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Greene County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Georgia, Greene County, North America, United States

If you’re reading this, your family in Greene County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build character, and enjoy their youth. Instead, they were brutalized, tortured, and injured. The promise of brotherhood and sisterhood turned into a nightmare of physical and psychological abuse. We understand what you’re going through. We are here to help families in Greene County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague colleges and universities across America.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is criminal and dangerous. It damages young lives, shatters families, and betrays the trust placed in educational institutions and fraternal organizations. When that trust is broken, and a child in Greene County is harmed, swift and aggressive action is necessary. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our firm is currently litigating a substantial $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for severe hazing that left a student hospitalized. The same determination, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of justice that we bring to this case, we will bring to your family in Greene County.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Greene County Families Need Us

Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous problem that extends far beyond the perception of innocent mischief or harmless pranks. For families in Greene County, understanding the true nature and scope of this crisis is paramount. It is not confined to distant campuses; the same national fraternities and university systems that have seen tragic incidents elsewhere often have a presence in Georgia or at institutions where students from Greene County pursue their higher education.

Every year, students suffer profound physical and psychological injuries, and some even die, due to hazing rituals. These aren’t isolated incidents perpetrated by a few rogue individuals. They are often the result of systemic failures in oversight, a culture of silence, and a deep-seated belief within some organizations that intimidation and abuse build loyalty.

We understand that sending a child off to college is a significant moment for any family in Greene County. You expect them to grow, learn, and be safe. When that safety is compromised by hazing, the emotional toll can be immense. We are here to tell you that what happened to your child is not their fault. It is not a secret to be kept. And it is not something you have to endure alone.

Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights Back in a $10 Million Battle

The fight against hazing is not theoretical for us; it is happening right now in a courtroom in Harris County, Texas. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., represents everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and uncompromising accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. This is a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members.

Greene County Families: This harrowing incident happened in our backyard, but the implications resonate nationwide. This is what hazing looks like today. This is what Pi Kappa Phi, a national fraternity with chapters at universities across America, allowed to happen. And this is exactly the kind of relentless legal action Attorney911 takes to fight back.

Leonel Bermudez’s Story: A Warning for Every Greene County Parent

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the upcoming semester, eager to find a community and form bonds in his new academic environment. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital fighting for his life.

Beginning in September 2025, after accepting a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, Leonel was subjected to a grotesque series of hazing rituals. He was waterboarded with a garden hose – a tactic universally condemned as torture. He was hog-tied, an act of extreme humiliation and vulnerability. He was forced to gorge himself on milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be forced to continue exercising in the vomit-soaked grass.

The physical exertion pushed him beyond human limits. He faced 100-plus pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while being made to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. His body ultimately broke down. His muscles failed. His urine turned brown, a horrifying sign of severe rhabdomyolysis – a condition where damaged muscle fibers are released into the bloodstream, poisoning the kidneys.

Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, grappling with acute kidney failure. The long-term risks of permanent kidney damage remain a heavy burden. This was not a prank gone wrong; this was calculated, prolonged torture inflicted by individuals and enabled by institutions.

Media Coverage Confirms Our Fight

The gravity of Leonel’s case captured immediate media attention. Respected news outlets like Click2Houston (KPRC 2), ABC13 (KTRK), and Hoodline reported extensively on the lawsuit, highlighting the horrific details and the significant damages sought.

These aren’t just news stories; they are a public declaration of our aggressive pursuit of justice. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are quoted directly in these reports, articulating both the horrors of the hazing and our unwavering commitment to holding every responsible party accountable.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, describing Leonel’s condition after the grueling hazing: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” Lupe Peña powerfully added, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Institutional Responses: A Glimpse into Accountability

Within days of the hazing being reported and Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi national chapter took action, suspending and permanently closing their Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. This swift response, detailed in their own public statement on November 21, 2025, on pikapp.org, speaks volumes. It’s an implicit acknowledgment of egregious violations and indicates that they knew what occurred demanded immediate decisive action. The University of Houston also made clear their stance, stating that the events were “deeply disturbing” and violated “community standards,” confirming their own investigation alongside law enforcement. Each of these responses, while seemingly proactive, also lays groundwork for their liability, demonstrating their knowledge of the incident and the severity of the alleged actions.

Why this case matters specifically to Greene County families:

  • Universities near Greene County and throughout Georgia host chapters of prominent national fraternities and sororities. The same systemic issues that allowed hazing to thrive at the University of Houston can exist at institutions where students from Greene County attend college.
  • The specific acts of hazing endured by Leonel Bermudez – the waterboarding, the forced physical exertion, the psychological torment – are not isolated. These are common hazing tactics currently employed across the country, potentially even in organizations operating near Greene County.
  • The swift action taken by Attorney911 to file a major lawsuit against multiple defendants, including the national fraternity, the university, and individual members, demonstrates a clear pathway to justice for victims in Greene County. Our firm is prepared to extend this aggressive representation to any family in Greene County facing similar horrors.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, the word “hazing” conjures images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often about systematic abuse, psychological manipulation, and dangerous physical acts designed to break a person down. It is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is assault, battery, torture, and in far too many cases, it leads to death or life-altering injuries.

Based on actual hazing incidents, including the Bermudez case, here’s what hazing can truly entail:

  • Physical Brutality: This includes beatings, paddling with wooden objects, branding, burning, and forced extreme physical exertion to the point of collapse and organ failure, as Leonel experienced. It’s not just push-ups; it’s push-ups until muscles rupture.
  • Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking, chugging obscene amounts of alcohol, or consuming non-food items, leading to alcohol poisoning, vomiting, aspiration, and even death. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is a grim example.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities and early-morning calls, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability.
  • Psychological Torture: This involves extreme humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and explicit threats. Leonel’s hog-tying and being forced to carry sexually suggestive items are clear forms of psychological abuse designed to degrade and control.
  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As our client experienced, this horrific tactic is legally recognized as torture. Submitting someone to the fear of drowning is a profound act of violence.
  • Exposure: This can mean forcing pledges to strip in cold weather, endure extreme heat, or confining them to small, uncomfortable spaces, risking hypothermia, heatstroke, or physical injury.
  • Servitude and Humiliation: Being forced to perform demeaning tasks, drive members around at all hours, or maintain strict, arbitrary rules and dress codes are all part of the hazing playbook.

The medical consequences of such abuse are terrifying: rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and profound psychological trauma like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These are injuries that can haunt a victim for a lifetime, necessitating extensive and expensive medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing occurs, it is rarely the fault of just one individual. A web of responsibility typically extends from the immediate perpetrators to the organizations that enable them, and the institutions that fail to prevent such abuses. Our strategy, proven in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is to identify and pursue every single liable party. Because when a child from Greene County is harmed, everyone who contributed to that harm must be held accountable.

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

  • The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter directly involved in the hazing is a primary defendant. Their leadership, such as the president and pledgemaster, are directly liable for organizing and condoning illegal activities.
  • Individual Members: Every member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in hazing activities can be held personally liable for assault, battery, and negligence. In the Bermudez case, we sued 13 individual members, including current and former members, and even the spouse of a former member who allowed the hazing to occur at their residence. This demonstrates that individual accountability extends beyond current student members.
  • The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, often claim to have strict anti-hazing policies. However, if they fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, fail to enforce their own rules, or have knowledge of a pattern of hazing and do nothing, they are directly liable. These national entities have substantial assets and insurance, making them “deep pockets” from which significant damages can be recovered. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters closed the UH chapter immediately after the incident became public strongly indicates their awareness of severe wrongdoing.
  • The University or College: Educational institutions bear immense responsibility for the safety and well-being of their students. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs (as the University of Houston did with the Pi Kappa Phi house), or if they have knowledge of a hazing problem within their Greek life system (as UH did from a prior 2017 hazing hospitalization), they can be held liable for negligent supervision, premises liability, and failure to protect their students. Universities have considerable resources and insurance to cover such liabilities.
  • Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter house. These entities have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their premises and can be held liable if hazing occurs on properties they control.
  • Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often even individual members, are insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover liability for negligence and often provide the primary source of funds for settlements and verdicts. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate, strategize, and value claims—an advantage we leverage for every client in Greene County.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points

For families in Greene County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the thought of taking on powerful national fraternities and large universities can feel overwhelming. But history, and our firm’s ongoing work, proves that justice can be won, and the financial accountability can be substantial. Hazing cases across the country have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, sending a clear message that this behavior carries a heavy price. These precedents demonstrate that victims and their families in Greene County can and do win, and that such legal actions can force real change.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements:

  • Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Total $10.1 Million+
    • Stone Foltz, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and individual members. Most recently, in December 2024, a former chapter president was ordered to pay the Foltz family an additional $6.5 million in personal liability. This case is a direct parallel to our $10 million demand, demonstrating the value placed on even non-death, severe hazing injuries, and the personal liability of individual perpetrators.
  • Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University (Phi Delta Theta, 2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
    • Max Gruver, 18, died after a brutal “Bible Study” hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. His family was awarded $6.1 million in a jury verdict. This case led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, proving that justice in court can spur legislative action.
  • Timothy Piazza, Penn State University (Beta Theta Pi, 2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)
    • Timothy Piazza, 19, died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a hazing ritual. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling for help. The multiple civil settlements in this case are estimated to exceed $110 million, a testament to the egregious nature of the conduct and the power of compelling evidence, much of which was captured on security cameras. This tragedy led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Andrew Coffey, Florida State University (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Confidential Settlement
    • Andrew Coffey, 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi event – the same national fraternity as Leonel Bermudez. This case resulted in criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, it establishes a clear pattern of deadly hazing within Pi Kappa Phi, demonstrating their knowledge of the risks long before Leonel’s hospitalization.
  • Adam Oakes, Virginia Commonwealth University (Delta Chi, 2021): $4+ Million Settlement
    • Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after forced consumption during a Delta Chi bid acceptance ceremony. The family initially filed a $28 million lawsuit that ultimately settled for over $4 million, leading to the creation of “Adam’s Law” in Virginia. This shows how significant initial demands can lead to substantial settlements.

These cases are not just headlines; they are direct evidence that the legal system provides a powerful avenue for justice and accountability. They demonstrate that when hazing victims, like your child in Greene County, suffer severe injuries or death, multi-million dollar outcomes are not only possible but have been achieved repeatedly. The same legal strategies, the same theories of liability, and the same aggressive litigation apply directly to hazing incidents occurring at state universities, private colleges, or any Greek organization with ties to Greene County.

TX and GA Laws Protect You: Consent is NOT a Defense

For families in Greene County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While our firm is deeply rooted in Texas law and its robust anti-hazing statutes, similar protections exist across the country, including in Georgia, where Greene County is located. Furthermore, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims apply nationwide, meaning victims in Greene County have strong legal standing regardless of state lines.

Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-37

Georgia takes hazing seriously. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-37, it is unlawful to engage in hazing. The law defines hazing as any bodily injury or personal degradation of a student by an organization, that leads to physical or mental harm, humiliation, intimidation, or ridicule.

Key aspects of Georgia’s law:

  • Definition: “Haze” means to subject a student to an initiation into or affiliation with any organization or club, or any other pastime or amusement, which is designed to cause or does cause physical or mental harm to any student.
  • Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a misdemeanor offense in Georgia, meaning those found guilty can face fines and jail time.
  • Institutional Reporting: Georgia law mandates that schools adopt anti-hazing policies and report any violations.

While Georgia’s law may classify hazing as a misdemeanor, the civil implications for severe injuries or death remain profound, often far exceeding any criminal penalties. We also note that many national fraternities and sororities have their own anti-hazing policies that apply to their chapters in Georgia, including those whose members may come from Greene County.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Robust Framework

As our firm is based in Texas, we operate under some of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing laws, specifically Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157. These laws provide a powerful blueprint for civil litigation against perpetrators and negligent institutions, and they inform our national strategy.

Critical components of Texas law that mirror or exceed protections in Georgia:

  • Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats), forced consumption of food or alcohol (like Leonel’s forced eating), and any activity violating the Penal Code. Leonel Bermudez’s experience fulfilled multiple criteria under this definition.
  • Criminal Penalties: While Georgia classifies hazing as a misdemeanor, Texas escalates penalties based on severity: a Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing, a Class A Misdemeanor if serious bodily injury occurs (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), and a State Jail Felony if hazing causes death. The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly noted “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.
  • Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Texas explicitly states that organizations can be held liable if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers, members, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines, denial of operation rights, and forfeiture of property. This is a critical tool for holding chapters and national organizations accountable.
  • THE NON-NEGOTIABLE TRUTH: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial legal point for hazing victims in Greene County and anywhere else. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
    • This directly counters the common and abhorrent defense that victims “chose to participate” or “knew what they were signing up for.” You cannot consent to criminal activity or severe abuse. This provision is a shield for victims and a sword against negligent organizations attempting to shift blame.
  • University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents, with failure to do so resulting in criminal penalties. This ensures accountability for institutions that try to sweep incidents under the rug.

Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges

Whether in Georgia or Texas, civil lawsuits offer a powerful path for victims and families in Greene County to recover damages that criminal charges often cannot provide.

  • Negligence Claims: These are fundamental across all states. If an organization or institution owed a duty of care to your child in Greene County, breached that duty through hazing or a failure to prevent it, and that breach caused injuries, then they are liable for damages.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by a university or a housing corporation (like the UH-owned fraternity house in Leonel’s case), those entities have a duty to maintain safe premises and prevent dangerous conditions.
  • Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to oversee their chapters, or universities that fail to monitor Greek life activities on their campuses in or near Greene County.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For egregious and outrageous hazing conduct, victims can seek damages for severe emotional distress.

For families in Greene County, what does this legal framework mean? It means your child has robust legal protections. It means the “boys will be boys” or “they consented” excuses are legally invalid. It means you have the right to pursue full financial compensation for medical bills, lost academic progress, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma caused by hazing. Our firm understands these laws deeply and is prepared to apply them aggressively to your case, irrespective of the specific state.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Greene County

When your child in Greene County is harmed by hazing, you need a legal team that not only understands the law but also shares your fierce determination for justice. Attorney911 stands apart as the definitive choice for families affected by hazing, and we extend our cutting-edge expertise and aggressive approach to Greene County. We don’t just talk about fighting hazing; we’re actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit right now that epitomizes our commitment.

Here’s why Greene County families should choose Attorney911:

  • Current, Active Hazing Litigation: We are not hypothetical. Our firm is actively involved in groundbreaking hazing litigation. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for severe hazing that led to kidney failure, is being fought by our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, in Harris County Civil District Court. This isn’t theoretical; this is real-time proof of our capability and dedication. We apply these exact same strategies for families in Greene County.
  • 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of intense courtroom battle experience. He is a seasoned trial attorney who isn’t afraid to take on formidable opponents. This ensures that your case, whether in Greene County or elsewhere, is handled by battle-tested litigators.
  • Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. They know the playbook of the opposition – the insurance companies and the defense lawyers for fraternities and universities. This insider knowledge is an invaluable strategic advantage. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. We dismantle their defenses because we built them.
  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue hazing cases against national organizations and universities at a higher level, providing a strategic advantage that transcends state lines and benefits Greene County families.
  • Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual-state capability is a strategic asset, particularly when dealing with national fraternities and sororities often headquartered in various states, giving us broader reach and understanding of diverse legal landscapes relevant to hazing cases affecting Greene County.
  • Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Greene County affected by hazing can receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, fostering clear communication and trust.
  • Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates his capability to take on multi-billion dollar corporations in complex mass tort cases. This experience is directly transferable to hazing lawsuits against powerful national fraternities, their housing corporations, and well-funded universities.
  • Specialized Hazing Expertise: We don’t just handle general personal injury; we have specific, in-depth expertise in hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel’s, and litigation involving known national fraternities. This deep knowledge means we understand the nuances of these emotionally charged, complex cases.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost for Greene County Families: We understand that families dealing with the trauma of hazing often face financial strain. We take all hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are contingent on us winning your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
  • A Father’s Perspective: Ralph Manginello is a father of three. He knows firsthand what’s at stake when a child is harmed. This translates into a deep, personal commitment to every hazing victim and their family, ensuring that your child is seen as a person, not just a case.
  • Willingness to Travel for Your Case: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve Greene County and victims nationwide. We utilize video consultations for initial meetings and travel wherever necessary—to Greene County for depositions, client meetings, or trial—ensuring distance is never a barrier to justice.
  • Exceptional Client Testimonials and Reviews: With a 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews, our clients consistently praise our communication, aggression, and compassionate approach. They are not just clients; they are family. This unwavering dedication extends to every family in Greene County who entrusts us with their case.

“If you’re reading this, your nightmare just became real, and we are here to help.”

When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a team that is not afraid to stand up to anyone, from individual hazers to national organizations with vast resources and multi-million dollar public universities. We bring the same legal firepower to Greene County as we do to every case, committed to delivering justice for your child.

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

If your child in Greene County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are crucial. The actions you take now can significantly impact the strength and success of any future legal claim. Hazing organizations and negligent institutions often move quickly to cover their tracks, minimize culpability, and intimidate victims. You must move faster and smarter.

Here are the immediate, actionable steps we urge every Greene County family to take:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if Injuries Seem Minor:

    • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. Get them to an emergency room, urgent care, or their primary physician immediately.
    • Document Everything: Even if the injuries seem minor at first, conditions like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel’s case) or psychological trauma may not manifest fully for days or weeks. Medical records are critical evidence. Ensure medical professionals document everything your child reports about how the injuries occurred, including specific details of the hazing.
    • Mental Health Support: Seek professional counseling or therapy. Hazing leaves deep psychological scars. Documentation of emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD will be vital for your case.

  2. Preserve All Evidence Immediately:

    • Digital Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Take screenshots of everything and back them up multiple times. This includes communications from hazers, other pledges, and anything related to the organization.
    • Photos and Videos: If your child or anyone else took photos or videos of the hazing activities or their injuries, preserve them immediately. Document physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear over time. Take pictures of the location where hazing occurred if possible.
    • Documents: Any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “to-do” lists, or communication from the organization.
    • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, former members who left, or anyone who might have knowledge of the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
    • Physical Items: Any objects used in the hazing, contaminated clothing, or anything relevant should be carefully preserved and not handled excessively.
    • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work or had to quit), and any other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the hazing.

    We cannot stress enough the importance of physical evidence. When discussing evidence preservation, we recommend watching our video titled “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs. This video emphasizes how crucial photos, texts, and other documentation from your phone can be in building a strong case.

  3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization, University, or Their Representatives Without Legal Counsel:

    • Silence is Golden: Do not speak to fraternity or sorority leadership, alumni, university administrators, or their lawyers. They are not on your side. They will try to get you to admit things, twist your words, or coerce you into dropping the issue.
    • Sign Nothing: Do not sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the organization or the university. You could inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.
    • Decline Recorded Statements: If an insurance adjuster or university official asks for a “recorded statement,” politely decline. You are not obligated to provide one, and anything you say can be used against you.
    • Social Media Blackout: Advise your child to immediately suspend all social media activity related to the hazing incident. Anything they post online can be scrutinized and used by the defense to undermine their credibility or claim their injuries are not severe. We have a video explaining “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, which specifically warns against social media pitfalls.

  4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY:

    • Time is Critical: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, identify witnesses, and build a strong case. Memories fade, evidence disappears, and crucial deadlines like the statute of limitations begin to run.
    • Greene County Specific Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, most personal injury claims, including those arising from hazing, generally have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is also typically two years from the date of death. Time can expire faster than you think, and if you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
    • Free Consultation: We offer a free, confidential consultation to all families in Greene County. This is your opportunity to understand your legal options without any financial risk or obligation.
    • We Come to You: While our offices are in Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Greene County families and will travel to Greene County for depositions, client meetings, and trial when necessary.

    To better understand legal deadlines, we have a helpful video titled “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. While it refers to Texas, the principle of strict deadlines applies to Greene County as well, underscoring the urgency of contacting an attorney.

  5. Report the Hazing, If Safe to Do So:

    • While taking legal action is one path, reporting the hazing to university officials, campus police, or local law enforcement (if the hazing constitutes criminal activity) can trigger internal investigations and criminal charges. However, it’s crucial to have legal counsel first to protect your child’s rights during any official reporting process.

Remember, taking these steps is about empowering your family in Greene County and protecting your child’s rights. You are not alone in this fight, and we are here to guide you through every step of this challenging journey.

Contact Us: Your Advocates for Justice in Greene County

If you are a parent or student in Greene County grappling with the devastating realities of hazing, please know that you do not have to endure this trauma in silence. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to stand with you. Our firm has positioned itself at the forefront of hazing litigation nationwide, exemplified by our active $10 million lawsuit. We bring unparalleled expertise, a data-driven approach, and a deeply compassionate understanding to every family we serve, including those in Greene County.

Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves accountability. We are here to deliver it.

Greene County Families: Call Now For a Free, Confidential Consultation

The time to act is now. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass, jeopardizing your ability to seek justice. Do not let fear or uncertainty prevent you from exploring your options.

📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24/7. When you call, you’ll speak with experienced professionals who understand the urgency and sensitivity of your situation.

Email: You can also reach us directly by email at ralph@atty911.com.
Website: Visit our website at attorney911.com for more information and resources.

No Upfront Cost for Greene County Families:

We understand the financial concerns families face. That’s why we take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means:

  • You pay $0 upfront to hire us.
  • We only get paid if we WIN your case.
  • Our financial interests are directly aligned with yours: we succeed when you succeed.

We have a video explaining “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc, which can help alleviate any concerns about legal fees.

We Serve Greene County, Georgia and Hazing Victims Nationwide:

While our offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and experience extend far beyond state borders. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are equipped to represent victims in Greene County and across the United States.

  • Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, grants us the authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when confronting national fraternities and multi-state university systems.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, we possess a broader understanding of diverse legal landscapes, an advantage when dealing with national organizations.
  • Video Consultations: For families in Greene County, remote consultations via video ensure that distance is never a barrier to accessing top-tier legal representation.
  • Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Greene County for depositions, client meetings, or trial whenever necessary, ensuring your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.

We represent victims of hazing in a variety of contexts, not just traditional fraternities and sororities. If your child from Greene County has been hazed in:

  • Sports teams (college, high school, or club)
  • Marching bands or musical ensembles
  • ROTC programs
  • Clubs and organizations at any school or university
  • Military academies or training programs
  • Any organization that demands abuse as part of initiation or membership

We urge you to reach out. Hazing, in any form, is unacceptable and illegal.

To Other Victims of Hazing:

If you are a student or a family in Greene County, or anywhere in America, who has experienced hazing, know that others have been through similar nightmares and found strength in coming forward. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, stood up against powerful institutions, inspiring media coverage and legal action that will resonate for years. As our attorney Lupe Peña powerfully 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 story matters. Your courage can protect countless others. Contact us today. Let us help you bring them all to justice.

Attorney911: Your legal emergency is our call.

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