If you’re reading this in Muscogee County, 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 your area fight back against the insidious problem of hazing that plagues our universities and national organizations. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperate search for help that leads parents to search for answers in the dead of night.

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It is not building character. It is abuse, plain and simple, and it has no place in our society or our educational institutions. When it enters our children’s lives, it can lead to devastating physical injuries, profound psychological trauma, and, far too often, death. We know this not as a theoretical problem, but as one we are actively fighting right now.

Our firm, Attorney911, is currently engaged in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members regarding a horrific hazing incident in November 2025. This case represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting accountability for every entity responsible for these injuries. We believe that by fighting vigorously for victims like Leonel, we can send a clear message: student safety must come before “tradition,” before profit, and before reputation. What happened to Leonel in Houston can happen to students from Muscogee County attending colleges and universities throughout Georgia and beyond. The same fraternities operate. The same negligence often exists. And we are here to bring the same fight to Muscogee County families.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight Happening Right Now

We want Muscogee County families to understand the reality of hazing today, not through abstract statistics, but through the story of Leonel Bermudez. His story, unfolding in Harris County Civil District Court just weeks ago, is a stark warning about what hazing truly looks like in today’s universities, and it is the proof that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting for justice.

This case happened in Houston, but the same patterns of abuse occur at universities across the nation, including those attended by students from Muscogee County. The very same national fraternities operate chapters near Muscogee County, and the same institutional negligence allows hazing to flourish. We are prepared to bring the same aggressive representation to your family in Muscogee County that we are currently bringing to our client in Houston.

News Coverage: A Public Record of Abuse

The details of Leonel’s case have been extensively covered by major news outlets, highlighting the severity of the hazing and our commitment to holding all responsible parties accountable.

ABC13 Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges“
KHOU 11 published their coverage on November 21, 2025: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations“
Houston Chronicle covered the lawsuit on November 22, 2025: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit“
Houston Public Media provided further details on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing“

Even Pi Kappa Phi National (the defendant in our case) published a statement on their website on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” which, as we will discuss, contains damning admissions.

The Parties We Are Holding Accountable

Our aggressive $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, names multiple defendants:

The local Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
The national Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
The University of Houston
The UH Board of Regents
The local chapter’s Fraternity President
The Pledgemaster
Multiple Current and Former Members
A Former Member AND His Spouse, because hazing occurred at their residence

Leonel Bermudez’s Story: A Warning for Every Family

Leonel Bermudez was what is known as a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who was not even officially a University of Houston student yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. The fact that this fraternity subjected someone who wasn’t even enrolled at their university to such horrific abuse speaks volumes about their culture of reckless disregard.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As Ralph Manginello, one of our lead attorneys, told ABC13:

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

And Lupe Pena, another attorney on our team, powerfully 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.”

This is the firm commitment we bring to every hazing case, including those from Muscogee County.

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Torture

Sept 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
Sept 16 – Nov 3: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture begin. This period included:
- Enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews.
- Being forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
- Threats of physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance.
- Forced rides for fraternity brothers during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.
Oct 13, 2025: In a separate incident showing the chapter’s culture, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Oct 15, 2025: In another alarming signal, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. These warning signs were ignored.
Nov 3, 2025 (The Incident Day): Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform:
- Over 100 pushups.
- Over 500 squats.
- High-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls.
- He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising, under threat of immediate expulsion.
- He became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened, unable to move.
Nov 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine—a critical sign of muscle breakdown.
Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter—a week before our lawsuit was filed, indicating their awareness of wrongdoing.
Nov 21, 2025: Our $10 million lawsuit was filed.

The Hazing Activities: Beyond Pranks

The lawsuit details a litany of abuses:

Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel and other pledges were “simulated waterboarded with a garden hose”, sprayed in the face with water during calisthenics, and forced to run under threat of waterboarding. This is recognized internationally as torture.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then made to run sprints while in distress and lie in their own vomit-soaked grass.
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included the thousands of forced repetitions of exercises like pushups and squats, the intense running drills, bear crawls, and wheelbarrows, pushed until physical collapse. The lawsuit also alleges pledges were struck with wooden paddles.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, the hog-tying incident involving another pledge, stripping in cold weather, and constant threats contributed to immense psychological harm.
Sleep Deprivation: Early morning driving duties contributed to chronic exhaustion.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s body broke down under the immense strain. He was diagnosed with:

Rhabdomyolysis: A severe and potentially fatal condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This caused his urine to turn brown.
Acute Kidney Failure: His kidneys were unable to filter waste effectively, a life-threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis that can lead to permanent damage or even require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
He also suffered muscle pain and difficulty walking and highly elevated creatine kinase levels, confirming widespread muscle damage.

This is the same medical condition that Attorney911 has specific expertise in litigating. Our lead attorney, Ralph Manginello, has handled rhabdomyolysis hazing cases before.

Institutional Responses: Admissions of Failure

A University of Houston spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that the “events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and mentioned “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission that UH recognizes the severity of the conduct.
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, on their own website, announced they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They closed the chapter a full week before our lawsuit was filed, demonstrating a clear awareness of wrongdoing and an attempt at damage control. Their statement even “thanked the University of Houston for its collaboration,” revealing how these institutions often coordinate their responses. Most strikingly, they ended by saying they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” showing a profound lack of remorse or real commitment to cultural change.

This $10 million lawsuit isn’t just about compensation for Leonel; it’s about forcing accountability for the insidious culture that allows such atrocities to occur. The same fraternities that operate near Muscogee County, the same universities that students from Muscogee County attend, must be put on notice.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Muscogee County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks, forced late-night cleanups, or perhaps sneaking alcohol. The reality, as demonstrated by Leonel’s story, is far darker. Hazing today is often about systematic abuse, psychological torment, extreme physical exertion, and, increasingly, outright torture.

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

It is:

Assault
Battery
Torture
Reckless endangerment
And often, manslaughter or murder.

The Disturbing Facts and Figures: A National Crisis

According to national statistics, over half (55%) of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty mistaken for honor.
Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States.
Hazing isn’t exclusive to Greek life; it also occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and various student organizations that children from Muscogee County might join.

Types of Hazing Incident: A Visceral Reality

Based on our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and other documented incidents nationwide, hazing takes many forms:

Physical Abuse: This goes beyond simple paddling and can include brutal beatings, forced exercise to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis), branding, burning, or being forced to hold painful positions. The wooden paddles used on Leonel are a terrifying example.
Forced Consumption: This is often deadly. Forced binge drinking, chugging dangerous amounts of alcohol, or even “eating until vomiting,” as Leonel endured with copious amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns.
Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform late-night tasks, or drive fraternity members in the early hours of the morning, leading to extreme exhaustion.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats are common. Leonel’s experience with the fanny pack of sexual objects and being hog-tied is particularly disturbing. The fear of retribution, as described by our attorneys, causes immense and lasting psychological damage.
Sexual Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to outright sexual assault, often masquerading as “initiation rituals.”
Simulated Waterboarding/Drowning: As Leonel experienced, this barbaric act involves spraying water into a subject’s face to simulate drowning. It is a recognized technique of torture.
Exposure: Forcing individuals into extreme environmental conditions, such as stripping to underwear in cold weather, leading to hypothermia, or confinement in small, unsanitary spaces.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences

The long-term effects of hazing are profound:

Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly evidenced in Leonel’s case, these can result in permanent kidney damage, chronic illness, or even death.
Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, leading to brain damage or organ failure.
Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls (like Timothy Piazza’s multiple falls down stairs), or severe head trauma.
Cardiovascular Issues: Extreme physical exertion can lead to heart attacks or other cardiac events.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme cold or heat.
Gastrointestinal Damage: From forced eating or drinking of corrosive substances.
PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: The psychological scars can last a lifetime, manifesting as severe mental health disorders, substance abuse, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Leonel’s fear of retribution, despite knowing he is safe with our firm, is a strong indicator of this.
Death: The ultimate, tragic consequence, as seen in countless cases nationwide.

Parents in Muscogee County need to understand that the institutions responsible often know about these realities but do little to prevent them. They “suspend” chapters after a tragedy and issue carefully worded statements, like Pi Kappa Phi’s talk of “returning to campus,” demonstrating a disturbing lack of commitment to fundamental change.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Party Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation, and one where Attorney911 excels, is identifying and pursuing every single party responsible. This isn’t just about blaming individual students; it’s about holding the entire ecosystem of enablers accountable. Our approach in the Bermudez case shows exactly how comprehensive our strategy is, and we will apply the same rigor to cases originating from Muscogee County.

The Defendants: A Network of Liability

Local Fraternity or Sorority Chapter: This is typically the direct perpetrator. They organize the events, execute the hazing, and foster the culture where it thrives. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly engaged in the abuse.
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager): These individuals hold leadership positions and often direct or condone the hazing. They have a heightened responsibility due to their authority. We have specifically named the President and Pledgemaster in Leonel’s lawsuit. The Stone Foltz case, where the chapter president was held personally liable for millions, highlights this direct accountability.
Individual Members: Every student who actively participates in hazing, facilitates it, or even witnesses it and fails to intervene can be held personally liable. Their actions, whether physical or psychological, contribute directly to the harm. Our lawsuit names 13 individual members.
Former Members and Their Spouses/Property Owners: Often, hazing rituals take place off-campus at private residences, sometimes belonging to alumni or older members. If these individuals allow, host, or even turn a blind eye to hazing on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws. In Leonel’s case, we specifically named a former member and his spouse because some major hazing sessions occurred at their home.
National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: Far from being mere advisory bodies, national organizations are often structured as multi-million dollar corporations with extensive resources and insurance policies. They have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. When they fail, as Pi Kappa Phi National did despite a documented history of hazing incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), they are directly responsible. They are the “deep pockets” in many hazing lawsuits.
The University or College: Educational institutions have a profound responsibility for the safety and well-being of their students. This liability is particularly strong when hazing occurs on university property, as it did in the Pi Kappa Phi house owned by the University of Houston. Universities have the power to regulate, suspend, or even ban Greek organizations. When they fail to use this power, or turn a blind eye to known hazing problems (like UH did after a 2017 hazing hospitalization on campus), they become complicit. The UH Board of Regents is specifically named in our suit to ensure full institutional accountability.
Insurance Carriers: While not direct perpetrators, the insurance companies for the national organization, the university, individual members, and property owners are typically the ultimate source of compensation. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess an invaluable insider’s perspective on how these formidable entities operate, allowing us to anticipate their strategies and powerfully advocate for our clients.

“Deep Pockets” vs. “Broke College Kids”

Our firm understands that parents in Muscogee County aren’t looking to bankrupt struggling students. We focus on exposing the systematic failures of national organizations and universities that allow this abuse to continue. This is why our litigation strategy targets the “deep pockets”—the entities with the resources and the institutional power to effect change:

National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations often have millions in assets, large endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies that cover their chapters and members.
Universities possess vast endowments, significant revenue streams, and extensive insurance coverage for institutional negligence, especially when a hazing incident occurs on university-owned property.

By pursuing these powerful entities, we not only secure substantial compensation for victims but also force systemic changes that protect future students from Muscogee County and beyond.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof Points

For Muscogee County families grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding what justice can look like is crucial. The verdicts and settlements below are not just numbers; they represent powerful statements of accountability and substantial compensation for victims and their families. They send a clear message: hazing costs millions. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is precisely in line with what juries and judges award when hazing goes unchecked.

These precedent cases prove that hazing victims can and do win significant compensation. The same legal strategies, the same dedication to justice that led to these outcomes, are precisely what Attorney911 will bring to your case in Muscogee County.

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

Total Payout: $10.1 Million+

Incident: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation and died of alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million, and the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity, along with individual members, settled for an additional $7.2 million. This represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was issued against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating that individual perpetrators face severe personal liability.
Relevance to Muscogee County: This case sets a benchmark, showing that damages in the $10 million range are achievable even for a single incident involving both universities and national fraternity organizations. It highlights that both institutions and individuals are held accountable.

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

Total Payout: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

Incident: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.”
Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Furthermore, Matthew Naquin, a fraternity member, was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy spurred the Louisiana legislature to pass the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony offense.
Relevance to Muscogee County: This jury verdict demonstrates that when cases go to trial, juries are willing to award multi-million dollar figures for hazing deaths. It shows the fierce commitment of our legal system to punishing egregious hazing.

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

Total Payout: $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlements)

Incident: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury, after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi “gauntlet” event. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911, capturing the entire horrific ordeal on security cameras.
Outcome: Multiple confidential settlements, estimated to be over $110 million, were reached with various defendants, including the national fraternity and Penn State. Many fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several receiving convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
Relevance to Muscogee County: The sheer magnitude of this settlement, driven by overwhelming evidence and extreme negligence, illustrates the immense financial consequences institutions face when they fail to protect students. It demonstrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, as it is in Leonel’s case, settlements can reach truly staggering amounts.

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

The Same National Fraternity as Our Current Case

Incident: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” initiation.
Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed at FSU. While the civil settlement amount was confidential, the incident undoubtedly resulted in significant payouts.
Relevance to Muscogee County: This case is particularly damning because it involves the very same national organization, Pi Kappa Phi, that our firm is suing in the Bermudez case. It unequivocally proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had prior knowledge of deadly hazing practices in their chapters in 2017. Their failure to prevent an almost identical tragedy with Leonel Bermudez in 2025 constitutes a clear pattern of negligence, making Leonel’s injuries entirely foreseeable and strengthening our demand for punitive damages.

Other Significant Cases:

Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi, 2021): A recent October 2024 settlement of $4+ million was reached after Adam died from alcohol poisoning during hazing. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
UT Austin Sigma Chi (November 2025): We have recently learned of another hazing death lawsuit filed this week against Sigma Chi at the University of Texas at Austin, involving a student’s death by suicide after “horrific abuse.” This further reinforces the current, devastating reality of hazing in Texas.
University of Houston (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2017): Even the University of Houston itself had a prior hazing incident when a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen. This directly impacts UH’s liability, proving they had prior knowledge of hazing problems on their own campus.

These cases are not isolated incidents; they are part of a national pattern of institutional failure and brutal abuse. For Muscogee County families, these precedents underscore that justice is attainable, and institutions that enable hazing can and will be held accountable for millions.

Texas Law Protects You: “Consent is NOT a Defense”

When confronting the devastation of hazing, families in Muscogee County often face a common misconception: that somehow, their child “chose” to participate or “consented” to the abuse. We want to be absolutely clear: Under Texas law, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. This powerful legal principle, enshrined in the Texas Education Code, is a cornerstone of our aggressive litigation strategy and applies directly to the abuses Leonel Bermudez suffered.

While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal theories and arguments against institutional negligence and for victim protection are applicable nationwide. We have federal court authority, and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) to pursue cases wherever justice calls, including Muscogee County.

The Texas Anti-Hazing Law: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

The state of Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, providing a robust framework for criminal prosecution and civil liability.

Defining Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing broadly as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act” against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if that act:

Is physical brutality: Like whipping, beating, striking (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or similar activities that create an “unreasonable risk of harm” or “adversely affects mental or physical health.” This perfectly describes Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, being stripped in cold weather, and waterboarding.
Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol that creates an “unreasonable risk of harm.” Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is a direct violation.
Requires performing a duty that violates the Penal Code.
Involves coercing consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol.

Leonel Bermudez’s experience meets multiple of these statutory definitions. The hazing he endured was not just a violation of university policy; it was a violation of state law.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Hazing is a crime in Texas, with penalties ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing to a Class A Misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury. Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undoubtedly constitute serious bodily injury. If hazing causes death, it becomes a State Jail Felony. This criminal exposure, acknowledged by even the University of Houston’s spokesperson, adds significant pressure on defendants.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also holds organizations accountable. An organization commits an offense “if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni… commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means local chapters, national organizations, and even alumni groups can face fines up to $10,000 and the denial of permission to operate. This provides a clear legal avenue to hold organizations like Pi Kappa Phi National directly responsible.

The Cornerstone Principle: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas’s anti-hazing law, directly addressing the defense mechanism institutions and perpetrators often try to employ:

“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 provision is clear. No matter what a student might have said, signed, or endured, they cannot legally consent to hazing. The power imbalance, the peer pressure, the fear of social exclusion, and the emotional manipulation inherent in hazing negate any true “consent.” When a fraternity or university tries to argue that a student from Muscogee County “agreed” to the abuse, Texas law emphatically states that this argument holds no water. This allows us to cut through deceptive defenses and focus directly on the perpetrators’ actions.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges can bring justice to individual perpetrators, civil lawsuits are the primary means for victims and their families from Muscogee County to recover damages and force systemic change. Our firm utilizes multiple civil liability theories:

Negligence Claims: We prove that the university, national fraternity, and local chapter owed a duty of care to the student (to keep them safe), breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), which directly caused the student’s injuries, resulting in damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property, as it did in Leonel’s case, the university can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations or universities fail to adequately supervise their chapters or Greek life, leading to foreseeable harm.
Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, including physical beatings, forced consumption, or simulated waterboarding.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when outrageous conduct (like torture) causes severe emotional distress, leading to lasting psychological trauma.

These legal avenues provide robust pathways for Muscogee County families to seek justice, compensation, and accountability, regardless of whether criminal charges are ultimately filed or sustained.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions a family in Muscogee County will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated champion with the experience, knowledge, and sheer tenacity to take on powerful institutions and win. At Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™—we move first, fast, and decisively, especially in the most sensitive and urgent hazing cases. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Muscogee County and nationwide, bringing our deep expertise and aggressive approach to every case.

We understand that Muscogee County families have choices. What sets us apart is not just our legal acumen, but our profound emotional investment in every hazing victim. We’ve witnessed the devastating impact of these senseless acts, and we are committed to turning pain into power, and outrage into accountability.

Unique Differentiators: Built for Hazing Litigation

25+ Years of Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over two decades fighting for victims in courtrooms across Texas and in federal courts. This extensive trial experience is crucial when formidable opponents like national fraternities and universities refuse to settle fairly.
Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. This is an unfair advantage for our clients. We know the insurance companies’ playbooks because we used to write them. We understand their tactics, their valuation methods, their delay strategies, and their arguments to minimize or deny claims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. When Muscogee County defendants try to fight back, we already know their every move.
Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual qualification provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities headquartered outside of Texas, as it allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction and against multi-state entities. We can pursue hazing cases from Muscogee County to any corner of the country.
Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise: This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently prosecuting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This active, high-profile case demonstrates our deep knowledge of hazing dynamics, medical consequences like rhabdomyolysis, and the intricacies of holding multiple institutional defendants accountable. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases”; we are in the fight right now, and Muscogee County families benefit directly from this cutting-edge experience.
Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Experience: Ralph Manginello was involved in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort case that involved 15 deaths and over 180 injuries. This experience in handling complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants is directly applicable to hazing cases, where we often face large universities and national organizations.
“Se Habla Español”: Our staff is bilingual, including Lupe Pena, who speaks fluent Spanish. This ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Muscogee County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without a language barrier, from initial consultation to court proceedings.
Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking over 1,400 entities across 25 metro areas, including EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we already know exactly who to sue. For Muscogee County and beyond, we track the specific entities of organizations like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, the entity behind the UH chapter we sued), Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc in College Station, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated in San Marcos. This granular intelligence ensures no liable party can hide. Whether it’s the 510 Greek organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth or the 188 in Houston, we meticulously track every organization.
Willingness to Travel & Remote Consultations: While our offices are primarily in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations for Muscogee County families, and our attorneys will travel to Muscogee County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary.
Contingency Fees – $0 Upfront: We understand that the financial strain of a hazing incident is immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay us $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers and ensures that every Muscogee County family has access to top-tier legal representation.
A Father’s Dedication: Ralph Manginello is a father of three. He knows firsthand what is at stake when a family’s child is harmed. This personal connection fuels our relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

Social Proof: What Our Clients Say

Our firm’s dedication is reflected in our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews. Clients consistently praise our communication, aggressive representation, and empathetic approach:

“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients! Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process. They’re the best!” — Devin Hebert (Local Guide)
“What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris
“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton

These testimonials reflect our commitment to treating every client like family, a promise we extend to every Muscogee County family we represent. We believe in transparency, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering support throughout the legal process.

Our team, composed of Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña (both male, as are Ralph and Lupe), brings a combined 37+ years of legal experience. Ralph’s background includes coaching youth sports and being inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame, giving him an intimate understanding of team dynamics and environments where hazing can occur. Lupe’s finance background further strengthens our ability to analyze and secure economic damages for victims. Together, we are a formidable force for justice.

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

If you are a parent in Muscogee County and your child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While fear and confusion are natural reactions, acting quickly and strategically can dramatically impact the success of a potential legal claim. We understand you’re searching for help at 2 AM, and we are ready to guide you.

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD AND THEIR CASE:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical professional must assess and document everything. Internal injuries, like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, may not be immediately apparent. Any delay in seeking care will be used by defense attorneys to argue your injuries weren’t serious. Go to the emergency room, follow all doctor’s orders, and attend every follow-up appointment. For physical and psychological injuries, this documentation is the foundation of your case.
Ensure Safety: Remove your child from the dangerous environment. If they are still at risk, involve university officials and/or law enforcement immediately. Their immediate safety takes precedence over all else.
Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!
- Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If possible, gather photos or videos of the hazing activities or location. We emphasize: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” (Ralph Manginello). If your child is incapacitated, ask a trusted friend or family member to help.
- Communications: Crucially, do not delete ANYTHING. Preserve all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. These are often the “smoking gun” evidence.
- Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have observed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
- Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written materials provided by the organization.
- Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for treatment, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
- Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers:
- Organizations and universities will immediately try to control the narrative and minimize their liability. They may attempt to obtain statements from your child or pressure them to sign documents.
- Do NOT give statements or sign anything without legal counsel present. Any statements given can and will be used against your child. You have a right to legal representation before speaking with anyone.
- Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership directly without legal representation. They may coordinate their stories, destroy evidence, or intimidate witnesses.
Stay Off Social Media: This is a trap. Do NOT post anything about the incident on social media platforms. Anything your child posts, or even old posts that show them looking “fine” at a party, can be twisted by defense attorneys to undermine their claim. Do not delete old posts either; that can be considered evidence spoliation. Just maintain a strict moratorium on posting until your case is resolved.
Contact Attorney911 Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in most states, including Texas, is two years from the date of injury (and two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims). While this sounds like a long time, crucial evidence disappears quickly, witnesses forget details, and organizations may destroy records. The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case will be. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized November 6, and we filed suit within weeks—this is how you protect your rights.

Muscogee County Families: Time is Critical.

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear of social retaliation, loyalty to the organization, or outright intimidation. We understand these barriers. But every day you wait is a day closer to potentially losing your legal rights.

You Have Legal Rights. We Will Fight for Muscogee County Victims.

To Muscogee County families staring down this nightmare, we want you to know: You didn’t deserve this. What happened to your child was not “tradition”; it was abuse, and it may very well have been criminal. You have the right to seek justice, to obtain compensation for their injuries, and to hold the people and institutions who harmed them accountable.

Muscogee County Families: Call Now For a Free Consultation.

Our attorneys are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit for a hazing victim right now. We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win against powerful defendants. Muscogee County families facing similar crises deserve this same aggressive, experienced representation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate help.

You can also reach us via email at ralph@atty911.com. We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies because we know these emergencies don’t keep business hours.

We work on contingency. This means $0 upfront for Muscogee County families. We don’t get paid until you get paid. This eliminates financial barriers and ensures that you can pursue justice without added stress. You can also explore answers to common fee questions in our video about “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

We Serve Muscogee County and Nationwide Victims

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, hazing is a national crisis that happens at colleges and universities across America, including those attended by students from Muscogee County. We are fully equipped to evaluate and pursue your case regardless of your geographic location through:

Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often advantageous in complex hazing litigation involving national organizations.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic flexibility when national fraternities are headquartered out of state.
Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, making it easy for Muscogee County families to connect with our expert legal team remotely.
Travel Commitment: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys will travel to Muscogee County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.

Hazing is unfortunately not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in a wide range of organizations:

Fraternities and sororities near Muscogee County
Muscogee County sports teams
Marching bands and clubs at universities, colleges, and high schools
ROTC programs and military academies
Any organization that uses abuse or intimidation as a means of “initiation” or membership.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know You Are Out There.

Our current client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one hazed. The lawsuit details how another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15, and still others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at the University of Houston, please reach out. Let’s bring everyone responsible to justice.

Do not wait. The clock is ticking on your legal rights. Call us. Let us be your champion in this critical fight.

For additional guidance on urgent legal matters, you can also view our YouTube video titled “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs, or “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, and understand the “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

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