If you’re reading this in Spalding County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, full of hopes for friendship and belonging. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening harm, all in the name of “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Spalding County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are legal emergency lawyers. We are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for the horrific hazing of a college student. What happened in Houston, Texas, can, and unfortunately does, happen at institutions across the country, including those where students from Spalding County attend. Hazing isn’t a regional problem; it’s a national crisis, and we are equipped to bring the fight to any institution or organization responsible, no matter where they are located.

Our mission is to ensure that every entity responsible for hazing injuries faces accountability. We represent victims and their families from Spalding County and nationwide, bringing an aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to every case. We understand that your child deserved safety and respect, not torture and medical emergency. We are here to turn your fear and anger into action, seeking justice and compensation for the profound suffering caused by hazing.

The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning to Spalding County Families

This is not a hypothetical scenario. This is what hazing looks like today, in America, at universities your children might attend. Just recently, in November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., in Harris County Civil District Court. This case serves as a stark warning and a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he was subjected to systematic torture by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to the university the following semester. Despite not even being formally enrolled, he endured weeks of brutal hazing activities that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Imagine your child, miles from home, being sprayed in the face with a garden hose in a simulated waterboarding attempt. Picture them hog-tied with an object in their mouth, or forced to perform hundreds of squats and push-ups until their muscles broke down, leading to a life-threatening medical condition. This is precisely what Leonel endured. He was forced to eat until he vomited, then made to continue physical exertion while lying in vomit-soaked grass. He was threatened with physical punishment and expulsion from the fraternity for non-compliance. These acts are not “initiation”; they are clear acts of assault, battery, and torture.

Upon discovering his condition, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream, and acute kidney failure. His urine had turned brown, a classic symptom of this severe condition, and he faced the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Within days of these horrific events coming to light, the chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against the perpetrators were initiated. These actions are a direct outcome of the aggressive action taken by our firm.

This is a case that has captured national attention, with major news outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, and the Houston Chronicle reporting on the allegations. Even Houston Public Media highlighted the $10 million demand and the specific acts of torture suffered by our client.

Leonel’s story is a profound demonstration of what can happen when hazing goes unchecked. It’s also proof of Attorney911’s commitment. We don’t just talk about fighting hazing; we are doing it right now in Harris County Civil District Court. If your child in Spalding County has been subjected to similar atrocities, we are the firm that will fight for them with the same intensity.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Spalding County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. Perhaps a bit of shouting, some embarrassing tasks, or late-night clean-ups. We often hold onto outdated notions of fraternities and sororities, viewing them as social clubs that might occasionally push boundaries but are fundamentally safe. This perspective couldn’t be further from the terrifying reality. Today’s hazing is not about building character or fostering brotherhood; it’s about systematic abuse, degradation, and often, life-threatening torture.

What Leonel Bermudez endured, and what countless other students across America face, are acts that would be considered criminal assault and battery if they happened anywhere else. They are designed to exert absolute control, break down individuals psychologically, and force blind obedience through fear.

Let’s be clear about what hazing truly entails based on incidents like Leonel’s and others across the nation:

Physical Brutality and Forced Exertion: This goes far beyond mild discomfort. It includes beatings, paddling with wooden objects, branding, burning, and forced calisthenics to the point of collapse. Leonel’s experience of 500 squats, 100 push-ups, and repeated sprints until his body began to fail is a chilling example. This extreme physical abuse can lead to severe medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as it did in his case, or even cardiac arrest.

Simulated Drowning and Water Torture: As horrifyingly portrayed in Leonel’s case, waterboarding with a garden hose is a despicable act of psychological and physical torment. This is not a prank; it is a recognized form of torture that creates an intense fear of death and can have lasting psychological repercussions.

Forced Consumption: This often involves massive amounts of alcohol, leading to binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and even death. But it also includes forced eating of disgusting or excessive quantities of food until vomiting, as Leonel experienced, or consumption of non-food substances. These acts can lead to aspiration, organ damage, and severe gastrointestinal distress.

Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing aims to break a person’s spirit. This involves threats, extreme degradation, verbal abuse, forced nudity, sexual humiliation, and activities designed to instill fear and erode self-worth. Leonel being forced to carry sexually suggestive objects or another pledge being hog-tied face-down for over an hour are examples of this cruel psychological warfare.

Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities and early-morning duties, leading to exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability to other forms of abuse.

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Hazing can involve forced sexual acts, sexual assault, forced nudity, and sexual harassment. The inclusion of sexually provocative objects or situations is a common element in degrading rituals.

Exposure: Victims can be forced to endure extreme weather conditions, confined spaces, or other environmental stresses that can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, or physical harm.

Servitude and Isolation: Pledges are sometimes used as personal servants, forced to perform demeaning tasks, drive members around at all hours, or clean their living spaces. Victims may also be isolated from their support systems, prevented from contacting family or friends, further increasing their vulnerability.

For families in Spalding County, it’s vital to recognize that these are not isolated incidents performed by a few bad apples. These are often systemic practices deeply ingrained in certain Greek organizations, perpetuating a culture where abuse is disguised as tradition. Education about the true nature of hazing is the first step towards protection and accountability.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one person or one group at fault. The systemic nature of hazing implicates a range of individuals and institutions, all of whom can and should be held legally responsible. Our approach at Attorney911 is to cast a wide net, identifying every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring that those with the ability to prevent such tragedies are held accountable. This is exactly what we are doing in the Bermudez case, and what we will do for families in Spalding County.

Here are the key parties we typically hold responsible in a hazing lawsuit:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority:
This is the most direct perpetrator. The local chapter organizes, participates in, and often conceals the hazing activities. Their leadership—including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and other officers—bears direct responsibility for planning and executing these harmful rituals. The individual members who actively participate in or enable the hazing are also liable for their actions. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its president, pledgemaster, and 13 individual members have all been named as defendants.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:
National organizations operate hundreds of chapters across the country, including many that students from Spalding County may join. They are responsible for setting anti-hazing policies, providing oversight, and ensuring their local chapters comply with these rules. However, too often, national leadership turns a blind eye or fails to enforce their own policies. When tragedy strikes, they often claim ignorance, but cases like Andrew Coffey’s death at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017 prove a pattern of knowledge. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and then dissolved the UH chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization demonstrates they knew the conduct was wrong. National organizations have significant financial resources and liability insurance, making them crucial targets for accountability.

3. The University or College:
Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students from harm, especially when it occurs on or near campus property. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because, crucially, they owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This establishes a clear premises liability claim. Furthermore, universities have the power to regulate Greek life, investigate complaints, and intervene when hazing occurs. When they fail to do so, especially after prior incidents like the 2017 hazing hospitalization at UH, they are complicit. Universities also possess substantial financial resources and insurance policies, making them a significant defendant.

4. The Housing Corporation:
Many fraternities and sororities own their chapter houses through separate legal entities known as housing corporations. These corporations are responsible for the maintenance and safety of fraternity property. If hazing occurs on their premises and they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent it, they can be held liable. The Beta Nu Housing Corporation has been named in the Bermudez lawsuit. These corporations often have dedicated property insurance policies that can cover damages.

5. Individual Perpetrators (Including Alumni and Their Spouses):
Beyond chapter leadership, any individual who actively participates in hazing or facilitates it can be held personally liable. This extends to alumni who host hazing events at their private residences, as seen in the Bermudez case where a former member and his spouse are named defendants for allowing hazing to occur in their home. These individuals are liable for intentional torts like assault and battery, and their personal assets or homeowner’s insurance policies can be pursued. The $6.5 million judgment against a former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case proves that individuals cannot hide behind the organization.

6. Insurance Carriers:
Ultimately, the funds for multi-million dollar settlements often come from the various liability insurance policies held by these defendants. This includes the national fraternity’s general liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, the housing corporation’s property insurance, and even individual homeowner’s or renter’s policies. Our team, with insights from former insurance defense attorneys like Lupe Peña, knows exactly how to navigate these complex insurance structures to maximize recovery for our clients.

For families in Spalding County, understanding this hierarchy of responsibility is key. We meticulously investigate every angle, identify every potentially liable party, and build a comprehensive case to ensure that every individual and institution that contributed to your child’s suffering is held fully accountable.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families dealing with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful compensation is crucial. These are not merely symbolic gestures; they are large, often multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear message: hazing will no longer be tolerated. We leverage these precedent-setting cases to demonstrate to defendants, and potentially a jury, the proven value of hazing litigation. These results show families in Spalding County that justice, and significant compensation, are achievable.

Here are some landmark cases that illustrate the financial accountability we pursue:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died in 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event at Bowling Green State University. His family received substantial settlements:

• $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University.
• $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and individual members.
• In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million in a wrongful death judgment.

This case alone demonstrates that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is well within the established precedent for hazing injuries and deaths. Both the university and the national fraternity were held financially responsible, in addition to individual accountability.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning in 2017 after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual. A jury returned a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and individuals responsible. Furthermore, his death prompted the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating that these cases also drive legislative change.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State student, died in 2017 after being forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi initiation. He then suffered a traumatic brain injury from multiple falls down stairs, and fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The Piazza family secured a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million from multiple parties. This case also led to the passage of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. The extensive security camera footage of the events played a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of strong evidence.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Settlement (Confidential, Significant)
Tragically, Andrew Coffey died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. This is the same national fraternity involved in our current Bermudez case. While the civil settlement amount was confidential, multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. This incident directly establishes Pi Kappa Phi National’s prior knowledge of deadly hazing practices, supporting our demand for punitive damages in the Bermudez case.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4 Million+ Settlement
Adam Oakes died in 2021 after a Delta Chi hazing incident involving forced alcohol consumption. His family, who initially sought $28 million, reached a settlement of over $4 million from the national fraternity and individuals. This led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, further showing the legislative impact of these cases.

What these cases prove for Spalding County families:

• Significant Compensation is Achievable: Verdicts and settlements often reach multi-million dollar figures, reflecting the severity of the harm caused.
• Institutions are Held Accountable: Universities and national organizations with deep pockets are routinely codefendants.
• Individual Accountability: Perpetrators, including chapter officers, can face personal liability for their actions.
• Hazing is Not Dismissed: Juries and courts take hazing seriously, often awarding additional punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
• Change is Possible: These lawsuits often catalyze critical legislative changes, strengthening anti-hazing laws and increasing institutional responsibility.

In every case, we meticulously analyze the damages—economic losses like medical bills and lost earning capacity, non-economic suffering like pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress, and punitive damages to punish egregious conduct. For families in Spalding County, these precedents are not just numbers; they are proof that fighting back can bring profound justice and create a safer environment for future students.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Spalding County

For families in Spalding County, Georgia, seeking justice for a hazing incident, it’s essential to understand the legal foundations that protect victims. While our firm is based in Texas, the state where our flagship Bermudez case is being litigated, the legal principles and statutes we employ are mirrored in anti-hazing laws and civil liability theories across most states. Furthermore, our federal court admissions allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims in Spalding County and throughout the United States, irrespective of the incident’s location.

The Texas Anti-Hazing Law (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

Texas has one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes, providing a robust framework for both criminal penalties and civil claims. Key provisions include:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 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 initiation or membership in an organization, if it endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. This includes physical brutality (like striking or beating, which Leonel endured), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats that caused rhabdomyolysis), forced consumption of food or alcohol, and any activity violating the Penal Code. Our Bermudez case clearly meets multiple elements of this definition, making the hazing activities unequivocally illegal.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing that causes serious bodily injury, such as Leonel’s acute kidney failure, can face a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Hazing that causes death can be charged as a State Jail Felony. The University of Houston spokesperson even highlighted “potential criminal charges” in their statement about the Bermudez case, signaling the severity of the actions.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law explicitly states that an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing.” This means local chapters and national organizations can face fines, denial of operation on campus, and forfeiture of property. This provision is crucial for holding the national Pi Kappa Phi and the local Beta Nu chapter accountable.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas law and applies to most anti-hazing statutes nationwide. The law unequivocally 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 provision directly refutes the common defense that victims “voluntarily participated” or “knew what they were getting into.” The legislature understood that coercion, peer pressure, and the desire for belonging negate true consent in hazing scenarios.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Educational institutions in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can result in criminal penalties for the chief administrative officer. This provides a mechanism for transparency and accountability at the university level.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits are designed to compensate victims for their suffering and prevent future incidents through financial deterrence. Even if your child’s hazing incident occurred outside of Texas, the civil liability theories we employ are common across all U.S. jurisdictions, allowing us to pursue justice for Spalding County victims.

1. Negligence: This is often the cornerstone of a hazing lawsuit. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and local chapter had a duty of care to protect your child, that they breached that duty by allowing hazing to occur, and that this breach caused your child’s injuries and damages. This could involve negligent supervision, negligent hiring, or negligent enforcement of anti-hazing policies.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation, as it did in the Bermudez case (where UH owned the fraternity house), they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact. Each act of physical hazing constitutes assault and battery.
4. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing regularly involves “extreme and outrageous conduct” that causes “severe emotional distress.” Waterboarding, forced humiliation, and systematic degradation often meet the high bar for IIED claims.
5. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for the loss of companionship, financial contributions, and emotional support from their loved one, alongside punitive damages to punish the egregious conduct that led to the death.

For Spalding County parents: The beauty of the legal system is that criminal and civil cases operate independently. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, your family still has the right to pursue a civil lawsuit to recover damages for your child’s injuries. Our expertise in navigating both these legal landscapes ensures that no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Spalding County Families

When your family in Spalding County faces the devastating impact of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. You need not just lawyers, but fierce advocates who understand the unique complexities of hazing litigation, have a proven track record against powerful institutions, and possess the unwavering commitment to fight for your child. Attorney911 embodies all of these qualities, positioning us as the definitive choice for hazing victims in Spalding County and across the nation.

Here’s why families like yours choose us:

1. We Are Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now:
Unlike firms that merely list hazing as a practice area, we are currently in the trenches. Our $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, is not a theoretical case; it is a live, ongoing fight in Harris County. This means we are constantly innovating legal strategies, engaging with media, and confronting the very institutions that may have harmed your child. We bring this same cutting-edge, aggressive representation directly to Spalding County families.

2. Deep Insight from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. Ralph has over 25 years of courtroom experience, while Lupe honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm representing insurance companies. This background is an unfair advantage for our clients. We understand precisely how insurance companies and their high-powered legal teams strategize, value claims, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that invaluable knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for hazing victims.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions:
Hazing cases often involve national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. Our admission to the U.S. District Courts and our dual Texas and New York bar licenses give us the strategic advantage to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction and against national organizations, regardless of where they are headquartered. This means we can effectively represent Spalding County students who attend colleges anywhere in the U.S.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants:
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity and willingness to take on the largest corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases, where we confront well-funded national fraternities and universities with deep pockets. We are not intimidated by their size or resources; we know how to secure justice even against Goliath.

5. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy – The Hazing Intelligence Database:
We don’t guess; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, compiling data from IRS 990 filings, Cause IQ, and our own research. This includes legal names, EINs, addresses, housing corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we rapidly identify every liable entity, ensuring no target is missed. For example, our database tracks organizations like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas), the very housing corporation involved in the Bermudez case. We understand the complex web of corporate structures behind the Greek letters.

6. Comprehensive Understanding of Hazing Dynamics:
Ralph Manginello’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach provides a unique understanding of group dynamics, peer pressure, and the environments where hazing flourishes. Combined with our legal expertise in rhabdomyolysis and other hazing-specific injuries, we possess a nuanced understanding of how hazing impacts victims, medically, physically, and psychologically.

7. Unwavering Commitment to Families – Se Habla Español:
We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families. Our team is bilingual, with fluent Spanish capabilities, ensuring that Hispanic families in Spalding County and beyond receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We treat our clients like family, providing consistent communication, empathy, and unwavering support through every step of the process.

8. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs for You:
We believe that justice should not be reserved for those who can afford it. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all litigation costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows your family to fight back against powerful institutions without risking your savings. You will be on the same team, with a shared goal of victory. As Ralph often says, “If we don’t win, you don’t pay.”

9. Will Travel to Spalding County and Beyond:
While our headquarters are in Houston, we are committed to serving clients in Spalding County and across America. We offer remote consultations via video conference, and our attorneys are prepared to travel for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice when your child’s future is at stake.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a legal team with unmatched experience, insider knowledge, and a fierce dedication to holding hazing perpetrators accountable. We will not rest until justice is served for your family in Spalding County.

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

If your child in Spalding County has been subjected to hazing, the immediate aftermath can be traumatic and confusing. It’s crucial to act decisively and strategically to protect their legal rights and preserve evidence. The moments and days following a hazing incident are critical. Here are concrete, actionable steps to guide your family:

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

• Remove Your Child From the Situation: Ensure your child is immediately taken out of the hazing environment and is in a safe place.
• Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if your child insists they are “fine” or “not badly hurt,” get them to an emergency room or a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries from hazing, like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure as seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, can have delayed or subtle symptoms. Adrenaline can mask pain. Medical documentation from a doctor or hospital is paramount. Clearly state that the injuries resulted from suspected hazing activities.
• Document EVERYTHING Medical: Keep copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels or urinalysis for myoglobin, as in Leonel’s case), prescriptions, and any bills.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Do NOT Delete Anything: This is critical. Do not delete text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat content, Instagram DMs, emails, or any social media posts. The content of these communications can provide critical evidence of the hazing, including instructions, threats, schedules, and reactions. Even conversations about covering up the hazing are invaluable.
  • Watch our video: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs for guidance on this.
• Take Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Photograph all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at the time they are discovered and continue to document their healing process. For internal injuries like Leonel’s, document symptoms like abnormally colored urine.
  • Location: If safe to do so, take photos or videos of the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, basement, park, off-campus residence, etc.).
  • Items: Document any items related to the hazing (clothing, equipment, alcohol containers, paddles, offensive objects).
• Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or individuals who may have knowledge of the events. Their testimony can be crucial.
• Save Documents: Preserve any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications given to your child by the organization.

Step 3: Crucial “Do Nots” to Protect Your Case

• Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, leadership, or alumni without legal counsel. They will attempt to control the narrative, pressure your child, or subtly gather information that could harm your case.
• Do NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: Universities have their own legal interests. While you may need to file an official report, do so with legal guidance. Do not give recorded statements or detailed accounts without an attorney present, as these can be used against your child or the case.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without having an attorney review them. You could unknowingly waive your child’s legal rights.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident on social media. Everything posted (even seemingly innocent content) can be scrutinized by the defense and used to undermine your child’s credibility or claims of suffering. Avoid vague posts too.
  • Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY for more details.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

• The Statute of Limitations: Most states, including Texas, have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you generally have only two years from the date of injury (or death) to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to sue is permanently lost.
  • Watch our video: “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c for more information.
• Evidence Disappears Rapidly: Fraternities, students, and universities will often attempt to destroy evidence, persuade witnesses to stay silent, or “lose” critical documents. The sooner an attorney is involved, the quicker steps can be taken to preserve crucial evidence.
• Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation to families in Spalding County. You will pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes any financial barrier to seeking expert legal advice.

For parents in Spalding County: We understand that this is an overwhelming time. The shame, fear, and anger can be paralyzing. But acting quickly and intelligently is the best way to ensure justice for your child. Our team is ready 24/7 to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here

If you’re reading this, your legal emergency has already begun. Your child in Spalding County has been subjected to unimaginable abuse, and your family deserves a team that will fight relentlessly for justice. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to take on the powerful institutions that harmed your child. Hazing is a pervasive and dangerous crisis, and we are committed to holding every responsible party accountable, from individual perpetrators to national organizations and universities.

Spalding County Families: Have you or your child been hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for Spalding 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. Spalding County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking on legal deadlines, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. We are available 24/7 to take your call and provide immediate guidance.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Cost. We work on Contingency.
For Spalding County families, and all our hazing victims nationwide: you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. We believe justice should not be reserved for those who can afford an hourly attorney.

We Serve Spalding County Hazing Victims — and Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond these cities. Hazing happens at colleges and universities across America, including those where students from Spalding County matriculate. We are fully equipped to evaluate and pursue your case regardless of where the hazing incident occurred.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing broader legal reach, especially for cases involving national fraternities headquartered across the country.
• Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing Spalding County families to meet with our attorneys remotely and discuss their case without the need for travel.
• Travel Commitment: When necessary, our attorneys will travel to Spalding County for depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, not just fraternities and sororities. This includes sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and any other student organization where abuse is disguised as “initiation.” If your child attends a university near Spalding County, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, or even smaller regional colleges like Gordon State College in Barnesville or Fort Valley State University, and faces hazing, we can help. The national fraternities that have caused harm across the country have chapters at these and other institutions where Spalding County students pursue their education.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. If you were a victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or witnessed it, you have rights. Your testimony, your experience, and your courage can strengthen Leonel’s case and hold all perpetrators accountable. Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your call to 1-888-ATTY-911 is the first step towards justice, the first step towards healing, and the first step towards ensuring no other Spalding County family endures this nightmare. We are here for you. We are your legal emergency lawyers.