If you’re reading this, your family in Gwinnett County 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 Gwinnett County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we represent hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in Gwinnett County. Our firm is currently in the middle of a major $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a university for a hazing incident that left a young man with kidney failure in a Houston hospital. We want Gwinnett County families to know that we bring that same aggressive, data-driven fight to every case, whether it’s in Texas or Georgia.

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It is abuse, and it happens more often than you think, even at institutions where families in Gwinnett County send their children. If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, know that you are not alone, and we are ready to stand with you.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Gwinnett County Families Need Us

Hazing in America has spiraled into a crisis. What many parents might mistakenly remember as harmless pranks or gentle rituals has evolved into systematic abuse, psychological torture, and extreme physical violence that leaves lasting scars, both visible and invisible, and too often, ends in tragedy. This is not about building character or fostering camaraderie; it is about power, control, and the brutal betrayal of trust.

Families in Gwinnett County, Georgia, send their children to universities and colleges with dreams of education, personal growth, and new friendships. These institutions, whether they are major state universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or Georgia Southern, or smaller private colleges like Emory, Mercer, or Spelman, promise to nurture and protect their students. Yet, beneath the veneer of tradition and school pride, a dangerous culture of hazing persists, often within Greek letter organizations and sports teams, clubs, and even marching bands.

The reality is stark: 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. That number rises to 40% for student athletes. Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. And the most heartbreaking statistic? A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, fearing retribution, social isolation, or being labeled disloyal. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, making it even more critical for families in Gwinnett County to understand the risks and know where to turn for help.

When institutions, national fraternities and sororities, and Greek life administrators turn a blind eye or fail to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, they become complicit. They watch as “tradition” becomes torture, and they act shocked when a student is hospitalized or dies. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to holding every single responsible party accountable, from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities themselves. We understand the unique challenges and cultural nuances within Georgia’s educational landscape, and we are prepared to fight for justice for Gwinnett County families.

We see this as more than just a legal battle; it’s a fight for human dignity and the safety of our children.

The Landmark Case: The $10 Million Fight We’re Conducting Right Now

This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. This is happening right now. Our attorneys are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, and the University of Houston for a hazing incident that left a young man in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. While this case is unfolding in Texas, we want families in Gwinnett County to understand that the same patterns of abuse, the same institutional failures, and the same national fraternities exist in Georgia. The aggressive, data-driven legal strategy we employ in this landmark case is precisely what we bring to hazing victims and their families in Gwinnett County.

Media Coverage of Our Active Lawsuit:

• ABC13 Houston: Published November 21, 2025, their report, “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges,” details the horrific events and our firm’s involvement. Read more here.
• KHOU 11: Their coverage on November 21, 2025, titled “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations,” identified the victim by name and highlighted key aspects of the abuse. See the report.
• Houston Chronicle: The Houston Chronicle reported on November 22, 2025, on the “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit,” providing additional details about the extreme physical drills involved. Find the article here.
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, they published, “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing,” confirming the damages sought and emphasizing the victim’s “ghost rush” status. Read their report.

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters itself issued a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” admitting to “violations” and expressing their intent to return to campus. See their statement.

The Families We Represent: Leonel Bermudez

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who hadn’t even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, during the fall 2025 pledge process, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse and psychological torment.

As our managing partner, 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 hospitalized for three nights and four days, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The long-term impact on his health is still being assessed.

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

The Hazing Timeline:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi at UH.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered.
• November 3, 2025: THE INCIDENT. Leonel is forced to do over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed. He is threatened with expulsion if he stops. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsens.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital, where doctors discover he is passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel is hospitalized for four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter at UH, according to their own website statement.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 files a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County. News media immediately picks up the story.

The Hazing Activities:

The abuses Leonel endured are not mere “pranks.” They include:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Pledges were subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, and forced to run under threat of being waterboarded. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. He was then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and made to lie in his vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included more than 100 pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, repeated 100-yard crawls, and being struck with wooden paddles. All this occurred until he could not physically stand without help.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion created a constant state of fear.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were regularly forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which then attack the kidneys. His symptoms included brown urine (a clear sign of muscle breakdown), very high creatine kinase levels (confirming muscle damage), and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital, and faces the risk of permanent kidney damage.

Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing, a tragic yet increasingly common outcome of extreme physical abuse.

This Case Matters to Gwinnett County Families:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: These are not isolated incidents; they are systematic abuse patterns that occur at universities near Gwinnett County too, at institutions like Georgia State, Kennesaw State, and the University of Alabama.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near Gwinnett County, including Georgia Southern and Valdosta State, possess similar authority to regulate Greek life on their campuses and are therefore liable when they fail to protect students.
3. National Organizations Are Aware: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately closed the UH chapter after the incident became public, demonstrating their knowledge of severe wrongdoing. The same national organizations, including Pi Kappa Phi, have active chapters throughout Georgia and the Southeast. They know what’s happening in their chapters.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel fears retribution. Students in Gwinnett County who are hazed face similar fears. We are here to protect them.
5. Our $10 Million Lawsuit Sends a Message: This is the price for torturing our kids. A substantial financial penalty is often the only thing that forces institutions to make real change. Gwinnett County families can send the same powerful message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When we talk about hazing, many parents in Gwinnett County might picture a mild prank or some light initiation games. This misconception is dangerous. The reality of modern hazing, as tragically demonstrated by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far darker and more sinister. It is not about harmless fun; it is about controlled environments where individuals are systematically stripped of their dignity, subjected to extreme physical exertion, and psychologically tormented.

This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.”

IT IS:

• Assault and Battery: Direct physical violence, including beatings, paddling, forced physical contact, and sometimes sexual assault.
• Psychological Torture: Systematic humiliation, degradation, forced isolation, threats, and sleep deprivation designed to break down an individual’s will and instill fear.
• Reckless Endangerment: Placing individuals in situations where their physical and mental health is severely jeopardized, such as forced binge drinking, extreme exercise, or exposure to the elements.
• Manslaughter or Murder: In the most tragic cases, hazing leads directly to death, either through acute alcohol poisoning, physical trauma, or medical emergencies from extreme exertion.

Specific Examples of Hazing Tactics that Hospitalize and Kill:

• Forced Alcohol Consumption: This is one of the deadliest forms of hazing. Pledges are often made to drink excessive amounts of alcohol in short periods, leading to alcohol poisoning, comas, brain damage, and death. We saw this in the tragic cases of Andrew Coffey and Maxwell Gruver.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: As Leonel Bermudez experienced, pledges are forced into grueling workouts, calisthenics, and drills that push their bodies beyond safe limits. This can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), acute kidney failure, heart attacks, and severe injuries.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are deprived of sleep for extended periods, leading to cognitive impairment, disorientation, increased risk of accidents, and severe mental distress.
• Forced Consumption of Non-Alcoholic Substances: This includes eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns like in Leonel’s case), or consuming vile and unsanitary substances.
• Psychological Degradation: Pledges endure constant humiliation, often involving forced nudity, public embarrassment, and verbal abuse. This leads to severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects is a prime example.
• Exposure to Elements: Leaving pledges minimally clothed in cold weather, as Leonel experienced, or confining them in unsafe environments, can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
• Simulated Waterboarding: As seen in our active case, this is a particularly egregious form of torture that creates an immediate and terrifying fear of drowning.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and demeaning sexual acts to outright sexual assault, leading to profound and lasting trauma.

These are not isolated incidents of misbehavior; they are calculated acts within a culture that often values “tradition” and conformity over safety and well-being. When we take on a hazing case for a Gwinnett County family, we delve deeply into these tactics to expose the true nature of the abuse and bring justice to the victims.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

For families in Gwinnett County, understanding who can be held responsible after a hazing incident is crucial. Hazing is rarely the act of a single individual; it’s a systemic problem often enabled by multiple layers of negligence and indifference. Our firm, Attorney911, operates under the principle that accountability must extend to every entity that contributed to or allowed the harm.

In a hazing tragedy, there are typically several “deep pockets” or culpable parties we pursue vigorously. We don’t just sue the college students who committed the acts; we target the institutions and organizations that create, condone, or ignore the dangerous environment of hazing.

Here are the categories of defendants we pursue, and why:

1. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Who they are: The chapter members directly involved in planning, executing, or participating in the hazing activities. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, internal officers (like a risk manager who failed to act), and individual members. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including the president and pledgemaster.
   • Why they’re liable: They directly inflicted the harm. They can be held personally responsible for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and criminal hazing. As seen in the Stone Foltz case, an individual chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: Students at Georgia colleges who directly engage in hazing face the same personal liability.

2. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters:

   • Who they are: The local undergraduate group operating under the Greek letters. In Leonel’s case, this was the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.
   • Why they’re liable: The chapter collectively organized and carried out the hazing. They are often responsible for maintaining a dangerous environment.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: Every fraternity and sorority chapter at institutions serving Gwinnett County, from UGA to Georgia Tech, can be held liable for their collective actions.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations:

   • Who they are: The overarching, national entity that charters and oversees local chapters, often with hundreds of chapters across the country. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a prime example in our current lawsuit.
   • Why they’re liable: Nationals have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide training. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of prior hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi did with Andrew Coffey’s death), they are grossly negligent. These organizations often have substantial assets and insurance policies.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: We track national fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities popular with Gwinnett County students. Their track record of hazing elsewhere is powerful pattern evidence.

4. Housing Corporations:

   • Who they are: Separate corporate entities, often alumni-led, that own or manage the fraternity or sorority houses. In our current case, this is the Beta Nu Housing Corporation.
   • Why they’re liable: They are responsible for premises liability if hazing occurs on their property. They also have a duty to ensure a safe environment within the house they control.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: Many Greek houses at Georgia universities are managed by housing corporations, which represent another layer of institutional liability.

5. Universities and Colleges:

   • Who they are: The educational institutions where the hazing occurs. The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are defendants in our current case.
   • Why they’re liable: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on campus property or involves registered student organizations. This includes providing adequate supervision, enforcing policies, and responding to reports of hazing. In a particularly devastating twist in Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, making their premises liability undeniable.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: Universities across Georgia, such as Kennesaw State University or Georgia Gwinnett College, must maintain a safe learning environment. If hazing occurs on their watch, they are on the hook.

6. Alumni Boards/Advisors:

   • Who they are: Often volunteers or paid advisors who oversee the local chapter and report to the national organization.
   • Why they’re liable: They have direct knowledge and a duty to intervene. Their failure can constitute negligent supervision.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: Many Georgia chapters have active alumni involvement that must be scrutinized.

7. Individuals Hosting Hazing Off-Campus:

   • Who they are: Landlords or homeowners (including non-members or their spouses) who allow hazing to occur on their property. In our current case, a former member and his spouse are named defendants because hazing occurred at their private residence.
   • Why they’re liable: Premises liability, aiding and abetting, or conspiracy charges can apply.
   • Relevance to Gwinnett County: Hazing frequently moves off-campus to private homes; these homeowners can become defendants.

The “Deep Pockets”

It’s important for Gwinnett County families to understand that while individual students may have limited assets, the larger entities (national fraternities, universities, housing corporations) have multi-million dollar insurance policies and substantial endowments. This is not about financially ruining a college student; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable and forcing them to change their dangerous cultural practices. Our team, with its background in insurance defense, knows exactly how to identify these “deep pockets” and pursue maximum recovery.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

Hazing victims and their families in Gwinnett County may wonder if it’s truly possible to hold powerful fraternities and universities accountable. The answer is a resounding yes. Landmark verdicts and settlements across the country prove that when confronted by aggressive, knowledgeable counsel like Attorney911, these institutions pay millions. These cases serve as a sobering warning to Greek life and universities everywhere – change your culture, or face devastating financial consequences.

Here are just a few examples of multi-million dollar outcomes in hazing litigation that demonstrate the potential for your case in Gwinnett County:

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

💰 TOTAL: $10.1 MILLION+

The tragic death of Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old Bowling Green State University student, shocked the nation. In March 2021, during a “Big/Little” initiation, he was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol. He died from acute alcohol poisoning. The fallout was immense:

• Settlement: His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
• Fraternity/Individuals: An additional $7.2 million came from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals involved.
• Personal Judgment: Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, making it clear that individual perpetrators cannot hide from personal liability.

Relevance to Gwinnett County: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent, even though Leonel survived. The combination of university and fraternity liability, along with individual responsibility, shows the comprehensive approach that leads to significant awards. Cases like this send a clear message to chapters of Pi Kappa Alpha (often called “Pike”) operating at Georgia colleges like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech: hazing costs millions.

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

💰 TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION VERDICT

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

• Jury Verdict: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. This verdict served as a powerful declaration that juries will not tolerate hazing.
• Criminal Outcome: The chapter president was convicted of negligent homicide and served prison time.
• Legislative Impact: Louisiana passed the groundbreaking Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony offense.

Relevance to Gwinnett County: This case, like others, demonstrates that trials are not to be feared; juries are often outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial compensation to victims and their families.

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

💰 TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Estimated in Settlements)

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State pledge, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi event where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, while fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911.

• Settlement: Confidential, but widely reported to be over $110 million, marking one of the largest hazing settlements in U.S. history. This massive payout underscores the severe liability faced by universities and national fraternities.
• Criminal Outcome: 18 fraternity members faced charges, with multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and tampering with evidence.
• Legislative Impact: Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, strengthening criminal penalties.

Relevance to Gwinnett County: The Piazza case highlights that when evidence is strong (and our current case against Pi Kappa Phi is meticulously documented), settlements can reach astronomical sums. It also reinforces that the pattern of egregious conduct often involves cover-ups, which infuriates juries and increases damages.

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

⚠️ SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR ACTIVE CASE ⚠️

In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”

• Outcome: The chapter was permanently closed, members faced criminal charges, and a civil settlement was reached (confidential amount).

Relevance to Gwinnett County: This case is particularly damning for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that their national organization had actual knowledge of deadly hazing within their chapters as far back as 2017. Despite eight years passing since Coffey’s death, they failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This pattern of negligence and conscious indifference is a powerful tool for demanding punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi chapters thriving at Georgia institutions, such as Kennesa State or UGA.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

💰 $4+ MILLION SETTLEMENT

Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old VCU freshman, died in February 2021 following a Delta Chi hazing event involving excessive alcohol consumption.

• Settlement: His family received over $4 million from various parties involved. The initial lawsuit sought $28 million.
• Legislative Impact: Virginia passed “Adam’s Law,” strengthening anti-hazing measures.

Relevance to Gwinnett County: This shows that even if a hazing case doesn’t go to trial, significant settlements can be achieved. It also highlights the widespread problem of forced alcohol consumption.

The Message to Gwinnett County Institutions:

These cases are not isolated tragedies; they are symptomatic of a systemic problem within Greek life that institutions too often fail to address. The multi-million dollar awards send an unambiguous message: universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators who enable or engage in hazing will be held financially accountable. For families in Gwinnett County, whether their child attends a university in Georgia, a neighboring state, or anywhere in the country, these precedents demonstrate that justice, and substantial compensation, are achievable.

Texas Law Protects You: A Framework for Justice

When a hazing incident shatters a family’s life in Gwinnett County, Georgia, the legal system provides avenues for justice and accountability. While our firm is headquartered in Texas, our expertise in hazing law—particularly the robust Texas hazing statutes—provides a strong foundation for fighting cases nationwide. Many states have laws similar to Texas’s, and the federal legal framework, including civil rights and negligence claims, allows us to pursue these cases regardless of the specific state where the hazhazing occurred. This means that families in Gwinnett County can access the same aggressive and knowledgeable representation as families in Houston.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151 through 37.157, provides a clear and comprehensive framework for addressing hazing. These statutes define hazing broadly, assign criminal penalties, establish organizational liability, mandate university reporting, and crucially, eliminate the defense of consent.

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

• Involves physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding).
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other similar activity that causes an unreasonable risk of harm or affects mental/physical health.
• Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substance that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or affects mental/physical health.
• Induces or requires a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Involves coercing a student to consume drugs or excessive alcohol.

Gwinnett County Application: Many states, including Georgia, have similar anti-hazing statutes with broad definitions encompassing physical, mental, and emotional abuse. The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured, including waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics (leading to rhabdomyolysis), psychological humiliation, and being struck with paddles, clearly falls under multiple categories of Texas’s hazing definition, and would likely violate hazing laws in most other states.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
In Texas, individuals who engage in hazing face criminal charges ranging from:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in, soliciting, or failing to report hazing.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure unequivocally constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning those involved could face up to a year in jail.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death.

Gwinnett County Application: While criminal prosecution is handled by local district attorneys, the possibility of criminal charges increases the pressure on defendants and can build a stronger civil case. The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s office could pursue similar charges under Georgia’s anti-hazing laws.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Texas law is clear: an organization is liable if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights on campus, and forfeiture of property.

Gwinnett County Application: This statute is crucial for holding local chapters, national fraternities, and even university-affiliated organizations accountable.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is one of the most powerful provisions in Texas law: “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.”

Gwinnett County Application: This directly counteracts the insidious argument often made by hazers: that the victim “agreed to participate” or “knew what they were getting into.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot be given under duress, peer pressure, or the threat of social exclusion. This principle is a cornerstone of our hazing litigation strategy and often holds true in other states as well.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Texas law mandates that university chief administrative officers report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.

Gwinnett County Application: Universities serving Gwinnett County, like Georgia Tech or the University of Georgia, have similar reporting obligations. Scrutiny of these reports can reveal patterns of negligence or cover-ups.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow hazing victims and their families in Gwinnett County to seek comprehensive compensation for their suffering. Our firm leverages a variety of civil legal theories:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common path. We argue that the universities, national organizations, and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they breached this duty (by allowing hazing), that this breach caused injuries, and that these injuries resulted in damages. This applies across all states.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case where UH owned the fraternity house), these entities can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to monitor Greek life activities, allowing hazing to proliferate.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact, such as a physical beating or forcing someone to consume harmful substances.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This covers severe psychological harm resulting from “extreme and outrageous” hazing conduct, which certainly applies to the torture Leonel endured, including waterboarding.
6. Vicarious Liability: This holds institutions (like a national fraternity or a university) responsible for the actions of their agents (like a chapter or student organization), particularly when those agents are operating within the scope of their duties or with the institution’s implicit approval.
7. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can sue for the loss of their loved one, seeking damages for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, lost future earnings, and funeral expenses, often with punitive damages against the responsible parties.

For Gwinnett County families: These civil claims provide powerful avenues to not only secure financial compensation but also to force systemic change, ensuring that what happened to your child does not happen to another. We are ready to bring our deep knowledge of these legal frameworks to your aid, fighting for justice wherever you are.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Gwinnett County and Beyond

When your family in Gwinnett County faces the nightmare of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need an aggressive, compassionate, and highly experienced advocate who understands the brutal realities of this abuse and how to fight back against powerful institutions. Attorney911 is that advocate. We are not just talking about hazing litigation; we are actively doing it right now, spearheading a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a university. The expertise and strategic advantage we bring to that fight are precisely what we offer to hazing victims and their families in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and nationwide.

Our Unmatched Advantages for Gwinnett County Hazing Victims:

1. Active, Front-Line Experience: We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; we’re in the battle RIGHT NOW. This means our strategies are sharp, our knowledge is current, and we understand the defense tactics firsthand. Gwinnett County families get that same immediate, aggressive representation.

   • From Ralph Manginello 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.” We see the human cost.
   • From Lupe Pena 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.” Our commitment is to stop this cycle of abuse.

2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our unfair advantage. We’ve seen the playbook from the other side – we know how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, delay payouts, and attempt to minimize or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to deconstruct their arguments and maximize recovery for our hazing victims in Gwinnett County. Mr. Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, before joining our team, gaining invaluable insight from corporate defense.

3. Extensive Courtroom Experience (25+ Years): Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of battle-tested trial experience to every case. He has handled multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation (like the BP Texas City Explosion), demonstrating his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to complex hazing cases involving powerful national organizations and universities. He’s not afraid to take cases to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

4. Nationwide Reach & Federal Court Authority: While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, hazing is a national problem. We represent victims in Gwinnett County and across America. Our firm is admitted to U.S. District Courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar admissions in Texas AND New York provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities headquartered outside of Texas.

5. Bi-Lingual Representation (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Gwinnett County facing hazing tragedies receive comprehensive, compassionate legal services without language barriers. We understand the unique challenges and fears that immigrant families may face when navigating the legal system. Your immigration status does not affect your legal rights to compensation – we protect all our clients.

6. Unwavering Client Commitment: We believe in an immediate, aggressive, and professional approach. If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Gwinnett County hazing victims, we take it to court. Our client testimonials consistently highlight our communication, responsiveness, and genuine care for our clients. As one client put it, “This place feels like having a family over your case.”

7. Contingency Fee Representation – Zero Upfront Cost: We understand the financial strain a hazing incident can place on families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay us $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This levels the playing field, allowing Gwinnett County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

8. Deep Hazing-Specific Expertise: From rhabdomyolysis injuries to understanding the intricacies of Greek life culture and institutional negligence, our knowledge is highly specialized. We meticulously track hundreds of Greek organizations across Texas and can apply that same data-driven approach to any state. We know the history of fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi (who tragically had a death in 2017 before Leonel’s hospitalization), and we leverage that pattern evidence to prove foreseeability and demand accountability.

9. Investigative Mindset: Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism trained him to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories – crucial for exposing what institutions want to hide in hazing cases. We meticulously preserve evidence, from text messages and social media posts to medical records and witness statements.

Our Core Message to Gwinnett County:

We see your child as a person – not a paycheck. We are deeply invested in fighting for victims of hazing because we’ve seen the devastating impact. We know the shame, the fear, the anger that families in Gwinnett County endure. We know the institutions will try to deflect, deny, and minimize. But we don’t back down. We are here to turn your pain and rage into concrete accountability, no matter where you are in Gwinnett County, Georgia, or across the country.

Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serve Gwinnett County, Georgia families directly. We are always willing to travel to Gwinnett County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when justice demands it, and we offer seamless remote consultations via phone and video.

Our Google Reviews Speak for Themselves: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews

Our clients consistently praise our dedication, communication, and ability to achieve significant results, even in the most challenging cases. “What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out… Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris

This is the level of commitment we bring to every hazing case, ensuring Gwinnett County families receive the fierce advocacy they deserve.

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

If your child in Gwinnett County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do (and don’t do) can significantly impact your child’s recovery and the strength of any potential legal claim. We understand that you are likely feeling scared, angry, and overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve prepared this clear, step-by-step guidance.

If you’re unsure about any step, or simply need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to call our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Gwinnett County hazing victims at 📞 1-888-ATTY-911.

Immediate Priorities:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is paramount, even if injuries seem minor or your child insists they are “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis (as Leonel experienced) or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.

   • Go to the ER or a doctor: Insist on a thorough examination.
   • Be honest about the cause: Clearly state that the injuries resulted from hazing activities. This is crucial for medical documentation.
   • Document everything: Keep copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, test results, hospital bills, and prescriptions. These are fundamental evidence for your case.
   • Don’t delay: Defense attorneys will argue that a delay in seeking treatment proves the injuries weren’t severe. Our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” explains this in detail.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!: Every piece of information can be crucial. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” provides excellent guidance.

   • Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to document everything. Take pictures of any injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. Photograph the location where the hazing occurred if safe and possible. Document any physical objects involved (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers, specific clothing).
   • Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. Screenshots are your best friend. Look for messages from chapter members, pledges, or witnesses discussing the hazing schedule, activities, threats (like Leonel’s threat of expulsion), or even complaints about the hazing.
   • Witness Information: Get the full names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it, particularly other pledges or former members. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the fraternity, sorority, or university. These can contain implied contracts or evidence of policies that were violated.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, and any lost wages if your child missed work or changed their academic schedule due to the hazing.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization, University, or Their Representatives Alone:

   • NO Recorded Statements: The fraternity, university, or their insurance companies will likely try to contact your child or you for a “recorded statement.” Politely decline and state that you will not speak without an attorney present. They are not on your side; they are trying to minimize their liability. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” covers this.
   • NO Social Media Posts: Do not post anything about the hazing incident on social media. Anything your child or you post can and will be used against you by the defense. This includes “throwback” photos, complaints, or even innocent posts trying to show everything is “fine.” Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” is a critical warning.
   • Do NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or any third party without legal counsel review. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
   • Avoid Discussion: Instruct your child not to discuss the incident with fraternity members, university administrators, or even well-meaning family friends without your lawyer’s guidance.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately:

   • Call 📞 1-888-ATTY-911: Our hotline is available 24/7. An immediate consultation is free, confidential, and can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Hazing victims often feel immense pressure to stay silent, but this can jeopardize their legal rights.
   • Statute of Limitations: In Texas, and many other states including Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” explains why timing is critical.
   • Remote & Travel Consultations: We serve Gwinnett County families, and all hazing victims nationwide, via phone or video conference. We also travel to Gwinnett County for depositions, client meetings, and trial when needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

If Your Child is a Minor:

If the hazing victim is under 18, you, as their parent or legal guardian, have the right and responsibility to act on their behalf. In many jurisdictions, the statute of limitations for minors does not begin until they turn 18, but it is always best to act as soon as possible to preserve evidence.

For Immigrant Families in Gwinnett County:

We understand that immigrant families, or those with undocumented members, may have additional fears about legal action impacting their immigration status. We want to assure you that your child’s immigration status does NOT prevent them from seeking justice for hazing. We have experience navigating these sensitive issues and will fiercely protect your family’s rights and privacy. Our “Immigration Issues in Houston” video series provides insight into our commitment to this community.

By taking these immediate, decisive steps, you can begin the process of holding those responsible accountable and securing the justice and compensation your family in Gwinnett County deserves. We are here to guide you through every complicated step.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Gwinnett County and Beyond

If your family in Gwinnett County, Georgia, is grappling with the devastating impact of hazing, you don’t have to face it alone. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can set in when your child is harmed by trusted institutions. At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates, truth-tellers, and relentless fighters for justice. We are ready to put our active litigation experience, our insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, and our unwavering commitment to work for your family.

Gwinnett County Families: Your Legal Emergency Hotline is Open 24/7

📞 Call Us Right Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

This isn’t a call center; this is your direct line to experienced legal professionals who understand what you’re going through. Your call is confidential, and your initial consultation is absolutely free. There is no obligation, only information and a clear path forward.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We Work on Contingency: You Pay Nothing Upfront

We know that confronting powerful fraternities and universities can feel financially daunting. That’s why we eliminate the barrier of cost. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

• $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Get Paid: Our fees are covered only when we win your case, either through settlement or a jury verdict. We bear the financial risk, so you don’t have to. Our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains this in detail.

Our Commitment to Gwinnett County Families:

• Immediate Response: We move first, fast, and decisively because hazing cases demand urgent action to preserve evidence and protect victims.
• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video and phone consultations, allowing Gwinnett County families to connect with our legal experts from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Travel for Your Case: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Gwinnett County for depositions, critical meetings, and trial proceedings to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.
• Bilingual Services: Se habla español. Our team is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Gwinnett County receive comprehensive legal guidance without language impediments.

You Are Not Alone. Enough is Enough.

Leonel Bermudez’s story is a stark reminder that hazing is a severe and pervasive problem affecting countless students. If our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston can prevent another child in Gwinnett County from enduring such trauma, we will have fulfilled our mission.

If your child was hazed at a major university like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Emory, or any institution in Gwinnett County or the wider Southeast, we are here to fight for you. We also represent victims of hazing in sports teams, marching bands, clubs, and any organization where abuse is masquerading as initiation.

To other victims of hazing members in Gwinnett County or families whose children attend colleges throughout Georgia, if you are reading this, know we are fighting for you. We know there are others who endured similar abuse within Pi Kappa Phi or other organizations. Your silence protects your abusers. Your voice can change everything.

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena.

Call us today. Let us bring them ALL to justice.

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

Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers. Shutting Down Legal Emergencies. Nationwide.