If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Franklin County, Georgia, fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are on the front lines, actively fighting the hazing crisis that continues to plague colleges and universities across America, from the bustling campuses of Houston, Texas, to the quiet communities of Franklin County, Georgia. This isn’t just a legal theory for us; it’s a battle we’re waging right now. Just weeks ago, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest fraternities in the nation for brutal hazing that hospitalized a college student with kidney failure. That case is Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., and it epitomizes everything our firm stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims and their families, no matter where they are located. We serve families in Franklin County and far beyond, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to justice.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Franklin County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, plain and simple. What once might have been dismissed as harmless pranks has evolved into systematic torture, sometimes with deadly consequences. Stories of young lives altered or tragically cut short by hazing continue to emerge from campuses nationwide. From the large public universities that many Franklin County students aspire to attend, like the University of Georgia in Athens or Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, to smaller regional colleges in the state, the danger is real.

When your child heads off to college from Franklin County, whether a short drive to a state school or across the country to a prestigious institution, you send them with hopes for their future, not fears for their safety. Yet, the grim reality is that hazing lurks in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and various student organizations. It thrives in the shadows, fueled by a culture of secrecy, peer pressure, and the complicity of institutions that often prioritize reputation over student well-being.

The crisis is not abstract; it’s deeply personal. It can happen in any community, including Franklin County, where parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe and protected. The same national fraternities and sororities with disturbing hazing histories have chapters at universities many Franklin County families consider. We understand the unique concerns of Franklin County parents – the worry that their child, away from home, might become a victim of these ruthless practices. We are here to bridge that distance and bring our Houston-based expertise directly to your family, offering the exact same aggressive advocacy that is currently driving our landmark $10 million lawsuit.

The Bermudez Case: Our $10 Million Fight, Your Child’s Future

The case of Leonel Bermudez is not just a news story; it is a stark, recent example of the brutal reality of hazing and precisely why we fight. Just weeks ago, on November 21, 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members in Harris County Civil District Court. This case is ongoing, active, and a testament to our unwavering commitment to holding every responsible party accountable.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston at the time. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester, eager to become part of a new community. Instead, he endured weeks of relentless hazing, culminating in an incident that landed him in the hospital for four agonizing days.

What Happened to Leonel: A Glimpse into Modern Hazing

The allegations against Pi Kappa Phi and its members reveal a horrifying pattern of physical and psychological abuse:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: Leonel was sprayed repeatedly in the face with a hose, simulating drowning. This is a tactic considered torture when used against enemy combatants; it should never be inflicted upon a college student.
• Hog-tied humiliation: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, a depraved act of degradation.
• Forced eating until vomiting: Leonel was compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of severe vomiting, then forced to continue physical exertions while lying in his own vomit.
• Extreme physical exertion: He was subjected to over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He crawled repeatedly for 100 yards and was forced to perform two-mile warmups before the main workouts began. These exercises continued until his muscles gave out completely, and he could not stand without assistance.
• Physical beatings: Leonel was struck with wooden paddles, a blatant act of assault and battery.
• Psychological torment: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, and endure sleep deprivation from driving fraternity members during early mornings. Threats of expulsion were constant if he didn’t comply.

The physical toll on Leonel’s body was catastrophic. He returned home barely able to move, his muscles severely damaged. By November 6, 2025, just three days after the worst of the hazing, his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, Leonel spent three nights and four days in inpatient care. The consequences of such an injury can be long-lasting, including potential permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Complicity and Accountability

What makes this case particularly compelling for families in Franklin County and beyond is the clear demonstration of institutional complicity:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Despite a documented history of severe hazing, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, Pi Kappa Phi National allegedly failed to enforce its own anti-hazing policies. Our lawsuit alleges they knew of a pervasive “hazing crisis” within their organization yet allowed the culture to persist. Their decision to close the University of Houston chapter just days before our lawsuit was filed speaks volumes about their awareness of wrongdoing. Yet, in their public statement, they arrogantly stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” showing a disturbing lack of remorse or true understanding of the gravity of their chapter’s actions.
• University of Houston: The University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of this brutal hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and intervene. Furthermore, the University of Houston has its own documented history of hazing incidents, including a 2017 case where another student was hospitalized. They were on notice, yet they failed to protect Leonel. As the KHOU 11 news report on our lawsuit highlighted, it appears they allowed a harmful environment to fester.
• Individual Members: Our lawsuit targets not only the fraternity and university but also 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and others who directly participated in or facilitated the abuse. This includes former members who hosted hazing events at their private residence, and even the spouse of one of these former members who permitted such atrocities on their property.

Media Shines a Light

The Attorney911 lawsuit has garnered significant media attention across Houston and beyond, with outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media covering the story in detail. This public scrutiny is crucial, echoing our firm’s belief that transparency is a key weapon against hazing. As our attorney Lupe Pena stated 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 very news reports carrying details of the Bermudez case validate the urgency of our message for Franklin County families:

• ABC13 Houston: Reported on November 21-22, 2025, detailing “waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment,” with direct quotes from our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. It even highlighted Leonel’s fear of retribution.
• KHOU 11: On November 21, 2025, this outlet first confirmed Leonel Bermudez’s name and exposed how the “University-owned fraternity house” was a site of hazing, and that the national organization knew of “a hazing crisis.”
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, it confirmed the $10 million lawsuit, explained the devastating medical condition of “severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure,” and, most powerfully, noted, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”

This case is not hypothetical; it’s a live legal battle demonstrating our expertise and commitment. The strategies we employ in Houston are precisely the strategies we will use to advocate for Franklin County hazing victims.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many families in Franklin County, Georgia, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless initiations. But the truth, as tragically illustrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far darker. Hazing has evolved from “boys being boys” into systematic abuse, torture, and, in far too many instances, manslaughter or murder. This isn’t about building character or bonding; it’s about breaking spirits and bodies.

We want Franklin County parents to truly understand the severity of what is happening on campuses their children might attend. The hazing we witness today isn’t defined by clinical lists; it’s defined by visceral, dehumanizing acts:

• Physical Abuse: This is direct violence. We’re talking about beatings with wooden paddles, body slams, branding, forced calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 push-ups) until physical collapse and organ failure, sleep deprivation over extended periods, and extreme physical exertion under duress. This category often leads to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves large quantities of alcohol, leading to life-threatening alcohol poisoning, as in the cases of Andrew Coffey and Maxwell Gruver. But it also includes forced eating of disgusting or excessive amounts of food until vomiting, as Leonel suffered, or even non-food substances. This is a form of poison and torture.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This is designed to break down a victim’s mental and emotional state. It includes public degradation, verbal abuse, forced nudity, isolation, and constant threats. Leonel’s experience of carrying a “fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature” and being forced to lie in his own vomit are prime examples. The hog-tying incident involving another pledge is another chilling example of humiliation and dehumanization. The psychological scars from such treatment can last a lifetime, manifesting as PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression.
• Simulated Drowning & Exposure: As Leonel’s case demonstrated, “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose” is a horrifying reality. This is not a prank; it is widely recognized as torture. Coupled with forced exposure to extreme temperatures or confinement in small spaces, these acts can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, and severe psychological trauma.
• Sexual Abuse: Hazing can escalate to forced sexual acts, sexually degrading behavior, or physical and verbal sexual harassment. This is a profound violation that often goes unreported due to shame and fear.
• Servitude and Control: Pledges are often forced to perform menial tasks, drive members around at all hours, or adhere to rigid schedules (like Leonel’s “enforced dress code, study hours, and weekly interviews”), stripping them of their autonomy and creating a constant state of exhaustion and dependency.

Statistics paint a grim picture: over 55% of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, and since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. A staggering 95% of students who are hazed never report it. This silence is often born from fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.

The institutions that tolerate hazing—the national fraternities, the local chapters, and the universities themselves—are aware of these dangers. They have risk management policies and anti-hazing declarations. Yet, time and again, they fail to prevent these tragedies, only reacting with “suspensions” and “dissolutions” after students are hospitalized or die. This pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference is what Attorney911 is committed to exposing and punishing. We want Franklin County families to know that we peel back the layers of these institutions to find every single liable party.

Who Is Responsible: Unmasking Every Liable Party

When hazing occurs, it’s easy for perpetrators and institutions to point fingers, minimize, or outright deny responsibility. But at Attorney911, we know better. Our data-driven approach means we track every entity involved in Greek life, identifying every possible defendant. For families in Franklin County, this means we leave no stone unturned when your child is harmed. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates this comprehensive approach, targeting everyone from individual members to the highest levels of the university and national fraternity.

Here’s who we hold responsible:

• Local Chapter & Its Officers: These are the immediate perpetrators and facilitators. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and carried out the hazing. The chapter president, pledgemaster, and other leaders bore direct responsibility for directing, encouraging, and allowing these activities. Individual members who actively participated or failed to intervene are also liable. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and violations of hazing laws.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: This is often where the deepest pockets and greatest systemic negligence lie. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, for instance, oversees hundreds of chapters across America, including those near Franklin County. They are responsible for implementing, enforcing, and monitoring anti-hazing policies. When a chapter engages in severe hazing, it often signals a failure at the national level – a failure to train, a failure to supervise, or a failure to enact meaningful change even after prior tragedies (like Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 in another Pi Kappa Phi chapter). Our lawsuit alleges Pi Kappa Phi National failed despite their knowledge of a “hazing crisis.”
• Universities & Colleges: Educational institutions, especially those that recognize and host Greek life, have a profound duty to protect their students. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where some significant hazing occurred. Universities often have the power to regulate, inspect, and discipline Greek organizations. When they fail to act on reports, ignore warning signs, or inadequately supervise Greek life, they become complicit. They profit from tuition and student activities, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure safety. This applies to universities that Franklin County students attend, whether they are in Georgia or across the country.
• Housing Corporations: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter properties. These entities can be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment, particularly if hazing is allowed to occur on their premises.
• Alumni & Former Members: Hazing culture is often perpetuated by alumni. In the Bermudez case, former members and even a spouse of a former member are named because they hosted hazing events at their private residence. This extends premises liability and negligent supervision to individuals who provide the venue, showing how the hazing problem permeates beyond active undergraduate members.
• Insurance Carriers: While not direct perpetrators of hazing, insurance companies for the national fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or personal liability policies) are often the ultimate source of compensation for victims. At Attorney911, our team, including Lupe Peña, who served as an attorney for a national insurance defense firm, possesses invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate. We know their tactics, their valuation methods, and their strategies to minimize payouts, and we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

At Attorney911, our approach is comprehensive. We don’t just sue the easiest target; we methodically identify every entity that contributed to the hazing and hold them jointly accountable. For Franklin County families, this means a multi-pronged legal strategy that maximizes the chances of full and fair compensation.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families facing the unimaginable pain of a hazing injury or death in Franklin County, Georgia, the question often arises: can justice truly be achieved? Our answer is a resounding yes, demonstrated by multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an undeniable message to negligent fraternities, universities, and their insurers: hazing costs millions. These same results are possible for Franklin County victims, and we will bring the same aggressive representation.

We don’t rely on speculation; we rely on precedent. Here are some landmark cases that prove hazing victims and their families can, and do, win big:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – Over $10.1 Million: In a case with chilling parallels to Leonel Bermudez’s experience, Stone Foltz died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual at Bowling Green State University. His family secured over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments, including $2.9 million from the university and $7.2 million from the national fraternity and individual members. A former chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in December 2024. This case is a benchmark, showing that our $10 million demand is firmly grounded in legal reality.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Verdict: Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to participate in a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study,” where he had to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, a powerful message that juries despise hazing. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, proving that justice in these cases can trigger significant legislative change.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Over $110 Million (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died after falling down stairs multiple times following a forced drinking ritual at Beta Theta Pi. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, a delay tragically captured on security cameras. The resulting civil settlement was confidential but estimated to be well over $110 million, and multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. The “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania was born from this tragedy, further intensifying legal pressure on hazing.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Tragically, our current defendant, Pi Kappa Phi, has a history of deadly hazing. Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” initiation. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement. This case proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew of its deadly hazing culture a full eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This critical pattern evidence strengthens our argument for deliberate indifference and punitive damages.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) / Delta Chi (2021) – Over $4 Million (Settled 2024): Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently settled for over $4 million, with a portion dedicated to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which works to end hazing. This settlement, coming in October 2024, is another recent example of substantial recoveries in hazing death cases, even as legislative reforms like “Adam’s Law” take effect.

These multi-million dollar outcomes send an unequivocal message: hazing has serious financial repercussions for individuals and institutions. For Franklin County families, these precedents mean that the justice we seek for Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly but a proven path to accountability. The egregious conduct in our current case — waterboarding, forced eating, physical beatings — is precisely the type of behavior that outrages juries and leads to substantial damage awards. Our firm is prepared to leverage our deep understanding of these precedents to ensure Franklin County hazing victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve.

Texas Law Protects You: Franklin County Victims’ Rights

For Franklin County families seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating the benchmark Bermudez case, anti-hazing laws and civil liability theories apply in most states. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) mean we can pursue hazing cases nationwide, including those involving students from Franklin County attending colleges anywhere.

Let’s demystify some key legal protections:

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws (Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157):

While Franklin County is in Georgia, many Georgia students attend universities in Texas, and Texas laws provide a strong framework for understanding state anti-hazing legislation. Most states, including Georgia, have similar statutes.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law (like Georgia’s) broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The categories are specific and comprehensive, including:
  • Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, forcing calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups), psychological torture, or simulated waterboarding.
  • Exposure to Elements/Confinement: Sleep deprivation, prolonged exposure to cold or heat (like Leonel stripping in cold weather), confinement in small spaces.
  • Forced Consumption: Eating unpalatable or excessive food until vomiting (as Leonel experienced), forced alcohol or drug consumption.
  • Activities Violating Penal Code: Any act that induces or requires a student to commit a crime.
    The horrific acts committed against Leonel Bermudez squarely fall under multiple points of this legal definition.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime. Depending on the severity, it can range from a Class B Misdemeanor (for engaging in hazing) to a Class A Misdemeanor (if serious bodily injury occurs, like Leonel’s kidney failure), up to a State Jail Felony (if hazing causes death, as in the cases of Andrew Coffey, Maxwell Gruver, and Timothy Piazza). The University of Houston spokesperson even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Critically, entire organizations—local chapters and even national fraternities—can be held criminally liable if they condone or encourage hazing. Penalties can include significant fines and denial of the right to operate on campus.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most vital aspect for Franklin County families to understand. The Texas statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This directly counters the common defense ploy of “he knew what he was signing up for” or “he could have left.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot be given under conditions of coercion, fear, and peer pressure inherent in hazing.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Educational institutions are legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can also carry criminal penalties.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, victims and their families in Franklin County can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. This is where Attorney911’s expertise truly shines. We explore multiple legal theories, regardless of the state where the hazing occurred:

• Negligence: This is almost always a cornerstone of hazing lawsuits. We must prove that a party owed a duty of care (e.g., a university to its students, a national fraternity to its pledges), breached that duty (e.g., by failing to supervise, ignoring warnings, or allowing hazing to occur), that this breach caused injuries (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis), and resulted in damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house) or a housing corporation, these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This theory applies when national fraternities, universities, or even chapter advisors fail to adequately supervise members and pledges, allowing hazing to occur.
• Assault and Battery: Individual members who inflict physical harm (like paddling or waterboarding) can be sued for intentional torts.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous nature of acts like waterboarding, forced humiliation, and psychological torment can lead to IIED claims, compensating victims for severe emotional and psychological trauma that can cause PTSD.
• Vicarious Liability: This holds institutions (like national fraternities or universities) responsible for the actions of their agents (local chapters or student groups) when those actions occur within the scope of their relationship.
• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where hazing results in death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for emotional distress, lost financial support, funeral expenses, and more.

Our firm is deeply committed to leveraging these legal frameworks to secure justice for Franklin County hazing victims. We know how to navigate the complexities, fight claims of “consent,” and hold every responsible party—from the individual perpetrating the abuse to the organization covering it up—fully accountable. The law is a powerful shield for victims and a potent weapon for justice, and we wield it aggressively on your behalf.

Why Attorney911: Your Trusted Advocate in Franklin County

When the unthinkable happens, and your child is a victim of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision your Franklin County family will make. This isn’t just any personal injury case; it requires specialized knowledge, aggressive litigation, and an unyielding commitment to justice. At Attorney911, we offer a unique blend of experience, insight, and dedication that sets us apart as leading hazing litigation experts, ready to serve families like yours in Franklin County, Georgia, and nationwide.

• We Are Actively Fighting This Battle – Right Now: Our $10 million lawsuit in Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just a past success story; it’s a live, ongoing fight. This demonstrates our current expertise and unflinching resolve in hazing cases. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re in the trenches, aggressively pursuing accountability from national fraternities and universities. Your Franklin County child will receive the same fierce advocacy we bring to our landmark Houston case.
• Aggressive, Experienced, and Battle-Tested Attorneys: Our firm is led by Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, both seasoned trial attorneys with over a combined three decades of courtroom experience.
  • Ralph P. Manginello (Male): Ralph brings over 25 years of litigation experience to the table, including significant mass tort experience from the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – a critical skill when challenging national fraternities and large universities. His background in journalism also equips him with an investigative mindset, crucial for uncovering hidden truths in hazing cases. As a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach, he possesses a deep understanding of the group dynamics and cultures where hazing often germinates.
  • Lupe Eleno Peña (Male): Lupe’s experience is a strategic advantage for our clients. Having previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, he knows precisely how insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize, evaluate claims, and attempt to minimize payouts. He understands their “playbook” from the inside – and now uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims. His background in finance also adds an edge in understanding complex damages calculations.
  • Dual Former Insurance Defense Advantage: The fact that both Ralph and Lupe are former insurance defense attorneys is not a coincidence; it’s a deliberate strategic choice. When you hire Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re hiring former insiders who have seen the opposition’s war room. This “insurance counter-intelligence system” gives your Franklin County case an unfair advantage against powerful, well-funded adversaries.
• Nationwide Reach with Localized Service: While headquartered in Houston, our firm is equipped to represent hazing victims across America, including Franklin County, Georgia. Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, and with dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), we are strategically positioned to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities operating across state lines. We leverage technology for remote consultations, and our commitment to justice means we will travel to Franklin County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. For us, distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.
• Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas and beyond. This “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine” includes IRS-registered entities, legal names, EINs, addresses, and organizational structures. When hazing happens, we already know precisely who to sue – from the national organization to the housing corporation and alumni groups. This allows us to move with speed and precision, identifying every responsible “deep pocket.”
  • For instance, our database includes organizations like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas. This is the same entity behind the UH chapter we sued, demonstrating our ability to identify and track the very corporate structures seeking to evade accountability.
  • Across Texas, Attorney911 tracks over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 metropolitan areas, including Houston (188 organizations), Dallas-Fort Worth (510 organizations), and Austin (154 organizations). This expansive intelligence allows us to connect local chapters near Franklin County to national patterns of abuse.
• Compassionate and Client-Focused: We understand that a hazing incident is a traumatic, life-altering event for both the victim and their family. Our approach is empathetic, warm, and geared towards supporting your Franklin County family through every step of the legal process. We believe your child is a person, not a payout. Our bilingual staff ensures no language barrier prevents Spanish-speaking families from accessing critical legal help, and our 4.9-star rating with over 250 Google reviews reflects our consistent commitment to client satisfaction.
• No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee Basis): We believe access to justice should not be limited by financial means. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are paid only if and when we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes the financial barrier that might prevent Franklin County families from taking on powerful institutions.
• Real-World Results: Our success in high-stakes personal injury litigation, including multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, demonstrates our ability to achieve significant results. We leverage every tool at our disposal – from cutting-edge AI for evidence preservation to our deep network of expert witnesses – to build an ironclad case. Whether it’s the BP Texas City explosion litigation or the current Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit, we have a proven track record of confronting major corporations and institutions.
• Community Roots and Values: Ralph is a lifelong Texan, raising his three children (RJ, Maverick, and Mia) in Houston, while Lupe is a third-generation Texan with deep roots to the King Ranch and grew up in Sugar Land. We understand the importance of community and integrity, values that resonate deeply with families in Franklin County. We support community safety initiatives like Crime Stoppers, and our passion is genuinely rooted in protecting individuals from harm.

When your child’s well-being is at stake due to hazing, your family deserves a legal team that is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares. Attorney911 isn’t just a law firm; it’s a legal emergency response team dedicated to dismantling the culture of hazing and securing true accountability. For Franklin County families, we are ready to be your fierce advocates.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Franklin County Families

If your child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. We understand you may be scared, angry, and unsure of what to do. But inaction can jeopardize your legal rights and the potential for justice. Here are immediate, actionable steps Franklin County families should take:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Injuries:

• Seek Medical Care Immediately: Regardless of whether injuries seem minor or severe, get your child to a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. Some hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening. Medical documentation creates an official record that is crucial for your case. Ensure the medical staff note how the injuries occurred (e.g., “sustained during fraternity hazing event”).
• Preserve All Medical Records: Keep every hospital record, doctor’s note, diagnostic test result, prescription, and bill. These are fundamental to proving the extent of the harm your child suffered.
• Photograph Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of all visible injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, swelling—regularly as they heal. Document the progression of recovery. If your child is hospitalized or incapacitated, ask a trusted friend or family member to take these photos. See our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, for guidance.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Digital and Physical:

• Digital Communications: This is perhaps the most critical. Hazing often occurs via group chats. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, Facebook message, or email relating to the hazing. Screenshots are easy to take and vital for evidence. These messages often contain direct instructions, threats, or discussions of hazing activities.
• Hazing “Schedules” or “Rules”: If your child received any documents—physical or digital—outlining schedules, rules for pledges, or contact lists, save them immediately.
• Photos/Videos: Save any photos or videos of hazing activities, the location where hazing occurred, or other pledges.
• Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of other pledges, fraternity members who might be willing to speak (anonymously if preferred), or anyone who witnessed the hazing or its aftermath.
• Clothing/Items: If any clothing or personal items were damaged or soiled during hazing, preserve them.

3. Limit Communication and Avoid Social Media:

• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, officers, or advisors about the hazing. They will often try to control the narrative, deny involvement, or pressure your child into silence.
• DO NOT Talk to University Officials Alone: Universities have their own legal counsel, and their primary goal is to protect the institution, not necessarily your child. Any statements given without legal counsel can be used against you.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without first consulting an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.
• STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA: Anything your child posts, or that is posted about them, can be used by the defense to undermine your case. This includes innocent posts showing them “having fun” or active, which opponents might argue contradict their claims of injury or emotional distress. See our video, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”
• DO NOT Delete Old Posts: Deleting past social media posts can be seen as destruction of evidence, even if unrelated to the hazing. Preserve everything.

4. Understand Your Rights and The Law:

• Consent is NOT a Defense: As Texas law (and similar laws in many states, including Georgia) explicitly states, a student cannot “consent” to criminal acts like hazing. Do not let anyone convince your child that their “participation” invalidates their claims.
• Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury cases have a limited window, often two years from the date of injury. Waiting too long can mean losing the right to sue. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. Our landmark case involving Leonel Bermudez was filed within weeks of the hazing being reported—speed and decisive action matter. Our video on “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” highlights this urgency.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your initial consultation is always free and completely confidential. We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. This is a critical first step.
• We Work on Contingency: You don’t pay us unless and until we win your case. This means there are no upfront costs standing between your family and justice. Our video on “How Contingency Fees Work” explains this in detail.
• We Will Come to You (Virtually or Physically): While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we represent victims nationwide. We can conduct video consultations for Franklin County families and will travel for depositions, trials, and critical meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to aggressive representation.

By taking these steps, Franklin County families can protect their child’s rights, preserve crucial evidence, and lay the groundwork for a strong legal case against those responsible for hazing. Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking justice.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Franklin County Hazing Victims

If your family in Franklin County, Georgia, is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a hazing incident, you are facing a legal emergency. We understand the fear, the anger, the confusion, and the overwhelming pain. But you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney911 is your dedicated legal emergency hotline, ready to bring our hard-won expertise and aggressive advocacy directly to your fight for justice.

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This isn’t just theory; it’s tangible proof that we know how to confront powerful fraternities and universities, make them accountable, and win multi-million dollar cases. The same exact drive, data, and legal firepower we’re deploying in Houston, we commit to bringing to your child’s case, however far that is from Franklin County.

Franklin County Families – Do Not Wait. Call Us Now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll reach a team that genuinely understands what you’re going through, not just an answering service.

Why Call Attorney911 for Your Franklin County Hazing Case?

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us is always free, no strings attached. We’ll listen to your story, assess your situation, and provide clear guidance on your legal options without any financial obligation.
• No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: We understand that the financial stress of medical bills and lost school time is immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you. Our interests are completely aligned with yours.
• Nationwide Reach, Personalized Service: While based in Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) empower us to represent hazing victims across the United States, including families in Franklin County. We pride ourselves on personalized support; we offer video consultations for your convenience and are prepared to travel to Franklin County for critical meetings, depositions, and trials. Your location will not limit your access to top-tier legal representation.
• Unmatched Expertise and Insight: Our team, including Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, leverages decades of combined litigation experience, including invaluable insider knowledge from former roles in insurance defense. We know how the other side thinks, how they strategize, and how they attempt to minimize payouts—and we use that knowledge to your advantage.
• A Proven Track Record Against Powerful Institutions: We have successfully taken on major corporations and institutions, from the BP Texas City refinery explosions to our current landmark Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit. We possess the resources, legal strategies, and unwavering determination to hold national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators fully accountable.
• We Understand the Emotional Toll: Beyond the legal battles, we recognize the profound emotional and psychological impact hazing has on victims and their families. We approach every case with empathy, compassion, and a fierce commitment to achieving justice that validates your child’s suffering and prevents future tragedies.

We Serve All Types of Hazing Victims, Wherever They Are Located:

Hazing is not confined to fraternities or to a single state. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges across the nation, including those attended by Franklin County students.
• Sports teams (college and high school) in Georgia and beyond.
• Marching bands and other student organizations.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any group or institution that uses abuse as an “initiation” rite.

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

If you or someone you know was part of the same Pi Kappa Phi Chapter at the University of Houston and subjected to the same horrific hazing as Leonel Bermudez, we want to hear from you. We know Leonel was not the only victim. Others collapsed during forced workouts; many more endured the waterboarding, physical beatings, and humiliation. You have rights, and we can represent you. 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.”

Your courage in speaking up can help us build an even stronger case and ensure that every individual and institution responsible for this egregious abuse faces the full force of the law.

Don’t let shame, fear, or uncertainty silence you. Every day that passes can make it harder to gather evidence and pursue your claim. Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, may depend on your call. Contact Attorney911 today, and let us fight for the justice your Franklin County family deserves.