Holding Accountable Those Who Harm Our Children: A Guide for Lee County Families Navigating Hazing

If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new academic horizons, and to grow into the person they were meant to be. Instead, they were tortured. For families in Lee County, the idea of a child facing such abuse far from home is every parent’s worst nightmare. We understand what you’re going through, because we are actively fighting that exact battle right now. We’re here to help families in Lee County fight back, just as we are doing for families across the nation.

In Lee County, parents cherish the strong community ties and the peace of mind that comes with raising families in a close-knit environment. When children leave for college, whether to universities in Georgia like the University of Georgia or Georgia Institute of Technology, or to institutions across the country, a sacred trust is placed in those schools and the organizations they host. When that trust is betrayed by brutal hazing rituals, it shatters families and communities. We, Attorney911, are here to ensure that no family in Lee County stands alone against powerful fraternities, national organizations, and negligent universities.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Can Happen in Lee County

Just weeks ago, here in Texas, a terrifying incident unfolded that serves as a stark warning to parents in Lee County and across the country. Our firm, Attorney911, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, laying bare the horrific reality of modern hazing. This isn’t theoretical; this is a live, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court, and it illustrates precisely the aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach we bring to every hazing case.

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet – a “ghost rush” planning to transfer – was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse. His dream of brotherhood turned into a nightmare of torture. The allegations are harrowing:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: A tactic widely recognized as torture, used against a student by his supposed “brothers.” As Houston Public Media reported, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Hog-tying: Another pledge was found hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Forced eating until vomiting: Leonel and others were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, only to be forced to continue rigorous physical activity in their own sickness.
• Extreme physical punishment: He was pushed beyond human limits, forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, “suicide” running drills, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls while reciting fraternity creeds, under threat of expulsion. The Houston Chronicle detailed the sheer volume of these exercises.
• Paddlings and humiliation: He was struck with wooden paddles and subjected to psychological torment, including being forced to carry sexually explicit objects and stripping in cold weather.
• Sleep deprivation: Early morning drives for fraternity members led to dangerous exhaustion.

The human body can only endure so much. On November 3, 2025, after one particularly brutal session, Leonel Bermudez collapsed, unable to stand without help. He crawled home, his muscles aching, his body failing. 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.”

Leonel was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis – a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream – and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life, passing dark, brown urine, a tell-tale sign of his body breaking down. This kind of injury demonstrates the sheer brutality of hazing today. It’s not just harmless pranks; it’s life-threatening abuse.

Within days of the hazing coming to light, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025 – just days before our lawsuit was filed – they officially and permanently closed the chapter, with members voting to surrender their charter. This swift action, as detailed on Pi Kappa Phi’s own website, speaks volumes: they knew the conduct was indefensible. The University of Houston, too, publicly called the events “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals, as reported by Houston Public Media.

This case is the proof that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are aggressively fighting for victims. We use every piece of information and every legal tool available to ensure accountability. For families in Lee County, this is not just a distant news story. The very same national fraternities that perpetuate these abuses operate at universities where your children attend or plan to attend. The same institutional negligence that allowed this to happen at the University of Houston exists at institutions across Georgia and the nation. We are prepared to bring this aggressive, data-driven approach to every family in Lee County whose child has been harmed by hazing.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many in Lee County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless initiations – a rite of passage that builds character. We want to be absolutely clear: that perception is dangerously outdated and profoundly wrong. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly; it is what hazing looks like today in America, and it is a brutal, life-altering experience.

Hazing is not bonding. It is not tradition. It can be, and often is, torture, assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. In the worst cases, it is manslaughter or murder. This is not “boys being boys.” This is organized abuse that thrives on secrecy, fear, and power dynamics.

The true nature of hazing is designed to control, demean, and injure. It often takes place in hidden environments, away from the watchful eyes of university officials or concerned parents. It exploits the desire for acceptance and belonging, twisting it into a weapon of psychological and physical torment.

Based on cases like Leonel’s and others we have seen, hazing commonly involves:

• Physical Abuse: This is far more than a slap on the wrist. It includes brutal beatings, branding, forced exercise to the point of collapse and injury (like rhabdomyolysis), sleep deprivation, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and, as in Leonel’s case, paddling.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking is rampant in hazing, leading to alcohol poisoning and death. But it also includes forced eating of disgusting or non-food substances until vomiting, as Leonel experienced, or consuming liquids that pose health risks.
• Psychological Torture: This is often the most insidious and long-lasting form of hazing. It involves extreme humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, intentional isolation, constant harassment, and threats. Being forced to carry sexually suggestive items or strip naked in front of others leaves deep emotional scars.
• Simulated Drowning: Waterboarding, as inflicted upon Leonel, is a horrifying example of this. It’s an act of torture that can cause extreme psychological trauma and physical harm.
• Sexual Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and explicit acts to sexual assault. These incidents carry immense trauma and are a severe form of criminal hazing.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges are often kept awake for days, forced to perform tasks late at night or early in the morning, leading to physical and mental breakdown.
• Servitude and Coercion: Being forced to perform demeaning tasks, run errands, or provide services for older members under threat of punishment or expulsion chips away at a pledge’s self-worth and autonomy.

These are not isolated incidents of peer pressure gone wrong. Hazing is often systematic, planned, and condoned by those in leadership positions within Greek organizations and, through their inaction, by university administrations. For Lee County families sending their children to schools like the University of North Georgia, Valdosta State University, or other institutions with active Greek life, it is crucial to understand that these horrific practices are not confined to distant campuses; they are a national crisis that can touch your family.

Who Is Responsible? Holding All Enabling Parties Accountable

When a child in Lee County is harmed by hazing, it’s natural to immediately focus on the individuals who inflicted the abuse. While these individuals absolutely bear responsibility, our data-driven approach at Attorney911 ensures that we look beyond just the immediate perpetrators to hold every single entity that enabled or allowed the hazing accountable. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates this comprehensive strategy, targeting not only the active members but the vast network of institutions designed to oversee them.

In hazing cases, accountability extends far beyond just the students directly involved. We pursue every link in the chain of responsibility, including:

1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter):

   • Why they are liable: This is the most direct level of responsibility. The local chapter organizes, facilitates, and fosters the environment where hazing takes place. Its officers, like the president and pledgemaster, often direct these abusive activities. In Leonel’s case, the chapter actively participated in the extensive physical and psychological torture he endured. Their actions directly caused his hospitalization.

2. Individual Fraternity/Sorority Members (Including Past Members and Their Spouses):

   • Why they are liable: Any member who actively participates in hazing, encourages it, or facilitates it can be held personally responsible. This includes those who directed activities, witnessed the abuse and did nothing to stop it, or failed to seek help when a victim was in distress. In the Bermudez lawsuit, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence. This shows that liability extends even to off-campus locations and non-students who enable these acts. As we saw in the Stone Foltz case, where the chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million, individuals cannot hide behind the organization.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):

   • Why they are liable: National organizations hold immense power and responsibility over their local chapters. They set policies, provide training, and are supposed to oversee their chapters. When hazing occurs, the national organization can be held liable for:
     • Negligent supervision: Failing to adequately monitor or control the activities of their local chapters.
     • Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies: Having rules on paper but doing nothing to ensure they are followed.
     • Knowledge of previous incidents: As illustrated by Andrew Coffey’s death at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017, the national organization had a clear eight-year warning that deadly hazing was a problem within their fraternity, yet Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. KHOU 11 reported that the lawsuit alleges the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This demonstrates a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference. National fraternities have deep pockets and extensive liability insurance, making them a crucial target for meaningful compensation.

4. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston & UH Board of Regents):

   • Why they are liable: Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, foster a safe learning environment, and provide oversight for student organizations. Their liability can stem from:
     • Institutional negligence: Failing to adequately supervise Greek life, ignoring warning signs of hazing, or not enforcing their own anti-hazing policies (which UH admitted were “clear violations of our community standards”).
     • Premises liability: If hazing occurs on university property, or in a fraternity house owned or controlled by the university. KHOU 11 noted that the hazing Leonel endured happened at a “University-owned fraternity house.” This makes the university directly responsible for the egregious acts taking place on its property.
     • Notice of prior incidents: The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. This means UH had eight years worth of notice that hazing was a risk on its campus and failed to prevent another tragedy. This establishes institutional knowledge and deliberate indifference.

5. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why they are liable: The financial resources to compensate victims often come from insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, the local chapter, and even individual members’ homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, allowing us to effectively penetrate their defenses and maximize settlement potential.

We do not simply sue “broke college kids.” We target the entities with the resources and the responsibility to have prevented these tragedies. Our goal is not just compensation for our clients in Lee County, but to force systemic change by holding every responsible party, from the individual participant to the deepest institutional pockets, fully accountable.

Multi-Million Dollar Proof: These Cases Win in Lee County and Everywhere Else

For families in Lee County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the thought of taking on powerful universities and national fraternities can seem daunting. But we want you to know: these cases are winnable, and they result in substantial compensation and accountability. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez stands firmly on the foundation of numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements awarded to hazing victims and their families across the country. These cases prove that justice is possible.

Here are just a few examples that demonstrate the scale of accountability we pursue:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total $10.1 Million+

  • What happened: Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” hazing event. He died of acute alcohol poisoning.
  • The outcome: His family reached a $2.9 million settlement with Bowling Green State University and a $7.2 million settlement with the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability. This monumental case, with its combined recoveries, set a new standard for hazing accountability.
  • Relevance to Lee County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It explicitly shows how both universities and national fraternities, along with individuals, pay millions for hazing injuries and deaths. The individual accountability for a chapter president is a powerful precedent for holding local chapter leaders responsible in Lee County cases.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total $6.1 Million Verdict

  • What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 (six times the legal limit) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. He was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly.
  • The outcome: His family secured a $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity and its members. This tragedy also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Lee County: This case proves that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts for hazing deaths. It sends a clear message that forced consumption – a key element in the Bermudez case – is viewed with extreme seriousness by the courts.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)

  • What happened: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after falling down stairs multiple times following a rapid-drinking hazing ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911 despite his clear distress. The entire ordeal was captured on surveillance video.
  • The outcome: His family reached confidential settlements estimated to exceed $110 million with multiple defendants. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convicted of hazing and involuntary manslaughter. His death led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Relevance to Lee County: While the specific settlement amounts are confidential, the sheer scale of the estimated payout underscores that when compelling evidence of egregious conduct exists (as it does in Bermudez’s case), the financial consequences for negligent institutions are astronomical. It highlights the importance of immediate, aggressive investigation and evidence collection.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

  • What happened: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Big Brother Night hazing event at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter.
  • The outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged criminally, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit filed by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance to Lee County: This case is particularly damning for the defendants in the Bermudez lawsuit because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 should have been a red alert for the national organization. Their failure to prevent an almost identical tragedy with Leonel Bermudez eight years later demonstrates a profound and dangerous pattern of negligence. This history of deadly hazing will be a central point in our litigation.

These precedents clearly demonstrate that when universities and national Greek organizations fail in their duty to protect students, they face massive financial repercussions. For families in Lee County whose children have been victimized by hazing, these cases offer a roadmap to justice and a clear indication of Attorney911’s capacity to deliver results. We are ready to pursue the same level of accountability for your family.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Anti-Hazing Statutes in Lee County

For families in Lee County, it’s essential to understand that strong legal frameworks exist to combat hazing. While our firm is based in Texas, where specialized anti-hazing laws provide significant protections, most states across the U.S. have similar statutes designed to deter hazing and penalize those who engage in it. Additionally, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims are applicable nationwide, allowing us to pursue justice for hazing victims regardless of where the incident occurred.

Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, which provide a powerful legal foundation for cases like Leonel Bermudez’s:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act on or off campus that endangers a student’s mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes:

  • Physical brutality (whipping, striking, beating, branding).
  • Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics that pose an “unreasonable risk of harm” or “adversely affects mental or physical health.” This perfectly describes Leonel’s experience with forced squats, pushups, “waterboarding,” and exposure.
  • Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an “unreasonable risk of harm.” Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting falls directly under this.
  • Any activity involving a violation of the Penal Code.
  • Coercing students to consume drugs or excessive alcohol.
  • For Lee County families seeking justice, similar definitions of hazing are likely contained within Georgia’s anti-hazing laws, equipping us with state-specific legal power.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas, with penalties ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (for engaging in or aiding hazing) to a State Jail Felony (if hazing causes death). Hazing that causes “serious bodily injury”—like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. This underscores that these are not mere infractions but serious criminal acts. Criminal charges often run parallel to our civil lawsuits, providing additional pressure on defendants.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, organizations themselves can be penalized if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if an officer or member commits hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and even denial of the right to operate on campus. This allows us to hold the Greek organizations directly accountable.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical component of Texas anti-hazing law. It explicitly states: “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.” Defendants in hazing cases often try to shift blame to the victim, arguing they “consented” or “could have left.” Texas law categorically rejects this argument. For Lee County victims, this means that any claims of voluntary participation hold no legal weight under the statute. We can effectively counter any attempt to blame your child for their own abuse.

• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision helps ensure transparency and forces universities to confront hazing rather than hide it. We will pursue these records in discovery to expose any cover-ups.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges address the state’s interest in punishing wrongdoing, civil lawsuits directly empower victims and their families to recover compensation for their suffering. For hazing victims in Lee County, civil claims allow us to pursue justice for:

• Negligence: This is often the primary theory of liability. It argues that universities, national organizations, and individual members had a duty of care to protect students, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries.
• Assault and Battery: Many hazing acts, particularly physical abuses like paddling, striking, or waterboarding, constitute intentional assault and battery under civil law, allowing us to pursue individual perpetrators.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or an alumni housing corporation (as was the case with the University of Houston), these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies to organizations (national fraternities) that fail to adequately oversee their chapters and to universities that fail to monitor Greek life activities effectively.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing protocols often involve conduct so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional and psychological harm, warranting claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where hazing results in death, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover for their immense losses, including loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.
• Dram Shop Liability: If alcohol was illegally provided or excessively served by an establishment or individual contributing to a hazing injury, additional claims may apply.

At Attorney911, our deep understanding of these complex legal theories, coupled with our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority, positions us uniquely to represent hazing victims from Lee County and anywhere across the U.S. We will leverage every aspect of the law to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Why Attorney911? The Unrivaled Choice for Lee County Hazing Victims

When your child in Lee County has been harmed by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate landscape of hazing litigation and has a proven track record of holding powerful institutions accountable. We believe Attorney911 is that choice for families in Lee County, and here’s why:

• Active Fighters, Not Theoreticians: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re fighting it right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a clear demonstration of our aggressive approach. This is an ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court where we are challenging a national fraternity, a major university, and numerous individuals. The strategies we are employing and the success we are achieving in this critical case are precisely what we will bring to your family’s fight in Lee County. You want attorneys who are actively in the trenches, not just learning about the battle.

• Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, defending corporations and insurance companies against personal injury claims across multiple practice areas. They know exactly how insurance adjusters and defense lawyers think, strategize, and try to minimize payouts. We’ve seen their internal playbooks, their tactics to delay and deny, and their methods to wear down victims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, including hazing victims in Lee County. This gives your family an unfair advantage against the well-funded legal teams of national fraternities and universities.

• Battle-Tested Experience Against Major Defendants: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This multi-billion dollar mass tort case against a massive corporate defendant equipped him with invaluable experience in complex, high-stakes litigation against powerful adversaries. The same meticulous investigation, aggressive negotiation, and trial readiness required for that case are precisely what hazing lawsuits against universities and national organizations demand. For Lee County families, this means we are not intimidated by the resources or reputation of any defendant.

• Dual-State Bar Admissions & Federal Authority: Our attorneys are licensed in Texas AND New York and admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This dual-state and federal court authority provides immense strategic flexibility when taking on national fraternities and universities, which often have operations in multiple states or involve federal questions. Whether your child was hazed at a university in Georgia or across the country, our federal court admission allows us to pursue your case in federal jurisdiction, bypassing state-specific limitations if needed.

• Data-Driven Litigation: We Know Who to Sue: We don’t guess; we know. Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS data, legal names, EINs, house corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures. We use this intelligence to identify every entity behind the Greek letters. For example, our database includes:

  • Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas. This is the same entity behind the UH chapter we sued.
  • Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc with EIN 133048786 in College Station, Texas.
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated with EIN 882755427 in San Marcos, Texas.
  • We track over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations, including major entities like Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Kappa with EIN 746064445 in Nederland.
  • Across Texas, there are 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 metropolitan areas. For instance, the Houston metro area where the Bermudez case originated has 188 Greek organizations; the Austin metro has 154; and Dallas-Fort Worth has 510. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every liable entity, ensuring maximum accountability.

• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has specific experience with rhabdomyolysis hazing cases and litigating against fraternities like Kappa Sigma and addressing incidents at Texas A&M. This specialized focus means we understand the nuances of these deeply personal and complex cases. He even coached youth sports, understanding team dynamics and where hazing cultures can emerge.

• Compassionate & Client-Centered Approach: We understand the trauma hazing inflicts. Our goal is to empower victims and their families. This is why our team includes bilingual staff (“Se Habla Español”) to serve Spanish-speaking families in Lee County and beyond, ensuring no language barrier prevents access to justice. We are empathetic yet aggressive, treating every family like our own. Our Google reviews consistently highlight our communication, responsiveness, and genuine care, with a 4.9-star rating from over 250 reviews. Clients say things like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such” and “This place feels like having a family over your case.”

• No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fees: We believe access to justice should not depend on your financial situation. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing families in Lee County to take on well-funded institutions without financial risk. As our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains, our interests are fully aligned with yours.

• We Come to You: While our headquarters are in Houston, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, distance is never a barrier to justice. We offer remote video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Lee County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Your family deserves top-tier representation, no matter your location.

• Ethical Aggression and Professionalism: We are known for aggressive representation, but always with the highest professional and ethical standards. We build cases based on facts, data, and unwavering pursuit of justice.

When you choose Attorney911, you choose a legal team that has faced the same perpetrators, understands their tactics, and has the proven experience to fight for your child’s rights. You choose a team that is currently, actively, relentlessly battling for hazing victims. For Lee County families, we are your legal emergency hotline.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Lee County Families After Hazing

The moments immediately following a hazing incident can be chaotic, frightening, and emotionally overwhelming for your child and your family in Lee County. However, the actions you take (or fail to take) during this critical time can significantly impact the strength of any future legal claim. We urge you to take these steps carefully and thoughtfully.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention (IMMEDIATELY):

   • If your child is in distress, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room. This is paramount. Do not delay. Leonel Bermudez’s mother rushed him to the hospital, which saved his life.
   • Document everything. Ensure medical staff record all injuries, symptoms, and your child’s account of how these injuries occurred. Medical records are foundational evidence. Even seemingly minor injuries should be checked, as some, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, can have delayed or escalating symptoms. Our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” emphasizes this.
   • Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts. These form the basis for economic damages.

2. Preserve All Forms of Evidence:

   • Digital communications are CRITICAL. Hazing lives in the digital sphere. Your child should immediately preserve:
     • All text messages: Individual and group chats on iMessage, Android, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
     • Social media messages: DMs on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, TikTok.
     • Group chat content: Screenshots of GroupMe, Discord, or any other platform used by the fraternity/sorority.
     • Emails: Any electronic correspondence from members, the organization, or the university.
     • Photos and Videos: Any visual evidence of hazing activities, injuries, or the environment where it occurred. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” is a must-watch.
   • DO NOT delete anything. Deleting digital evidence can be perceived as spoliation (destruction of evidence) and severely harm a case. Even if your child sent messages they regret, they must be preserved.
   • Physical evidence: If there are any physical items connected to the hazing (e.g., specific clothing, items used during rituals, empty alcohol bottles), preserve them safely. Photograph locations where hazing occurred.
   • Witness information: Collect names and contact details of other pledges, members who may have witnessed the hazing, or anyone else relevant.

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

   • Do not make official statements to the fraternity/sorority, alumni, or university administration without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institution. Anything your child says can be used against them.
   • Do not sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university. These documents may waive your child’s legal rights.
   • Do not agree to “mediation” or informal resolution with the university or Greek life office without an attorney. These processes are often designed to protect the institution.
   • NEVER give a recorded statement to anyone representing the fraternity, national organization, or university. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” applies here.

4. Stay Off Social Media:

   • Your child should immediately cease posting anything related to the hazing incident or their life on social media. This includes vague complaints, specific details, or even photos that depict them “having fun” after the incident, as defense attorneys will use these to undermine emotional distress claims. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” is crucial advice.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation:

   • Time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) can approach. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. The same typically applies to hazing incidents in Lee County. This is a critical deadline, as explained in our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”.
   • Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our lines are open 24/7. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your case and guide you through these traumatic next steps.
   • For Lee County families, distance is not an issue. We offer video consultations and are prepared to travel to Lee County for your case as needed.

6. Maintain a Detailed Journal:

   • Your child should keep a private journal documenting their physical and emotional symptoms, medical appointments, medications, missed classes, lost opportunities, and how the hazing has impacted their daily life. This can be invaluable for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

By following these steps, families in Lee County can actively protect their child’s rights and build the strongest possible case for justice and accountability. You don’t have to face this alone. We are here to help.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Lee County

If your child in Lee County has been a victim of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency, and you need immediate action. The trauma आपका child has endured is real, and the institutions that allowed it to happen must be held accountable. We, Attorney911, are here to be your unwavering advocates.

We are currently fighting an aggressive $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for torturing a student until his kidneys failed. We are in the fight right now, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate representation to every hazing victim we serve, including families in Lee County.

Lee County Families: Call Us Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation

Your first step towards justice is to connect with us. We understand the urgency, the anger, and the fear you might be feeling. Let us take on the burden of the legal fight so you can focus on your child’s healing.

📞 Dial 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: Hazing emergencies don’t keep business hours, and neither do we. Call us anytime, day or night.
• Email Us: You can also reach our managing partner directly: ralph@atty911.com.
• Visit Our Website: Learn more about our firm and our commitment to justice at attorney911.com.

No Upfront Costs: We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do

We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out of pocket to hire us.
• No Hourly Fees: You won’t receive surprise bills or charges.
• We Take the Risk: We invest our time and resources into your case, and we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you.

This commitment ensures that every family in Lee County has access to top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We believe access to justice should never be a privilege. Our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains this in detail.

We Serve Lee County and Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond. Hazing is a national crisis, and we are equipped to represent victims throughout the United States, including Lee County.

• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations so families in Lee County can speak with our experts without needing to travel.
• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court allows us to pursue cases in federal courts, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or complex interstate issues.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our licenses in Texas and New York provide strategic advantages when navigating the multi-jurisdictional complexities often involved in hazing litigation against national fraternities and universities.
• We Travel to You: For depositions, critical meetings, or trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Lee County to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.

Beyond Fraternities: All Hazing Victims Deserve Justice

While fraternity hazing receives significant media attention, we represent victims of hazing in all forms and organizations, including:

• Sororities and social clubs at universities and colleges near Lee County.
• Sports teams at high schools and colleges in Lee County and across Georgia.
• Marching bands, academic clubs, and other student organizations.
• Military academies and ROTC programs.

If your child was subjected to abuse by any group that used “initiation” as a pretext for harm, we are here to help.

To Other Victims of University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not alone. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of abuse affecting multiple pledges. Another student collapsed unconscious on October 15. Many others endured the same unspeakable acts. If you or someone you know was part of “ghost rush” or the pledge class subjected to hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, your story matters.

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. Your courage can contribute to greater justice and prevent future tragedies.

Don’t let shame, fear, or loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. The institutions will try to silence you. We will amplify your voice.

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