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Johnson County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

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

If you’re reading this in Johnson County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find community and friendship. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, trauma, and betrayal by those they thought they could trust. We understand what you’re going through, Johnson County. We’re here to help families in your area fight back against the insidious problem of hazing that continues to plague our universities and devastate our young people.

Hazing isn’t just a college prank; it’s a dangerous, often criminal, act of abuse that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars. We’re on the front lines of this battle, actively litigating hazing cases right now, and we’re committed to bringing that same aggressive, data-driven approach to families in Johnson County, Georgia. We know your child deserves justice, and we are ready to fight for it.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston, What Could Happen in Johnson County, Georgia

The horrific events that unfolded just weeks ago in Houston, Texas, serve as a stark warning to parents and students everywhere, including here in Johnson County, Georgia. On November 21, 2025, our firm, Attorney 911, filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities in the country, Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not some theoretical legal battle; this is a live, ongoing fight in the Harris County Civil District Court, and it represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

The victim in this case, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective student not even yet enrolled at the University of Houston, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student, demonstrating a shocking level of reckless disregard. What he endured during his pledge process was systematic torture. He was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was hog-tied. He was forced to eat until he vomited. He was subjected to psychological torment, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion so extreme that his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. Leonel spent four agonizing days in the hospital, battling severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The long-term impact on his health is still uncertain.

This is what hazing looks like today. It’s not a harmless rite of passage; it’s abuse that can destroy lives. And while this happened in Houston, the same national fraternities operate at colleges and universities throughout Georgia. The same dangerous “traditions” can surface at institutions near Johnson County, Georgia, and the same institutional negligence that allowed such atrocities in Houston exists on campuses across the country.

Within weeks of Leonel’s harrowing experience being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated, and our $10 million lawsuit names not only the university and the national fraternity but also the housing corporation and every individual responsible.

We want every parent in Johnson County, Georgia, to understand: This is what we do. We aggressively pursue accountability. We meticulously collect evidence. We leverage every legal avenue to ensure that those who inflict such trauma are held responsible, and that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Your children, whether they attend a major university like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, a regional institution like Georgia Southern or Augusta University, or any other institution across the state, deserve protection. If they are harmed, we are the firm that fights back.

The Media is Watching: Our Case in the Headlines

Our fight for Leonel Bermudez has already garnered significant attention from major news outlets, proving the gravity of these incidents and our firm’s commitment to bringing them to light. When you face a hazing emergency in Johnson County, you need a firm that media and major institutions recognize as a serious contender.

The national headquarters of Pi Kappa Phi themselves issued a statement on November 21, 2025, announcing the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter, confirming the severity of the violations. This immediate response, spurred by public exposure and our legal action, demonstrates the power of aggressive representation. We believe that by shedding light on these dark practices, we can create meaningful change and protect future students in Johnson County and beyond.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and Into the Trauma

When parents in Johnson County, Georgia, think of hazing, they might imagine traditional rituals or perhaps some crude pranks. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation designed to break down a pledge’s will. It’s not about building camaraderie; it’s about power, control, and inflicting trauma.

It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”

IT IS:

  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Torture
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Sometimes manslaughter
  • Sometimes murder

Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi details a litany of horrifying acts, many of which are common in hazing incidents across the country, including those that could happen in Georgia. The goal is often to induce fear, obedience, and perceived loyalty through extreme physical and psychological duress.

The Systematic Abuse Uncovered in Our Lawsuit:

  • Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning. This is a form of torture considered a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants. It was done to a college student trying to make friends.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns, often until they vomited. After vomiting, they were forced to continue running sprints in their own vomit-soaked grass, a deliberate act of humiliation and degradation.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment to the Point of Collapse: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He underwent two-mile warmups followed by repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were non-stop, often accompanied by threats of expulsion, and continued until he could not stand without assistance. Another pledge in the same fraternity lost consciousness and collapsed during these workouts just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization. Leonel himself was so exhausted he crawled up the stairs to his room after one session.
  • Paddling and Beatings: Our lawsuit alleges pledges were struck with wooden paddles, a classic yet brutal form of physical abuse.
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In another incident, a different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepared for a meeting. These acts are designed to humiliate, degrade, and instill fear.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive fraternity members during early morning hours left them in a constant state of exhaustion, impacting their physical and mental well-being.
  • Coercion and Control: An enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and threats of expulsion for non-compliance created an environment of total control where pledges had no agency.

These are not isolated incidents; they are tactics used by fraternities and other organizations nationwide, including those in Johnson County, Georgia, that foster a culture of abuse.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical consequences of such extreme hazing can be catastrophic. Leonel Bermudez’s diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney failure is a terrifying example of how dangerously far hazing can go.

What is Rhabdomyolysis? It’s a severe condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream. This includes a protein called myoglobin, which is highly toxic to the kidneys. If not treated quickly, it can cause devastating kidney damage, leading to acute kidney failure, and potentially permanent organ damage or death. Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital when he began passing brown urine—a classic and alarming sign of myoglobin in the urine (myoglobinuria), indicative of severe muscle breakdown. His creatine kinase levels, a marker of muscle damage, were dangerously high.

He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment to prevent permanent kidney damage. While he survived, the long-term implications of acute kidney failure are serious, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or a lifelong need for specialized medical care.

This is the SAME medical condition our firm has successfully litigated before. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, knowing precisely how to fight for victims enduring these devastating injuries.

The Hazing Crisis: Nationwide Statistics

The problem of hazing is pervasive and affects thousands of students every year.

  • 55% of students involved in fraternities and sororities experience hazing.
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
  • A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to the group.

Hazing is not confined to Greek organizations; it occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations across campuses, unfortunately including those in Georgia. The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Augusta University, Emory University, and many other institutions across the state host an array of student organizations where hazing can become a reality.

The problem isn’t “bad apples” as much as it is a systemic failure of institutions—both national organizations and universities—to adequately protect students. They often know hazing occurs but fail to act decisively until a student is severely injured or dies. Then, they issue statements, conduct “investigations,” and claim surprise, all while students’ lives are shattered. We work to break through that silence and bring accountability, especially in Johnson County, Georgia, where such incidents are just as possible as anywhere else.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable in Johnson County, Georgia

When hazing occurs, it’s never just one person or one group to blame. There is a complex web of responsibility, involving individual perpetrators, local chapters, national organizations, and the universities themselves. Our firm’s approach, demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is to identify and pursue every single liable party. We don’t just go after “the kid who did it”; we go after the “deep pockets” who allowed it to happen.

For families in Johnson County, Georgia, whose children have been victimized by hazing, understanding who can be held responsible is the first step toward justice.

The Defendants in Our $10 Million Lawsuit Include:

  • The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi at UH): This is where the hazing was directly organized and carried out. The chapter body bears responsibility for fostering the dangerous acts and culture.
  • Individual Chapter Officers: Specifically, we named the fraternity president and the pledgemaster as defendants. These individuals hold leadership positions and are directly responsible for the activities of the chapter, including planning and overseeing pledge events. Their failure to protect pledges and their active participation in or condonation of hazing makes them personally liable.
  • Individual Fraternity Members: All members who actively participated in the hazing activities, as well as those who witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene or report it, can be held individually responsible.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, some of the most egregious hazing sessions occurred at the private residence of a former member and his spouse. This expands liability to individuals who may no longer be active students but facilitate or permit hazing on their property, invoking premises liability. We will always pursue everyone who had a hand in the harm.
  • The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): This is a critical target. National fraternities provide charters to local chapters, set rules and policies, and are supposed to oversee their chapters. When they fail to do so, especially given a known history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s own tragic history with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), their liability is substantial. They supply the brand, the insurance, and often the legal framework that enables these local chapters to operate. They cannot escape responsibility by claiming ignorance.
  • The University (University of Houston and its Board of Regents): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the very fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This makes their liability undeniable on the grounds of premises liability. Beyond ownership, universities allow Greek organizations to operate, provide oversight (or fail to), and have the power to intervene when rules are broken. When they ignore warning signs, fail to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, or do not adequately supervise student organizations, they are complicit in the harm.
  • Insurance Carriers: While not direct perpetrators, the insurance companies of the national organization, the university, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s policies) are crucial “deep pockets.” They hold the financial resources to compensate victims, and we know exactly how to navigate their complex systems. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena understand the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims and how to effectively counteract them.

For Johnson County, Georgia, hazing victims, the principle remains the same. Whether it’s a chapter at the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, or any other institution, if they inflicted harm, we will identify all liable parties, from local members to national leadership and the university itself. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Johnson County, Georgia Victims

Parents in Johnson County, Georgia, might wonder if an individual or family can truly stand up to powerful national fraternities and multi-billion-dollar universities. The answer is an emphatic YES. History, and our current caseload, proves that hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, forcing institutions to finally address their dangerous cultures. These substantial awards are not just compensation; they are powerful deterrents that demand accountability and save lives.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it’s grounded in a clear pattern of multi-million dollar recoveries in hazing cases across the country. We don’t just talk about these cases; we use their strategies and outcomes to build our own.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements That Send a Message:

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+ Total Recovery
    Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. The outcome was a multi-faceted recovery, including a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and individuals, totaling over $10.1 million. In a powerful and more recent development, in December 2024, a jury personally ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million in damages for his role in Stone’s death.
    Relevance to Johnson County, Georgia: This case demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held liable, and individual officers can face massive personal judgments. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent, confirming that this level of compensation is not only possible but necessary.

  • Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
    Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink during a Phi Delta Theta hazing event called “Bible Study.” A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
    Relevance to Johnson County, Georgia: This jury verdict unequivocally proves that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, underscoring the severe consequences for negligent fraternities and universities.

  • Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated Total Settlements)
    Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The settlements reached in this case, though confidential, are estimated to exceed an astounding $110 million, marking one of the largest hazing-related recoveries in U.S. history. His death also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
    Relevance to Johnson County, Georgia: This monumental recovery shows the immense financial impact of hazing when evidence (like the security camera footage in Piazza’s case) is strong and justice is aggressively pursued. It also highlights the widespread societal demand for stricter anti-hazing laws.

  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case
    Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old from Pi Kappa Phi, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement was reached with his family, though the amount remains confidential.
    Relevance to Johnson County, Georgia: This case is a smoking gun for our current litigation. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing practices within its chapters as far back as 2017. They had eight years to address this systemic problem. The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter demonstrates a profound failure to act and establishes a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization. This foresight makes their current liability even more severe.

  • Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement
    Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old freshman, died after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU involving forced alcohol consumption. His family, who initially sought $28 million, recently reached a settlement exceeding $4 million in October 2024. This tragedy also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
    Relevance to Johnson County, Georgia: Another recent, significant recovery demonstrating the commitment to holding fraternities accountable and driving legislative change.

  • University of Texas at Austin / Sigma Chi (November 2025): Pending Lawsuit
    Tragically, another hazing death lawsuit was filed in Texas in November 2025, just weeks after our Bermudez case, against Sigma Chi at UT Austin, involving the death by suicide of an 18-year-old freshman after “horrific abuse.”
    Relevance to Johnson County, Georgia: This underscores the ongoing, deadly nature of the hazing crisis and the immediate need for aggressive legal action across our state and beyond.

These precedents underscore a critical message for fraternities and universities in Johnson County, Georgia: Hazing costs millions. We use this history of massive verdicts and settlements to demand justice for our clients. Whether your child attends a university in Metro Atlanta, down the coast, or in Johnson County’s own vicinity, if they are harmed by hazing, the same legal strategies that yielded these multi-million dollar outcomes apply directly to your case. We will fight for Johnson County, Georgia victims with the full force of these proven legal strategies.

Texas Law Protects You, Johnson County, Georgia

While our firm is based in Texas, the legal principles and anti-hazing statutes we leverage apply broadly, and our federal court authority means we can pursue justice for hazing victims anywhere, including Johnson County, Georgia. It’s crucial for families here to understand that the law is on their side, not the side of the perpetrators or the institutions that enable them.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, providing a strong legal framework that guides our pursuit of justice. The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, clearly defines hazing, outlines severe penalties, and, crucially, removes the common defense of “consent.”

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

  • Is physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, or the “placing of a harmful substance on the body.” (This directly covers the wooden paddles and waterboarding suffered by Leonel Bermudez.)
  • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or calisthenics: Any activity subjecting a student to “unreasonable risk of harm” or adversely affecting their “mental or physical health or safety.” (This covers Leonel’s forced exercise, sleep deprivation, and being sprayed with a hose in cold temperatures.)
  • Involves forced consumption: Whether food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances, that endangers health or safety. (Directly applies to Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting.)

Criminal Penalties: Texas law classifies hazing as a serious offense, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail) for engaging in hazing, to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) if it causes serious bodily injury (which includes Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), and even a State Jail Felony (up to 2 years in prison) if it causes death. The University of Houston spokesperson herself noted “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can also be held liable, facing fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating rights, or forfeiture of property. This means local chapters, national fraternities, and even universities can face penalties.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas law and a powerful tool in civil litigation. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This directly combats the common (and reprehensible) defense used by fraternities and their attorneys, who often try to shift blame to the victim. The Texas legislature understood that true consent cannot exist in a coercive hazing environment.

For Johnson County, Georgia, families, while local laws may vary, this “no consent” principle is widely accepted in legal precedent for civil claims. Our attorneys understand how to articulate this in court, ensuring victims are not re-victimized by false accusations of complicity.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Into Compensation

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in acquittal, civil lawsuits provide a separate and powerful avenue for justice and compensation. We can pursue multiple legal theories to hold all responsible parties accountable for hazing injuries in Johnson County, Georgia:

  1. Negligence: This is often a primary claim. We argue that universities, national fraternities, and individual members had a duty of care to protect students, that they breached this duty by allowing or participating in hazing, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
  2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case with a university-owned house), they can be held liable for creating unsafe conditions.
  3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters, and universities have a duty to oversee student organizations. Their failure to do so, especially when they had prior knowledge of hazing, constitutes negligent supervision.
  4. Assault and Battery: Any direct physical contact that causes harm (like being struck with wooden paddles, or the forcible aspect of waterboarding) can be pursued as assault and battery claims against individual perpetrators.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, such as psychological torture and humiliation, can give rise to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, addressing the profound psychological trauma victims endure.
  6. Wrongful Death: Tragically, many hazing incidents result in death. In such cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and loss of companionship.

For families in Johnson County, Georgia, seeking justice after a devastating hazing incident, these civil claims are your pathway to compensation for medical bills, lost educational opportunities, pain, suffering, and the emotional toll. Our firm excels at meticulously building these cases to ensure maximum accountability.

Why Attorney911 Is the Force Johnson County, Georgia Needs

When your child in Johnson County, Georgia, is a victim of hazing, you need legal representation that is not just competent, but aggressive, experienced, and deeply committed to this very specific type of litigation. Attorney911 is built for these fights. We are not a general personal injury firm dabbling in hazing cases; we are on the front lines, fighting these battles right now. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston isn’t theoretical – it’s proof of our aggressive, data-driven approach and our unwavering commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable.

Here’s why families in Johnson County, Georgia, choose Attorney911:

1. Hazing Litigation Expertise – We Are Actively Fighting Now

  • Live Litigation Proof: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in the Harris County Civil District Court right now. This means we are intimately familiar with the most current hazing tactics, institutional defenses, liability exposures, and the precise strategies needed to win. This is the same aggressive, informed representation we bring to Johnson County, Georgia, families.
  • Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases – the exact injury Leonel Bermudez suffered. This is not common knowledge; it’s highly specialized medical-legal insight. We understand the specific medical and psychological impacts of hazing that other firms may overlook.
  • Wrongful Death Experience: Sadly, hazing often leads to wrongful death. We have extensive experience in these devastating cases, including those arising from hazing.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

  • Ralph Manginello: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, began his career representing insurance companies. This invaluable experience means he saw their tactics, their strategies, and their efforts to minimize payouts from the inside. Now, he uses that insider knowledge against them, anticipating their every move to maximize recovery for our clients.
  • Lupe Peña Jr.: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña Jr. (he/him/his, confirmed male), refined his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He defended insurance companies and corporate defendants across multiple practice areas. This means he knows how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. He saw their internal playbook, every tactic they use to lowball victims. Now, he uses that battlefield intelligence to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for hazing victims.
  • An Unfair Advantage for Victims: Together, Ralph and Lupe provide a combined 37+ years of legal experience, with deep insider knowledge of how insurance companies and large institutions operate. When a hazing victim hires Attorney911, they’re not just getting lawyers; they’re getting former insiders who know exactly how the other side thinks, operates, and tries to win. This is an unfair advantage for your family in Johnson County, Georgia.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Licenses – Nationwide Reach for Johnson County, Georgia Victims

  • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph has experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal court authority means we can file lawsuits in federal court, a crucial advantage when litigating against national fraternities or universities that operate across state lines. We can pursue your Johnson County, Georgia, hazing case regardless of where the national organization is headquartered or where the university is located.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas AND New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities or sororities often headquartered in states like New York, allowing us to pursue cases against them directly.
  • Willingness to Travel: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Johnson County, Georgia, and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Johnson County or wherever necessary for depositions, client meetings, and trials to ensure you receive the best representation.
  • Remote Consultations: For Johnson County, Georgia, families, we offer convenient video consultations, allowing you to connect with our attorneys immediately, safely, and from the comfort of your home, without the added stress of travel.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants

  • BP Texas City Explosion Litigation (2005): Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured over 180. This proves our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants – the same scale of opponents presented by national fraternities and large universities.
  • Big Rig & Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Our firm frequently takes on large trucking companies and their insurers, an area of law known for its complex commercial insurance policies and corporate defendants. This experience in challenging powerful entities translates directly to hazing cases.

5. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach – Johnson County, Georgia Families Are Like Family

  • “They Treat You Like Family”: Our client testimonials consistently highlight our empathetic approach. Clients like Chad Harris say, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” Ambur Hamilton shared, “I never felt like ‘just another case’, they were working on.” We bring this same level of care and dedication to Johnson County, Georgia, families.
  • Bilingual Services (“Se Habla Español”): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients in Johnson County, Georgia, and ensuring no language barrier stands in the way of justice.
  • Communication & Responsiveness: We believe clear and consistent communication is paramount. Chad Harris notes, “Atty. Manginello and I had DIRECT COMMUNICATION on my legal issue and keeps you updated in a timely manner. He follows up with you as well which is unheard of with most firms.” We apply this to all our clients, including those in Johnson County, Georgia.
  • Honoring Your Child: Ralph, a father of three, understands personally what’s at stake when a child is harmed. We see your child as a person, not a case number, and we fight to honor their experience by seeking real accountability.

6. No Upfront Costs (“Contingency Fee”) – Justice Is Accessible

  • You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means families in Johnson County, Georgia, pay $0 upfront to hire us. Our legal fees are paid only as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

7. Strategic Evidence Preservation & Innovative Litigation

  • “Document Everything!”: We prioritize immediate evidence preservation, guiding clients on how to secure crucial texts, photos, videos, and witness statements. This proactive approach is vital in hazing cases where evidence can quickly disappear.
  • Legal “First Responders”: When a legal emergency hits – whether it’s on a Texas highway or a Johnson County, Georgia, campus – we move first, fast, and decisively. We’re ready to deploy our resources to your case.

For families in Johnson County, Georgia, searching for a hazing lawyer, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise, but a proven track record, insider knowledge of the opposition, and a deep commitment to justice. We are equipped to handle any hazing legal emergency your family faces, uniting our resolve with yours to create real accountability and meaningful change.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Johnson County, Georgia Families

If you or your child in Johnson County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can make all the difference in preserving your legal rights and building a strong case. We understand how difficult this time is, but we urge you to follow these steps.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your safety and well-being are paramount.

  • Remove Yourself/Your Child from the Situation: Ensure the victim is physically safe and away from the hazing environment.
  • Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or are primarily psychological, get professional medical attention.
    • Go to the Emergency Room (ER) or a Doctor: Do not delay. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure developed over days. Some injuries, like internal damage or concussions, are not immediately apparent. Medical documentation from the outset is crucial evidence.
    • Be Thorough and Honest with Medical Professionals: Clearly explain what happened and who was involved. State that the injury occurred due to hazing. Detail all symptoms, both physical and psychological.
    • Follow All Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and mental health counseling. Consistency in treatment demonstrates the severity and ongoing impact of the injuries.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

In hazing cases, evidence can disappear quickly, either accidentally or intentionally. This is why aggressive, immediate preservation is non-negotiable.

  • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results (especially blood work for rhabdomyolysis, toxicology reports for alcohol/drugs), therapy notes, and billing statements. These document the severity of injuries and the associated costs.
  • Photos and Videos:
    • Injuries: Take immediate, clear photos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If you have rhabdomyolysis, document any visible symptoms.
    • Hazing Environment: If possible and safe, covertly photograph or video record the hazing location (fraternity house, off-campus residence, remote field) and any objects or substances used during hazing (props, alcohol bottles, water hoses).
  • Communications: This is often the most vital evidence.
    • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, Facebook post, or email is potential evidence. Hazing is often planned and discussed through these channels. Screenshots are your best friend. Preserve screen recordings of disappearing messages, if possible.
    • Save Contact Information: Get full names, phone numbers, and social media handles of everyone involved – perpetrators, witnesses, and other pledges.
  • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct given to the victim. These can show organized coercion.
  • Witness Information: Get names and contact details of any other pledges, active members who witnessed the hazing, or even bystanders. Their testimony can corroborate your child’s account.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing incident, including medical bills (even those covered by insurance initially), lost wages for the victim or parents if time was missed from work, and any property damage.
  • Academic Records: Document any impact on the victim’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility. This demonstrates academic disruption due to the trauma.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs” to Protect Your Case

In your vulnerable state, institutions and individuals involved in hazing will try to protect themselves. Avoid these pitfalls:

  • DO NOT Delete ANY Messages or Posts: Do not remove anything from your phone, computer, or social media. This can be considered spoliation of evidence, which can severely damage your case.
  • DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership Without Legal Counsel: They are not your friends. They will try to get you to minimize the incident, take blame, or sign documents that waive your rights.
  • DO NOT Sign Anything from the Organization or University: Never sign any waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or settlement offers without first consulting with your attorney. You could unwittingly forfeit your legal rights.
  • DO NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media: Anything you (or your child) post can and will be used against you by the defense to undermine credibility or claim that your injuries are not as severe as reported. Even general posts about daily life can be twisted.
  • DO NOT Give Statements to University Administration Alone: Universities have legal counsel and risk management teams working to protect the institution. Your statements can be used against you. Always have your own attorney present.
  • DO NOT Delay Seeking Legal Counsel: The statute of limitations (time limit for filing a lawsuit) in most states, including Georgia, is typically two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and perpetrators get their stories straight. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

The most important step is to reach out for expert legal guidance.

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our emergency hotline is available 24/7. Don’t wait. We offer free, confidential consultations for Johnson County, Georgia, families.
  • Email Us: You can also reach us at ralph@atty911.com.
  • Remote Consultations: For Johnson County, Georgia, residents, we offer convenient video consultations, allowing you to speak with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

We know hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear of social retaliation, loyalty to the organization, or pressure from members to stay quiet. But every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

Johnson County, Georgia, parents: Your child did not deserve this. You have brave attorneys ready to fight for you. Call us now, and let’s begin the fight for justice.

Johnson County, Georgia Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for Johnson County, Georgia, victims too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to win. Johnson County, Georgia, families get the same aggressive representation.

Johnson County, Georgia Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Johnson County, Georgia, hazing emergencies.

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Johnson County, Georgia, families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

What Johnson County, Georgia, Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

  1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already – document everything.
  2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names. Take screenshots.
  3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
  4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident.
  5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY – The 2-year statute of limitations in Georgia for personal injury and wrongful death cases demands prompt action. Evidence disappears fast.
  6. Johnson County, Georgia, FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier – we offer video consultations and will travel to Johnson County, Georgia, for cases when needed.

We Serve Johnson County, Georgia, Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While we are based in Texas, hazing happens at colleges and universities across America. We can evaluate your Johnson County, Georgia, case regardless of location through:

  • Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, an advantage when dealing with national organizations.
  • Dual-state bar licenses – With licenses in Texas and New York, our firm has the strategic flexibility to litigate against national fraternities often headquartered in these or other states.
  • Video consultations – Johnson County, Georgia, families can meet with us remotely.
  • Travel commitment – We will come to Johnson County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Justice knows no state lines.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at institutions like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Augusta University, Emory University, and other colleges and universities near Johnson County, Georgia.
  • Johnson County, Georgia, sports teams.
  • Marching bands at Johnson County, Georgia, universities.
  • ROTC programs.
  • Clubs and organizations at Johnson County, Georgia, schools.
  • Military academies.
  • Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse that nearly cost Leonel his life. You have rights, too. We can represent you.

As Lupe Pena said, “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. Let’s bring them all to justice.

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