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If you’re reading this in Putnam County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. They were supposed to find a community, a brotherhood or sisterhood that would support them through their academic journey. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with physical and psychological scars that may last a lifetime. This is not the college experience you envisioned. This is a nightmare.

We’re here to help families in Putnam County and across Georgia fight back. At Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we specialize in aggressively representing victims of college hazing. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major national fraternity and a prominent university for extreme hazing that left a student hospitalized. This isn’t theoretical; we are in the fight right now, and we bring that same relentless dedication to every family we represent, including yours here in Putnam County.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Putnam County

Just weeks ago, in November 2025, a legal earthquake hit Houston, Texas, a city many Putnam County families may recognize as a major metropolitan hub or even a place where their children attend university. Our firm, Attorney911, filed a $10 million lawsuit that sent shockwaves through the Greek life community and university administrations nationwide. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, is not just a legal battle; it’s a stark warning to every parent and student in Putnam County about the brutal reality of hazing today.

Leonel Bermudez was an aspiring college student, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, seeking camaraderie and brotherhood. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse that culminated in a harrowing hospital stay. Within days of the hazing being reported, the fraternity’s chapter was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated against those involved. Yet, the physical and psychological damage inflicted upon Leonel remains.

The Horrors Inflicted: Hazing is Torture

The details of Leonel’s ordeal are deeply disturbing, and they paint a vivid picture of modern hazing that goes far beyond anything imaginable as “harmless fun.” For weeks, Leonel was subjected to a litany of abuses:

• Simulated Waterboarding: He was explicitly “simulated waterboarded with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while performing calisthenics. This is torture. It is a war crime when done to enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon a young man trying to make friends.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and even repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to perform grueling two-mile warmups and “save-you-brother” drills, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He was exercised past the point of physical collapse, to where he could not stand without help. These are not character-building activities; they are acts of physical brutality designed to break a person.
• Being Struck with Wooden Paddles: The lawsuit alleges that he was “struck with wooden paddles,” an undeniable act of physical assault.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific display of dehumanization, he was “forced to continue running sprints” while clearly in physical distress, and forced to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: He was made to strip down 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 face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion constantly loomed.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and affecting his daily life.

These are not isolated incidents of “boys being boys.” These are premeditated acts of abuse that violate every standard of decency and human respect.

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The immediate aftermath of this brutal hazing left Leonel in critical condition. His body began to shut down from the extreme physical abuse. His mother, seeing his rapidly deteriorating state, rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to be “passing brown urine”—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with:

• Severe Rhabdomyolysis: A life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood, which can harm the heart and kidneys.
• Acute Kidney Failure: His kidneys, overwhelmed by the myoglobin released from his broken-down muscles, began to shut down. This is a critical medical emergency.

Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, undergoing intensive medical treatment. While he survived, the long-term impact on his health, including the risk of permanent kidney damage, remains a serious concern.

Universities and National Organizations: Aware and Accountable

What makes Leonel’s case particularly egregious, and highly relevant to Putnam County families, is the clear evidence that both the national fraternity and the university had knowledge of previous hazing incidents, yet failed to protect him.

• Pi Kappa Phi’s Dark History: In 2017, just eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event at Florida State University. Eight years passed between these two devastating incidents under the same national organization. This demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence and a failure by the national fraternity to implement effective anti-hazing policies despite knowing the deadly risks. As Pi Kappa Phi’s own website states, they operate on “more than 150 campuses across America.” If this behavior is occurring in Houston, what is happening at chapters located near Putnam County or at universities where Putnam County students attend?
• University of Houston’s Prior Knowledge: In 2017, a student at the University of Houston, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing at a different fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. The University of Houston knew hazing was a problem on its campus. They even owned the fraternity house where Leonel was waterboarded. Despite this prior incident and their direct control over the property, they failed to implement effective safeguards to prevent Leonel’s torture. Their spokesperson stated the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” and acknowledged “potential criminal charges.” These statements, coming directly from the university, confirm gross negligence.

As our firm’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, eloquently stated about Leonel’s 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.” Our fight for Leonel Bermudez is a fight for every student in Putnam County who might become the next victim.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like Today: Beyond “Pranks”

For parents in Putnam County, it’s vital to understand that today’s hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” of past generations. This isn’t about awkward introductions or mild embarrassment; it’s about systematic abuse, often involving physical and psychological torture, that can lead to severe injury, permanent trauma, and even death.

From our active litigation and extensive experience with hazing cases, we see patterns that are designed to dehumanize and control, creating an environment of fear and desperation:

• Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling, forced calisthenics to exhaustion (like Leonel’s 500 squats), branding, and activities that cause physical harm. In Leonel’s case, it directly led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking is rampant, leading to alcohol poisoning. But it also includes being coerced to eat large amounts of disgusting or harmful substances, sometimes until vomiting, as Leonel experienced.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for extended periods, running errands, studying, or performing tasks, severely impacting their physical and mental health.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats are common. Leonel, for instance, was forced to carry sexually suggestive objects and feared retribution for speaking out.
• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This abhorrent practice, used as a form of torture against prisoners of war, is shockingly being inflicted upon college students in hazing rituals.
• Sexual Abuse and Harassment: Though tragically underreported, hazing can involve forced nudity, sexual acts, and carrying items of a sexual nature, deeply traumatizing victims.

These are not “traditions” building brotherhood. These are acts of violence and psychological manipulation that dismantle a student’s sense of self-worth and safety. When a university official describes such acts as “deeply disturbing,” it is an understatement. The true nature of this abuse demands aggressive legal action.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Putnam County Hazing Cases

When hazing shatters a family’s life in Putnam County, we know that the responsibility extends far beyond just the students involved in the direct acts. Our approach is to identify and pursue every entity that contributed to the hazing, from the individuals to the institutions with the “deepest pockets.” This comprehensive strategy is precisely what we are employing in the Bermudez case, and what we will deploy for your family in Putnam County.

The potential defendants in a hazing lawsuit, like the one we’ve filed, typically include:

• The Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority: This obviously includes the specific group directly involved in the hazing activities. They are the immediate perpetrators and instigators.
• Chapter Officers: Individuals in leadership positions, such as the President, Pledgemaster, and Risk Manager, bear direct responsibility for the actions of the chapter and the enforcement (or lack thereof) of anti-hazing policies. In the Bermudez case, we named the Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, and other leaders as defendants.
• Individual Members: Every member who participated in, condoned, or failed to stop the hazing can be held personally liable for their actions. This holds true whether your child was hazed in Putnam County, across Georgia, or anywhere else.
• Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, hazing occurred at a former member’s residence, leading us to name not only the former member but also his spouse as defendants on premises liability grounds. If hazing happens off-campus in Putnam County homes, the homeowners who permit it can be held accountable.
• The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: These national bodies have immense power and responsibility. They set policies, provide training, and oversee their chapters across the country. When their chapters engage in hazing, particularly with a history like Pi Kappa Phi’s (as evidenced by Andrew Coffey’s death), the national organization is liable for negligent supervision, failure to train, and failing to enforce anti-hazing regulations. This is where the true “deep pockets” often lie, with multi-million dollar insurance policies.
• The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a defendant because they owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate Greek life, they knew of previous hazing incidents on their campus (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hospitalization), and they failed to act. From Emory University to the University of Georgia, to Mercer or Georgia Tech, any university in or near Putnam County that permits Greek life on its campus has this same duty.
• The Housing Corporation: Often, a separate entity owns the physical fraternity or sorority house. This housing corporation can be held liable under premises liability laws if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities occurring on their property.
• Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, many of the multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes even individual homeowners. As former insurance defense attorneys, our team knows exactly how to navigate these policies and ensure maximum recovery.

The “Deep Pockets” Strategy

It’s crucial for Putnam County families to understand that pursuing a hazing lawsuit is not about bankrupting individual college students. It’s about holding powerful institutions, which are often well-insured and well-funded, accountable. These “deep pockets”—the national fraternities and sororities, and the universities—are typically the source of the significant compensation needed to cover medical bills, long-term care, and the profound pain and suffering caused by hazing. Our firm excels at identifying and targeting every single entity that bears responsibility, ensuring that justice is comprehensive and impactful.

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

For parents in Putnam County who are reeling from the devastation of hazing, the question of whether justice can truly be served, and whether meaningful compensation is possible, is paramount. The answer, unequivocally, is yes. We don’t just talk about fighting hazing; we and other leading firms have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an undeniable message to institutions: hazing will cost you dearly.

These landmark cases demonstrate that when hazing leads to severe injury or death, the responsible parties are forced to pay substantial amounts. The legal strategies and precedents established in these cases are precisely what we leverage for our clients, guaranteeing that Putnam County families receive nothing less than aggressive, uncompromising representation.

Stone Foltz: A $10.1 Million+ Statement at Bowling Green State University

In 2021, just four years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized, Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual at Bowling Green State University. Pledges were forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. The Foltz family secured over $10.1 million in combined settlements: $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha (the fraternity involved) and individuals. This case stands as the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. The fact that universities and nationals both pay substantial amounts reinforces our strategy for the Bermudez case and any hazing incident affecting a Putnam County student.

Maxwell Gruver: A $6.1 Million Jury Verdict at LSU

Maxwell Gruver was an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University when he died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta hazing event. Pledges were forced to drink if they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495—six times the legal limit. The Gruver family fought relentlessly, securing a $6.1 million jury verdict and driving the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana. Here, a jury—a group of ordinary citizens—delivered a powerful message about the value of a young life lost to hazing. These types of outcomes are a testament to what juries will do when confronted with the horrific truth of hazing.

Timothy Piazza: Over $110 Million in Settlements at Penn State

Perhaps one of the most publicized hazing deaths, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old at Penn State University, died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911. Security cameras captured every horrifying detail. The Piazza family’s relentless pursuit of justice resulted in multiple criminal convictions and confidential civil settlements estimated to exceed $110 million. This case demonstrates that when the evidence is irrefutable and the conduct is egregious, the accountability can be monumental. It also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” a powerful piece of legislation making hazing a felony.

Andrew Coffey: The Prior Pi Kappa Phi Death at Florida State

Crucially, in 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter – the same national fraternity involved in the Bermudez case. This resulted in criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter, along with a confidential civil settlement for his family. This history is damning for Pi Kappa Phi, showing they knew of their deadly culture for eight years yet failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez from being tortured and hospitalized.

Adam Oakes: $4 Million+ Settlement at Virginia Commonwealth University

Another recent case, Adam Oakes, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University, died in 2021 from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family’s lawsuit, originally seeking $28 million, resulted in a settlement exceeding $4 million in October 2024. This, too, led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, further showing how these cases drive legislative change.

What This Means for Putnam County Families

These multi-million dollar outcomes should give every Putnam County parent confidence that pursuing a hazing lawsuit is not only possible but can lead to significant compensation and transformative change. Whether the hazing involves physical abuse, forced alcohol consumption, or psychological torture, the legal system—and juries—are increasingly ready to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Our firm’s demand for $10 million in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary; it is rooted in precedents like these, reflecting the severe injuries, long-term consequences, and the outrageous nature of the conduct. We are prepared to take on any national fraternity, any university in Georgia or across the nation, and any individual responsible for harming your child.

Texas Law Protects You: Explicitly Against Hazing

For Putnam County families seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are similar across most states, and our federal court authority means we can pursue cases anywhere the hazing crisis arises. Texas, where the Bermudez case is actively being litigated, has particularly strong anti-hazing laws.

The Texas Education Code: A Comprehensive Shield

Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157, known as the “Hazing Law,” provides a robust definition of hazing and outlines both criminal penalties and institutional responsibilities. This law will sound familiar to those in Putnam County, as states nationwide have adopted similar protective statutes.

What Constitutes Hazing? The Legal Definition

Under Texas law (§ 37.151), hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. This clearly covers the wooden paddles and general physical abuse Leonel endured.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or similar activity: If it risks harm or adversely affects mental or physical health. Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls, and having to strip in cold weather and be sprayed with a hose unequivocally fall under this.
• Involves forced consumption: Such as food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that risk harm or adversely affect mental or physical health. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting, and his simulated waterboarding, fit this definition perfectly.
• Compels a Penal Code violation: Any activity that requires a student to commit a crime.
• Coerces drug or alcohol consumption: Especially to the point of intoxication. This covers many of the deadly traditions in hazing.

The Bermudez case, with its waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and physical brutality, satisfies multiple elements of this statutory definition, making it a clear-cut case of hazing under Texas law.

Criminal Penalties: Justice Beyond Civil Lawsuits

Texas hazing law also outlines severe criminal penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury.” Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are undoubtedly serious bodily injuries, meaning the individual perpetrators in his case face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine). This is what happened in the Max Gruver case and Andrew Coffey case.

The University of Houston spokesperson’s acknowledgment of “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case underscores the severe legal ramifications facing the individual fraternity members involved.

Organizational and Institutional Liability

Beyond individuals, the law holds organizations accountable. Under § 37.153, an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating permission on campus, and forfeiture of property. This ensures that the local chapter and the national organization cannot escape responsibility.

Institutions also have reporting requirements. University administrators must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days, or they too face Class B Misdemeanor charges. This legal obligation provides a paper trail that can reveal patterns of hazing that universities have ignored.

The Game-Changing Clause: Consent Is NOT a Defense

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas’s anti-hazing law, and one that combats the most common defense used by fraternities, is § 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 an absolute game-changer. Fraternities and universities will inevitably argue, “He agreed to participate,” or “He could have left at any time.” Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to participate in hazing is IRRELEVANT. You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. This legal principle ensures that the focus remains on the illegal and harmful nature of the hazing itself, not on the victim’s perceived choices under duress and coercion. From a Putnam County courtroom to a federal bench, this argument is defeated before it begins.

Civil Liability: Seeking Comprehensive Damages for Putnam County Victims

While criminal penalties punish wrongdoers, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Putnam County to recover comprehensive damages. These claims include:

• Negligence Claims: Arguing that organizations and institutions failed in their duty of care to protect students, leading to injuries.
• Premises Liability: Holding property owners (like the University of Houston, which owned the Pi Kappa Phi house) responsible for dangerous conditions on their property.
• Negligent Supervision: When national organizations fail to properly oversee their chapters, or universities fail to monitor Greek life, leading to hazing.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who inflicted physical harm.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the severe psychological trauma caused by extreme and outrageous conduct, as Leonel Bermudez surely suffered.

These civil claims exist in almost every state and can be pursued regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or result in a conviction. For Putnam County families, this means a powerful pathway to justice and compensation. We have the expertise to navigate these complex legal theories and apply them aggressively to your child’s hazing case, no matter where it occurred.

Why Attorney911? Your Fierce Advocates in Putnam County Hazing Cases

When facing the unimaginable trauma of hazing, Putnam County families need more than just lawyers; they need fierce advocates, strategists, and experts who understand the intricate landscape of hazing litigation. At Attorney911, we are precisely that. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to deploy our unique strengths and battle-tested experience for your child’s case, regardless of whether the hazing occurred at a university in Georgia or across the nation.

Battle-Tested Experience: 25+ Years in the Trenches

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to the table. He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a trial attorney who has dedicated his career to fighting for victims. This extensive experience isn’t confined to a single type of case; it spans complex personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense, preparing him for the multi-faceted nature of hazing lawsuits.

Former Insurance Defense Insiders: We Know Their Playbook

One of our most significant advantages, which directly benefits Putnam County families, is that both Ralph Manginello and associate attorney Lupe Peña are former insurance defense lawyers. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic choice.

• Ralph Manginello spent years working for insurance companies. He saw their playbook from the inside: how they assess claims, how they value injuries, and – crucially – how they strategize to minimize or deny payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and dismantle their defenses for our clients.
• Lupe Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, handling cases across multiple practice areas including products liability, personal injury defense, and commercial litigation. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Now, every tactic they taught him to use against victims, he wields to maximize recovery for our clients.

When Putnam County families hire Attorney911, they’re not just getting lawyers; they’re getting former insiders who know exactly how the other side – the national fraternities, the universities, and their insurance carriers – thinks, operates, and tries to win. This is an unfair advantage for victims.

Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Licenses: Nationwide Reach

While our headquarters are in Houston, and we have offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond Texas borders, directly serving Putnam County families whose children have been hazed anywhere in the country:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, among other federal jurisdictions. This federal authority allows us to pursue hazing cases against national organizations and universities anywhere in the United States, including those in Georgia, which often fall under federal jurisdiction due to the interstate nature of national fraternities.
• Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual-state capability is a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in states other than where the hazing occurs. It ensures we can strategically pursue every avenue for justice.
• Willingness to Travel: We are committed to justice wherever it leads. We routinely travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials for hazing cases across the country. Distance will not be a barrier for your Putnam County family to receive exceptional legal representation.
• Remote Consultations: We understand the challenges of distance and trauma. Putnam County families can arrange video consultations with our attorneys, making it easy to connect and discuss your child’s case from the comfort and privacy of your home.

High-Profile Case Experience: Taking on Giants

Ralph Manginello’s track record includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 180+. This experience demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants – skills directly applicable to taking on multi-million dollar national fraternities and universities.

Our firm is not afraid of big names or powerful institutions. We thrive on holding them accountable.

Hazing-Specific Expertise: Actively Fighting the Battler

We’re not just general personal injury lawyers who “handle” hazing cases. We’re actively litigating the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, which involves severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure due to extreme hazing. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases and Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation. This hands-on, current litigation means we are at the forefront of hazing law, applying the most cutting-edge strategies to secure justice.

Bilingual Services: Se Habla Español

For the diverse families in Putnam County and across Georgia, we offer comprehensive legal services in Spanish. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language barriers never prevent access to justice for Hispanic families affected by hazing.

Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We Treat You Like Family

Beyond our legal prowess, we prioritize empathy and clear communication. We know that families grappling with hazing are in immense pain. Our team operates with warmth, understanding, and a genuine passion for helping clients. Our client testimonials, boasting 4.9 stars and over 250 reviews on Google, repeatedly highlight our commitment to treating clients “like family” and providing consistent, transparent communication.

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris, a satisfied client.

Contingency Fees: Access to Justice for All

We understand that the financial stress of dealing with a hazing incident can be overwhelming. Therefore, we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront. There are no hourly fees or retainers to hire us.
• We don’t get paid unless (and until) you get paid. Our interests are perfectly aligned with yours. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services.

This ensures that any family in Putnam County, regardless of their financial situation, can afford aggressive and expert legal representation against powerful institutions.

A Father’s Perspective: The Stakes are Real

Ralph Manginello is a father of three. He knows firsthand the hopes and fears parents have for their children. This personal connection fuels his commitment to fighting for hazing victims, seeing every child as a person, not just a case.

For Putnam County families whose child has been terrorized by hazing, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise, but a proven track record, unparalleled insider knowledge, nationwide reach, and a profound commitment to justice. We will fight for your family as if it were our own.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Putnam County Hazing Victims

If your child in Putnam County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do – or don’t do – can significantly impact your child’s recovery and the strength of any potential legal case. We urge you to take these steps immediately.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your child’s physical and mental health is the absolute priority.

• Even if injuries seem minor or hidden, seek prompt medical evaluation. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel’s case) or concussions, may not manifest fully for days.
• Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your family doctor. Ensure all symptoms and potential hazing-related injuries are thoroughly documented by medical professionals.
• Inform medical staff that the injuries are hazing-related. This creates an official record and links the harm directly to the incident.
• Do not delay. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will later argue that a delay in seeking treatment indicates the injuries were not severe or not caused by the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence – EVERYTHING is Important

In hazing cases, evidence is often volatile and disappears quickly. Begin collecting and securing everything related to the incident:

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, emergency room visits, and bills related to your child’s injuries. Ensure a complete paper trail.
• Photos and Videos: Take photos and videos of ANY physical injuries your child has, no matter how minor. Document bruises, cuts, swelling, or visible changes to their appearance. If you have any photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves, or the locations where they occurred, save them immediately. Continue taking photos as injuries heal or evolve. Just as we use in car accident cases, a strong case requires documentation.
• Communications: This is arguably the most crucial evidence in hazing cases.
  • Text Messages: Secure ALL text messages on your child’s phone, specifically from fraternity/sorority members, pledge leaders, or regarding pledge activities. This includes private messages and group chats (e.g., GroupMe, WhatsApp).
  • Social Media: Take screenshots of ALL relevant social media posts, direct messages (DMs), or stories (Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) from fraternity/sorority members, pledges, or about the organization’s activities.
  • Emails: Save any emails related to the organization’s activities, membership, or the hazing incident.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, or anyone who might have seen or heard anything related to the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents: Retain any pledge manuals, calendars, schedules, codes of conduct, or rules provided by the fraternity/sorority or university related to membership.
• Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any tuition or fees for a semester that might be disrupted.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. Do NOT Engage Without Legal Counsel

After a hazing incident, various parties will attempt to contact your child or you. It is critical to:

• DO NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership or members: They will try to control the narrative, minimize the incident, or even coerce your child into silence.
• DO NOT sign anything from the organization or university: You might inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.
• DO NOT give statements to university administration alone: Universities have their own legal counsel, and their primary goal is to protect the institution, not your child. Any statement given could be used against your child’s case.
• DO NOT talk to insurance companies: Whether it’s the fraternity’s insurance or the university’s, they are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Let your attorneys handle all communications.
• DO NOT post about the incident on social media: Anything posted, even seemingly innocuous updates, can be used by defense attorneys to undermine your child’s claim, suggesting they are not truly traumatized or injured. Avoid all social media interaction regarding the incident.

4. Call Attorney911 Immediately

Time is always of the essence in legal matters.

• Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, generally, personal injury lawsuits (including those for hazing) have a 2-year statute of limitations, meaning you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the same 2-year period applies from the date of death. While this may seem like ample time, it goes by quickly, especially when dealing with physical and emotional recovery.
• Evidence Preservation: The longer you wait, the more likely critical evidence (text messages, social media posts, witness memories) will disappear or be deleted.
• Immediate Action: Our prompt filing of the Bermudez lawsuit just weeks after the hazing ensured that crucial evidence was preserved and a strong message was sent.

Putnam County Families: We Are Here For You

Distance is not a barrier to justice. Although our main office is in Houston, Texas, we serve hazing victims in Putnam County, Georgia, and nationwide with the same aggressive representation:

• Video Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations, allowing Putnam County families to meet with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases against national organizations and universities regardless of their physical location.
• Willingness to Travel: We will travel to Putnam County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever needed to build and present the strongest possible case.

If your child has been hazed in Putnam County, or anywhere across Georgia, do not endure this nightmare alone. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them.

Call Us Now: Your Free, Confidential Consultation Awaits

Putnam County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights, and we are fighting this battle right now—and we’ll fight for Putnam County victims, too.

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

Putnam County Families — Call Now — Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Putnam County hazing emergencies

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Putnam County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This policy ensures that your focus can remain on your child’s recovery, not on legal fees.

What Putnam County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already — document everything.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE — texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names.
3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY — the 2-year statute of limitations in most states means evidence disappears fast, and your rights can expire.
6. Putnam County Families: Distance is not a barrier — we offer video consultations and will travel to Putnam County for cases.

We Serve Putnam County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While we are based in Texas, hazing happens at colleges and universities across America. We can evaluate your Putnam County case, or a case involving a Georgia student, regardless of the incident’s location, through:

• Federal court authority — allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
• Dual-state bar licenses — our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, providing strategic advantage in national litigation.
• Video consultations — Putnam County families can meet with us remotely.
• Travel commitment — we come to Putnam County for depositions and trials.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in Putnam County, or anywhere else. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions near Putnam County, such as the University of Georgia, Mercer University, Georgia College & State University, and Georgia Tech.
• College sports teams in Georgia.
• Marching bands at Georgia universities.
• ROTC programs across Georgia.
• Clubs and organizations at schools throughout Putnam County and the state.
• Military academies.
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others were subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights, too. We can represent you. As Lupe Peña said:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. No matter where the hazing occurred in Putnam County, Georgia, or beyond, we are ready to fight for your child.

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