troup-county-featured-image.png

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

Earth, Georgia, North America, Troup County, United States

If you’re reading this in Troup County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make memories and build friendships. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and physically harmed during hazing rituals. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Troup County fight back against the fraternities and universities that allowed this to happen.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys.” It is abuse, plain and simple, and it can have devastating, life-altering consequences. We believe in aggressive representation for hazing victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries or death.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez Could Happen to Your Child in Troup County

Just over a month ago, in November 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a landmark $10 million lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, that embodies everything we stand for. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just another legal battle; it is a declaration of war against the culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses, including those where students from Troup County, Georgia, might attend.

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled University of Houston student when he endured weeks of systematic abuse at the hands of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student hoping to join the university in the spring. What he encountered instead was a nightmare that sent him to the hospital for four agonizing days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This wasn’t a prank gone wrong. This was calculated torture. Leonel was waterboarded with a garden hose – a method of interrogation condemned globally as inhumane. He was hog-tied, forced to consume mass quantities of food until he vomited, then made to run through his own vomit-soaked grass. He endured psychological torment, sleep deprivation, and physical exertion so extreme that his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He passed brown urine, a horrifying sign of myoglobin poisoning, and faced the terrifying reality of permanent organ damage.

The Immediate Fallout and Our Aggressive Response

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members, facing a media firestorm and mounting evidence, voted to surrender their charter, leading to the chapter’s permanent closure. The University of Houston, clearly rattled, called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals.

But mere suspensions and closures are not enough. They do not compensate for the trauma, the medical bills, or the long-term health consequences. That’s why Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit, naming not only the local chapter and the 13 individual fraternity members directly involved but also the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, the chapter’s housing corporation, the University of Houston, and even the UH Board of Regents. We believe everyone who enabled, tolerated, or participated in this brutality must be held accountable.

This case is new. It is ongoing. And it is the clearest proof of the kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and utterly relentless in pursuing justice for hazing victims. We are actively fighting in Harris County Civil District Court, and we bring this same dedication to every family we represent, including those in Troup County, Georgia.

Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case: The World is Watching

The details of Leonel’s ordeal, and our firm’s fight for justice, have been widely reported by major news outlets in Houston:

These news stories are not just headlines; they are urgent warnings to parents in Troup County. The hazing Leonel endured is modern hazing, happening right now, at universities children from Troup County might attend. It’s why we’re fighting back.

The Chilling Timeline of Abuse

Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal began on September 16, 2025, when he accepted a bid from Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was a systematic campaign of terror:

  • Sept 16 – Nov 3: Weeks of relentless physical and psychological hazing. Leonel was forced to perform grueling calisthenics, drive fraternity members at all hours, and endure constant humiliation.
  • Oct 13: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour – a chilling precursor to the escalating violence.
  • Oct 15: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, yet the hazing continued. This demonstrates a conscious indifference to human life and dignity.
  • Nov 3: The incident that sent Leonel to the hospital. As punishment for missing an event, he was forced to do over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed while being pushed past his breaking point. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand.
  • Nov 4-5: Leonel struggled to move, his pain worsening.
  • Nov 6: His mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic symptom of muscle breakdown, and was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • Nov 6-10: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, facing uncertain long-term consequences for his kidneys.
  • Nov 14: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter – a move made days before our lawsuit, indicating a clear awareness of their culpability.
  • Nov 21: Our firm files the $10 million lawsuit, and news outlets immediately pick up the story.

The timeline makes it clear: this was not an isolated incident. This was a pattern of escalating violence and utter disregard for human life.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Parents in Troup County often imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. Leonel Bermudez’s story shatters that illusion. This is what hazing looks like today:

  • Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that mimics a recognized form of torture.
  • Forced Consumption until Vomiting: He was made to ingest large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue physical activities in his own vomit.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: Hundreds of pushups and squats, demanding running drills (“suicides”), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and even being struck with wooden paddles. These activities pushed his body to the brink of organ failure.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack with sexually degrading objects, and witness other pledges hog-tied. This inflicts deep, lasting emotional scars.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members in the early morning hours, creating a constant state of exhaustion that makes them vulnerable and compliant.

This is not a game. This is severe bodily harm, perpetrated by individuals who believe “tradition” justifies cruelty.

Who Is Responsible for Hazing Injuries in Troup County? We Sue Everyone Involved.

When your child is harmed by hazing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure who to blame. The fraternities and universities often try to deflect responsibility, claiming they didn’t know or couldn’t control individual actions. At Attorney911, we know better. Our data-driven approach means we identify and target every potentially liable party, ensuring full accountability.

In the Bermudez case, we aggressively pursued multiple defendants, a strategy we apply to every hazing case, including those involving students from Troup County:

  • The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): These are the individuals who directly organized and administered the sadistic hazing rituals. Specifically, we target the chapter officers, like the president and pledgemaster, who held leadership roles, and the individual members who actively participated or stood by and allowed it to happen.

  • The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): These national groups often claim ignorance or distance from local chapter activities. However, our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They have deep pockets, millions in assets, and extensive insurance policies. Their prior hazing death cases, like Andrew Coffey’s, demonstrate a pattern of negligence and a failure to address systemic issues. They are not just Greek letters; they are large corporations with a duty to protect.

  • The Housing Corporation (Beta Nu Housing Corporation): Many fraternities operate through separate housing entities that own or control the chapter property. If hazing occurs on their premises, they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.

  • The University (University of Houston): Universities have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students, especially when they exercise significant control over Greek life. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down organizations. Their failure to act, especially with a history of hazing on their campus (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha incident), constitutes institutional negligence. Universities in Georgia, where students from Troup County often attend, face the same accountability. This includes local institutions like the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, LaGrange College in LaGrange, or Columbus State University, all of which have Greek life organizations.

    • For example, just as UH owned the property where Leonel was waterboarded, if a fraternity house at LaGrange College is owned by the college itself and hazing occurs there, LaGrange College shares responsibility.

  • Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the chapter leadership, every current and former member who actively participated in the hazing or allowed it to happen can be held personally liable. This includes those who hosted hazing activities at their private residences, as seen in our lawsuit where a former member and his spouse are named defendants for allowing hazing at their home.

  • Insurance Carriers: The ultimate source of compensation often comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and even individuals (through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance). As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña excel at navigating these complex policies to maximize our clients’ recovery.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all responsible parties, from the students who inflict harm to the institutions that enable it, are held accountable. We don’t just sue the “fraternity”; we sue everyone responsible.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Troup County Victims

Parents in Troup County, wondering if legal action is truly effective, should look to the precedents. Families across the nation have turned their unimaginable pain into multi-million dollar victories, sending a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated. These cases demonstrate that substantial compensation is achievable, and they form the foundation of our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case.

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

Total Payout: $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 secured over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments, including $2.9 million from the university and $7.2 million from the fraternity and individuals. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay the family $6.5 million personally. This case proves that both institutions and individuals face massive financial consequences.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC of 0.495) after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. His family received a $6.1 million jury verdict, and his death spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. A jury’s outrage can translate into significant financial awards.

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

Estimated Recovery: $110+ Million
Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The family’s confidential settlement is estimated to exceed $110 million, leading to the landmark Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case exemplifies how irrefutable evidence, like security camera footage, can lead to monumental outcomes.

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

The Same Fraternity as Our Client
Andrew Coffey died in 2017 after being forced to drink a bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. This is the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, this case provides powerful evidence of Pi Kappa Phi’s documented history of deadly hazing – proving pattern and knowledge for our lawsuit. They had eight years since Andrew’s death to fix their culture, and they failed.

The Message to Troup County Institutions

These cases send an unambiguous message to Greek organizations and universities near Troup County, such as the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, LaGrange College in LaGrange, and Columbus State University. Hazing is a national crisis with severe financial repercussions for those who permit it. The same legal strategies that won these multi-million dollar cases will be brought to bear for hazing victims from Troup County.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Never a Defense

For parents and students in Troup County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While Georgia has its own anti-hazing laws, our firm operates under the robust framework of the Texas Education Code, which provides significant protections for victims. Critically, these state laws demonstrate a national trend towards increasing accountability, and our federal court admissions mean we can pursue justice for Troup County victims regardless of state lines.

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

This comprehensive law defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The definition covers a wide range of abuses, many of which were inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez:

  • Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel was struck with wooden paddles during hazing.
  • Endangering Activities: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, extreme calisthenics, or any activity risking harm or adversely affecting health. Leonel endured extreme physical exertion that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, was forced to strip in cold weather, and sprayed with a hose.
  • Forced Consumption: Forcing a student to consume food, liquid, or alcohol that creates unreasonable risk. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
  • Criminal Acts: Activities that violate the Penal Code. Many hazing acts constitute assault, battery, or even kidnapping.

Criminal Penalties

Texas law establishes serious criminal charges for hazing violations:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging, soliciting, or failing to report hazing, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury, which includes Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This carries up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
  • State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death, carrying 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in regard to the Bermudez case, highlighting the gravity of these violations.

Organizational and Institutional Liability

The law also holds organizations responsible: “An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means local chapters and national organizations face fines, loss of campus recognition, and forfeiture of property.

The Critical Legal Shield: Consent Is NOT a Defense

One of the most insidious defenses hazers use is claiming the victim “consented” to the activities. Texas law explicitly dismantles this argument.

Texas Education Code § 37.154 states: “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 crucial for Troup County families to understand. No matter what a fraternity or university tells you about your child “volunteering,” the law makes it clear: you cannot consent to illegal hazing. This principle is a cornerstone of our hazing litigation strategy.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits provide compensation and justice for the victims. Troup County victims can pursue various civil claims:

  • Negligence: Holding fraternities, universities, and individuals liable for breaching their duty of care.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH, the institution can be held accountable for maintaining an unsafe environment.
  • Negligent Supervision: Where national organizations fail to adequately oversee their chapters or universities fail to monitor Greek life.
  • Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals for physical harms like waterboarding or paddling.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe psychological harm, such as the humiliation and psychological torture Leonel endured.

These legal avenues are available to Troup County victims, offering pathways to recover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and often punitive damages designed to punish extreme wrongdoing.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Troup County Hazing Victims

When your child is harmed by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of this complex legal landscape. Attorney911 offers unmatched credentials and a proven track record that makes us the definitive choice for families in Troup County, Georgia.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Our founding partner, Ralph P. Manginello, and Associate Attorney Lupe Eleno Peña, both previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage we leverage for every client.

  • Ralph Manginello: Ralph worked on the defense side for insurance companies before dedicating his career to representing injured victims. He saw their playbook from the inside – how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients.
  • Lupe Eleno Peña: Lupe previously worked for a nationwide insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, where he defended insurance companies and corporate defendants across multiple practice areas. He understands firsthand how large corporations calculate risk, delay claims, and attempt to lowball victims. He now uses this battlefield intelligence from “the enemy’s war room” to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.

This combined experience means that when fraternities, universities, and their insurers try to deny or minimize your child’s hazing claim, we know exactly what they’re thinking and how to counter it. This translates into higher leverage for our clients, including those in Troup County.

Deep Experience Against Massive Corporations

Ralph Manginello’s background includes significant involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion Litigation in 2005, a multi-billion dollar class action against BP following a catastrophic refinery explosion that killed 15 and injured over 180. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources – precisely the kind of adversaries we face when litigating against national fraternities and major universities. Just as we held BP accountable, we will hold these institutions accountable for the harm they cause to students from Troup County.

Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, making us uniquely qualified to serve Troup County families.

  • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority allows us to pursue cases in federal courts across the country, which is often crucial in hazing cases involving national organizations operating across state lines.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or significantly present in legal hubs like New York. This broadens our legal reach and tactical options for Troup County cases.

Hazing-Specific Expertise: We Are in the Fight RIGHT NOW

We aren’t just personal injury lawyers who “also do” hazing cases. Hazing litigation is a central focus of our firm. Our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof. We have experience with specific hazing-related injuries, including rhabdomyolysis, and understand the insidious culture of Greek life and university negligence. We know the history of fraternities like Kappa Sigma and the patterns of abuse seen at major universities like Texas A&M.

What This Means for Troup County Families:

  1. “We Come to You”: While we are Texas-based, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via video, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Troup County, Georgia, for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary.
  2. No Upfront Costs: We understand that dealing with medical bills and trauma is enough. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we win your case. This levels the playing field against well-funded adversaries.
  3. Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): For our Hispanic families in Troup County, Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and comfortable counsel without language barriers.
  4. Empathy and Relentlessness: We are fathers. We are deeply invested in protecting young people from the horrors of hazing. We don’t just see a case number; we see your child, your family, and the profound injustice you’ve suffered. This personal commitment fuels our aggressive pursuit of justice.

Google My Business Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews
Our dedication to our clients is reflected in our outstanding reputation. Clients consistently praise our communication, tenacity, and genuine care. As Chad Harris, a client, 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.”

Our Data-Driven Hazing Intelligence System

At Attorney911, we don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas and nationwide. This includes:

  • IRS B83 Texas Organizations: We track over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations, including housing corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies, complete with their legal names, EINs, and addresses. For example, Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas) is the background entity we sued in the Pi Kappa Phi case. We know every legal and financial entity behind those Greek letters.
  • Texas Universities Data (96 Campuses): We monitor Greek life at major institutions that Troup County students often attend, such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and Texas Tech. We understand the landscape of Greek life across the state and how patterns of hazing can emerge at different campuses.
  • Cause IQ Metro Organizations (1,423 across 25 Metros): Our database extends to metro-level Greek organizations. For example, the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro area has 510 Greek organizations, and the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro has 188. This extensive data allows us to see how many Greek-related organizations, from undergraduate chapters to alumni groups, exist in a given area, helping us identify all potential defendants.
  • Brand Overlap Data: We cross-reference IRS and Cause IQ data to track national brands across various local entities, ensuring we can pinpoint every layer of corporate structure for any fraternity or sorority.

This unparalleled intelligence system means that when hazing happens to a student from Troup County, we are immediately equipped to identify every corporate entity and individual likely to be held accountable. We don’t just sue; we sue everyone with a deep grasp of their structure and financial backing.

What to Do Right Now if Hazing Has Harmed Your Child in Troup County

If you are a parent in Troup County, Georgia, and your child has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do – and don’t do – can significantly impact their physical recovery and the strength of any future legal claim.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Everything

Your child’s health and safety are paramount.

  • Seek immediate medical care: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. For psychological trauma, seek professional counseling. Ensure that everything is documented in medical records.
  • Preserve all medical evidence: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), and therapy records. These are crucial for proving injuries and calculating damages.
  • Document physical injuries: Take clear, well-lit photographs and videos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. This visual evidence is powerful. As Ralph Manginello advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

2. Preserve All Forms of Evidence

Hazing often occurs in secret, but modern communication leaves a digital trail.

  • Text Messages and Group Chats: Save every text, GroupMe message, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or other digital communication related to the hazing. These are invaluable for showing coercion, threats, and coordination among hazers. Do not delete anything.
  • Photos and Videos: Collect any photos or videos taken by your child, other pledges, or witnesses. These can capture hazing activities, the conditions, or the perpetrators.
  • Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have seen or heard anything. Their testimony can corroborate your child’s story.
  • Pledge Manuals/Documents: Keep any manuals, schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the fraternity or sorority. These can reveal official policies that contradict or enable hazing.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing, including medical bills, lost wages if your child missed work, or even tuition/fees if their academic progress was affected.

3. Be Extremely Cautious with Communications

Fraternities, universities, and their insurers will immediately go into damage control.

  • Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, advisors, or alumni without legal counsel. They will try to get your child to minimize or deny what happened.
  • Do NOT talk to university administrators alone: The university’s primary goal is to protect its reputation. Any statements you or your child make could be used against them. If you must communicate with the university (e.g., reporting a Title IX violation), do so with legal guidance.
  • Do NOT sign anything: Never sign any documents from the organization, the university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your child’s rights.
  • NO social media posts: Do not post about the incident on social media. Anything your child or family posts can be used by the defense to discredit their claims or argue they weren’t truly distressed. As our firm advises, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.” Just stay quiet online.
  • Do NOT delete anything: Deleting messages or social media posts can be seen as destruction of evidence (spoliation), which can severely harm a legal case.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations

In most states, including Texas, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you typically have only two years from the date of the injury or death to file a lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally also two years.

  • Time is critical: Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and organizations may destroy records. Do not delay. Call us immediately. For Leonel Bermudez, his hazing occurred in November 2025, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This immediate action is how you protect your rights.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

The most important step you can take is to connect with experienced hazing litigation attorneys like us. We offer a free, confidential consultation to Troup County families. We understand the trauma, the shame, and the fear associated with hazing. We will listen to your story with compassion and provide clear guidance on available legal options.

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911, 24/7: Our Legal Emergency Hotline is always open.
  • Email ralph@atty911.com: We respond promptly to all inquiries.
  • Video Consultations: For Troup County families, we can conduct consultations remotely via video conferencing, making our expertise accessible regardless of distance.
  • We travel to you: When necessary, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Troup County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, or trial.

Contact Us: Your Child Deserves Justice. We Will Fight for Troup County.

Parents in Troup County, Georgia: If your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you are not alone. You are not powerless. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a stark reminder of the escalating danger of hazing on college campuses, including those where students from Troup County attend. But it’s also a powerful testament to what can be achieved when a victim bravely steps forward and a firm like Attorney911 takes on their fight.

We are actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing. This is not hypothetical; this is our current fight, and we bring this same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to every client we represent. We will stand with your family in Troup County with the same unwavering commitment.

Troup 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 TROUP COUNTY VICTIMS.

We’ve walked this path before. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators accountable. We know how to WIN. And we will bring that same expertise and dedication to your family in Troup County.

Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for Troup County hazing emergencies.

You Pay $0 Upfront: We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

We understand that you’re facing unimaginable stress and potential financial burdens. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means:

  • You pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire our firm.
  • We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid.
  • Our fees come directly from the settlement or verdict we secure for you.
  • This ensures that every family in Troup County, regardless of financial means, has access to premier legal representation against powerful institutions.

We Serve Troup County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

Although our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our legal capabilities extend far beyond state lines:

  • Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court system, allowing us to pursue cases in federal courts across the country, which is often vital when dealing with national fraternities and universities.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing additional flexibility and strategic advantage in national hazing litigation.
  • Remote Consultations: For your convenience, we offer video consultations, allowing Troup County families to confidentially meet with our attorneys from the comfort of their home.
  • We Travel to You: When the case demands it, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Troup County, Georgia, for essential depositions, client meetings, and trial appearances. Distance will never be a barrier to justice for your family.

Hazing is not confined to Texas campuses. It happens at colleges and universities near Troup County, Georgia, such as the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, LaGrange College in LaGrange, or Columbus State University. We represent victims of hazing in all its forms, from fraternities and sororities to sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and any other organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

To Any Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one subjected to this brutality; another pledge lost consciousness on October 15, and many others endured waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse.

Lupe Peña said it best: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

You have rights too. We can represent you. Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, depends on stopping this cycle of abuse. Let us be your champions. Call Attorney911 today.