If you are reading this in Richmond 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, build networking connections, and pursue their academic dreams. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, or gravely injured by a fraternity or sorority demanding absolute subservience. This isn’t a relic of the past; it’s happening today, at universities attended by students from Richmond County, and we are here to help families in your area fight back.

We understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear for your child’s future—it’s overwhelming. When parents in Richmond County send their children to institutions like Augusta University, Paine College, Georgia Military College – Augusta Campus, or even larger state universities like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, they expect them to be safe. They trust these institutions to foster growth, not to tolerate abuse disguised as tradition. Yet, year after year, the dark shadow of hazing continues to claim young lives and devastate families, leaving behind a trail of physical and emotional scars.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is leading the charge against this pervasive crisis. We are actively fighting these battles in court right now, proving that justice is possible and that no institution is above accountability. While we are based in Houston, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, including to families in Richmond County, Georgia. We represent victims across America, leveraging federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and a willingness to travel wherever your case demands. Your child’s safety, and your family’s right to justice, knows no geographic boundaries.

The Haunting Echoes: Understanding the Hazing Crisis Facing Richmond County Families

Hazing is far more insidious and brutal than many Richmond County parents might imagine. The stereotypical image of light-hearted pranks or minor inconveniences is a dangerous deception. Today’s hazing includes physical and psychological torture, often involving extreme alcohol consumption, forced physical exertion, sleep deprivation, and egregious acts of humiliation that leave lasting trauma, and sometimes, death. It’s a crisis that has swept across campuses nationwide, including those where students from Richmond County pursue their education.

The numbers are stark and undeniable:

• Over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student-athletes report experiencing hazing.
• Since the year 2000, not a single year has passed without at least one hazing death in the United States.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed never report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.

This isn’t just about fraternities and sororities. Hazing is rampant in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and various other student organizations. It thrives in environments where power imbalances are exploited, and young people desperate for acceptance are coerced into dangerous acts. Richmond County families sending their children to such organizations need to understand that the threat is real and ever-present.

The institutional failure surrounding hazing is perhaps the most infuriating aspect. Universities often claim ignorance or offer weak condemnations, while national Greek organizations issue statements of concern and temporarily suspend chapters. Yet, behind these PR maneuvers, the systemic issues that allow hazing to flourish persist. They know it’s happening. They have the power to stop it. And far too often, they choose not to—until a child is hospitalized or dies, at which point they scramble to limit their liability.

We believe that enough is enough. That’s why we bring our aggressive, experienced approach to hazing litigation to families in Richmond County who need a powerful advocate against these negligent institutions.

The Landmark Battle: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in Harris County Civil District Court. The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is the centerpiece of our commitment to holding negligent institutions accountable, and it represents everything our firm stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting pursuit of justice for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

This is not a hypothetical scenario from a textbook; it’s a breaking, ongoing $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi National, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the fraternity’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case sends a clear message: we are not afraid to take on multiple defendants, no matter how powerful, to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even enrolled as a University of Houston student yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal of systematic abuse, physical brutality, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Here’s a glimpse into the harrowing details of what Leonel endured:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where he was sprayed in the face during calisthenics. This is a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants. It was inflicted upon a college student.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. So intense was the exertion that he became too exhausted to stand without help. We learned he crawled up the stairs to his room after one session.
• Forced Eating and Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific display of cruelty, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress, eventually lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Physical Beatings: The lawsuit alleges he was struck with wooden paddles, a direct act of physical brutality.
• Humiliation and Degradation: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, sprayed with a hose, and made to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. In another incident, during the hazing period, a different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Leonel was compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to his extreme exhaustion.

The Medical Aftermath: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

The severe physical strain and abuse took a catastrophic toll on Leonel’s body. Just days after one particularly brutal hazing session, his mother found him gravely ill. He was passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of rhabdomyolysis – the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream.

He was rushed to the hospital on November 6, 2025, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. For three nights and four days, he remained hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment to prevent permanent kidney damage or even death. This is the same medical condition that our firm has successfully litigated in prior hazing cases, demonstrating our specific expertise in this complex area.

Institutional Responses and Our Aggressive Counter-Action

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended, and then permanently dissolved, its Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. This swift action, taken before our lawsuit was even filed, is a clear admission of guilt and an attempt by the national organization to distance itself from the egregious conduct. They posted a statement on their website on November 21, 2025, stating the chapter was closed due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Yet, in the same breath, they declared they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” exposing a blatant lack of remorse.

The University of Houston, despite owning the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, issued a generic statement calling the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of “a clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges.” This public acknowledgment of severe wrongdoing, coupled with their previous knowledge of hazing at the university, further solidifies their institutional negligence.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, filed the $10 million lawsuit on November 21, 2025. As Ralph told ABC13, reflecting Leonel’s mother’s terror: “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.” Lupe added, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The Bermudez case is a stark warning to other fraternities operating near Richmond County at institutions like Augusta University or Georgia Military College. It proves that aggressive, data-driven legal action can rapidly dismantle dangerous chapters and force institutions to confront their complicity. We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting, and we will bring the same relentless pursuit of justice to your family in Richmond County.

Beyond the Stereotypes: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For Richmond County parents, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or minor inconveniences. That dated perception is precisely what fraternities, sororities, and universities rely on to downplay these incredibly dangerous activities. Today’s hazing is not about “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is about power, control, and often, systematic abuse that leaves deep and lasting scars.

What Leonel Bermudez endured is not an isolated incident; it’s a chilling example of the current reality of hazing. When we describe hazing, we are talking about:

• Physical Torture: This can range from sustained beatings, branding, or burning, to forced calisthenics and exercises pushed far beyond safe limits, sleep deprivation, and extreme exposure to the elements. The goal is to break down pledges physically and mentally, inducing exhaustion and vulnerability.
• Forced Consumption: This frequently involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking, chugging deadly amounts of liquor, and acute alcohol poisoning that often claims lives. But it can also include forcing pledges to eat until they vomit, consuming disgusting concoctions, or ingesting non-food substances.
• Psychological Warfare: Hazing relentlessly attacks a student’s mental well-being. This includes constant humiliation, verbal abuse, degradation, social isolation, and credible threats of physical harm or social ostracization. The intent is to strip away individuality and instill absolute obedience.
• Sexual Exploitation: Tragically, hazing increasingly involves sexual abuse, including forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, the carrying of sexual objects, and even sexual assault.
• Simulated Waterboarding: As seen in the Bermudez case, this involves spraying water on a person’s face, simulating drowning, a sadistic tactic designed to induce terror.

The True Costs of Hazing

The consequences of modern hazing are devastating, both physically and psychologically:

• Life-Threatening Medical Conditions: Victims suffer from rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel’s case), acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries from falls or beatings, hypothermia, hyperthermia, and cardiac arrest from extreme exertion.
• Permanent Physical Disabilities: Brain damage, organ damage, or complex orthopedic injuries can lead to lifelong medical needs and chronic pain.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Hazing can trigger Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and deep-seated trust issues that impact relationships and overall mental health for years.
• Academic and Career Derailment: Victims may be forced to withdraw from school, experience significant academic decline, lose scholarships, or have their career prospects dim due to physical or psychological injuries.
• Wrongful Death: Far too often, hazing kills. These are senseless, preventable deaths that leave families shattered and institutions scrambling for cover.

Richmond County parents deserve to know the truth about what their children face. This is why we tell these stories, not to sensationalize, but to educate and empower you to recognize the signs and to understand the profound stakes involved. If your child has been subjected to any of these acts, it is not “normal,” and it is absolutely illegal. Your child has been a victim, and we are here to ensure they receive justice.

The Web of Responsibility: Who Is Liable When Hazing Occurs?

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, it’s rarely just the perpetrators who are responsible. A complex web of individuals and institutions often share liability, and our firm is committed to unraveling that web to hold every responsible party accountable. This is precisely what we are doing in the Bermudez case and what we will do for families in Richmond County. We identify all potential defendants to ensure maximum compensation and lasting change.

Here’s an overview of who can be held responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

1. The Individual Perpetrators

These are the fraternity or sorority members, pledges, and alumni who directly participate in, instigate, or condone the hazing activities. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individuals: the chapter president, the pledgemaster, other current members, and even former members and their spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence.

• Why they are liable: They commit direct acts of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
• Our strategy: We pursue them individually, knowing that one person can face significant personal liability, as seen in the $6.5 million judgment against a single fraternity member in the Stone Foltz case. This includes seeking compensation from their personal assets and potentially their parents, as well as homeowner’s insurance policies if the hazing occurred at a residence.

2. The Local Chapter

The local fraternity or sorority chapter, even if unincorporated, often operates as an entity that plans, organizes, and executes hazing.

• Why they are liable: The chapter is directly responsible for the conduct of its members and its overall culture. Many hazing policies are written to prohibit chapters from “condoning or encouraging” hazing, which is exactly what happens when planned hazing rituals take place.
• Our strategy: We hold the chapter accountable for the collective actions of its members and for fostering a dangerous environment. Our extensive database identifies the specific corporate structure behind these local chapters, ensuring we know exactly who to sue.

3. The National Organization

Across America, the same national fraternities and sororities operate at universities attended by students from Richmond County. These national bodies dictate policies, provide oversight, and often have significant financial resources. Pi Kappa Phi National, for instance, has over 150 chapters nationwide.

• Why they are liable: National organizations often have an explicit duty to supervise their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail to do so, especially after previous incidents or deaths (such as Andrew Coffey’s death at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017, proving Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice), they can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to train, and corporate negligence. They have substantial assets and insurance coverage to pay large judgments.
• Our strategy: We meticulously investigate their internal communications, policies, and prior hazing incidents at other chapters to establish a pattern of negligence and a deliberate indifference to student safety.

4. The University

Universities have an undeniable responsibility to protect their students, foster a safe environment, and oversee organizations recognized on their campuses. For students from Richmond County at institutions like Augusta University or Georgia Military College, this duty is paramount. The University of Houston, for example, owned the very house where Leonel was waterboarded.

• Why they are liable: Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision of Greek life, providing an unsafe campus environment, allowing dangerous conditions (premises liability if the hazing occurred on university property), or for failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. Their claims of “not knowing” are often undermined by their own internal reports, prior incidents (like the 2017 UH hazing hospitalization), and their power to regulate.
• Our strategy: We delve into university records, Greek life policies, internal investigations, training protocols, and their specific knowledge of hazing risks to demonstrate a pattern of institutional failure that directly contributed to the harm. We identify specific university entities, such as the Board of Regents, to ensure comprehensive accountability.

5. Fraternity Housing Corporations

Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the properties where chapters reside. In the Bermudez case, we named the Beta Nu Housing Corporation.

• Why they are liable: Like any landowner, housing corporations have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises. If they knowingly allow hazing activities to occur on their property, or fail to inspect and correct unsafe conditions, they can be held liable under premises liability laws.
• Our strategy: We investigate the corporate structure of these entities, identify their insurance coverage, and hold them accountable for their role in creating or maintaining an environment conducive to hazing.

6. Insurance Carriers

Ultimately, much of the compensation in these cases comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and housing corporations. Even individual defendants may have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that provides coverage.

• Why they are liable: These policies are designed to cover negligence claims resulting in injury or death.
• Our strategy: As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate, defend, and pay out on these claims. We know their playbook, allowing us to anticipate their strategies and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

When your child is harmed by hazing, our firm does not hesitate to pursue every single entity that played a role. We do not just look at the college students involved; we target the “deep pockets”—the national organizations, the universities, and their insurance carriers—to ensure justice is served and to compel systemic change. We have the data, the expertise, and the legal firepower to ensure no one hides from responsibility.

The Price of Negligence: What Hazing Cases Win for Victims

For Richmond County families reeling from a hazing incident, one fundamental question is often “Can we truly fight these powerful institutions, and what can we hope to achieve?” The answer is a resounding yes, and the financial outcomes have been substantial. We draw strength from the incredible families who have turned their personal tragedies into landmark legal victories, paving the way for justice and accountability. These multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements send an unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated, and negligent institutions will pay a heavy price.

The $10 million lawsuit we filed in the Bermudez case is rooted in these precedents. We know exactly what these cases can win because we have meticulously tracked and analyzed the outcomes nationwide.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Evidence of a National Reckoning

Here are some of the most significant hazing cases that demonstrate the substantial compensation available for victims and their families:

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

   • Total Recovery: 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 “Big/Little” initiation event. He was dropped off at his apartment, found unresponsive the next day, and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled with the family for $2.9 million. Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals settled for an additional $7.2 million, bringing the total to over $10.1 million. In a further development, in December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million in a personal liability judgment.
   • Significance for Richmond County: This case sets a direct precedent for our $10 million demand, demonstrating that both universities and national fraternities pay multi-million dollar settlements. It also shows individual officers face massive personal liability.

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

   • Total Recovery: $6.1 MILLION Jury Verdict
   • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a ritual called “Bible Study,” where he was punished with more alcohol for incorrect answers. He died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495—over six times the legal limit.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. One fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
   • Significance for Richmond County: This case proves that juries are willing to impose multi-million dollar verdicts to punish egregious hazing, and that criminal consequences often run parallel to civil lawsuits.

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

   • Total Recovery: Over $110 MILLION (Estimated Settlements)
   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a Penn State pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a hazing ritual. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited over 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire horrific ordeal was captured on surveillance cameras. He died two days later.
   • The Outcome: While confidential, settlements with Penn State and numerous fraternity members reached an estimated $110 million or more. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The incident spurred the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
   • Significance for Richmond County: This case highlights that when evidence is clear and egregious (as it is in the Bermudez case), settlements can reach astronomical figures. It underscores the immense institutional liability involved.

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

   • Total Recovery: Confidential Settlement
   • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit was settled confidentially.
   • Significance for Richmond County: This is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi National. Andrew Coffey’s death means they had actual notice of the lethal dangers of hazing within their own fraternity. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under strikingly similar circumstances. This pattern of negligence strengthens our argument for punitive damages.

The Message: Hazing Costs Millions

These cases send a clear, undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that operate near Richmond County: hazing is not merely a “bad look” or a minor disciplinary issue. It costs millions. We track every one of these cases to build incontrovertible pattern evidence and to demonstrate the immense foreseeability of harm.

For Richmond County families, what this means is hope. It means that while money can never truly compensate for the loss of a child or the trauma of severe injury, it can provide for lifelong medical care, lost educational opportunities, and a measure of justice that compels change. Our goal is not just compensation for your family; it’s to make hazing so financially crippling that these organizations are forced to put an end to it once and for all.

Your Shield: Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims (and Similar Laws Apply in Georgia)

When a hazing incident occurs, victims and their families often feel powerless against well-resourced fraternities and universities. However, the law provides powerful tools to hold them accountable. While our firm is based in Texas, where the Bermudez case is currently being litigated, many states, including Georgia, have robust anti-hazing statutes and civil liability frameworks designed to protect students. Furthermore, our federal court admissions mean we can pursue justice for victims nationwide, regardless of where the incident occurred in Richmond County or America.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation, providing a clear legal foundation for our aggressive litigation strategy.

The Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.151):
Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

1. Involves physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding).
2. Involves sleep deprivation, exposure, confinement, or calisthenics that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects health.
3. Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that creates an unreasonable risk of harm.
4. Requires a student to violate the Penal Code.
5. Involves coercing alcohol or drug consumption to the point of intoxication.

Application to Bermudez: As we meticulously detailed in Leonel’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter violated nearly every facet of this definition: physical brutality (paddles, extreme exercise), sleep deprivation (forced early morning driving), exposure (cold weather, hose spraying), forced food consumption, and acts that classify as assault and battery.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law makes hazing a crime, with penalties ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (for participating or failing to report) to a State Jail Felony if hazing causes death. In Leonel’s case, his severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure qualify as “serious bodily injury,” meaning those responsible could face Class A Misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly acknowledged “potential criminal charges.”

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also holds organizations accountable. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers, members, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property. This is why Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter are named defendants.

Crucially: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas hazing law. The statute explicitly states: “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 shatters the common fraternity defense: “He knew what he was signing up for” or “He could have left.” Texas law directly rejects this argument, recognizing that the power dynamics and coercion inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means the focus remains on the criminal act of hazing, not on whether the victim “agreed” to be brutalized. This same legal principle applies in many other states, including Georgia.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits are how hazing victims and their families recover financial compensation for their immense suffering and losses. Our firm leverages various civil liability theories to hold all responsible parties accountable:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individual members had a duty to protect students, that they breached this duty by allowing or participating in hazing, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), they can be held liable for maintaining a dangerous condition on their property.
3. Negligent Supervision: We assert that national organizations failed to adequately supervise their chapters, and universities failed to properly oversee Greek life on their campuses, leading directly to hazing incidents.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual hazers can be directly sued for intentional harmful contact, justifying significant damages for physical and psychological harm.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For extreme and outrageous conduct like waterboarding or forced humiliation, victims can claim damages for severe emotional and psychological trauma.
6. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can sue for the loss of a loved one, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and the invaluable loss of companionship.

Georgia’s Commitment to Anti-Hazing: Similar Protections for Richmond County Families

While we operate out of Texas, it’s important for Richmond County families to know that Georgia also has its own anti-hazing laws. The Max Gruver Act (named after the LSU hazing victim) has served as a model for many states, increasing penalties and strengthening anti-hazing legislation. Georgia’s laws, like Texas’s, aim to deter hazing and hold those responsible accountable.

Knowing these laws inside and out is crucial. We don’t just rely on our knowledge of Texas law; our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to operate effectively in diverse legal landscapes. Richmond County families can trust that we will thoroughly understand and apply the specific legal framework relevant to their child’s hazing incident, regardless of where it occurred. The law is on your side, and we are here to wield it aggressively on your behalf.

Why Richmond County Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When hazing shatters lives, Richmond County families need more than just a lawyer; they need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation and has a proven track record against powerful defendants. Attorney911 is built for these fights. We combine decades of courtroom experience, an aggressive legal strategy, and a deeply personal commitment to justice for hazing victims. We are proud to serve families in Richmond County and across the nation, bringing our fight to you, wherever your child has been harmed.

Our Unmatched Credentials and Strategic Advantages:

1. 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over two decades of intense litigation experience to your case. He has faced down powerful corporations and delivered results in high-stakes environments, including the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves our capacity to take on major institutional defendants like universities and national fraternities. For our clients in Richmond County, this means a seasoned litigator who is unafraid to go to trial, ensuring your case receives the aggressive representation it deserves.
2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “secret weapon.” They spent years on the other side, learning precisely how insurance companies evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. They know the insurance industry’s playbook inside and out – and now they use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for hazing victims. When Richmond County families hire us, they gain a tactical advantage, confronting defendants who will try every trick in the book to avoid paying.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Hazing cases often touch upon federal civil rights or involve national organizations, making federal court jurisdiction a powerful tool. Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us the authority to pursue cases in federal court, which offers unique strategic advantages. Furthermore, Ralph’s dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities headquartered in various states. This national reach ensures we can effectively litigate your Richmond County case, even if defendants are based elsewhere.
4. Hazing-Specific Expertise and Active Litigation: We are not just general personal injury lawyers who dabble in hazing cases. We have direct, ongoing experience. Our firm is currently litigating the landmark $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, giving us real-time insights into the current tactics of national fraternities and universities. Ralph has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel’s. This is raw, unvarnished expertise that applies directly to your child’s hazing experience. Richmond County families need a firm that is actively fighting this battle, not one that is theoretically preparing for it.
5. “Se Habla Español” – Bilingual Support: Our team is proudly bilingual (English and Spanish). Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that language barriers never stand between justice and Hispanic families in Richmond County. We offer consultations, ongoing case updates, and full legal services in Spanish, ensuring every family feels heard, understood, and effectively represented.
6. Will Travel to You, or Meet Remotely: While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, we understand that victims and their families in Richmond County deserve direct, personal attention. We offer convenient video consultations so you can discuss your case from the comfort of your home. And when necessary, we will travel to Richmond County for depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice. We come to you because your child’s case matters.
7. Contingency Fee Representation – Zero Upfront Cost: We believe that no family should be denied justice due to financial constraints, especially after enduring the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
   • You pay $0 upfront.
   • We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.
   • Our success is directly aligned with your success.

Our Deep Ethical Commitment: More Than Just a Case Number

What truly sets Attorney911 apart, and why Richmond County families trust us, is our profound emotional investment in these cases. We’ve witnessed firsthand the devastation hazing inflicts, and we are driven by a fierce desire to prevent future tragedies. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello, a father of three, and Lupe Peña, a dedicated family man, approach each case with empathy, understanding, and a righteous fury aimed squarely at those who inflict harm and those who enable it.

Our client testimonials speak volumes about our commitment to communication, responsiveness, and genuine care. As one client, Chad Harris, put it: “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.” Another client, Amelia, called Ralph, “a true hero, Saved our family’s life.” We bring that same level of dedication and personal investment to every Richmond County family we serve.

We understand that you are not just a case; you are a family in crisis. We are here to be your legal emergency first responders – immediate, aggressive, and decisive. We will fight for your child’s future, and we will hold every institution accountable.

Immediate Action: What Richmond County Families Should Do Right Now After a Hazing Incident

If your child in Richmond County, Georgia, has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do, and what you don’t do, can significantly impact your child’s medical recovery and the strength of any future legal claim. It’s an overwhelming time, but taking swift, decisive action is paramount.

Here is essential, actionable guidance for Richmond County families:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

1. Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Situation: Your child’s immediate physical and emotional safety is the top priority. If they are still in a dangerous environment, get them out immediately.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child insists they are “fine,” get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room.
   • Do not delay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or concussions) may not be immediately apparent but can worsen rapidly.
   • Be honest with medical staff. Explain exactly what happened and that you suspect hazing. This ensures symptoms are properly documented in medical records.
   • Document everything. Get copies of all medical records, discharge papers, lab results (like creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis or blood alcohol content for alcohol poisoning), and bills. Medical records are irrefutable evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence Relentlessly

Evidence disappears quickly. Fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators will destroy or delete anything incriminating. This is why immediate, thorough preservation is crucial.
* Text Messages and Group Chats: This is often the “smoking gun.” Save every message, especially from platforms like GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, or WhatsApp. Screenshot everything and create backups. Do not delete anything from your phone.
* Photos and Videos: If your child or their friends have any photos or videos related to hazing activities, preserve them immediately. This includes photos documenting injuries, the hazing location, or any “proof” of participation required by the initiators.
* Social Media Activity: Screenshot all relevant social media posts, stories, or profiles related to the fraternity, sorority, or individuals involved.
* Physical Evidence: If there is any physical evidence (e.g., clothing damaged during hazing, items used in rituals, notes, pledgeship “manuals”), collect and secure it.
* Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the hazing—other pledges, friends, or even bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
* Hazing Schedules/Instructions: If your child received any written or digital instructions, calendars, or schedules related to pledge activities, keep them safe.
* Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, and any lost wages or academic fees incurred due to the hazing.

Step 3: Avoid Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

The defense will be looking for any missteps to undermine your claim.
* Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not allow your child or yourself to speak with fraternity leadership, advisors, or alumni without legal counsel. They are not on your side and any statements can be used against you.
* Do NOT Talk to the University Administration Alone: Universities have their own legal teams and risk management protocols. While you may need to report the incident, do so with legal counsel, or decline to give detailed statements without consulting an attorney first. Always remember, the university’s priority is often to protect itself, not primarily your child.
* Do NOT Sign Anything: Refuse to sign any documents, waivers, or confidentiality agreements presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university until your attorney has reviewed them.
* Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted by your child online can and will be used against them by the defense. This includes posts about recovery, appearing “fine,” or engaging in social activities. Instruct your child to stay completely off social media concerning the incident.
* Do NOT Delete Anything (Electronic or Physical): Deleting digital communications or destroying physical evidence can be considered spoliation and severely damage your case.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is of the essence. There are strict legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations (typically two years in most states, including Georgia, for personal injury and wrongful death claims). Evidence disappears, memories fade, and perpetrators coordinate their stories.
* Call Us 24/7: Our legal emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available around the clock. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
* Remote Consultations: For Richmond County families, we offer convenient video consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with us from your home without immediate travel.
* No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to accessing expert legal representation.

Why Immediate Legal Counsel is Vital in Richmond County:

• Protect Your Rights: An experienced attorney ensures you don’t inadvertently jeopardize your legal standing.
• Level the Playing Field: You’ll be up against powerful institutions with their own legal teams. We provide the aggressive counter-force you need.
• Maximize Compensation: We know how to build a comprehensive case to pursue all economic and non-economic damages, as well as punitive damages.
• Investigate Thoroughly: We launch our own investigation immediately, preserving evidence and interviewing witnesses before they can be influenced or intimidated.
• Stop the Abuse: Your willingness to step forward not only secures justice for your child but also serves as a crucial step in ending hazing for other students in Richmond County and beyond.

If you are a Richmond County parent whose child has been impacted by hazing, you are not alone, and you are not without options. We have the data, the expertise, and the unwavering commitment to fight for your family. The battle against hazing is multifaceted, pitting victims against powerful, well-funded organizations and institutions. We are built for this fight.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency is Our Priority — Serving Richmond County, Georgia

When hazing strikes, it’s a legal emergency. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to be your first responders. If your child in Richmond County, Georgia, or anywhere across the nation, has been a victim of hazing, you have legal rights, and we are here to help you exercise them aggressively. We are actively fighting these battles in court right now, and we will bring the same fierce dedication to your family.

Richmond County Families: Don’t Wait. Your Call is Our Immediate Action.

We understand that reaching out is a difficult step, fraught with emotion and uncertainty. But every moment counts. The truth is, evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Your immediate action can make all the difference in securing justice for your child.

Reach Out to Our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Why Contacting Attorney911 Now Matters:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free of charge and completely confidential. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide a clear assessment of your legal options without any obligation.
• No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: For Richmond County hazing victims, there are absolutely no upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if and when we win your case. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
• We Serve Richmond County, Georgia, and Nationwide: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach against hazing extends across the country. Our federal court admissions allow us to pursue national fraternities and universities in federal jurisdictions. We offer convenient video consultations for Richmond County families and are prepared to travel to Georgia for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• Time is Critical – Statutes of Limitations: Most personal injury and wrongful death claims have a strict two-year statute of limitations. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit from the date of the injury or death. Delaying can mean losing your right to pursue justice entirely. Let us begin preserving evidence and building your case immediately.
• Your Child’s Story Matters: Your case has the power not only to secure vital compensation for your child’s recovery but also to create lasting change that protects other students from future harm. As our attorney 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.”

We Represent Victims of Hazing From All Organizations:

Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. If your child experienced abuse as part of:

• Fraternities or sororities at universities near Richmond County (e.g., Augusta University, Paine College, Georgia Military College, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech).
• Richmond County or Georgia-based sports teams (high school or college).
• Marching bands or other performing art groups.
• ROTC programs.
• Any club, organization, or group that subjected them to abusive initiation rituals.

We are here to help.

The pain and anger you feel are justified. Let us channel that into powerful, aggressive legal action. Do not let these institutions dismiss your child’s suffering. Do not let them escape accountability. Call Attorney911 today. We are ready to fight for you.