If you’re reading this in Heard County, Georgia, your family may be navigating one of the most terrifying moments of your lives. A child you love, who you sent off to college with hopes and dreams, was supposed to be making new friends and building a future. Instead, they’ve been subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-altering harm in the name of “tradition.” The reality of hazing in America is far removed from college pranks. It is a crisis, a systematic pattern of abuse that can lead to severe injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: we are here to help Heard County families fight back.
We are Attorney911, and our mission is simple: to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help when legal emergencies strike. While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, representing hazing victims like your child in Heard County and across America. We have dedicated our practice to ensuring that institutions, national organizations, and individuals who perpetuate the dangerous culture of hazing are held fully accountable.
A Landmark Case: Our Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
This isn’t theory. We are actively fighting this battle right now in Harris County Civil District Court, taking on a powerful national fraternity and a major university in a $10 million lawsuit. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in November 2025, perfectly encapsulates everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and an unwavering pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. What happened in Houston could happen to any student anywhere, including those from Heard County attending colleges across Georgia or the nation.
Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a bright young man eager to transfer to the University of Houston in the spring semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an unthinkable seven weeks of systematic torture and abuse, culminating in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, his young body breaking down from the sheer brutality of “brotherhood.”
We detailed this case in a lawsuit naming multiple defendants: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (both the local Beta Nu Chapter and the National Headquarters), their Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence. This is what data-driven litigation looks like: we identify every single entity responsible, and we hold them all accountable.
News outlets across Houston, including ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, extensively covered our filing. KHOU 11 was the first to report that Leonel Bermudez was named as the plaintiff and detailed the involvement of a “University-owned fraternity house” where some of the hazing occurred. Houston Public Media explicitly called the waterboarding a “form of torture,” echoing the severity of the allegations in our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi.
Our co-counsel, Ralph Manginello, conveyed the heartbreaking aftermath 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.” Lupe Pena, also our co-counsel, underscored the firm’s driving motivation: “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 national Pi Kappa Phi organization issued a statement on their website on November 21, 2025, confirming the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025 – seven days before our lawsuit was even filed. They admitted to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This pre-emptive closure, before the lawsuit was public, speaks volumes. It shows they knew what was coming, an admission of wrongdoing that our legal team will leverage to seek full justice for Leonel. Disturbingly, they also expressed looking “forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a stark indication of their lack of genuine remorse.
This case is not just about Leonel. It’s a message to every fraternity, every sorority, every university, and every institution nationwide: if you allow the torture of our children, we will find you, we will expose you, and we will make you pay. The fight for Leonel Bermudez in Houston is the same fight we are prepared to bring to Heard County, Georgia, and beyond, for any family facing this nightmare.
What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Pranks
If you’re a parent in Heard County, you might picture hazing as innocent pranks or silly initiations from old movies. The reality today, as tragically exemplified in Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing is organized abuse, psychological manipulation, and often, life-threatening physical torture. It is designed to break a person down, steal their dignity, and force submission, all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “tradition.”
Hazing Activities Exposed in the Bermudez Lawsuit and Other Incidents:
1. Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel Bermudez was subjected to what national news outlets described as “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose during grueling calisthenics. This is torture. It is considered a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. That these tactics are used on college students hoping to join a social organization is a barbaric outrage.
2. Forced Consumption to the Point of Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even after vomiting, he was further forced to continue running sprints in his own vomit-soaked grass, exercising past the point of physical and mental breakdown. This is not a game; it’s a calculated act of humiliation and degradation with severe health risks.
3. Extreme Physical Punishment: The lawsuit details extensive physical abuse, including:
* 100+ pushups and 500 squats: Performed continuously under threat of expulsion.
* High-volume “suicides”: Intense running drills executed repeatedly.
* Bear crawls and wheelbarrows: Physically demanding exercises designed to induce exhaustion.
* “Save-you-brother” drills and two-mile warmups
* Repeated 100-yard crawls: Prolonged, exhausting physical demands.
* Being struck with wooden paddles: Direct physical assault.
* A pledge losing consciousness during these workouts on October 15, yet the hazing continued. Leonel himself became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
4. Psychological Torture and Humiliation:
* Forced stripping to underwear in cold weather.
* Carrying a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times, a constant source of humiliation.
* Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
* Constant threats of physical punishment and immediate expulsion for non-compliance, creating an environment of fear and control.
5. Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and ensuring constant exhaustion. This profound fatigue directly contributed to the physical breakdown that led to Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis.
The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis
Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are direct consequences of these brutal hazing activities. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm and severely damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and even death. The appearance of “brown urine” in Leonel was a classic, alarming sign of this condition. Our prior experience with rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as those Ralph Manginello has handled, gives us critical insight into the complex medical and legal aspects of these injuries. Leonel faced not only immediate life-threatening illness but also the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
The Broader Hazing Crisis: It Happens Everywhere, Including Heard County Associated Campuses
Hazing is not limited to specific regions or universities. It is a national cancer, infecting fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and various student organizations on campuses where Heard County students may choose to attend. Consider institutions like the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Point University in West Point, or the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, and even larger state universities like the University of Georgia in Athens or Georgia Tech in Atlanta – national Greek organizations with a history of hazing incidents operate chapters at these schools, posing risks to students from Heard County. Even if your child attends a smaller college or local community college, the danger remains.
- 55% of students involved in Greek life experience hazing.
- A hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S. since 2000.
- 95% of hazing victims never report it due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.
This problem is deeply ingrained, and our firm is dedicated to dismantling it wherever it occurs. We know that institutions and national organizations often downplay incidents, claiming they are isolated or the work of a few rogue individuals. Our approach, rooted in uncovering patterns of negligence and systemic failures, directly counters these evasions.
Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Defendant Accountable
When hazing injures or kills a student from Heard County, many entities can and should be held responsible. Our experience shows that deep pockets exist beyond the individual students who commit the acts. We pursue accountability from all angles:
- The Local Chapter: The fraternity chapter itself directly organized and executed the hazing. Their officers, like the president and pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility for directing or condoning the abuse.
- Individual Members: Every person who directly participated in the hazing, or stood by and allowed it to happen without intervention, can be held personally liable. This includes the students involved and even, as in our Bermudez case, former members and their spouses who provided a venue for the hazing to occur.
- The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, are not merely symbolic umbrella groups. They issue charters, set policies, provide training, and are supposed to oversee their local chapters. When a pattern of hazing exists—especially when, as with Pi Kappa Phi, a previous hazing death (Andrew Coffey in 2017) occurred under their watch—the national organization is liable for failing in its duty to prevent harm. They have millions in assets and insurance, and we will aggressively pursue those resources.
- The University or College: Educational institutions bear a fundamental responsibility for student safety. When universities, near Heard County or anywhere, fail to adequately supervise Greek life, ignore warning signs, or inadequately enforce anti-hazing policies, they are liable. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place, making their premises liability undeniable. Universities have deep pockets through endowments and insurance, and they must be held accountable for institutional negligence.
- Housing Corporations: These entities often own and manage fraternity properties. As property owners, they have a duty to ensure safety and prevent illegal activities on their premises.
- Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often individuals, there are insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, allowing us to expertly navigate their defenses and maximize our clients’ recovery.
This is not a theoretical exercise for us. We are currently demonstrating this strategy in real-time in the Bermudez case. This comprehensive approach is how we ensure maximum pressure, maximum accountability, and maximum compensation for Heard County hazing victims.
What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof
For Heard County families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, it’s natural to wonder if fighting back is truly possible against such powerful defendants. Our answer is an unequivocal yes. Families across the nation have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases, proving that aggressive legal action can provide significant compensation and drive crucial change. These are not isolated incidents; they are precedents that build a powerful case for every new victim.
Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is well within the range of what we and our clients expect in these egregious cases. Here’s what similar cases have won:
The Stone Foltz Case ($10.1 Million+) – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. The total recovery for his family exceeded $10.1 million, including significant settlements from both Bowling Green State University ($2.9 million) and the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization along with individual members ($7.2 million). This case clearly demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities face substantial financial consequences when hazing results in tragedy. It also shows that our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, who suffered severe, life-threatening injuries but fortunately survived, is justified and consistent with national precedent.
In a landmark development in December 2024, a jury further ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally to the Foltz family. This emphasizes that individual members driving hazing policies cannot hide behind their organization’s corporate veil; they too will face immense personal liability.
The Maxwell Gruver Case ($6.1 Million Jury Verdict) – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive amounts for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, sending a clear message that juries will not tolerate such reckless behavior. This powerful verdict also led to the passage of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, elevating hazing to a felony.
The Timothy Piazza Case ($110 Million+ in Settlements) – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Timothy Piazza, a Penn State pledge, died after falling repeatedly down a flight of stairs, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, all while members of Beta Theta Pi waited 12 hours to call for help. The hazing involved a brutal drinking ritual. This case resulted in criminal charges against 18 fraternity members and multiple convictions, including involuntary manslaughter. Though the civil settlements were confidential, they are widely estimated to exceed $110 million. The horrific details, captured on security cameras, ignited national outrage and led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscores that strong evidence of egregious conduct can drive massive settlements.
The Andrew Coffey Case (Confidential Settlement) – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. This case is particularly significant because it involved the very same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that our firm is suing in the Bermudez case. This tragic death resulted in criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. The confidential settlement, undoubtedly substantial, serves as a crucial piece of pattern evidence, demonstrating that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters years before Leonel Bermudez was brutalized.
These are just a few examples. Many other multi-million dollar payouts have been secured, including significant awards for traumatic brain injuries and other severe, non-fatal harm. These cases collectively prove that when Heard County families are forced to confront the trauma of hazing, aggressive legal representation can achieve monumental results, not only securing justice for victims but also compelling systemic change.
Texas Law Protects You: Heard County Victims Have Rights
For families in Heard County worried about legal complexities, know this: current law, bolstered by powerful precedents and recent legislation, stands firmly with hazing victims. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of negligence, institutional liability, and victim protection extend far beyond state lines, allowing us to represent hazing victims from Heard County in courts across the country.
Texas Hazing Laws: Education Code Sections 37.151-37.157
Texas has some of the most robust anti-hazing laws in the nation, providing a clear legal framework that strengthens our clients’ ability to seek justice. Heard County families should understand these critical protections:
- Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law 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 initiation or membership purposes. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, excessive calisthenics (like the 500 squats Leonel was forced to do), forced consumption of substances (such as the milk and peppercorns in Leonel’s case), and any activity that violates the Penal Code. The actions inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez fall squarely within multiple categories of this definition.
- Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas. Engaging in hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to a year in jail, $4,000 fine). If hazing causes death, it becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would undoubtedly qualify as “serious bodily injury,” meaning those who hazed him could face criminal charges. The University of Houston spokesperson herself mentioned “potential criminal charges” in connection with his case.
- Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can be prosecuted. If an organization condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers or members commit hazing, the organization can be fined up to $10,000, and even denied the right to operate on campus. This provision is vital for holding fraternities, sororities, and their national bodies directly accountable.
- Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial element in hazing litigation. Often, defendants attempt to shift blame by claiming the victim “consented” to the activities. Texas law explicitly and unequivocally rejects this defense: “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.” The Texas legislature understood that true consent is impossible under conditions of duress, peer pressure, and the power imbalances inherent in hazing. This powerful statute allows us to cut through one of the most common and manipulative defenses.
- University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas law mandates that university administrators must report hazing incidents. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is key for uncovering institutional cover-ups and holding administrators accountable for suppressing information.
Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution
Beyond criminal charges, Heard County victims and their families can pursue extensive civil claims against all responsible parties:
- Negligence: This is the bedrock of most personal injury claims. We argue that universities, fraternities, and individuals breached their duty to protect students from harm, and this breach directly caused the injuries.
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity housing corporation, those entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This is a powerful component of our case against the University of Houston, which owned the Pi Kappa Phi house.
- Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to adequately supervise local chapters and student groups. When they fail, despite knowing the risks, they are negligent.
- Assault and Battery: The physical violence and unwanted contact involved in hazing (e.g., paddling, forced dousing, hog-tying) constitute assault and battery, for which individual perpetrators and organizations can be held liable.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, especially acts like waterboarding and severe humiliation, often causes profound psychological harm, leading to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, families can file wrongful death claims to recover damages for loss of companionship, future earnings, and other profound losses.
These legal principles are not unique to Texas. Most states have similar anti-hazing statutes and civil liability theories. Our firm has dual bar admissions in Texas and New York, and we are admitted to federal courts, giving us a strategic advantage in litigating against national organizations wherever they operate or wherever the hazing incident occurred.
Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Heard County
When your Heard County family is facing the unimaginable trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only highly skilled but fiercely committed. At Attorney911, we are not just lawyers; we are relentless advocates, and we approach every hazing case with the same aggressive, data-driven strategy we are deploying in the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. Here’s why families from Heard County should choose us:
- Unmatched Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience. He has gone head-to-head with massive corporations in complex, high-stakes litigation, including the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion mass tort case. This experience against formidable defendants is directly applicable to taking on national fraternities and universities. His admission to the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas means we have the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal court, essential for national scope.
- Insider Knowledge of the Defense: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena share a critical strategic advantage: they are former insurance defense attorneys. Lupe Pena, in particular, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means they know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities think, strategize, and try to deny or minimize claims. They’ve seen the playbook from the inside and now use that invaluable knowledge to dismantle defense strategies and maximize recovery for our clients. For Heard County families, this means we anticipate and counter every move the opposition makes, ensuring you are never outmaneuvered.
- Specific Hazing Expertise: This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently actively litigating a $10 million hazing case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We have direct, recent experience with fraternity litigation, understanding the nuances of these cases, from medical evidence like rhabdomyolysis to the psychological impact of torture. Ralph’s journalism background also means we are uniquely skilled at investigating, uncovering facts, and compellingly telling your child’s story to a jury – crucial when institutions try to hide the truth.
- National Reach, Local Service: While our physical offices are in Texas, our commitment to hazing victims knows no geographical bounds. We serve Heard County and nationwide through our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York, strategic for national fraternity litigation), and a genuine willingness to travel wherever justice demands it. We offer remote consultations via video, making it easy for Heard County families to connect with us from the comfort of their homes. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
- Child-Focused, Family-First Approach: Ralph Manginello is a father of three and a youth coach. Lupe Pena is also a family man and a third-generation Texan who understands the fabric of community life. We understand, on a deeply personal level, what is at stake when a child is harmed by hazing. We treat every Heard County family with the compassion and respect they deserve, battling for your child as fiercely as we would for our own.
- Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost: We understand that finances can be a significant concern, especially when dealing with medical bills and the emotional toll of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means Heard County families pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all litigation costs and only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing you to take on powerful institutions without financial burden.
- Unwavering Aggression and Relentlessness: Our firm’s motto, “Legal Emergency Lawyers™,” reflects our approach: we move first, fast, and decisively. When a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Heard County hazing victims, we take it to court. Our philosophy, embodied by Lupe Pena’s “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” mantra, ensures that we never back down from the other side, relentlessly pursuing every avenue for our clients’ recovery.
- Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Heard County affected by hazing have full access to our legal services without language barriers. We believe language should never be an impediment to justice.
- Social Proof and Media Authority: Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business with over 250 reviews speaks to our consistent client satisfaction. Beyond testimonials, our active litigation, particularly the Bermudez case, is regularly featured in major media, demonstrating our credibility and impact.
For Heard County families, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a team that merges legal expertise with a profound personal commitment, ready to turn your family’s pain into powerful, meaningful action.
What To Do Right Now: Your Urgent Steps for Justice
When hazing strikes a student from Heard County, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the shock and emotional toll can be overwhelming, acting quickly and strategically can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. Here are the immediate steps you should take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if Injuries Seem Minor: This is paramount. If your child has been physically harmed, get them to an emergency room or doctor immediately. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (as Leonel Bermudez suffered) can have delayed, life-threatening symptoms. Tell medical staff exactly what happened, describing the hazing activities in detail. Medical records are foundational evidence for any legal claim. Do not delay; the defense will use any gap in treatment to argue that injuries were not severe or not caused by hazing.
- Preserve Absolutely Everything — Evidence is Power:
- Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), and therapy records.
- Photos and Videos: Take clear, dated photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and during the healing process. If your child has photos or videos of hazing activities, preserve them immediately.
- Communications: This is critical. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes conversations from other members, to other members, and internal group chats. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or incriminating. Deleting evidence can severely harm your case.
- Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the fraternity, university, or other organization.
- Witness Information: Gather names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or knows about it—other pledges, friends, or even bystanders.
- Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel expenses to appointments, and any lost wages or tuition fees due to the hazing.
- Do NOT Communicate with the Organization, University, or Their Lawyers: Once hazing is reported, the fraternity (local or national) and the university will activate their crisis management teams. Their goal is to protect themselves, not your child.
- Do NOT give any statements (written or recorded) to fraternity leadership, university administrators, or their attorneys without consulting your own lawyer first.
- Do NOT sign any documents from the fraternity or university that might waive your child’s rights.
- Do NOT confront the individuals who hazed your child.
- Stay Off Social Media: Anything your child posts online, or anything friends post that includes your child, can be used by the defense to undermine their credibility or claim their injuries are not as severe as reported. Instruct your child to:
- Avoid posting about the incident.
- Avoid posting pictures of themselves at social events that could imply they are “fine” or “not suffering.”
- Do not delete any past posts (as this can be seen as destruction of evidence).
- Simply stay offline regarding the incident until advised by counsel.
- Contact Attorney911 Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Georgia, is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. This may sound like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and defendants strategize quickly. Our prompt filing of the Bermudez lawsuit after his hospitalization demonstrates the critical importance of immediate action.
For Heard County Families: Don’t let distance be a barrier. We operate nationwide and are here to help. We offer free, confidential consultations by phone or video, allowing us to connect with you quickly, evaluate your case, and begin building a strategy regardless of your location. We will also travel to Heard County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
The legal process can be daunting, but you do not have to face it alone. Your child suffered gross injustice. Let us be your champions.
Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here
If you’re a parent or a student in Heard County, Georgia, and hazing has touched your life, the time to act is now. You don’t have to face this trauma alone. We are ready to bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to your case that we are employing for Leonel Bermudez and so many other hazing victims nationwide.
Your family’s suffering is real, and the accountability of the perpetrators and institutions responsible is paramount.
Heard County Families: Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
This hotline is available 24/7. Don’t wait until business hours. Legal emergencies don’t keep a schedule, and neither do we.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We only get paid if and when we secure compensation for you.
We understand the financial burdens families face, especially after a traumatic incident. Our commitment is to eliminate that barrier so you can focus on your child’s recovery while we focus on fighting for their rights.
We Serve Heard County Hazing Victims — and Victims Nationwide
While our headquarters are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond. Hazing is a national scourge, and we are equipped to represent victims in Heard County, throughout Georgia, and across the United States.
- Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts gives us the power to litigate against national organizations in federal jurisdiction, regardless of where they or your child’s university are based.
- Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in Texas and New York, our attorneys are strategically positioned for litigation against national fraternities that often have headquarters or significant operations across different states.
- Remote Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing Heard County families to connect with our legal team without the need for immediate travel.
- Willingness to Travel: For critical depositions, client meetings, or trial, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Heard County to ensure seamless and effective representation. Distance will not compromise justice.
We represent victims of hazing in all forms and settings, not just fraternities and sororities. This includes sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations on university campuses throughout Georgia and beyond. If a culture of abuse masquerades as initiation, we are prepared to act.
To Other Victims of University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:
We know Leonel Bermudez was not an isolated case. Our lawsuit alleges a pattern of systematic abuse, and media reports confirm that another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts and yet others were hog-tied. If you or someone you know experienced hazing during the Fall 2025 pledge process for Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, you have rights.
As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your voice matters, and your experience can contribute to stopping this dangerous culture.
Call us. Let’s stand together and bring all those responsible to justice.
No matter the institution, no matter the location, no matter the depth of the betrayal, Attorney911 is here to fight for Heard County families. Your legal emergency is our call to action.