsyth County: This case directly validates our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It proves that even when the victim is a young adult choosing to pledge, institutions and individuals are held liable for immense sums. It also shows a university’s financial responsibility.

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

• What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing ritual where pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His BAC was 0.495—six times the legal limit.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The criminal justice system also saw a fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide, leading to prison time. The tragedy spurred the creation of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Relevance for Forsyth County: This case powerfully illustrates that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts for hazing deaths. It also highlights how these lawsuits can directly lead to significant legislative changes, making future students safer.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated in Settlements)

• What Happened: Timothy Piazza, a Penn State pledge, died from severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, after being forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911 while he suffered. The entire ordeal was captured on security cameras.
• The Outcome: The university and fraternity entities eventually settled for a confidential but widely reported sum estimated at over $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The incident led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
• Relevance for Forsyth County: This is the highest-value hazing case known, demonstrating the gargantuan payouts possible when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregiously negligent. It underscores the importance of evidence preservation – if they capture it on camera, we can use it to secure massive settlements.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Total: Confidential Settlement, Chapter Closed

• What Happened: Andrew Coffey, a pledge for Pi Kappa Phi (the same national fraternity in our Bermudez case), died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a “Big Brother Night” in 2017.
• The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed at FSU. The family reached a confidential settlement.
• Relevance for Forsyth County: This case is a “smoking gun” for our Bermudez lawsuit. It proves Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within their organization years before Leonel’s incident. They had ample time (8 years) to correct their culture, yet failed. This evidence of a pattern of negligence is critical for demanding punitive damages.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)
Total: $4 Million+ Settlement

• What Happened: Adam Oakes, a VCU freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event where pledges were told to drink a whole bottle of whiskey.
• The Outcome: The family settled for over $4 million, and multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, focusing on hazing prevention and reporting.
• Relevance for Forsyth County: This recent settlement reinforces the multi-million dollar value of hazing cases, even in the absence of the extreme torture seen in the Bermudez case.

Why These Precedents Fuel Our Fight for Forsyth County Victims:

• Our $10 Million Demand is Justified: The settlements in cases like Stone Foltz prove that our demands are not arbitrary but are rooted in established legal values for hazing-related injuries and deaths.
• Juries and Judges are Outraged: The consistent pattern of large verdicts and settlements demonstrates that courts and communities will not tolerate hazing. When confronted with the horrific details, they favor victims.
• Institutions Pay for Failure: These cases show that both national fraternities and universities are held financially liable for their negligent oversight and failure to protect students.
• Pattern of Negligence: For fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, a history of similar incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death) provides powerful evidence of a systemic problem and foreknowledge, supporting claims for punitive damages.
• Catalyst for Change: Every single one of these major cases has led to legislative action or significant institutional reform, contributing to a broader movement to curb hazing. Your case in Forsyth County, by securing justice, can become part of this powerful force for positive change.

For families in Forsyth County, these are not just abstract legal victories; they are tangible proof of what is possible. They show that when you choose to fight, when you have tenacious and experienced legal representation, you can secure not only compensation for your child’s suffering but also create a legacy of safety that protects others.

Texas Law Protects You: What Forsyth County Families Need to Know

While our firm is based in Texas, the rigorous legal framework established by Texas hazing laws offers crucial insights for families in Forsyth County and across the nation. Anti-hazing statutes exist in most states, and the civil liability theories that apply in Texas, such as negligence, premises liability, and negligent supervision, are universal. Furthermore, our firm’s federal court authority allows us to pursue cases regardless of the specific state the hazing occurred in, giving Forsyth County families access to the same aggressive legal representation.

Here’s how key aspects of Texas hazing law, particularly the “consent is not a defense” clause, are critical for understanding victims’ rights, whether they are in Texas or Forsyth County, Georgia:

The Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

This comprehensive law is designed to combat hazing on and off campuses. It’s a powerful tool for both criminal prosecution and civil litigation.

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

• Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body. (Think wooden paddles and forced calisthenics from Leonel’s case).
• Involves extreme acts: Like sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (cold, sprayed with water), confinement, or calisthenics that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health or safety. (This perfectly describes what Leonel endured: sleep deprivation, stripping in cold weather, hose spraying, and extreme workouts leading to kidney failure).
• Involves forced consumption: Such as consuming food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting falls squarely here).
• Involves criminal acts: Any activity that requires a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Involves coerced consumption: Forcing a student to consume drugs or an intoxicating amount of alcohol.

Forsyth County Application: Most states, including Georgia, have similar anti-hazing definitions. The criminal and civil implications of these definitions mean that the types of abuse suffered by Leonel Bermudez, or any student from Forsyth County, are illegal and actionable wherever they occur.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law outlines specific criminal penalties for individuals involved in hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in, soliciting, encouraging, aiding hazing, or even for having firsthand knowledge of hazing and failing to report it. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure). Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and/or a $10,000 fine.
  The University of Houston spokesperson explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in response to the Bermudez case, highlighting this critical aspect of accountability.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also holds organizations accountable:

• An organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing.
• Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and, crucially, denial of the right to operate on campus or forfeiture of property. This is why Pi Kappa Phi ultimately closed its chapter at UH.

Forsyth County Application: This organizational liability is key. It allows us to target local chapters, housing corporations, and even national organizations with their direct financial assets and their ability to operate.

The Game-Changer: “Consent is NOT a Defense” (§ 37.154)

This particular provision of Texas law is a cornerstone of our litigation strategy and should resonate with families in Forsyth County. It unequivocally 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.”

Why this is CRITICAL for Forsyth County families:

• Strikes Down the Primary Defense: Fraternities and universities consistently try to argue that pledges “knew what they were getting into,” “consented to participate,” or “could have left.” Texas law explicitly closes this loophole. It recognizes that in coercive environments, true consent is impossible.
• Empowers Victims: This means a hazing victim cannot be blamed for enduring abuse. The focus shifts entirely to the perpetrators and the institutions that allowed it. Even if your child felt pressured to participate, felt they “agreed” to some activities, or feared leaving, the law stands firmly on their side.
• Universal Principle: While a specific statute, the principle that you cannot consent to a crime, particularly one involving physical and psychological harm under duress, is broadly recognized in common law across the United States. Our legal team applies this principle robustly even in jurisdictions without this exact statutory language. Coercion and power imbalances fundamentally negate true consent in hazing scenarios.

Civil Liability: Suing for Damages in Forsyth County

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Forsyth County to pursue full financial compensation for the extensive damages caused by hazing.

1. Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental legal theory:

• Duty of Care: Universities, national fraternities, and local chapters owe a duty to protect their students/pledges.
• Breach of Duty: They breach this duty by allowing hazing to occur, failing to supervise, or ignoring warning signs.
• Causation: This breach directly causes the student’s injuries.
• Damages: The student suffers physical, psychological, and financial harm.

2. Premises Liability: This applies when hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by defendants.

• If a university (like the University of Houston) owns the fraternity house where hazing occurs, they have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
• If a fraternity housing corporation owns the property, they too are liable for dangerous conditions.

3. Negligent Supervision:

• National organizations can be sued for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters.
• Universities can be sued for failing to adequately supervise Greek life on their campus.

4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts, allowing individual perpetrators to be sued directly for physical contact and threats.

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies when conduct is so extreme and outrageous (like waterboarding) that it causes severe emotional distress, such as PTSD.

For families in Forsyth County, understanding these legal avenues is the first step toward reclaiming justice. We combine deep knowledge of state-specific laws with broader civil liability theories and our federal court experience to build an ironclad case. No matter where the hazing occurred, we can bring the full force of the law to bear against those responsible, making sure that “consent” is never an excuse for torture and abuse.

Why Attorney911: Your Trusted Advocate in Forsyth County

When your family in Forsyth County is facing the devastation of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-hardened advocates who understand the insidious nature of this abuse and possess the strategic prowess to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, we offer a unique blend of experience, insight, and unwavering commitment that positions us as the definitive choice for hazing victims in Forsyth County and nationwide.

Our commitment to action, exemplified by our aggressive $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, proves that we don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it on the front lines. Here’s why families in Forsyth County choose Attorney911:

1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Battle Experience:
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of extensive courtroom experience. He is a seasoned litigator who has fought for victims in some of the most complex cases, including mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion. This experience means he is not intimidated by large corporate defendants or university legal teams. For Forsyth County families, this translates to having a formidable advocate who knows how to navigate the toughest legal battles.

2. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. This is a crucial advantage. They’ve seen the playbook from the other side – they know how insurance companies and large institutions strategize to deny claims, minimize payouts, and protect their bottom line.

• Ralph Manginello’s Insight: He understands the defense tactics, allowing him to anticipate their moves and build a stronger, offense-driven case for our clients.
• Lupe Pena’s Expertise: His background at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, where he defended diverse corporations, means he has deep insight into their valuation methods, delay tactics, and full spectrum of defense strategies. He literally knows how they think and uses that intelligence to maximize recovery for victims.
  For Forsyth County families, this means we’re always several steps ahead, leveraging our insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and secure the maximum possible compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions:
Hazing cases often involve national fraternities and multi-state universities. Our firm is uniquely equipped to handle these complex cases:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority can be critical in hazing cases, especially when national organizations are involved or when civil rights claims emerge. We can pursue justice in federal courts wherever necessary.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state capability offers a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in the Northeast. We can pursue all avenues of litigation against powerful organizations regardless of their operational footprint. This means we can effectively represent Forsyth County clients even if the national fraternity’s headquarters is out-of-state.

4. Hazing-Specific, Data-Driven Litigation Expertise:
We are not general personal injury lawyers who occasionally take hazing cases. Hazing litigation is a core focus of our firm.

• Bermudez Case (Active $10M Lawsuit): This ongoing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston exemplifies our aggressive, methodical approach. We are fighting the precise battles that Forsyth County families need fought.
• Deep Intelligence Database: We maintain an extensive database of Greek organizations, including IRS-registered entities, EINs, and incident histories. This intelligence allows us to identify and target every responsible party with precision, as we did with the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation in the Bermudez case.
• Rhabdomyolysis Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified for victims like Leonel Bermudez who suffered severe muscle breakdown and kidney failure.

5. Compassionate and Client-Centered Approach:
We understand that families in Forsyth County contacting us are often experiencing one of the most traumatic periods of their lives. We offer:

• Empathetic Communication: We speak directly to parents and victims, providing clear, jargon-free explanations, and maintaining consistent communication. Our Google reviews consistently laud our responsive and caring staff.
• Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Forsyth County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We proudly serve diverse communities.
• Contingency Fee Basis: For families already burdened by medical costs and emotional distress, we remove financial barriers. You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our success directly with yours.

6. Proven Track Record Against Powerful Defendants:
Our firm has a history of taking on the biggest defendants and winning. From mass torts against corporations like BP to civil rights litigation, we are unafraid to challenge large institutions, making us the ideal choice to confront universities and national fraternities. Our success is reflected in our 4.9-star rating with over 250 Google reviews.

7. Willingness to Travel and Provide Remote Consultations:
While our headquarters is in Houston, we are committed to serving hazing victims nationwide, including those in Forsyth County.

• Remote Consultations: We offer video consultations, allowing Forsyth County families to meet with us from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Travel Commitment: Our attorneys will travel to Forsyth County for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring your case receives the personalized attention it deserves. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

For Forsyth County families, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is not just knowledgeable but truly invested in your child’s well-being and in stopping hazing. We turn pain and rage into aggressive, strategic action. We are your legal emergency lawyers, and we are ready to fight for you.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Forsyth County Families

When hazing strikes a student from Forsyth County, the moments immediately following the discovery can be chaotic and overwhelming. Yet, these early steps are absolutely critical for preserving evidence, protecting your child’s rights, and building a strong legal case. We understand you’re scared, angry, and confused. Our goal is to provide clear, actionable guidance that a parent searching Google at 2 AM can follow.

Here’s what you and your child should do right now:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention – Immediately and Thoroughly:
This is the single most important step. Your child’s health and safety come first.

• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor or your child insists they are “fine,” get them to an emergency room, urgent care, or a doctor immediately. Some injuries, like concussions, internal damage, or rhabdomyolysis (as suffered by Leonel Bermudez), may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline.
• Be Explicit with Medical Staff: Clearly state that the injuries are a result of hazing related to a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other organization. Ensure this information is documented in medical records.
• Document Everything: Keep every piece of medical documentation: hospital records, ER reports, doctor’s notes, test results (like blood work for rhabdomyolysis or alcohol levels), prescriptions, and bills. These records are the backbone of your injuries claim.
• Mental Health Evaluation: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Seek counseling or therapy for your child. Document diagnoses, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, as these are significant damages.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Act Fast Before It Disappears:
Hazing organizations often attempt to destroy or hide evidence once an incident is reported. You need to act quickly and thoroughly.

• Save All Digital Communications: This is paramount.
  • Text Messages: Screenshots of individual and group chats (iMessage, Android messages).
  • Group Messaging Apps: Screenshots of GroupMe, Group Chat, Discord, WhatsApp conversations. Note that some apps have disappearing message features, so screenshot immediately.
  • Social Media: Screenshots of Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs or posts, TikTok videos, Facebook messages or posts potentially related to the hazing.
  • Emails: Save and archive all emails.
  • Voice Memos/Recordings: If your child recorded any interactions, save them securely.
• Photograph/Video Injuries: Take clear, dated photos and videos of all physical injuries as soon as possible, and continue to document them as they heal. This visually demonstrates the extent of the harm.
• Photograph/Video the Location: If safe to do so, document the scene where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, field, etc.).
• Collect Physical Objects: Save any relevant items used during hazing (e.g., specific clothing, items forced upon them).
• Document Rules/Schedules: If your child received any written rules, schedules, pledge manuals, or explicit guidelines for the hazing period, save them.
• Witness Information: Write down the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or even active fraternity members who may have information or were present.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:
This is arguably as important as seeking medical care. Anything you or your child says can and will be used against them.

• Silence is Golden: Instruct your child not to speak with fraternity/sorority members, alumni, or advisors about the incident. Do not accept apologies or offers of “help” without legal guidance.
• Avoid University Officials Alone: Do not give recorded statements or meet with university administration, Greek life advisors, Title IX officials, or any school representative without an attorney present. Their primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted by your child or their friends on social media can be used by the defense to discredit their claims or argue they weren’t truly distressed. Avoid posting about the incident, their injuries, or even seemingly innocent photos of them “having fun” after the fact.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives. These documents often include waivers of liability or agreements that could jeopardize your legal rights.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately:
Time is of the essence. The sooner you involve legal experts, the stronger your case will be.

• The Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, like Texas, there is typically a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you generally have two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to seek justice may be lost forever. Don’t wait. (For more detail, you can check out our video on “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c)
• Evidence Disappears: Critical evidence, especially digital communications, can be deleted, and memories fade quickly. The sooner we are involved, the better we can secure this evidence.
• Expert Guidance: An experienced attorney will guide you through every step, ensuring all evidence is collected, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected. We can provide you with a free, confidential consultation to assess your case.

(View our video on “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs for more tips.)
(Learn about “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.)

We know that these steps can seem daunting when you’re in emotional distress. But our team at Attorney911 is here to guide you through this process with compassion and expertise. For families in Forsyth County, this is not just a legal emergency; it’s a personal emergency, and we are here to be your first responders. Call us today.

Contact Us: Your First Call in a Forsyth County Hazing Emergency

If your child in Forsyth County has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, whether at a university in Georgia or across the nation, you are facing a legal emergency. We understand the profound fear, anger, and devastation that washes over families when they realize what their child has endured. You don’t have to face this nightmare alone.

We are Attorney911, and we are ready to fight for you.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; it’s an ongoing battle for justice that demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing litigation. We know how to build these cases, how to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions, and how to win. We will bring that same relentless fight and unwavering commitment to families in Forsyth County.

Forsyth County Families: Don’t Wait. Call Us Now.

Every moment counts when you’re dealing with a hazing incident. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and crucial legal deadlines are ticking. Your child’s future, and the accountability of those responsible, depend on swift, decisive action.

📞 IMMEDIATE, FREE CONSULTATION FOR FORSYTH COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS:

1-888-ATTY-911

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for families in Forsyth County and across the nation.

Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our Website: attorney911.com

Why You Should Call Attorney911 for Your Forsyth County Hazing Case:

1. No Upfront Fees: We understand the financial strain you may be under. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our interests are completely aligned with yours. (Learn more about “How Contingency Fees Work” in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc)
2. Unmatched Expertise and Experience: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know the tactics the opposition will use, because we’ve used them ourselves. Ralph’s 25+ years of litigation experience, including high-stakes mass torts, coupled with Lupe’s insider knowledge from a national defense firm, gives us an unparalleled advantage.
3. Hazing-Specific Focus: Our firm actively litigates hazing cases. We know the nuances of these complex legal battles, from identifying all liable parties to combating the “consent” defense. Our work on the Bermudez case is proof of our dedication and capability.
4. Nationwide Reach: While we are headquartered in Houston, with offices in Austin and Beaumont, hazing knows no state boundaries. We serve clients in Forsyth County and across the country through our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), and commitment to travel wherever justice demands.
5. Compassionate Support: We approach every case with empathy, understanding the immense emotional toll hazing takes on families. We offer bilingual services (Se Habla Español) to ensure all families receive clear, comprehensive communication.
6. Video Consultations Available: For families in Forsyth County who may not be able to travel, we offer convenient video consultations to discuss your case and begin the process of seeking justice.
7. We Come to You: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Forsyth County for depositions, crucial meetings, and trials, ensuring your case receives the direct, personal attention it deserves.

Beyond the Bermudez Case: A Call to All Victims

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim in the Pi Kappa Phi hazing. Another pledge collapsed—unconscious—and others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. If you or someone you know was part of that incident, or any hazing incident at any university in Georgia or elsewhere, we want to hear from you. You have rights, and we are here to help you seek justice. As Lupe Pena 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.”

Let us be your first call, Forsyth County. We stand ready to be your fierce advocates, turn your pain into powerful action, and hold every individual and institution accountable.

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