If you’re reading this in Jackson County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college, expecting to find friendship and community. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening hazing. We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the feeling of helplessness. But know this: you are not alone. We are here to help families in Jackson County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively engaged in the fight against hazing right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major national fraternity and a prominent Texas university stemming from a severe hazing incident. This isn’t a theoretical fight for us; it’s a living, ongoing battle where we are aggressively seeking justice for a victim just like your child. We bring the same dedication, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability to every hazing case we handle, including those here in Jackson County.

The Haunting Reality: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez Could Happen to Your Child in Jackson County

The case that defines our commitment to hazing victims involves Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was a weeks-long nightmare of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This case, filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, represents everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

(News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case: ABC13 Houston, Click2Houston, Hoodline)

The tragic truth is that hazing incidents like what Leonel endured are not confined to Houston or to Texas. The same national fraternities and sororities, with their dangerous “traditions,” exist at universities your children might attend near Jackson County, Georgia. Whether your child is attending the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, or any of the vibrant colleges and universities that draw students from across Jackson County, the risks of hazing are real and present. The pattern of institutional failure that allowed hazing to thrive at the University of Houston is a pattern seen across campuses nationwide, including potentially those frequented by students from Jackson County.

The Hazing Timeline: A Descent into Torture

Leonel Bermudez was merely a “ghost rush,” a prospective member not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, the fraternity subjected him to unimaginable horrors:

Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning, a tactic recognized globally as torture.
Forced Consumption: He was made to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue running sprints while covered in his own vomit.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured brutal exercises such as over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was forced to recite fraternity creeds under the threat of immediate expulsion, pushed until his body broke down.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were stripped to their underwear in cold weather and subjected to constant threats.
Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

This relentless abuse culminated in his hospitalization on November 6, 2025. His mother rushed him to the emergency room when he began passing brown urine – a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, leading to acute kidney failure. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital, his young body reeling from the immense trauma. Even now, he faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, told 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.”

What Leonel experienced is not an isolated incident; it’s a terrifying symptom of a deeply entrenched culture. This is why we fight. This is why we are committed to holding every responsible party accountable, not just in Texas but for families in Jackson County too.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Jackson County

Hazing is often misunderstood by parents in Jackson County and across the nation. Many assume it involves harmless pranks or mild rites of passage. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others, is far more sinister. Hazing today is overt abuse, psychological torture, and life-threatening physical torment. It operates under a veil of secrecy, loyalty, and fear, often culminating in severe injury or death.

It is not “boys being boys.” It is not “building character.” It is not “tradition.”

It is assault. Battery. Torture. Reckless endangerment. And, tragically, sometimes it is manslaughter or murder.

The Disturbing Face of Modern Hazing:

Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond minor tussles. It includes brutal beatings, paddling with objects, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, and even sexual assault. The wooden paddles and forced physical exertion Leonel endured are stark examples.
Forced Consumption: A common denominator in many hazing tragedies involves forcing pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, food until vomiting, or even non-food items. These acts can lead to alcohol poisoning, aspiration, or severe internal damage, as seen in Leonel’s forced eating until he became violently ill.
Psychological Torment: Humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats are calculated to break down a victim’s spirit. The fanny pack with sexual objects, the hog-tying of another pledge, and the constant threats Leonel faced illustrate this chilling aspect. Students are deliberately placed in positions where they feel utterly powerless and controlled.
Simulated Drowning: As appalling as it sounds, waterboarding is a documented hazing tactic. Leonel’s experience of being sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning, is not only a form of torture but a shocking display of depravity that can have profound psychological and physical repercussions.
Exposure: Pledges are often forced to endure extreme cold or heat, sometimes stripped of clothing, for extended periods. This can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, and other life-threatening conditions.

The Devastating Medical Consequences:

The injuries inflicted by hazing are often severe and long-lasting. For Leonel, the immediate consequence was rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where severe muscle damage releases toxic substances into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to kidney failure. This requires immediate and intensive medical intervention and can result in permanent organ damage or even death. Other critical medical consequences include:

Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or violent shaking.
Internal Organ Damage: From physical assaults or forced consumption.
Broken Bones and Fractures: From falls or direct physical violence.
Sexual Trauma: The profound physical and psychological scars from sexual assault.
Long-Term Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that can derail a student’s life for years.

These are not isolated incidents. The National Hazing Prevention Week organization reports that over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and nearly 95% of those students do not report it. This silent epidemic means that countless students in Jackson County, Georgia, and beyond, are suffering in silence, fearing retaliation or simply believing this is a “normal” part of college life. We want parents in Jackson County to understand that these are not minor transgressions; they are criminal acts with potentially fatal outcomes.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable for Hazing in Jackson County

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, families in Jackson County deserve to know who is truly responsible. It’s rarely just a few “bad apples.” The legal strategy at Attorney911, refined through years of experience and currently demonstrated in our $10 million lawsuit, aims to hold every single entity that enabled or participated in the hazing accountable. This comprehensive approach is how we ensure maximum compensation and meaningful change.

The Defendants in Leonel Bermudez’s Case, and Who Your Jackson County Lawsuit Could Target:

The Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority:
- In Leonel’s Case: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.
- For Jackson County: The local chapter, often registered as a separate entity (e.g., a non-profit corporation or student organization), directly oversees and executes pledge activities. If hazing occurs, the chapter itself is a primary liable party.
Chapter Officers and Individual Members:
- In Leonel’s Case: The lawsuit names the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and 13 individual fraternity members, including current and former members.
- For Jackson County: We aggressively pursue individuals who actively participated in, directed, or allowed the hazing. This includes chapter leadership, such as the president, pledgemaster, and risk manager, as well as any members directly involved in the abuse. Stone Foltz’s case, for instance, resulted in a $6.5 million personal judgment against the chapter president. These individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s name; they bear personal responsibility for their actions.
Former Members and Their Spouses/Property Owners:
- In Leonel’s Case: A former member and his spouse are named as defendants because some of the most egregious hazing sessions occurred at their private residence.
- For Jackson County: Hazing often takes place off-campus, sometimes at alumni homes or other private residences. Property owners who allow or facilitate hazing on their premises can be held liable under premises liability laws. This demonstrates our commitment to following the chain of responsibility wherever it leads.
The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:
- In Leonel’s Case: The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a key defendant. They suspended and later dissolved the UH chapter almost immediately after Leonel’s severe injuries became known, proving they understood the gravity of the situation. The lawsuit alleges they failed to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowing about a “hazing crisis” nationally and locally.
- For Jackson County: National organizations have immense power over their local chapters, including setting policies, conducting training, and imposing discipline. When they fail to adequately supervise, intervene, or enforce their own anti-hazing policies, they are liable. These national bodies often hold substantial assets and comprehensive insurance policies, making them crucial targets for significant compensation. Our evidence links Pi Kappa Phi directly to the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey, showing a pattern of negligence spanning years.
The University or College:
- In Leonel’s Case: The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are major defendants. Critically, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This established undeniable premises liability. Furthermore, UH had a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017, meaning they had clear notice of hazing dangers on their campus but failed to prevent recurrence.
- For Jackson County: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide a safe learning environment. This extends to overseeing Greek life, inspecting fraternity houses (especially those they own or lease), and responding effectively to reports of misconduct. If a university demonstrates institutional negligence, deliberate indifference, or knowledge of hazing without taking adequate preventative action, they can be held liable. This is particularly true for universities near Jackson County, like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, which have significant Greek life presences.
Insurance Carriers:
- In Leonel’s Case: While not explicitly named as public defendants, the national organization’s liability insurance and the university’s institutional insurance are the “deep pockets” from which multi-million dollar settlements are paid.
- For Jackson County: These cases frequently tap into comprehensive general liability policies held by national fraternities, universities, housing corporations, and even homeowners’ policies of individual defendants. Our background, with both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña being former insurance defense attorneys, gives us an unparalleled advantage in navigating these complex policies and maximizing the recovery for families in Jackson County. We know their playbook because we helped write it.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle for Jackson County Families:

We understand that suing a group of college students might not seem financially viable. The true aim of hazing litigation is to compel large, well-funded institutions and their insurers – the “deep pockets” – to take accountability. This isn’t about ruining individual students’ lives financially; it’s about forcing structural change and securing comprehensive compensation for victims. By naming every entity with a degree of responsibility, we maximize the chances of securing the multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts that force real policy shifts and prevent future tragedies for students from Jackson County.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Proof That Jackson County Hazing Victims CAN Win Big

Parents in Jackson County often ask if pursuing legal action against powerful universities and national fraternities is truly worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. The legal landscape has seen an increasing number of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for hazing victims, sending a clear message: hazing will no longer be tolerated without severe financial consequences. These landmark cases prove that justice is achievable and demonstrate exactly what sort of aggressive, data-driven litigation Attorney911 brings to every case, including yours in Jackson County.

These families turned tragedy into legislative change. We will do the same.

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

Total: $10.1 Million+

What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to consume an entire handle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual. He was left alone, found unresponsive, and died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
The Outcome: The university and the fraternity settled for over $10.1 million, making it the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Beyond the financial settlement, the chapter was permanently expelled, multiple fraternity members faced criminal convictions, and the tragedy spurred the passage of “Collin’s Law,” strengthening Ohio’s anti-hazing laws. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability.
Relevance for Jackson County: The $10 million demand in our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit is directly in line with this precedent. It demonstrates that universities and national fraternities are willing to pay massive sums to resolve hazing lawsuits. The ability to hold individual members personally liable, as seen with Dunson, is a critical component of our strategy, showing that those directly involved cannot escape accountability.

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

Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495, more than six times the legal limit) after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to chug alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly.
The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million in damages. The incident also led to criminal convictions, including two fraternity members serving prison time for negligent homicide. Louisiana subsequently passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony offense.
Relevance for Jackson County: This case proves that juries are utterly outraged by hazing and are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts. It underscores the potential for both civil and criminal consequences, a reality that should resonate for universities and fraternal organizations near Jackson County.

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

Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)

What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State, participated in a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs and sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911 despite his deteriorating condition. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire agonizing ordeal.
The Outcome: Faced with damning video evidence, Penn State University and Beta Theta Pi reached confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several serving jail time. Pennsylvania enacted the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” one of the toughest in the nation.
Relevance for Jackson County: The Piazza case is a stark reminder that clear, indisputable evidence of egregious hazing, particularly with institutional complicity, can lead to monumental financial accountability and sweeping legal reforms. It highlights the critical importance of preserving evidence, a key part of our guidance for Jackson County families.

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

The Same Fraternity as the Bermudez Case

What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge at Florida State, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” hazing event.
The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges, and the chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil wrongful death lawsuit was settled for a confidential amount.
Relevance for Jackson County: This is critical to our current case. Andrew Coffey’s death, at the hands of the same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) just eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, establishes a pattern of extreme negligence and a deeply entrenched culture of hazing within the national organization. It proves Pi Kappa Phi National knew about the deadly risks of their chapters, yet failed to prevent a similar tragedy in Houston. This pattern evidence is devastating for defendants and supports substantial punitive damages for families in Jackson County.

Jared Munoz – University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017)

The Same University as the Bermudez Case

What Happened: In 2017, Jared Munoz, a pledge at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, suffered a lacerated spleen after a hazing incident. This life-threatening internal injury required hospitalization.
The Outcome: Munoz filed a $1 million lawsuit. A Harris County grand jury even indicted the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization, though that criminal case was later dismissed on constitutional grounds.
Relevance for Jackson County: This case is critical for establishing the University of Houston’s institutional knowledge. UH knew about hazing dangers on its campus and had eight years between Munoz’s hospitalization and Bermudez’s severe injury to implement effective safeguards. Their failure to do so demonstrates institutional negligence and deliberate indifference, strengthening our case considerably. This is a pattern seen at many universities, including those near Jackson County.

Our Strategy: Leveraging Precedent for Jackson County Victims

These cases are not mere statistics; they are blueprints for justice. They prove that:

Juries hate hazing: When confronted with the horrific realities of hazing, juries routinely award millions to victims and their families.
Universities and national fraternities will pay: These institutions have the “deep pockets” and insurance coverage to fund significant settlements and verdicts.
Such cases drive change: Multi-million dollar payouts and high-profile criminal cases force policy reforms and new legislation, saving future lives.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, combined with his grievous injuries (especially the waterboarding and kidney failure), is squarely aligned with these precedents, if not more egregious in its facts. We are confident we can achieve a similar, if not greater, outcome against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we stand ready to bring this same aggressive, evidence-backed strategy to families throughout Jackson County.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Jackson County

Navigating the legal aftermath of a hazing incident can feel overwhelming, especially for families in Jackson County who may be far from where the incident occurred. While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles and strategies we employ are applicable nationwide. Understanding the legal framework, particularly Texas’s robust anti-hazing laws, provides a strong foundation for taking action, and similar protections exist in most states.

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes, enshrined in the Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157). These laws are designed to protect students and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):

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

Involves physical brutality: Such as striking, beating, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body – Leonel’s paddling directly falls under this.
Involves an unreasonable risk of harm: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics leading to harm – Leonel’s waterboarding, forced exercise, and exposure to cold are clear examples.
Involves forced consumption: Covering food, liquids, or alcohol that creates an unreasonable risk or adversely affects health – Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting falls here.
Requires violation of the Penal Code: Any activity that forces a student into criminal acts.
Involves coerced consumption of drugs or alcohol: In amounts leading to intoxication.

Leonel Bermudez’s experience directly satisfies multiple elements of this statutory definition, highlighting the severity and illegality of the actions taken against him. For families in Jackson County, Georgia, your state likely has similar, if not identical, definitions to protect students.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

Texas law imposes severe criminal penalties for hazing:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or failing to report it with firsthand knowledge.
Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury. Considering Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, this level of charge directly applies to his perpetrators.
State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death.

The University of Houston spokesperson explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in relation to Leonel’s case, underscoring the severity of the alleged actions. This means that hazing perpetrators face not only civil lawsuits but potentially prison time.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

Organizations that condone, encourage, or have officers/members who commit hazing can face significant penalties, including:

Fines up to $10,000.
Denial of permission to operate on campus.
Forfeiture of property.

This directly applies to the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization, both named in our lawsuit.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): THE CRITICAL LEGAL SHIELD

This is arguably the most powerful provision in Texas anti-hazing 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.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to it,” or “He could have left.” Texas law explicitly states that a student cannot legally consent to being hazed. This legislative foresight is crucial in hazing litigation, as it effectively removes a significant hurdle for victims pursuing justice for hazing in Jackson County. Even if your child “participated,” the law protects them.

Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):

Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. This is another layer of institutional accountability, ensuring that universities cannot simply cover up incidents.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the perpetration of hazing, civil lawsuits allow victims in Jackson County to recover comprehensive financial compensation for their suffering. We pursue various civil theories of liability, depending on the specifics of the case:

Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their hazing activities or negligence, and this breach directly caused the injuries and damages. This applies across all states, including Georgia.
Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the fraternity, national organization, or university (as in Leonel’s case where UH owned the house), we can argue that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or universities fail to properly oversee Greek life programs, leading to foreseeable harm.
Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harm a pledge can be sued directly for intentional torts like assault and battery, ensuring personal accountability.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For highly egregious conduct that causes severe emotional trauma, such as the waterboarding and humiliation Leonel endured, this claim can provide significant compensation.
Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their immense losses, including loss of companionship, future earnings, and funeral expenses.

For families in Jackson County contemplating legal action, it is vital to know that these civil remedies exist regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Our firm, with its federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), has the depth of legal knowledge to apply these principles effectively, no matter where the hazing incident occurred in the United States. We bring our expertise to bear for you, from Jackson County to any campus nationwide.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Jackson County Hazing Victims

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions you will make. This is not just any personal injury case. It requires attorneys who are not only battle-tested litigators but also possess an intimate understanding of the unique complexities of hazing culture, university politics, and the multi-layered corporate structures of national Greek organizations. For families in Jackson County, Attorney911 offers unparalleled expertise, aggressive advocacy, and a proven track record against the exact entities you will face.

Our Firm is Fighting This Battle Right Now: The Bermudez Case

We aren’t theoretical; we are actively in the trenches. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live demonstration of our capabilities. When we tell you we know how these cases unfold, it’s because we are living it daily in Harris County Civil District Court. This isn’t just a case study for us; it’s our client’s life, and our firm’s mission. For Jackson County families, this means:

Real-time expertise: We are constantly refining tactics and strategies against national fraternities and universities.
Immediate credibility: Defendants know we are serious, aggressive, and not afraid to go to trial.
Proven commitment: This is not a side project; hazing litigation is a cornerstone of our practice.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, the lead attorneys at our firm, began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage we leverage for every client, including those in Jackson County.

We know their playbook: Having worked on the “other side,” we understand how insurance defense attorneys and university legal teams evaluate claims, strategize negotiations, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and use their own tactics against them.
Higher claim leverage: Insurance companies often take cases more seriously and offer higher settlements when they know they’re facing attorneys who understand their internal mechanisms. Lupe Peña, having worked for a national defense firm like Litchfield Cavo LLP, brings invaluable insight into how these large entities operate across diverse practice areas, knowledge directly applicable to complex hazing cases.

(Learn more about Lupe Peña’s background: Lupe Peña’s Profile)

Battle-Tested Against Corporate Giants: Experience That Translates to Your Case

Ralph Manginello’s career, spanning over 25 years, includes his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation following the BP Texas City Explosion in 2005. This experience, fighting against one of the largest corporations in the world responsible for one of the deadliest industrial accidents in US history, demonstrates our capacity to:

Take on massive institutional defendants: Universities and national fraternities are formidable, but we have a proven record against even larger entities.
Handle complex, high-stakes litigation: Hazing cases involve multiple defendants, intricate chains of command, and significant damages, which demand sophisticated legal prowess.

(Discover more about Ralph Manginello’s experience: Ralph Manginello’s Profile)

Nationwide Reach with Local Jackson County Dedication

While our core offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims extends nationwide, including Jackson County, Georgia. Hazing is a national problem, and we bring a national solution.

Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, means we can pursue complex cases in federal jurisdiction, which can be crucial when dealing with national organizations.
Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph’s licensure in both Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities often headquartered or significantly present in multiple states.
Willingness to Travel: We will travel to Jackson County for depositions, critical meetings, and trials whenever the case demands it. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Remote Consultations: For Jackson County families, our technology allows for seamless video consultations, ensuring you can connect with us quickly and conveniently.

We Speak Your Language: Se Habla Español

Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña, who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that language is never a barrier to justice. We are dedicated to serving Spanish-speaking families in Jackson County, providing comprehensive legal services from initial consultation to courtroom representation in their native language. This cultural sensitivity is paramount in ensuring all victims feel heard and understood.

Our Data-Driven Hazing Intelligence Engine: We Know Who They Are

We don’t guess who might be responsible for hazing; we know. Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas. This includes:

Over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations with their EINs (Employer Identification Numbers), legal names, and mailing addresses. This data allows us to identify the exact corporate entities behind the Greek letters. For example, Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas) is the same entity we sued, allowing us to connect the local chapter to its corporate structure immediately.
96 Texas campuses tracked: We have a clear understanding of university locations and their Greek life presence throughout our home state, guiding our understanding of national patterns.
1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas: For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area, our home base, has 188 Greek organizations under our radar. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro leads with 510. This scale of data enables us to track national brands across various local entities, from undergraduate chapters to alumni groups and housing corporations.

This intelligence network means that when hazing happens, we already know precisely who to target. We quickly identify every corporate entity and individual associated with the fraternity or university, ensuring no one escapes accountability. This proactive, data-informed approach is what sets us apart and positions families in Jackson County for success.

Contingency Fees: Access to Justice Without Upfront Costs

We understand that pursuing a major lawsuit against powerful institutions can seem financially daunting, especially for families already burdened by medical costs and emotional distress. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

You pay $0 upfront: There are no hourly fees, retainers, or hidden costs.
We don’t get paid unless you win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you, whether through settlement or trial. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Aligning our interests: This model ensures our goals are perfectly aligned with yours: to achieve the maximum possible compensation for your family.

This commitment to contingency fee representation ensures that every family in Jackson County, regardless of their financial situation, has access to expert legal counsel against even the most powerful defendants.

A Firm That Cares: You Are Family Here

Beyond our legal credentials, we are fundamentally driven by compassion. Ralph is a father of three; he knows firsthand the protective instinct parents feel. When your child is harmed, it affects every aspect of your family’s life. We treat every client like family, offering direct communication, unwavering support, and a genuine commitment to your well-being. Our 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews, filled with testimonials like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” speaks to our client-centered approach.

When you choose Attorney911 for your hazing case in Jackson County, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining an entire team dedicated to fighting for your child’s future, holding wrongdoers accountable, and ensuring justice is served. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ and we will work tirelessly to shut down your hazing emergency.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Jackson County Hazing Victims and Families

If you or your child has been subjected to hazing in Jackson County or anywhere else, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic and confusing. Fear, shame, and loyalty often prevent victims from speaking out, allowing perpetrators to continue their abuse and institutions to avoid accountability. But acting quickly and strategically is paramount to protecting your legal rights and securing justice. Here are essential steps for families in Jackson County to take right now:

STEP 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute first priority.

Get Out of the Situation: Remove your child from any ongoing hazing activities or environments where they feel unsafe.
Seek Medical Care: If there are any physical injuries, signs of illness (like Leonel’s brown urine or extreme soreness), or concerns about alcohol poisoning or drug use, go to the emergency room or a doctor immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, have delayed symptoms. Explain fully that the injuries were a result of hazing. Our attorneys can connect you with medical professionals who have experience with such cases, even for families in Jackson County.
Document Everything Medically: Ensure all symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and the cause of injuries (hazing) are thoroughly documented in medical records. Keep copies of all hospital discharge papers, doctor’s notes, and bills.

STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence – The Bedrock of Your Case

Hazing cases often rely heavily on digital and anecdotal evidence. Time is of the essence, as evidence can be easily deleted or lost.

Photograph and Video Record:
- Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as soon as possible, and continue to document them as they heal. This provides powerful visual proof for families in Jackson County.
- Environment (if safe): If possible and safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred. This could include fraternity houses, off-campus residences, or specific areas where activities took place near Jackson County.
- Evidence of Activities: Are there any items used in the hazing? Alcohol bottles, items of humiliation, specific clothing? Photograph these.
Save All Communications:
- Text Messages: Crucial for showing coordination of hazing, threats, demands, and reactions. Screenshots are vital.
- GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, TikTok, Facebook Messenger: Save all group chats, direct messages, and posts. Hazing often lives on these platforms. Do not delete ANYTHING.
- Emails: Preserve any emails from fraternity members, university officials, or witnesses.
Identify Witnesses: Note down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges who experienced it, or anyone who might have knowledge of the events. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Obtain Documents: Secure copies of any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications about pledge activities provided by the organization.
Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missing work, and any tuition or fees for academic periods disrupted by the hazing.

(Watch our video on evidence: “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs)

STEP 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

In the chaotic aftermath, certain actions can inadvertently jeopardize your legal claim.

DO NOT Delete Anything: Do not delete text messages, social media posts, photos, or any other digital evidence, even if you think it’s irrelevant. Deleting evidence can lead to severe legal penalties.
DO NOT Communicate with Defendants: Do not talk to fraternity members, chapter leaders, national organization representatives, or university administrators (including Greek life advisors or Title IX coordinators) without first consulting with an attorney. They are typically gathering information to protect their institution, not to help your child.
DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: You are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement to anyone without legal counsel.
DO NOT Sign Any Documents: Never sign any waivers, releases, or forms provided by the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer’s review.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident online, expressing anger, or engaging in any activity that could be misconstrued by defense attorneys. Anything you post can and will be used against you. Defense teams routinely scour social media for information.

(Learn about client mistakes that ruin cases: “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY)

STEP 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

The most crucial step you can take is to seek legal counsel from attorneys who specialize in hazing cases.

Statute of Limitations: Most states, including Georgia, have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (and wrongful death claims). This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit from the date of the injury or death. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever. While 2 years may seem like a long time, building a complex hazing case takes extensive investigation and preparation.
Expert Guidance: A specialized hazing attorney understands the unique legal landscape, the nuances of university and Greek organization contracts, and how to effectively navigate Title IX implications. They also know how to fight against the coordinated defense efforts of major institutions.
Preservation Letters: An attorney will immediately send preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally compelling them to retain all relevant evidence, preventing its destruction.
Level the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have vast legal resources. You need an equally powerful advocate on your side.

(Understand statutes of limitations: “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c)

Jackson County Families: Don’t Wait. Your Child Deserves Justice.

Delay can severely compromise your ability to seek justice. Evidence vanishes, witnesses’ memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. If your child has been subjected to hazing, whether at a university near Jackson County or anywhere across the nation, we urge you to reach out to us without delay. Our experienced team stands ready to listen, advise, and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation.

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

If your child in Jackson County has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. We understand the pain, the anger, and the fear you are experiencing. But you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney911 is here to provide immediate, aggressive, and expert legal help. We are actively fighting this battle right now, and we will bring the same relentless pursuit of accountability to your child’s case, whether the hazing occurred in Athens, Atlanta, or any campus across the nation.

Jackson County Families: Call Your Legal Emergency Hotline NOW.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline connects you directly to our team, available 24/7. Don’t let precious time slip away – evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines can pass. Our consultation is absolutely free and confidential, giving you a safe space to discuss what happened without any financial obligation.

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

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

Immediate Response: Your call or email will be answered by a compassionate member of our team who understands the urgency and sensitivity of hazing cases.
Free, Confidential Consultation: We will listen attentively to your story, gather initial details, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options. This is your chance to ask questions and understand the path forward without any cost.
No Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case and secure compensation for you. This ensures that every family in Jackson County, regardless of financial means, has access to top-tier legal representation.
Nationwide Reach: While our firm is headquartered in Houston, our expertise in hazing litigation extends far beyond Texas. We represent victims across the country, leveraging our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and a commitment to travel wherever your case demands. For families in Jackson County, we offer convenient video consultations and will travel to you for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

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

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. The lawsuit details how another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness, and others endured the same unspeakable abuse. If you were subjected to hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, or if you witnessed the abuse, please know that you also have rights. Your experience is crucial to holding everyone accountable.

As Lupe Peña 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.”

Call us, and let’s work together to bring them all to justice. Your bravery can save lives.

Join the Fight Against Hazing:

By choosing Attorney911, you’re not just pursuing personal justice; you’re joining a larger movement to end hazing. Every successful lawsuit, every multi-million dollar verdict, sends a powerful message to fraternities, sororities, and universities: The era of impunity for hazing is over.

We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña – Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We are here for Jackson County families, ready to fight for your child with the same aggression, expertise, and dedication that we bring to every hazing case.

Don’t wait. Call us today. Let’s start building your case for justice.

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