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

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. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Meriwether County fight back.

We are Attorney 911, and we represent hazing victims and their families across America. While our roots run deep in Texas, with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice extends nationwide, directly serving families in Meriwether County and beyond. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Meriwether County, where students often leave home for universities, trusting that those institutions will keep them safe. When that trust is betrayed, we are here to ensure accountability.

Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, plain and simple. What happened to our client in Houston is a stark reminder of the brutal reality lurking within some fraternity and sorority cultures, sports teams, and other student organizations. This isn’t just a Texas problem; it’s a national crisis that has tragically claimed lives and shattered futures, including for students from communities like Meriwether County who attend colleges both near and far. We are equipped and ready to bring our aggressive, data-driven litigation strategy to Meriwether County families whose children have been victimized.

The Haunting Echoes of a Hazing Crisis: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Just weeks ago, in November 2025, our firm, Attorney 911, filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court that lays bare the horrifying truth of modern hazing. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just a legal battle; it’s a fight for justice, a desperate plea for accountability, and a powerful warning to every parent in Meriwether County whose child is considering Greek life or any student organization.

Leonel Bermudez was not even a full-fledged University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the spring semester. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025, hoping to find camaraderie and purpose. Instead, over the next several weeks, he endured a systematic campaign of torture and abuse that nearly cost him his life.

Within two months, Leonel was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, subjected to psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and extreme physical exertion that pushed his body to its breaking point.

On November 3, 2025, after missing a fraternity event, Leonel was forced to perform 100-plus push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was pushed so hard he could not stand without help.

As our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13 Houston that same week, “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 and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and damages the kidneys. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, passing brown urine due to the muscle breakdown, with an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This shocking incident unfolded at a fraternity house owned by the University of Houston. Within days of the hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. University officials, in a statement to Houston Public Media, called the events “deeply disturbing” and acknowledged the potential for criminal charges against those involved.

But this case isn’t just about one fraternity or one university. It’s about a pattern of institutional negligence that plagues college campuses nationwide, including those where students from Meriwether County attend. As our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, eloquently stated 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.”

We are actively fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Harris County Civil District Court. This is proof that Attorney 911 isn’t theoretical; we are on the front lines, relentlessly pursuing accountability for hazing victims. For parents in Meriwether County, this case demonstrates the severe risks their children face and the aggressive legal representation available to fight back.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Meriwether County may picture hazing as innocent pranks or mild rituals. Popular culture often trivializes it as “boys will be boys” or harmless traditions that build character. The stark reality, exposed through cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is that modern hazing is systematic abuse, torture, and often outright criminal behavior.

It is not character-building; it is character-destroying. It does not forge bonds; it traumatizes. It is not about tradition; it is about power, control, and degradation.

Here’s an unflinching look at what hazing truly involves, drawn from our ongoing cases and national tragedies:

Physical Abuse That Breaks Bodies

• Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced calisthenics, running drills (known as “suicides”), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other exercises for hours on end, often to the point of collapse. Leonel Bermudez endured 500 squats and 100+ push-ups until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed, leading to rhabdomyolysis. Another pledge in his chapter collapsed and lost consciousness during forced workouts just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization.
• Beatings and Paddling: Being struck with wooden paddles, fists, or other objects. The Houston Chronicle reported that Leonel was “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Branding and Burning: Using hot implements or chemicals to permanently mark a new member.
• Exposure to the Elements: Forcing individuals to strip to their underwear in cold weather, or endure extreme heat, leading to hypothermia, heatstroke, or frostbite. Leonel was forced to strip in cold weather and was sprayed with a garden hose while minimally clothed.
• “Waterboarding” and Simulated Drowning: This heinous act, a recognized form of torture, involves pouring water over a cloth covering the face, creating a sensation of drowning. KHOU 11 and Houston Public Media explicitly reported Leonel Bermudez was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.”

Forced Consumption That Poisons

• Binge Drinking: Forcing pledges to consume excessive amounts of alcohol in short periods, often entire bottles of liquor. This tragically led to the deaths of Stone Foltz, Maxwell Gruver, and Andrew Coffey (a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State University).
• Eating Until Vomiting: Forcing pledges to consume large quantities of food or repulsive substances until they vomit, then making them continue physical activity in their own bodily fluids. Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume “large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting,” then made to continue “running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and lie in “vomit-soaked grass.”
• Ingestion of Non-Food Substances: Forcing members to eat or drink things that are not meant for human consumption, such as feces, urine, or chemicals.

Psychological Torture That Scars Minds

• Humiliation and Degradation: Public shaming, verbal abuse, ridicule, and forced participation in demeaning acts. Leonel was forced to carry a “fanny pack that held objects of a sexual nature at all times.”
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay up for extended periods, disrupting their sleep cycles, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Leonel was “forced to drive fraternity members during the early morning hours, which led to exhaustion.”
• Isolation and Intimidation: Separating new members from outside contact, threatening them with physical punishment or expulsion if they fail to comply or attempt to leave. Leonel faced threats “with physical punishment and/or expulsion from the fraternity” for non-compliance.
• Hog-Tying and Restraint: Physically binding pledges, often for extended periods. ABC13 reported that another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour” while fraternity members prepared for a meeting.

The Devastating Consequences

The physical dangers include severe injuries, organ damage, and death. But hazing also leaves deep, lasting psychological scars, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Severe anxiety and depression
• Academic decline and loss of scholarships
• Social isolation and trust issues
• Substance abuse as a coping mechanism
• Suicidal ideation

This is what hazing looks like today in American universities, potentially impacting students from Meriwether County at colleges across the nation. It’s not a secret handshake; it’s a criminal act, and we are dedicated to holding every responsible party accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

When hazing incidents occur, the immediate focus is often on the individual perpetrators. While those individuals are certainly liable for their actions, our aggressive litigation strategy ensures that every entity with a duty of care, oversight, and financial responsibility is brought to justice. This includes the national organizations, the universities, and even those who enable hazing by providing locations for these horrific acts.

In the Bermudez case, we are pursuing a comprehensive list of defendants, mirroring the multi-pronged approach we will take for Meriwether County hazing victims:

1. The Local Chapter: The Direct Perpetrators

The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. This includes the chapter as an entity, along with its officers and members.

• Chapter Officers: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other chapter leaders bear direct responsibility for planning and overseeing the hazing. These individuals are named as defendants in our lawsuit.
• Individual Members: Every member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in the hazing can be held personally liable. These individuals are also named in the lawsuit.

2. The National Organization: Enabling a Culture of Abuse

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national organization, holds ultimate power over its chapters. Our lawsuit alleges that the national organization failed in its duties to supervise the local chapter and enforce anti-hazing policies, despite internal knowledge of “a hazing crisis.”

• Actual Knowledge: 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 is a critical point: they knew there was a problem and did not take sufficient action.
• Pattern of Negligence: The national organization has a documented history of hazing tragedies, most notably the death of Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State University, in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a failure to address a dangerous culture.
• “Deep Pockets”: National fraternities are well-funded corporations with substantial assets and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them primary targets for significant damage awards.

3. The University: Institutional Failure

The University of Houston, along with the UH Board of Regents, is also a defendant in our lawsuit. Universities have a fundamental duty to ensure a safe environment for their students and to regulate student organizations operating on their campuses.

• Premises Liability: A critical factor in the Bermudez case is that the hazing occurred at a “University-owned fraternity house,” as reported by KHOU 11. The University of Houston, as a landlord, had a duty to maintain a safe environment and had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down activities on its property.
• Prior Knowledge: UH had a documented history of hazing problems, with another student suffering a lacerated spleen in 2017 at a different fraternity on campus. This means the university knew about hazing risks and failed to implement adequate preventative measures.
• Failure to Supervise: Universities are responsible for overseeing Greek life and ensuring compliance with anti-hazing policies. Their failure to do so constitutes negligent supervision.
• Institutional Resources: Universities have massive endowments and extensive insurance coverage, enabling them to pay significant damage awards.

4. Other Enabling Parties: Accountability for All

The Bermudez lawsuit extends beyond the traditional defendants to include those who facilitated the hazing by providing venues or failing to intervene.

• Former Members and Spouses: The lawsuit names a former member and his spouse as defendants because some of the major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This establishes premises liability for private property owners who allow hazing to occur on their premises.
• Fraternity Housing Corporations: These entities often own the physical fraternity houses and can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing on their properties.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle for Meriwether County Families:
For Meriwether County families facing the aftermath of hazing, it’s crucial to understand that we are not solely focused on individual students who may have limited assets. We aggressively pursue the “deep pockets” – the national organizations and universities – who have the financial capacity to provide substantial compensation and the institutional power to effect real change. Our goal is to ensure that victims from Meriwether County receive full and fair compensation for their suffering, and that these powerful entities are compelled to prioritize student safety over reputation and tradition.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Meriwether County grappling with a hazing tragedy, a common and heartbreaking question arises: “Can we really fight these powerful organizations?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. The legal precedents across the country demonstrate that hazing victims and their families can and do win multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements when they pursue justice aggressively.

These landmark cases send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary; it is a meticulously calculated sum rooted in these very precedents and the profound damages inflicted upon our client. The same legal strategies and determination apply to cases involving hazing victims from Meriwether County.

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

Total Payout: Over $10.1 Million

• What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
• Result: This tragedy led to significant legal and criminal consequences. His family received a settlement of $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individual defendants, totaling over $10.1 million. In an additional, powerful display of accountability, in December 2024, a Ohio court ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 Million personally in a civil lawsuit. Multiple fraternity members also faced criminal convictions.
• Significance for Meriwether County: This proves that universities and national fraternities are willing to pay multi-million dollar settlements. The individual accountability, even by a chapter president, is a direct warning to any student involved in hazing. Our $10 million demand aligns perfectly with such precedents.

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

Total Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

• What Happened: In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, more than six times the legal limit) after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual at Louisiana State University known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to chug huge amounts of alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly.
• Result: A jury awarded the Gruver family an emotional $6.1 million verdict. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one being convicted of negligent homicide. This case also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony offense.
• Significance for Meriwether County: This demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial monetary damages. It underscores the potential for parallel criminal proceedings alongside civil lawsuits for victims in Meriwether County.

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

Total Estimated Settlements: Over $110 Million

• What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State, endured “the gauntlet,” a brutal Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Highly intoxicated, he fell down a flight of stairs and suffered catastrophic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 crucial hours, even attempting to revive him and move him. He died days later. The entire incident was captured on security cameras.
• Result: While confidential, settlements in the Piazza case are estimated to exceed $110 million, making it one of the largest hazing payouts in history. Many fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several being convicted of serious offenses, including involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in response.
• Significance for Meriwether County: When clear, compelling evidence (like the detailed descriptions in Leonel’s case) exists, the damages can be astronomical. This case illustrates the high cost of institutional negligence and cover-ups.

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

Chapter Connection: SAME FRATERNITY AS BERMUDEZ CASE

• What Happened: Strikingly, Pi Kappa Phi, the very same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, saw one of its pledges, Andrew Coffey, die from alcohol poisoning in November 2017 during a “Big Brother Night” ritual at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
• Result: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family reached a settlement, though the amount was confidential.
• Significance for Meriwether County: This is our smoking gun. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew eight years ago that its chapters engaged in deadly hazing. The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under similar circumstances demonstrates a tragic failure by the national organization to prevent foreseeable harm and highlights a pattern of systemic negligence. This makes our case, and any future case against Pi Kappa Phi involving a Meriwether County student, exceptionally compelling.

University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017)

University Connection: SAME UNIVERSITY

• What Happened: In 2017, Jared Munoz, a pledge at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, suffered a lacerated spleen due to hazing. He filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity.
• Result: While the criminal case against the national organization was later dismissed on constitutional grounds, the civil lawsuit brought significant attention to UH’s hazing issues.
• Significance for Meriwether County: This is another smoking gun, this time for the University of Houston. The university knew, eight years prior to Leonel’s incident, that hazing was occurring at their fraternities and causing severe injuries. They failed to implement sufficient safeguards, making Leonel’s hospitalization a foreseeable tragedy.

The Message to Meriwether County Families:
These examples are not just numbers; they represent comprehensive victories for families who dared to stand up to powerful institutions. They prove that multi-million dollar outcomes are achievable, and more importantly, that justice can be served. For hazing victims from Meriwether County, these precedents are a roadmap to significant compensation and accountability for those who allowed the abuse to happen. When you choose Attorney 911, you’re choosing a firm that understands these pathways to victory and is actively building on them with cases like Leonel Bermudez’s.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For families in Meriwether County, understanding the legal landscape around hazing is crucial. While states like Georgia may have their own specific anti-hazing laws, the legal principles we apply in Texas, and our firm’s federal court authority, mean that victims nationwide, including those from Meriwether County, have strong avenues for justice.

Texas has comprehensive anti-hazing laws codified in the Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157). These laws establish clear definitions, criminal penalties, and crucial protections for victims. We leverage these statutes, along with broader civil liability theories, to build powerful cases against all responsible parties.

Defining Hazing: More Than Just Pranks

The Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing broadly, encompassing any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This definition includes:

• Physical Brutality: Such as striking, beating, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel Bermudez’s experience of being “struck with wooden paddles” falls directly under this.
• Activities Endangering Health: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, forced calisthenics, or any similar activity posing an “unreasonable risk of harm” or adversely affecting health. Leonel’s forced 500 squats and 100+ push-ups leading to rhabdomyolysis, his sleep deprivation from driving members, and exposure to cold and water spraying are all explicit examples.
• Forced Consumption: Requiring students to consume food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk. Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a clear violation.
• Criminal Acts: Any activity that requires a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Coerced Alcohol/Drug Consumption: Forcing consumption of alcohol to intoxication or drugs.

For Meriwether County Families: The hazing your child experienced, whether in Georgia or another state, likely falls under similar broad definitions, providing a strong basis for legal action.

Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Crime

Texas law doesn’t just frown upon hazing; it criminalizes it. Depending on the severity, individuals involved can face serious charges:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting, encouraging, aiding hazing, or having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury,” which Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure certainly qualify as. This carries potential jail time of up to one year and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, perpetrators can face up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. This is relevant in tragic wrongful death cases.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s reference to “potential criminal charges” against individuals in the Bermudez case highlights this critical aspect. For Meriwether County students, understanding that hazing is not just a campus policy violation, but a criminal act, can be empowering.

Organizational Liability: Holding the Entities Accountable

The Texas Education Code § 37.153 explicitly states that an organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property. This provision is vital for holding local chapters and even national organizations liable.

Consent is NOT a Defense: Your Child Cannot Agree to Be Abused

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas hazing law, and one frequently mirrored in other states, is found in § 37.154: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is paramount. Universities and fraternities often argue that victims “consented” or “knew what they were getting into.” Texas law unequivocally rejects this argument. The legislature understood that coercion, peer pressure, and the desire to belong Strip away true consent. For Meriwether County parents, this means their child’s participation, however seemingly voluntary, can never be used to escape legal responsibility for hazing.

Beyond Criminal: Civil Lawsuits for Full Compensation

While criminal penalties punish wrongdoers, civil lawsuits are how hazing victims in Meriwether County recover compensation for their profound injuries and losses. Our legal team will explore various civil liability theories:

• Negligence: Did the university, national fraternity, or individuals breach their duty of care to protect students, resulting in harm?
• Premises Liability: Did the hazing occur on property controlled by the university or another responsible party (like the former member’s residence in the Bermudez case), and did they fail to maintain a safe environment?
• Negligent Supervision: Did the national organization fail to adequately oversee its chapter, or did the university fail to properly supervise Greek life?
• Assault and Battery: Individual participants can be sued for intentional harmful contact. “Waterboarding” and “paddling” are clear examples.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering. The psychological torment endured by Leonel Bermudez (and documented fears of retribution) clearly falls into this category.

Federal Court Authority for Meriwether County:
Our firm’s admission to federal courts and our dual bar licenses in Texas and New York give us a strategic advantage. This means we can often pursue hazing cases against national organizations in federal jurisdiction, regardless of where in the country the incident occurred. For a family in Meriwether County, this ensures that no matter where your child attends college, or where the national fraternity is based, we have the authority to bring your case to the appropriate legal forum.

Why Attorney 911: Your Advocates in Meriwether County’s Fight Against Hazing

When you’re facing the nightmare of a hazing injury or death, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision your family will make. For parents in Meriwether County, entrusting your child’s case to Attorney 911 means gaining allies who combine deep legal expertise with an unparalleled commitment to fight for justice. We are not just lawyers; we are relentless advocates, and we bring a unique set of skills and experiences to every hazing case, explicitly tailored to maximize outcomes for victims like your child.

We Are Actively Fighting on the Front Lines—Right Now

Many law firms talk about hazing litigation. We are doing it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, filed in November 2025, is undeniable proof of our commitment. This isn’t a theoretical practice area for us; it’s a live, ongoing battle where we are holding powerful entities accountable for life-altering abuse. Meriwether County families get the same aggressive, no-holds-barred representation that we’re bringing to the Bermudez case. This current, high-stakes litigation demonstrates:

• Our Immediate Response Capabilities: We moved swiftly after Leonel’s hospitalization.
• Our Aggression: We immediately filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against multiple defendants, including a state university.
• Our Expertise: We successfully identified every potential defendant, from the national fraternity to individual members and the university itself, leveraging our deep understanding of hazing liability.

Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook Because We Wrote It

Our legal team boasts a strategic advantage: both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys.

• Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, spent years working on the defense side for insurance companies. He intimately understands how they evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts.
• Lupe E. Peña, our associate attorney, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, where he defended insurance companies and corporations across various practice areas. He learned their tactics for devaluing claims, delaying compensation, and wearing down plaintiffs.

What this means for Meriwether County families: We know exactly how universities, national fraternities – and their insurance carriers – will try to defend themselves. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside. Now, we use that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and maximize compensation for our clients. It’s an unfair advantage for you, and a powerful weapon against them.

Proven Capacity Against Massive Corporations

Ralph Manginello’s experience extends to massive, complex litigation, including his involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion Litigation in 2005. This multi-billion dollar mass tort case involved 15 deaths and 180+ injuries against one of the world’s largest corporations. This experience proves our firm’s capacity to:

• Take on massive corporate and institutional defendants without hesitation.
• Manage complex legal strategies involving multiple parties.
• Handle cases with catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths.

The same skills and resolve required to take on BP are now directed towards holding universities and national fraternities accountable for hazing.

Unparalleled Reach: Serving Meriwether County and Beyond

While we are headquartered in Houston, our commitment to hazing victims knows no geographical bounds. We serve families in Meriwether County and nationwide through:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue hazing cases against national organizations in federal jurisdiction, which is often a strategic advantage regardless of where in Meriwether County or the country the hazing occurred.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a critical strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities, many of which have headquarters or significant operations that may extend beyond Texas.
• Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Meriwether County for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when necessary.
• Remote Accessibility: We offer comprehensive video consultations, allowing Meriwether County families to connect with our expert attorneys from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña, ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Meriwether County receive clear communication and comprehensive legal services without language barriers.

A Track Record of Success and Client-Centered Advocacy

Our Google My Business profile boasts a 4.9-star rating with over 250 reviews, with clients consistently praising our communication, aggressive advocacy, and genuine care. Testimonials repeatedly highlight our firm’s compassionate approach, with clients stating, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such” and “I never felt like ‘just another case.'”

We understand the financial burden that legal action can seem to impose, especially on families dealing with trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis for Meriwether County families:

• $0 Upfront: You pay nothing to hire us.
• No Win, No Fee: We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and ensures that access to justice is never a question of affordability.

We Understand the Culture of Hazing

Ralph Manginello’s background as a former collegiate athlete and youth coach, coupled with his position as a father of three, gives him a direct understanding of informal team cultures, locker room dynamics, and the pressures young people face – environments ripe for hazing. This personal insight informs our legal strategy, allowing us to connect with juries on a human level about the damaging impacts of hazing. We know what’s at stake for Meriwether County parents when their children are harmed by these so-called “traditions.”

Every hazing case is a legal emergency. We are Attorney 911 – the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We move first, fast, and decisively. For Meriwether County families, this means immediate, aggressive, and professional help from attorneys who are not afraid to take on the biggest institutions to secure justice for your child.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Meriwether County Families

If your child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can profoundly impact the strength and success of any future legal claim. For families in Meriwether County, we offer clear, actionable guidance to protect your child’s rights and build a powerful case.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Care

• Remove Your Child from the Situation: Ensure your child is physically safe and away from the environment where the hazing occurred. This may mean bringing them home to Meriwether County if they are away at college.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, it is crucial to see a doctor or go to the emergency room in Meriwether County or wherever they are located.
  • Document Everything: Every medical visit, diagnosis, symptom, and treatment creates an official record that is indispensable for a legal claim. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.”
  • Be Honest and Detailed: Encourage your child to disclose all symptoms and experiences to medical professionals, including the context of the hazing. If rhabdomyolysis is suspected, mention specific activities like extreme exercise.
  • Preserve Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, ER reports, doctor’s notes, specialist referrals, and bills.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence—The Foundation of Your Case

Once safety and medical needs are addressed, the next step is to meticulously gather and preserve every piece of potential evidence. As our video “Document Everything! The Key to a Strong Injury Case” highlights, this is paramount.

• Electronic Communications:
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: This is perhaps the most critical instruction. Fraternities and universities will often pressure members to delete evidence. Do not comply.
  • Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of all relevant text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. This includes conversations between members, pledges, and even any threats or references to hazing activities.
  • Save Social Media Posts: Preserve photos, videos, or posts from any social media platform that might shed light on the hazing culture or specific incidents.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Document Injuries: As Ralph Manginello advises in “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, take pictures of all injuries at every stage of healing—bruises, cuts, swelling, and any visual signs of muscle breakdown like brown urine (a key indicator in Leonel Bermudez’s case).
  • Document the Environment: If safe to do so, take photos or videos of the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residences, specific rooms, outdoor areas).
  • Physical Evidence: Preserve any objects or items involved in the hazing.
• Witness Information:
  • Identify Witnesses: Gather names and contact information for other pledges, fraternity or sorority members, bystanders, resident advisors (RAs), or any school staff who may have witnessed or been aware of the hazing.
  • Encourage Documentation: If other individuals have evidence, advise them to preserve it as well.
• Physical Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, “rules” or codes of conduct provided by the organization. Keep receipts for any expenses incurred due to the hazing.
• Academic Records: Document any impact the hazing had on your child’s academic performance, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Based on our experience and outlined in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”:

• DO NOT Delete Communications: This can be seen as spoliation of evidence and severely weaken your case.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or family posts can be used by the defense to undermine the claim of injury or suffering.
• DO NOT Confront the Organization: Do not attempt to negotiate, argue, or even speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will attempt to gather information or get you to sign away your rights.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without having your attorney review them first.
• DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters and university investigators are trained to elicit information that can harm your case. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” underscores this. Let your attorney handle all communications.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Time Is Critical: Hazing cases are complex, and the statute of limitations (typically two years in states like Texas as explained in “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”) begins ticking from the date of injury or death. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and defendants begin building their defenses. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Meriwether County families. This is your opportunity to speak with experienced hazing litigation attorneys, understand your legal options, and get clear guidance without any financial commitment.
• We Come to You / Remote Access: While our physical offices are in Texas, we serve Meriwether County. We offer video consultations for convenience, and our attorneys will travel to Meriwether County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Meriwether County Families: You Are Not Alone

The shame, fear, and desire for loyalty often prevent hazing victims from speaking out. But our experience with clients like Leonel Bermudez shows that brave individuals can make a difference. Your decision foregrounds your child’s well-being and helps prevent future tragedies. We recognize how isolating and terrifying this situation can be for a Meriwether County family. We are here to listen, to validate your experience, and to fight relentlessly for the justice and compensation your child deserves. Call us. We are ready to help.

Contact Attorney 911: Your Crisis Line for Hazing Victims in Meriwether County

If your child in Meriwether County has suffered at the hands of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The pain, anger, and confusion can be overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate this crisis alone. We are Attorney 911, and we are your immediate, aggressive, and professional help line. We are fighting this battle right now in Houston, and we are ready to fight for families in Meriwether County with the same unwavering dedication and expertise.

Your Direct Line to Justice:

📞 Call Us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email Us: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Meriwether County Families: Here’s What You Can Expect When You Contact Us:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us costs you nothing. We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options in clear, understandable terms. We will discuss what happened to your child, gather initial information, and help you understand the path forward.
• No Upfront Fees: We Work on Contingency: We understand that the financial stress of dealing with a hazing incident is immense. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
  • You pay $0 upfront to hire our expert legal team.
  • We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing for our legal fees. This ensures that every Meriwether County family has access to top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. For more details on how this works, watch our video “How Contingency Fees Work.”
• We Come to You (or Meet Remotely): While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to hazing victims in Meriwether County is unwavering. We offer convenient video consultations so you can speak with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home. For critical stages of litigation, such as depositions or trials, our attorneys will travel to Meriwether County as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice for your child.
• Experienced, Empathetic Advocates: You will speak with attorneys like Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, who are not only legal experts but also deeply compassionate individuals. We know what it feels like to have your trust betrayed and your child harmed. We approach every hazing case with fierce determination and genuine empathy for your family’s ordeal.
• Immediate Action and Evidence Protection: The moment you contact us, we begin working to protect your child’s rights. This includes sending immediate preservation letters to all potential defendants to prevent the destruction of crucial evidence—texts, videos, incident reports, and more.
• Guidance Through a Complex Process: Hazing litigation can be intricate, involving multiple defendants (individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities). We will demystify the legal process, explaining each step, from investigation and discovery to negotiation, mediation, and, if necessary, trial. We pride ourselves on consistent communication, ensuring you are always informed about your case’s progress, as highlighted in our video “Will you keep me updated on my case?”
• Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): For Hispanic families in Meriwether County, our team includes fluent Spanish speakers who can provide comprehensive legal services, ensuring no language barrier impedes your pursuit of justice.

Your Action Can Make a Difference:
Your decision to reach out not only seeks justice for your own child but also sends a powerful message that can help prevent future tragedies for other students in Meriwether County and beyond. As Lupe Peña said regarding the Bermudez case, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Hazing is abuse. It is intolerable. It will not stop unless we hold every responsible party accountable. Let us stand with you. Let us fight for your child. Let us bring your Meriwether County family the justice and closure you deserve.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking on legal deadlines, and evidence can disappear. Contact Attorney 911 today. We are here when you need us most.