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 ideas, and build a foundation for their future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with physical and emotional scars that may last a lifetime. In the peaceful communities of Lumpkin County, Georgia, parents send their children off to universities expecting them to be safe, but the silent crisis of hazing continues to devastate families nationwide. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Lumpkin County, Georgia, fight back.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is leading the charge against the institutional negligence and brutal “traditions” that allow hazing to thrive. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach extends across the nation, and we are committed to bringing the same aggressive, data-driven legal strategy that powers our landmark cases to families in Lumpkin County, GA. Hazing, whether it involves physical abuse, forced consumption, psychological torment, or sexual battery, is never acceptable, and the individuals and institutions who permit it must be held accountable.

The Unseen Battle Haunting Lumpkin County Families

For families in Lumpkin County, located in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, the idea of their child being subjected to horrific hazing rituals can seem distant, but the reality is that major universities across Georgia and the Southeast, where many Lumpkin County students attend, face the same hazing problems found across the country. Whether a child attends the University of North Georgia (UNG) right in Lumpkin County, or travels to Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia (UGA), Kennesaw State University, or even out of state to a school like Clemson, Auburn, or Florida State, the presence of national fraternities and sororities means the same risks exist. The Greek system operates under the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements, perpetuating cultures that endanger young lives.

We know that when your child leaves Lumpkin County for college, you expect them to be safe. You expect them to be protected by the institutions you trust. But when that trust is betrayed, and your child is injured or worse, you need allies who understand the unique cultural values and concerns of our community in Lumpkin County. We recognize the importance of family, faith, and community in this region, and we approach every case with empathy, determination, and a fierce commitment to justice.

The Fight Is Now: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in a groundbreaking case that epitomizes our relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims. This is the case that shows Lumpkin County, GA families what hazing truly looks like in our modern world, and precisely how we fight back with unwavering commitment.

This case happened just weeks ago in Houston, Texas, but the same patterns of abuse, institutional negligence, and cover-ups occur nationwide, including at universities that students from Lumpkin County, GA might attend. The same fraternities operate across America. The same negligence exists at institutions throughout Georgia and beyond. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Lumpkin County families that we are delivering in this case.

Breaking News: $10 Million Lawsuit Filed in Landmark Hazing Case

In a recent development that has garnered significant media attention, Attorney911, through attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. This lawsuit targets Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, their respective housing corporations, and 13 individual fraternity members for severe hazing that led to the hospitalization of a prospective member, Leonel Bermudez.

This case is not just another lawsuit; it is a battle cry against the culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses. It demonstrates the depth of Attorney911’s commitment to holding every responsible party accountable, from individual perpetrators to national organizations and the universities that enable them.

Media Coverage Confirms the Horrific Details:

Several prominent news outlets have covered this ongoing litigation, providing crucial details that paint a chilling picture of modern hazing:

• ABC13 Houston (November 21-22, 2025): “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” (Read more: abc13.com)
• KHOU 11 (November 21, 2025): “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” (Read more: khou.com)
• Houston Chronicle (November 22, 2025): “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” (Read more: houstonchronicle.com)
• Houston Public Media (November 24, 2025): “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” (Read more: houstonpublicmedia.org)

Even Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization issued a statement on their website on November 21, 2025, confirming the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter, citing “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” (Read more: pikapp.org). This swift action, taken before our lawsuit was filed, is a clear indication of their awareness of the gravity of the situation.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez – A “Ghost Rush” Targeted by Torture

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled University of Houston student when he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. He was considered a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the upcoming spring semester. This detail is crucial: they subjected someone who wasn’t even an official student to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing.

What followed in the seven weeks after his bid acceptance was a relentless campaign of physical and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As attorney Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Attorney Lupe Pena emphasized the wider purpose of this litigation to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

A Chilling Hazing Timeline:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing ensue.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This incident alone is a stark indicator of the brutal culture present.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge tragically loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he recovers. This warning signal was ignored.
• November 3, 2025: The incident occurs. Leonel Bermudez is subjected to extreme physical exertion: over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He is forced to recite the fraternity creed, all under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates; he is unable to move.
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushes him to the hospital, where he is passing brown urine – a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He is diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Pi Kappa Phi National suspends the chapter.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel is hospitalized for three nights and four days, undergoing intensive treatment.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes the Beta Nu Chapter.
• November 21, 2025: Our firm files the $10 Million Lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court, making national headlines.

The Hazing Activities: A Catalog of Torture

The allegations in our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi reveal a disturbing array of hazing acts:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face during calisthenics, and threatened with it repeatedly. This is a form of torture, a practice deemed a war crime for enemy combatants, inflicted upon college students.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform 100+ pushups, 500 squats, numerous running drills (“suicides”), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was also “being struck with wooden paddles.” These activities were pushed to the point of collapse and kidney failure.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in distress, and even made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather, forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, and witnessed another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth. Threats of expulsion were used to enforce compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, contributing to a state of chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s medical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure is a direct and severe consequence of the extreme physical hazing. Rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to permanent damage or death. The presence of “brown urine” is a classic sign, and his “very high creatine kinase levels” confirmed the severe muscle damage. He spent crucial days in the hospital, his young life hanging in the balance, facing the possibility of long-term kidney complications.

This is not a theoretical illness; attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely qualified to handle cases of this severity.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Denial, Damage Control, and Disregard

• University of Houston’s Statement: A UH spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” confirming an internal investigation and coordination with law enforcement, mentioning “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission against interest, acknowledging the severity of the misconduct.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters’ Statement: On their website, Pi Kappa Phi announced the chapter closure “effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They even “thanked the University of Houston for its collaboration.” Most tellingly, they said, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This statement, issued before our lawsuit went public, reveals their attempt at damage control and a disturbing lack of genuine remorse, suggesting they view this as a temporary setback rather than a catastrophic failure of their values.

This tragic incident is not isolated. KHOU reported that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This reveals a deliberate indifference to the well-being of their pledges.

Why This Case Resonates with Lumpkin County Families:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: This case shatters any illusion that hazing is harmless fun. It is systematic abuse, and it can happen at any university, including those attended by students from Lumpkin County, GA.
2. Universities are Complicit: UH owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. Universities near Lumpkin County, GA, have the same power and duty to protect their students, and the same liability when they fail. The University of North Georgia (UNG), just down the road from Lumpkin County, has fraternities and sororities, and it is incumbent upon them to protect their students.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s quick action to close the chapter speaks volumes about their awareness of the wrongfulness of the acts. The same national organizations operate chapters at colleges across Georgia and the nation, often with full knowledge of systemic hazing issues.
4. Victims Are Afraid, We Protect: Leonel’s fear of retribution is sadly common among hazing victims. We prioritize our clients’ safety and well-being, providing a shield against such intimidation. We vow to protect Lumpkin County victims in the same manner.
5. One Brave Victim Protects Others: As Lupe Pena emphasized, sometimes one brave step is all it takes to prevent future harm. A lawsuit from a Lumpkin County family could save countless other students.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The magnitude of the damages sought is commensurate with the severity of the abuse and is designed to force these powerful institutions to change. Lumpkin County families have every right to send the same powerful message.

This case is irrefutable proof that Attorney911 is actively engaged in the fight to end hazing, holding powerful institutions accountable, and delivering justice for victims. We bring this same level of aggressive, expert representation to every hazing case we handle, no matter where it occurs.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Lumpkin County, especially those whose children attend the University of North Georgia, the perception of hazing might be outdated, influenced by movies or decades-old newspaper reports. They might imagine harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the reality, as tragically demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is far more sinister. Modern hazing isn’t about mere initiation; it’s about systematic abuse, psychological torment, and often life-threatening rituals designed to break down a person’s will and spirit.

It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not a harmless “tradition.” It is not “building character” or “brotherhood.”

It is, unequivocally, violence and abuse.

The Horrifying Spectrum of Hazing:

• Physical Brutality: This includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, sleep deprivation, and exposure to extreme elements. Leonel Bermudez endured 500 squats, 100 pushups, various military-style exercises, and even being struck with wooden paddles. Many hazing victims suffer broken bones, burns, internal injuries, and conditions like rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure and death.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking, forcing pledges to consume dangerously large quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning, coma, or death. But it also includes grotesque forced eating rituals, as seen with Leonel Bermudez, who was made to eat until he vomited, then forced to continue physical exertion in his own vomit. This is a perverse form of control designed to humiliate and dehumanize.
• Psychological Torture: This is the insidious damage that may not leave visible bruises but can shatter a person’s mental health. It involves humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats of physical harm or social ostracism, isolation, and frightening stunts. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, another pledge was hog-tied, and threats of expulsion were constant. Victims often suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and lifelong trust issues.
• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: This abhorrent practice, inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez with a garden hose, is internationally recognized as torture. To subject a young person to the terror of drowning is an act of extreme cruelty and an insult to humanity.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and crude sexual acts to explicit sexual assault. The presence of sexual objects or forced sexual acts is a grave violation that leaves deep, lasting trauma.
• Servitude and Deprivation: Pledges are often forced into performing menial tasks for fraternity members, disrupting their sleep, academic studies, and personal lives. Forcing Leonel to drive members at all hours contributed to his exhaustion, making him even more vulnerable to physical harm.

The True Cost: Medical and Psychological Fallout

The medical consequences of hazing can be staggering. Beyond the immediate injuries like broken bones or external wounds, victims often suffer:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As experienced by Leonel Bermudez, extreme physical exertion can cause muscle fibers to break down, releasing toxins that damage the kidneys. This is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, blows to the head, or violent assaults.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From extreme exposure to cold or heat.
• Cardiac Arrest: From overwhelming physical stress.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The psychological scars can be as debilitating as physical wounds, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and depression.
• Suicidal Ideation: The profound despair and humiliation experienced during hazing can tragically lead some victims to consider suicide.

The financial and emotional toll on victims and their families in Lumpkin County is immense, encompassing extensive medical bills, lost academic momentum, long-term therapy, and the permanent alteration of a young person’s sense of self and future.

The Institutional Cover-Up

The saddest part of this crisis is the institutional knowledge and subsequent inaction. Universities and national organizations are well aware of the prevalence of hazing. They have policies in place, risk management guidelines, and “anti-hazing” campaigns, yet time and again, they fail to prevent horrific incidents. The University of Houston owned the very house where Leonel was waterboarded. They, and the Pi Kappa Phi National organization, knew of “a hazing crisis,” yet continued to allow cultures of abuse to fester.

When incidents come to light, the immediate response is often damage control: suspending chapters, issuing carefully worded statements, and subtly shifting blame. This pattern demonstrates a greater concern for reputation and legal liability than for student safety.

This is why Attorney911 exists. We cut through the institutional obfuscation and force accountability for what hazing really is: abuse, torture, and a betrayal of trust.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Party Accountable

When a child from Lumpkin County is injured or killed by hazing, the instinct may be to blame individual fraternity members. While those individuals bear significant culpability, the reality of hazing litigation is far broader. Our data-driven approach ensures that every entity, from the individual participant to the deepest pockets of responsibility, is held accountable. As the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates, the net of liability is wide.

We believe that comprehensive accountability is the strongest deterrent. It’s not enough to punish a few college students; the institutions that enable, oversee, and profit from these organizations must pay.

The Defendants: A Chain of Responsibility

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

   • Why they’re liable: The local chapter directly organized, promoted, and conducted the hazing activities. Their culture, traditions, and leadership fostered an environment where abuse was normalized. Chapter officers, such as the President and Pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility for directing these activities.
   • Lumpkin County Connection: Every fraternity or sorority chapter at colleges near Lumpkin County, GA, has this same level of direct organizational responsibility.

2. Individual Fraternity Members (Current and Former):

   • Why they’re liable: Every member who participated in the hazing, failed to intervene, or actively facilitated the abuse can be held personally responsible for assault, battery, and negligent actions. This includes current members who actively hazed Leonel and even former members who hosted hazing sessions at their private residences, allowing their homes to become sites of abuse. The Stone Foltz case precedent shows a former chapter president was held personally liable for millions.
   • Lumpkin County Connection: This means individual students and alumni from Lumpkin County who participate in or enable hazing can face personal liability, impacting their future and assets.

3. The Spouses of Former Members:

   • Why they’re liable: In the Bermudez case, the spouse of a former member was named due to hazing occurring at their residence. This demonstrates premises liability; if a property owner allows severe hazing to take place on their premises, they can be held liable for injuries.
   • Lumpkin County Connection: If hazing events occur off-campus in houses or properties owned or co-owned by individuals, those individuals and their spouses can become targets of litigation.

4. The National Fraternity Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):

   • Why they’re liable: National fraternities have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate training. When a national organization, like Pi Kappa Phi, has a documented history of hazing deaths (like Andrew Coffey in 2017) and internal knowledge of a “hazing crisis,” yet fails to prevent another student’s hospitalization, they demonstrate gross negligence and deliberate indifference. They are often the “deepest pockets” with substantial assets and liability insurance.
   • Lumpkin County Connection: Almost every Greek chapter at universities attended by Lumpkin County students is affiliated with a powerful national organization, headquartered out of state. These national bodies are prime targets for litigation due to their broad oversight and vast financial resources.

5. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston, University of North Georgia):

   • Why they’re liable: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, especially in activities they oversee or sanction, like Greek life. Their liability is amplified when they own the property where hazing occurs (as UH did with the Pi Kappa Phi house), have prior knowledge of hazing incidents on their campus (as UH did with the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha case), or fail to adequately regulate or monitor student organizations.
   • Lumpkin County Connection: The University of North Georgia (UNG), located right in Lumpkin County, as well as Georgia Tech, UGA, and other universities in Georgia, all have a responsibility to keep students safe. If hazing occurs on their campus or within organizations they recognize, they too can be held accountable, providing a crucial source of compensation for Lumpkin County families.

6. The Housing Corporation:

   • Why they’re liable: Many fraternities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the physical fraternity houses. These entities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises and can be held liable for failing to prevent dangerous activities like hazing on their property.
   • Lumpkin County Connection: If a university near Lumpkin County has Greek housing, these housing corporations become another layer of accountability.

7. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why they’re liable: Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts typically come from the various insurance carriers associated with the national fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and even individual members (through homeowner’s or renter’s policies). As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insight into how these insurance companies operate, allowing us to strategically pursue maximum recovery for our clients.

The “Deep Pockets” Strategy:

It is crucial to understand that we are not simply targeting college students. While individual perpetrators are held to account, the substantial compensation needed to cover medical bills, long-term care, emotional trauma, and punitive damages often comes from the multi-million dollar endowments, assets, and insurance policies held by:

• National Greek Letter Organizations: Many have massive endowments, real estate holdings, and multiple layers of liability insurance.
• Universities and Colleges: Major institutions possess significant financial resources, including endowments, state funding, and comprehensive insurance policies.

This is NOT about suing broke college kids. It’s about bringing the financial might of these powerful entities to bear, forcing them to address the systemic failures that allow hazing to persist. For Lumpkin County, GA families, this means the resources exist to pursue full justice, even against the largest national fraternities or state university systems.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For parents and victims in Lumpkin County, Georgia, one of the most pressing questions after a hazing incident is often, “Can we truly win? Can we make a difference?” The answer is a resounding YES. Our fight alongside Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million is firmly rooted in a long history of precedent-setting multi-million dollar hazing verdicts and settlements across the nation.

These cases are not just about monetary compensation; they are about forcing institutional change, shining a light on dark practices, and preventing future tragedies. They send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations nationwide, including those operating near Lumpkin County, GA: Hazing costs MILLIONS. And we have the receipts.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: They Will Pay.

These examples prove that justice can be achieved, and the same legal strategies apply to hazing cases impacting students from Lumpkin County.

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021-2024)

TOTAL RECOVERED: $10.1 Million+

• The Tragedy: On March 4, 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
• The Accountability: His family reached multi-million dollar settlements, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally for his role.
• Significance for Lumpkin County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez. It unequivocally proves that both universities and national fraternities are held financially liable, and even individual members can face multi-million dollar personal judgments.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

TOTAL VERDICT: $6.1 Million (Jury Verdict)

• The Tragedy: In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event where pledges were forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers.
• The Accountability: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The incident also led to criminal charges and the passing of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Significance for Lumpkin County: This verdict demonstrates the willingness of juries to award millions for hazing deaths and injuries, especially when the conduct is egregious. It underscores the potential for criminal charges alongside civil litigation.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

TOTAL RECOVERED: $110 Million+ (Estimated from multiple settlements)

• The Tragedy: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi “gauntlet” hazing ritual. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras.
• The Accountability: Over 18 fraternity members were charged, with multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter. The civil settlements, though confidential, are estimated to be well over $110 million. The tragedy also spurred Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
• Significance for Lumpkin County: This monumental case illustrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is outrageous, settlements can reach nine figures. It reinforces the importance of immediate, aggressive investigation and the far-reaching impact of hazing on victims and legislative action.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

TOTAL RECOVERED: Confidential (Settlement)

• The Tragedy: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.
• The Accountability: Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit filed by the family resulted in a confidential settlement.
• Significance for Lumpkin County: This case is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi because it involves the exact same national fraternity as our current Bermudez case. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters as early as 2017, yet failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later. This pattern of negligence strengthens our pursuit of substantial punitive damages.

Why These Precedents Matter for Lumpkin County Families:

• Your Case Has Merit: These multi-million dollar outcomes prove that hazing cases are viable and impactful. What happened to your child in Lumpkin County or at their chosen university is not an isolated incident without legal recourse.
• Institutional Responsibility is Clear: Universities and national Greek organizations can no longer claim ignorance. These precedents establish a clear pattern of knowledge and negligence.
• Aggressive Litigation Pays Off: These significant recoveries were not handed out; they were fought for by dedicated legal teams. Attorney911 brings that same fight to every case.
• Justice Beyond Compensation: These cases don’t just provide financial relief; they force institutions to change policies, lead to new anti-hazing laws (such as Max Gruver Act, Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, Adam’s Law), and help protect other students. A victory for a Lumpkin County family sends a powerful message across the state of Georgia and beyond.

The lesson from these cases is clear: When hazing happens, significant financial accountability follows. Attorney911 is committed to achieving similar, impactful results for families in Lumpkin County, GA, ensuring that the institutions responsible for endangering their children face the full consequences of the law.

Texas Law Protects You: A Legal Shield Against Hazing

For families in Lumpkin County, Georgia, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial, even if the incident occurred outside of Georgia. While our firm is based in Texas, the state where we are actively litigating the Bermudez case, the underlying legal principles are universal, and robust anti-hazing laws exist in Georgia and most other states where students from Lumpkin County might attend college. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue justice for Lumpkin County families nationwide.

The fundamental truth is that hazing is illegal, and those who perpetrate or permit it can face severe criminal penalties and substantial civil liability.

Consent is NOT a Defense: The Law is Clear.

One of the most insidious defenses often raised by fraternities and universities is that the victim “consented” to participate. They might argue, “He knew what he signed up for,” or “He could have left at any time.”

However, in Texas, and in many other states, including Georgia, the law explicitly states that “consent is NOT a defense.”

Texas Education Code § 37.154:

“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 is a critical provision. It means that even if a student from Lumpkin County felt pressured to participate, even if they initially said “yes” out of fear, loyalty, or a desperate desire to belong, their participation does not absolve the perpetrators or institutions of responsibility. Hazing is inherently coercive, exploiting vulnerability and peer pressure. The law recognizes this inherent imbalance of power and rejects the notion that a victim “consented” to abuse.

Understanding Hazing Laws: What Constitutes Hazing?

While each state’s laws may vary slightly, the definition of hazing typically covers a broad range of harmful activities. For example, the Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

(1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
(2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
(4) is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code;
(5) involves coercing… the student to consume… a drug… or an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated…”

As you can see from this detailed legal definition, the acts inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez—including physical brutality (paddles, extreme calisthenics, waterboarding), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (stripped in cold, sprayed with hose), and forced consumption (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)—fit multiple categories of illegal hazing. This framework serves as a blueprint for identifying and prosecuting hazing in civil and criminal courts.

Criminal Penalties and Organizational Liability:

Hazing is not just a violation of university rules; it is a crime. In Texas:

• Individual Perpetrators: Can face charges ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail) for basic hazing to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) for hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure). If hazing results in death, it becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years).
• Organizations (Local Chapters & Nationals): Can face fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their members commit it.
• University Officials: In Texas, university officials who have firsthand knowledge of hazing and fail to report it can also face Class B Misdemeanor charges. This strict reporting requirement ensures accountability at the institutional level.

These criminal penalties, while separate from a civil lawsuit, often provide powerful pattern evidence and can significantly impact the outcome of a civil case, as universities and national fraternities are eager to avoid criminal association.

Civil Liability: Your Path to Justice and Compensation

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families from Lumpkin County, GA, to pursue substantial compensation for their suffering. The legal theories we employ in hazing cases are robust and widely applicable:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and even individual members owed a duty of care to the victim (to keep them safe), breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), which directly caused verifiable injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH) or a housing corporation, they have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of those premises. When they fail to do so, they are liable.
3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities have a duty to adequately supervise their chapters and student organizations. When they fail to do so, allowing hazing to proliferate, they are negligent.
4. Assault and Battery: Every deliberate act of physical harm, threats, or unwanted touching during hazing constitutes assault and/or battery, for which individual perpetrators and potentially the organizations can be held liable.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing that is “extreme and outrageous,” causing severe emotional distress (like the waterboarding and psychological torment Leonel endured), can lead to substantial damages under this claim.
6. Wrongful Death: Tragically, many hazing incidents result in death. In such cases, families can pursue wrongful death claims for the loss of their loved one’s companionship, financial contributions, funeral expenses, and often, significant punitive damages.
7. Conspiracy/Aiding and Abetting: Those who plan, encourage, or assist in hazing activities, even if they don’t directly participate, can be held liable.

For Lumpkin County families, this intricate web of civil liability means that there are multiple avenues to pursue justice and ensure that every responsible party, regardless of their location, is held accountable for their actions and inactions. Our legal expertise ensures that we navigate these complex frameworks to maximize compensation for our clients.

Why Attorney911 is the Clear Choice for Lumpkin County Hazing Victims

When you’re facing the nightmare of hazing, whether your child attends the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, or any other institution across the country, you need more than just a lawyer. You need an expert, an advocate, and a fighter who understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation. We are Attorney911, and our firm is specifically designed to meet this challenge head-on. Our aggressive approach, battle-tested experience, and deep understanding of hazing culture make us the definitive choice for Lumpkin County families seeking justice.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantages:

1. Currently Litigating Landmark Cases: We are not theoretical. We are actively fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing. This ongoing fight is living proof of our commitment and expertise in hazing litigation. Lumpkin County families benefit directly from this live, real-time experience and the strategies we are employing right now.
2. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience (Ralph Manginello): Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over two and a half decades of battle-tested trial experience. He has successfully handled complex, high-stakes litigation, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – precisely what is needed when facing national fraternities and universities. His journalism background provides a keen investigative eye, crucial for uncovering the truth institutions try to hide. (Learn more about Ralph: attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/)
3. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena): Both Ralph and attorney Lupe Pena spent significant time working for insurance companies and corporate defendants. This is our “unfair advantage.” They know the defense playbook inside and out: how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. They trained with the enemy, and now they use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for hazing victims. Lupe’s experience at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, handling cases across products liability, personal injury defense, and construction law, provides an unparalleled perspective. (Learn more about Lupe: attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/)
4. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York. This is a strategic advantage for hazing cases, which often involve national fraternities headquartered in different states, allowing us to pursue federal civil rights claims or litigate across state lines for Lumpkin County families.
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Rhabdomyolysis & Wrongful Death: Ralph Manginello has direct expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as the one Leonel Bermudez suffered. Both attorneys have extensive experience in wrongful death cases, a tragic but common outcome of severe hazing. This specialized knowledge is critical for understanding medical implications, calculating damages, and connecting hazing to specific bodily harm.
6. Aggressive Approach: Immediate, Fast, Decisive: When a legal emergency strikes, we move first, fast, and decisively. For Lumpkin County hazing victims, this means immediate evidence preservation, aggressive intervention, and a commitment to building a case with expert witnesses in medicine, Greek life culture, and institutional negligence. We don’t wait for the evidence to disappear or for witnesses to be intimidated.
7. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national problem. We proudly serve hazing victims in Lumpkin County, GA, and across America. We offer remote consultations via video, making our expert legal counsel accessible to any family. We are also committed to traveling to Lumpkin County, GA, for depositions, client meetings, and trials when justice demands it. Distance is never a barrier to justice for us.
8. “Se Habla Español”: Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking families affected by hazing, ensuring no language barrier hinders their pursuit of justice. The diverse communities in Lumpkin County deserve this essential access.
9. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Basis: We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. Lumpkin County families pay us $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This aligns our interests directly with yours and ensures that powerful institutions cannot outspend victims into silence. (Learn how contingency fees work: youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc)
10. Award-Winning Reputation & Client Testimonials: With a 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews, our clients consistently praise our communication, responsiveness, and aggressive advocacy. Testimonials frequently speak of feeling
    like “family” and our commitment to fighting for maximum settlements. We’ve been trusted for over 20 years, even when other firms turn cases away.
    “You are NOT a pest to them… You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
    “This firm took the case that needed rescuing. Did not know what to do and gratefully they accepted the case. With hard work and dedication we prevailed.” — Georgia Jackson
11. Comprehensive Litigation Capabilities: Our firm handles a wide array of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, dram shop liability (holding bars accountable for over-serving alcohol), trucking accidents, and catastrophic injuries. This breadth of experience means we are equipped to handle every aspect of a hazing case, no matter how complex the injuries or liable parties.

For Lumpkin County parents whose child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a team that merges empathy with aggressive legal prowess. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we are committed to fighting for your family with the same fury and determination we bring to every case, including the ongoing $10 million lawsuit. We don’t just hope to handle hazing cases; we are actively fighting them right now.

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

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, and confused. But acting quickly and decisively can make all the difference in protecting your child’s rights and building a strong legal case. This is not time for hesitation; this is a legal emergency. Follow these steps to safeguard your future and hold those responsible accountable.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention – Now!

• Seek immediate medical help: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child downplays their symptoms, get them to an emergency room or doctor immediately. Injuries like rhabdomyolysis or internal damage from forced alcohol consumption may not be immediately obvious. For any head injury, even a seemingly minor one, prompt medical evaluation is crucial. Medical documentation is the bedrock of any successful personal injury claim.
• Be explicit with medical providers: Ensure medical staff document that the injuries are “hazing-related” or a result of “physical abuse from a fraternity/organization.”
• Follow all medical advice: Adhere strictly to doctor’s orders, attend all follow-up appointments, and complete any recommended therapies. Inaction or delayed treatment can be used by the defense to argue your child wasn’t seriously hurt. (Learn why seeing a doctor immediately is critical: YouTube Short)

2. Preserve Every Piece of Evidence – No Exceptions

Hazing cases often involve clandestine activities, but modern technology leaves a trail. Every piece of raw, unedited evidence is invaluable.

• Digital Communications:
  • DO NOT DELETE: Preserve all text messages, group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal), Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, and emails related to the hazing. This includes communications from fraternity members, pledges, and your child’s own messages. These often contain threats, instructions, evidence of alcohol, or acknowledgments of hazing.
  • Screenshots: Take screenshots of everything. Back up phone data to a cloud service or computer.
• Photos & Videos:
  • Document Injuries: Take clear photos and videos of all injuries at every stage of healing—bruises, cuts, burns, rashes, swelling, scarring, or physical limitations. For Leonel Bermudez, documenting the brown urine was a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis. Continue to photograph your child healing over weeks and months. (Learn how to use your phone to document evidence: youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs)
  • Hazing Locations: If safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, remote location).
  • Physical Evidence: Preserve any objects involved in the hazing—clothing, alcohol containers, paddles, degrading items, etc.
• Witness Information: Collect names and contact information (phone, email, social media) of anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it, including other pledges, fraternity members who did not participate, and bystanders. Their testimony can be crucial.
• Directives & Rules: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, written rules, or online documents provided by the fraternity or organization.
• Financial Records: Maintain records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (for your child or you if you had to take time off work), tuition and fees (if your child had to withdraw), and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Do NOT Engage with the Other Side Without Legal Counsel

This is perhaps the most critical warning. Universities and fraternities have strict protocols and legal teams designed to protect them, not your child.

• NO independent contact: Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, their lawyers, or insurance adjusters without your attorney present. They will try to get recorded statements, twist your words, or pressure you into accepting blame or a low settlement.
• NO apologizing or admitting fault: Never admit fault, apologize, or downplay the severity of the incident.
• NO signing anything: Do not sign any documents from the organization, university, or insurance company. You could inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.
• DO NOT post on social media: Anything your child posts, or that you post, can and will be used against you. This is an absolute rule for hazing victims. (Learn about client mistakes that ruin cases: youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY and why not to post on social media: YouTube Short)

4. Report the Incident (Strategically)

While reporting to school officials is necessary, it should be done carefully and preferably with legal guidance.

• University Report: Often required by university policy. Your attorney can advise on when and how to do this to protect your child’s rights.
• Title IX Office: If the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault, immediately contact the university’s Title IX office. This initiates a separate investigation process.
• Law Enforcement: Consider filing a police report. Hazing is a criminal offense in many states, including Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61). A criminal investigation can strengthen your civil case. Your attorney can guide you through this process.

5. Call Us Immediately – Time is Critical

• Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death claims, it’s also two years from the date of death. This deadline is strict; missing it means losing your right to sue forever. While this may seem like ample time, the process of gathering evidence, identifying defendants, and building a strong case takes considerable time.
• Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will be deleted, altered, or lost, and memories of witnesses will fade. Institutions will initiate their own investigations to control the narrative.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Lumpkin County families. There is no cost to discuss your child’s case with us, explore your legal options, and get immediate, expert guidance.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately: hospitalized on November 6th, our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate action is precisely how you protect your child’s rights and maximize their chances of justice.

No matter where you are in Lumpkin County, GA, or across the nation, we are available 24/7 to help. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are ready to bring our aggressive, experienced legal fight to your family’s hazing emergency.

Lumpkin County Families: Call Attorney911 Now – Your Fight Starts Here

If you’re reading this, it’s likely a moment of profound crisis for your family in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Your child, who left for college with so much hope, has encountered a darkness you never imagined: hazing. The pain, the anger, the fear—we understand it completely. We recognize that finding help in such a traumatic time can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with powerful universities and national Greek organizations.

But you are not alone. And you do not have to fight this battle by yourselves.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is leading the nationwide fight against hazing. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our aggressive, data-driven approach to accountability. We are bringing this same level of unwavering commitment and expert legal strategy to every hazing victim and family we represent, no matter if they are in Lumpkin County, Georgia, or anywhere else in the country.

Your Legal Emergency Is Our Mission: Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Lumpkin County families deserve immediate, decisive action. Don’t let distance or fear prevent you from seeking justice.

📞 IMMEDIATE HELP FOR LUMPKIN COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS: 1-888-ATTY-911

Call us 24/7 for a FREE, confidential consultation. We are ready to listen, provide expert guidance, and begin building your child’s case.

• Email Us: ralph@atty911.com
• Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Why Lumpkin County Families Should Contact Attorney911 Right Now:

1. NO UPFRONT COST – CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS: For Lumpkin County families grappling with medical bills and emotional distress, the thought of legal fees can be daunting. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field against well-funded institutions and ensures financial barriers never prevent you from pursuing justice.
2. WE ARE ACTIVELY FIGHTING THIS BATTLE: Our $10 million lawsuit in Houston is not theoretical. We are currently in court, fighting for a hazing victim who was waterboarded and left with kidney failure. We know the tactics these fraternities and universities use, and we know how to defeat them.
3. INSIDER KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEFENSE: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. They know precisely how insurance companies and corporate defendants evaluate, defend, and strategize against these types of claims. This insider perspective gives our clients an “unfair advantage.”
4. REACH BEYOND TEXAS: Hazing is a national problem, and our legal reach is national too. Through our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), we can actively represent families in Lumpkin County, GA, or any other state where hazing occurs.
5. WE COME TO YOU: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we offer video consultations for Lumpkin County families to meet with us remotely. If necessary, our team will travel to Lumpkin County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials because we believe justice knows no geographical bounds.
6. EMPATHETIC AND AGGRESSIVE: We combine a warm, parent-facing approach with relentless, aggressive advocacy. We understand the trauma your family is experiencing and are dedicated to guiding you through every step of this legal journey.
7. TIME IS CRITICAL: The statute of limitations (typically two years in Georgia for personal injury and wrongful death) means delays can jeopardize your case. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and institutions begin their defensive strategies immediately. Don’t wait.

We Represent Victims of Hazing Beyond Fraternities:

Hazing is unfortunately not limited to Greek life. We serve victims of hazing in a wide array of student organizations at local institutions like the University of North Georgia and beyond:

• Fraternities and Sororities
• Sports Teams
• Marching Bands
• ROTC Programs
• Clubs and Societies
• Military Academies

If an organization used abuse as “initiation,” and your child suffered physical or emotional harm, we are here to help.

For Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

To any other students who suffered abuse at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter or witnessed the horrific events, we know you are out there. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one. Others collapsed, others were subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse.

You have rights too, and we can represent you. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “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.

Your child’s future, and the safety of others, depends on holding these institutions accountable. Take that first courageous step toward justice. For Lumpkin County, GA families, your allies are ready.

CALL 1-888-ATTY-911 TODAY. Your consultation is free, and your fight begins now.