If you’re reading this in Twiggs County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, or perhaps was just hoping to join a social organization, and instead of making friends, they were subjected to abuse. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that sets in when you discover your child has been tortured or injured by hazing. We want you to know that families in Twiggs County, and across America, do not have to endure this nightmare alone. We are here to help you fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting these exact battles right now. We are a team of aggressive, relentless, and data-driven attorneys dedicated to holding fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable for the devastating harm caused by hazing. Our firm is based in Texas, where we are currently litigating a landmark $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for severe hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. We offer the same level of aggressive, expert representation to families in Twiggs County and surrounding areas, ready to travel to you and provide remote consultations to ensure justice knows no boundaries.

The nightmare of hazing is not confined to distant campuses; it is a pervasive issue that can impact families in Twiggs County whose children attend colleges and universities across Georgia and nationwide. Whether your child is at a state university, a private college, or a regional institution, the risk of hazing remains a stark reality. Fraternities and sororities with chapters in and around Twiggs County operate under the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements. The “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are the same damaging rituals that can tragically affect students from our community. Universities where children from Twiggs County attend face the same Greek life oversight challenges that allowed hazing at the University of Houston. If your child is pledging or involved in Greek life, they face the same risks that tragically impacted Leonel Bermudez.

We understand that Twiggs County is a community where families expect safety and trust that educational institutions will protect their children. When that trust is betrayed by dangerous hazing rituals, it is devastating. Attorney911 is here to ensure that accountability is delivered, regardless of where the incident occurred.

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

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court, right now. The centerpiece of our work, and a stark warning to fraternities and universities across the nation, is the case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., a $10 million lawsuit we filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court. This case exemplifies everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims.

This is not a theoretical battle playbook; this is what we do.

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with dreams, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an horrific ordeal of systematic abuse and torture that lasted for weeks.

The Hazing Timeline and Horrific Acts:

• Weeks of Torture: From September 16 to November 3, 2025, Leonel was subjected to brutal hazing rituals.
• Waterboarding: He was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose – a tactic commonly associated with torture. Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose during calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under the threat of being waterboarded. This is not a prank; this is torture. When it’s done to enemy combatants, it’s a war crime. They did it to a college student.
• Forced Eating to Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were compelled to continue running sprints while in visible physical distress, often lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-your-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising past the point of collapse. He explicitly stated he could not stop or face immediate expulsion. At one point, he collapsed and could not stand without help.
• Wooden Paddles: He was struck with wooden paddles. This is physical assault and battery.
• Psychological Torture: He was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was compelled to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to exhaustion.

On November 3, 2025, after one particularly brutal session of forced exercises, Leonel became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without assistance. He crawled up the stairs into his home. In the days that followed, his condition worsened significantly. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown.

The Medical Consequences: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can lead to life-threatening kidney failure and permanent damage. He is currently facing potential long-term kidney issues, and the psychological scars of such abuse can last a lifetime. This is the same medical condition that Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating.

Institutional Response and Indifference:
Within weeks of these horrific acts being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization suspended its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. The members of the chapter then voted to surrender their charter, leading to its permanent closure. Criminal referrals were initiated.

However, the national organization’s own statement on November 21, 2025, revealed a chilling lack of remorse. While admitting “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” Pi Kappa Phi also stated, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This indicates they are not genuinely seeking to change a culture of abuse but rather waiting for the spotlight to fade so they can resume operations. The University of Houston spokesperson also characterized the events as “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” acknowledging a full investigation and “potential criminal charges.”

Yet, a local news report (KHOU 11) alleged that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical piece of evidence: they knew of a systemic problem and failed to protect students.

Why the Bermudez Case Matters to Twiggs County Families:

• Pervasive Problem: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters nationwide, including many in Georgia and near major universities where children from Twiggs County attend. This means the same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are likely occurring elsewhere.
• Institutional Accountability: This case is proof that universities and national fraternities cannot hide behind their tax-exempt status or claims of “boys being boys.” We will sue every entity responsible. Many colleges and universities in Georgia have Greek-letter organizations that operate under national umbrellas.
• Real Consequences: Our $10 million lawsuit—naming the University of Houston, the national fraternity, a housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members—demonstrates our commitment to securing justice and making powerful institutions pay.
• Aggressive Representation: As Lupe Pena stated, “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 believe this case will resonate across the country, serving as a warning and a call to action.

To Twiggs County parents, we want to be absolutely clear: this is what hazing looks like today. This isn’t just a Texas problem; it’s a national crisis. If your child has suffered anything similar, Attorney911 is the firm that will fight back for you with the same intensity and expertise we’re deploying in the Bermudez case.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Twiggs County might have an outdated view of hazing, imagining harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The brutal reality, exposed in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far more sinister. Hazing is organized abuse, often indistinguishable from assault, battery, torture, and sometimes, manslaughter or murder. It is designed to degrade, humiliate, and control, stripping pledges of their dignity and autonomy under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.”

**It Is Not “Harmless Fun” or “Tradition.” It Is: **

• Assault and Battery: When wooden paddles are used, when pledges are struck, or intentionally harmed, it stops being “charter education” and becomes criminal assault.
• Torture: Simulated waterboarding, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, or forcing individuals to endure physical pain crosses the line into torture. This is not a “brotherhood ritual”; it’s inhumane.
• Reckless Endangerment: Forcing alcohol consumption to dangerous levels, demanding extreme physical exertion beyond human limits, or depriving someone of sleep puts lives at grave risk.
• Psychological Warfare: Humiliation, degradation, isolation, and constant threats inflict deep psychological scars, leading to long-term trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many hazing incidents end in death from alcohol poisoning, physical trauma, or medical emergencies that are ignored or delayed.

The Reality of Hazing Methods in the 21st Century:

• Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced and excessive exercise to the point of exhaustion and physical collapse. For Leonel, this meant 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking, chugging large quantities of alcohol, or consuming non-food substances. In Leonel’s case, it was milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting, followed by continued exertion. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, aspiration, or organ damage.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges are often forced to stay up for extended periods, perform late-night tasks, or endure early-morning workouts, impacting their physical and mental health, and academic performance.
• Psychological Torture: This can manifest as humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. Leonel was forced to carry sexually suggestive objects and subjected to public humiliation. This strips self-esteem and creates a climate of fear.
• Simulated Waterboarding: As seen in the Bermudez case, this involves making individuals believe they are drowning, an act universally recognized as a form of torture.
• Exposure: This involves forced exposure to cold or heat, or confinement in small, uncomfortable spaces, posing risks of hypothermia, hyperthermia, or psychological trauma.
• Servitude: Pledges are often forced to perform menial tasks, clean, drive members, or run errands for extended periods, disrupting their academic and personal lives.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: As in Leonel’s case, extreme physical exertion can cause muscle breakdown, releasing toxins that damage the kidneys, leading to potential permanent kidney damage or even death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Forced binge drinking is a leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting in tragically high blood alcohol levels that shut down vital organs.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or other physical trauma, TBIs can cause permanent cognitive and neurological damage.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: Exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to life-threatening medical emergencies.
• Cardiac Arrest: Extreme physical exertion, especially in combination with dehydration or other stressors, can lead to heart failure.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: The psychological trauma of hazing can be profound and long-lasting, requiring extensive therapy and support. Victims may experience nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and difficulty forming trusting relationships.
• Death: Ultimately, hazing can—and does—kill.

The stereotype of “boys will be boys” is a dangerous myth. For families in Twiggs County, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing is severe, dangerous, and sometimes lethal. We are here to help you identify these abuses and hold those responsible accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing severely injures or kills a student from Twiggs County, the responsibility extends far beyond just the individual perpetrators. At Attorney911, our strategy involves meticulously identifying and pursuing every single entity that bears legal culpability. This comprehensive approach is how we secure maximum compensation and force meaningful change. In our landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve named a wide range of defendants, and we will apply the same expansive strategy to your child’s case in Twiggs County.

You can sue the university. You can sue the national fraternity. You can sue the housing corporation. You can sue the individual members who participated. We believe in pursuing every possible avenue for accountability.

The Defendants We Target, and Why They Are Liable:

1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu at UH):

   • Why: This is the immediate group that organizes and carries out the hazing rituals. The chapter leadership (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager) often directs and enables the abuse. Individual members participate, facilitate, or often stand by and allow it to happen.
   • Liability: Direct involvement in the hazing, vicarious liability for the actions of their members, and often, negligent supervision of their own activities.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):

   • Why: These are massive, well-funded organizations with national staff, written anti-hazing policies, and a duty to oversee their local chapters. They collect dues, provide training, and grant charters. When hazing occurs, it’s a direct failure of their oversight.
   • Liability: Negligent supervision, failure to have adequate anti-hazing policies, failure to enforce existing policies, or — as is often the case — actual knowledge of a “hazing crisis” and deliberate indifference to it. The Andrew Coffey death in 2017 should have been a red flag for Pi Kappa Phi Nationa; its failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s injuries 8 years later clearly demonstrates a pattern of negligence.
   • The Deep Pockets: National organizations typically have millions in assets, large endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies that are necessary to cover substantial settlements and verdicts.

3. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston, its Board of Regents):

   • Why: Universities have a non-delegable duty to provide a safe educational environment for their students. They control campus property, oversee Greek life, and grant recognition to these organizations. They often have specific anti-hazing policies that they fail to enforce.
   • Liability: Institutional negligence, negligent supervision of Greek life, premises liability (especially if hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, as in the Bermudez case), and failure to protect students. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, clearly establishing actual notice of systemic hazing problems on its campus. Their failure to act after that prior incident is a critical point of negligence.
   • Deep Pockets: Universities often have enormous endowments, vast insurance coverage, and significant public reputations that they wish to protect, creating strong motivation for settlement.

4. The Housing Corporation:

   • Why: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the physical fraternity house. These entities have a duty to ensure the property is safe and free from illegal activities.
   • Liability: Premises liability, allowing a dangerous condition (hazing) to exist on their property, and failure to supervise activities in the house.

5. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Why: Anyone who actively participates in, directs, encourages, or facilitates hazing can be held personally responsible. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other members. In the Bermudez case, even former members who hosted hazing at their residence, and their spouse who allowed it, were named.
   • Liability: Assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and direct participation in illegal hazing. The $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, demonstrates the severe personal financial exposure individuals face.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why: These are the entities that ultimately pay out damages. We meticulously identify all applicable insurance policies—from the national organization, the university, housing corporations, and even individual homeowners’ or renters’ policies—to ensure maximum recovery.
   • Liability: Contractual obligation to cover the insured’s liabilities.

The Aggressive, Data-Driven Approach of Attorney911:

We don’t guess who to sue. We use our comprehensive private database of Greek organizations in Texas, which includes EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures, to identify every single entity involved. We know the corporate structure behind those Greek letters—the tax-exempt corporations, the bank accounts, the real estate holdings, and the insurance policies. When hazing happens to a student from Twiggs County, we already know who to sue, who holds the “deep pockets,” and where to find their insurance.

This thoroughness means that if your child from Twiggs County suffers hazing, we are prepared to pursue every responsible party. We are experienced in confronting well-resourced defendants and will not hesitate to demand accountability from all who contributed to your child’s trauma.

What These Cases Win: A History of Multi-Million Dollar Accountability

For families in Twiggs County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for substantial legal recovery is a crucial step towards justice. When we say we seek accountability, we mean financial accountability that reflects the true, devastating cost of hazing. Across the nation, hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, sending a powerful message that this abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated. These cases establish clear precedent, proving to Twiggs County families that justice is achievable and often carries significant financial consequences for those responsible.

Families have recovered $10 million, $14 million, even over $100 million in cases like yours across America. We are determined to achieve similar results for students from Twiggs County.

Here are just a few landmark cases that underscore the financial and societal impact of hazing litigation, demonstrating what is possible when aggressive legal action is taken:

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 student from Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. The national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, along with several individuals, settled for an additional $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a personal liability judgment.
   • Message for Twiggs County: This landmark case alone, involving the death of a student, strongly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi. It also shows that individuals, even students, can be held personally liable for millions.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning, with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit—during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event at LSU. Pledges were forced to drink large amounts of alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly.
   • The Outcome: A civil jury awarded Gruver’s family $6.1 million. Criminal charges led to convictions, including negligent homicide for one fraternity member. The tragic death also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Message for Twiggs County: This case shows that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts, and that such cases can lead to vital legislative changes protecting students.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Over $110 Million in Settlements

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance ritual at Penn State. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs but was left without medical attention for 12 hours. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
   • The Outcome: This case resulted in confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million, along with numerous criminal charges and convictions for fraternity members. The tragedy also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
   • Message for Twiggs County: The Penn State tragedy demonstrates the immense financial and legal consequences when hazing is meticulously documented and aggressively pursued. When evidence is strong, as it is in the Bermudez case, settlements can reach staggering amounts.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

   • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event at Florida State.
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit filed by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
   • Message for Twiggs County: This is the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This proves Pi Kappa Phi had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters years before Leonel Bermudez was injured. This pattern of negligence strengthens the argument for significant punitive damages in our current case.

What This Means for Twiggs County Families:

• Your Child’s Case Has Value: These precedents prove that hazing injuries and deaths are not dismissed as minor incidents. Courts and juries understand the severe harm, and they are prepared to award significant compensation.
• Accountability for All: Just as universities like Bowling Green State and national fraternities like Pi Kappa Alpha have been held responsible, other institutions and organizations, including those at educational facilities where students from Twiggs County may attend, can and will be held accountable.
• Punitive Damages are Real: In cases where conduct is excessively negligent, reckless, or intentional, beyond merely compensatory damages, significant punitive damages can be awarded to punish wrongdoers and deter future hazing. The egregious nature of the hazing in the Bermudez case, including simulated waterboarding, provides a strong basis for seeking punitive damages.
• Legal Action Drives Change: These lawsuits not only secure justice for victims but also force universities and national Greek organizations to reform their policies and oversight, making campuses safer for all students, including those from Twiggs County.

If your child from Twiggs County has been harmed by hazing, these cases are not just statistics; they are proof that aggressive legal representation can make a profound difference. We are ready to bring the same level of commitment and expertise to your family’s fight for justice.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Hazing Cases

For families in Twiggs County whose children attend colleges and universities across the country, especially in Texas, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While hazing is illegal nationwide, Texas, in particular, has robust laws designed to empower victims and hold perpetrators accountable. These laws clarify what constitutes hazing, impose criminal penalties, establish institutional liability, and—critically—remove the defense of consent.

Under Texas law, consent is NOT a defense. Your child cannot legally consent to being hazed. This is a fundamental principle that protects victims from being blamed for the abuse they suffered.

Texas Hazing Laws (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157):

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, by one person or with others, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. This includes:

   • Physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding).
   • Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in small spaces, calisthenics, or other activities causing unreasonable risk of harm.
   • Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances causing unreasonable risk of harm.
   • Any activity inducing or requiring the student to perform a duty or task violating the Penal Code.
   • Coercing the student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

   Twiggs County Relevance: The hazing acts Leonel Bermudez endured—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, physical assaults—fall squarely within multiple categories of this definition. If a student from Twiggs County experiences similar acts in Texas, they are clearly protected under this law. Even outside of Texas, most states have similar broad definitions that would apply.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law assigns severe criminal consequences for hazing, with increasing penalties based on the harm caused:

   • Engaging in hazing: Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
   • Hazing causing serious bodily injury: Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under “serious bodily injury,” meaning his alleged perpetrators could face up to one year in jail.
   • Hazing causing death: State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).

   Twiggs County Relevance: The university spokesperson in the Bermudez case explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges,” indicating the seriousness with which authorities view such hazing. Criminal liability often strengthens a civil case.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): This critical provision holds organizations—not just individuals—accountable. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Organizations can face fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, or forfeiture of property.

   Twiggs County Relevance: This allows us to pursue Greek chapters, housing corporations, and even national organizations for their role in fostering a culture where hazing thrives.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most powerful provisions in Texas anti-hazing law. It explicitly 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.”

   Twiggs County Relevance: Fraternities and universities often try to blame victims by claiming they “consented” to the rituals. Texas law unequivocally shuts down this victim-blaming tactic. Coercion, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion negate true consent, and the law recognizes this inherent power imbalance.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.

   Twiggs County Relevance: This provision ensures that institutions cannot quietly cover up hazing incidents and provides a mechanism for holding them accountable for their knowledge and inaction.

Beyond Criminal and Statutory Liability: Civil Lawsuits for Full Compensation:

While state laws outline criminal penalties and organizational sanctions, civil lawsuits allow victims from Twiggs County to pursue comprehensive compensation for all damages suffered. These legal theories include:

• Negligence: Holding universities, national organizations, and individuals liable for failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent hazing, leading to injury.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs at a university-owned building (as in Leonel’s case) or any property controlled by a defendant, they can be liable for dangerous conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: Charging institutions with failing to adequately supervise their chapters or Greek life structures.
• Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who physically harmed the victim.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Pursuing claims for extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, particularly relevant in cases involving psychological torture like waterboarding.

For families in Twiggs County, these state and civil laws provide a robust legal arsenal. They ensure that your child’s trauma is recognized, that perpetrators face consequences, and that you can recover the full costs of medical bills, emotional suffering, and the profound impact hazing has on a young life. We are experts in navigating these complex legal waters to secure justice for your family.

Why Attorney911 Is Your Choice for Hazing Litigation in Twiggs County

When your child from Twiggs County or anywhere in Georgia is a victim of hazing, you need a legal team that combines unparalleled expertise, aggressive litigation, and profound empathy. Attorney911 is not just another personal injury law firm; we are uniquely positioned to take on the powerful institutions behind hazing and win. We are not theoretical; we are actively engaged in battling a major university and national fraternity in a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. We offer the same battle-tested strategy and fierce advocacy for families in Twiggs County.

Here’s why Twiggs County families choose Attorney911:

1. Unmatched Hazing Litigation Expertise – Active, Not Academic:

   • Live Case: We are currently litigating Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi, a $10 million hazing lawsuit involving waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure. This isn’t just a practice area for us; it’s a current fight that proves our deep knowledge and commitment. The strategies we are deploying in this case are directly available for your child in Twiggs County.
   • Specific Medical Knowledge: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel Bermudez’s situation. This specialized understanding of complex medical injuries sets us apart.
   • Decades of High-Stakes Litigation: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This experience proves our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a crucial advantage when litigating against well-funded national fraternities and universities.

2. Insider Knowledge of the Opposition – Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:

   • Our Unfair Advantage: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is by design. We know precisely how insurance companies and large institutions value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
   • Lupe Peña’s Edge: Mr. Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand the tactics used by large defense firms and insurance carriers to lowball victims and delay claims. This “battlefield intelligence” makes him an invaluable asset in negotiating against the very entities he once defended.

3. National Reach with Local Commitment to Twiggs County:

   • Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal authority allows us to pursue hazing cases no matter where in the country the incident occurred, making us an effective hazing lawyer for Twiggs County families regardless of where their student attended college.
   • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternity and sorority organizations that are often headquartered or incorporated in diverse jurisdictions across America.
   • We Come to You: While headquartered in Houston, we are fully prepared to travel to Twiggs County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We also offer convenient video consultations for Twiggs County families who may need to consult remotely.

4. Empathy, Bilingual Services, and Client-Centered Approach:

   • We Understand: We know the trauma and confusion hazing causes. Our approach is empathetic, warm, and parent-facing, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the entire legal process.
   • Se Habla Español: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in Twiggs County without language barriers, ensuring clear communication and full understanding.
   • “You are Family”: Our client testimonials consistently highlight our commitment to treating clients like family, providing consistent communication and genuine care. As Chad Harris, a past client, states, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

5. No Upfront Costs – Contingency Fee Basis:

   • Financial Flexibility: We understand that dealing with hazing trauma comes with immense stress, and legal fees should not be an additional burden. We handle all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes any financial barrier to aggressive legal representation for Twiggs County families. Learn more about how contingency fees work here.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a team that combines the strategic insight of former defense attorneys, the aggressive advocacy of seasoned trial lawyers, and the compassionate understanding that only comes from fighting for real victims. If your child from Twiggs County has been harmed by hazing, we are the dedicated, expert hazing lawyer you need. We are ready to stand with you and fight for justice.

What To Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Twiggs County Hazing Victims

If you or your child in Twiggs County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional shock and physical pain can be overwhelming, quick, decisive action can make a profound difference in protecting your legal rights and securing justice. Do not delay. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines can pass.

Here are the essential steps you and your family should take right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if You “Feel Okay”:

   • Your Health Comes First: If there is any physical injury—bruises, cuts, sprains, signs of dehydration, confusion, or any concerning symptoms—go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately.
   • Document Everything (Legally): Medical records are crucial evidence. Insist that all symptoms and the alleged cause of injury (hazing) are documented. Do not minimize your pain or discomfort. Request copies of all medical reports, doctor’s notes, and hospital bills. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, the prompt medical attention and documentation of his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure were absolutely critical.
   • Learn why seeing a doctor right after an accident is critical.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Leave No Stone Unturned:

   • Digital Footprint: Hazing often happens through digital communication. DO NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, or social media posts related to the hazing. Screenshots are your best friend. Save any calendars, schedules, or rules given to pledges.
   • Photos and Videos: If you have any photos or videos of the hazing, the location where it occurred, or your injuries at any stage of healing, save them securely. Even photos of minor injuries, or the environment, can become critical. If the victim cannot take photos, ask a trusted friend or family member to do so.
   • Physical Evidence: Preserve any clothing, objects, or items that may have been involved in the hazing. If hazing affected your academic or work performance, collect relevant records (grades, attendance, performance reviews).
   • Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Watch our video on using your phone to document a legal case.
   • Understand why documenting everything is key to a strong injury case.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

   • Silence is Golden: Do not speak to members of the fraternity or sorority, alumni, university administrators, or their attorneys. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect themselves and their institution, not you.
   • No Recorded Statements: Absolutely refuse to give any recorded statements to anyone without your attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
   • Sign Nothing: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements provided by the fraternity, university, or any related entity. You could inadvertently waive your rights to future legal action.
   • Social Media Blackout: Do not post anything about the incident on social media. Your posts can be twisted and used by the defense to discredit your claims. Learn more about common mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately:

   • Time is Critical: The statute of limitations (legal deadline) for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or death. However, crucial evidence can disappear much faster.
   • Free Consultations: Attorney911 offers free, confidential consultations. We can discuss your specific situation, evaluate the viability of your case, and advise you on the best course of action without any financial obligation upfront.
   • We Protect You: Our attorneys will handle all communications with the involved parties, shield you from intimidation tactics, and fiercely advocate for your rights.
   • Understand the importance of the Statute of Limitations.

For families in Twiggs County, the shock and pain of hazing can be isolating. We want you to know that you are not alone, and you have powerful legal protections. By taking these immediate steps, you empower yourself and lay the groundwork for a strong legal claim. Our team is ready 24/7 to provide the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you need.

Contact Us: Your First Call for Hazing Justice in Twiggs County

If you find yourself or your child from Twiggs County reeling from the trauma of hazing, please know that help is immediately available. You have legal rights, and we are ready to fight for them. Attorney911 is currently engaged in the trenches of a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a major university and national fraternity, proving our unwavering commitment to holding these powerful entities accountable. We will bring that same aggressive, data-driven representation and zealous advocacy to your family’s case in Twiggs County.

🚨 Twiggs County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Us Now! 🚨

The first consultation is always free and completely confidential. There is no obligation, and no risk in reaching out to understand your options.

📞 Don’t wait. Call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Why Contact Us Immediately?

• Time is of the essence: Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and, most importantly, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases (often two years) can expire. Every moment counts.
• Expert Guidance: We will provide clear, actionable advice on preserving evidence, navigating university and fraternity investigations, and protecting your child’s emotional and physical well-being.
• No Upfront Cost: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you. This commitment ensures that financial concerns never prevent you from seeking justice.

We Serve Twiggs County Families and Hazing Victims Nationwide:

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and commitment to justice are national. Hazing is a pervasive issue that affects students from Twiggs County who attend colleges and universities across Georgia, the Southeast, and throughout America. We are equipped and ready to represent you, regardless of your geographic location, through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court and experience in federal appellate courts allow us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions across the country.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing strategic advantages when confronting national fraternities and sororities often incorporated or headquartered in various states.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience and comfort, we offer remote video consultations, allowing Twiggs County families to meet with our attorneys from the privacy and safety of their homes.
• Travel Commitment: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Twiggs County, ensuring that physical distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney911:

1. Compassionate Listening: We understand that sharing your story is difficult. We will listen with empathy and respect.
2. Thorough Evaluation: We will ask detailed questions about the hazing incident, your child’s injuries, and all relevant circumstances to assess the strength of your case.
3. Clear Explanations: We will explain your legal rights, the applicable laws, and the potential avenues for compensation in plain, understandable language.
4. Strategic Recommendations: We will outline a clear legal strategy to pursue justice, whether through negotiation or aggressive litigation.

When a child from Twiggs County is victimized by hazing, it’s not just a personal tragedy; it’s a profound betrayal of trust—a betrayal by the individuals, the fraternity, and the institution that allowed it to happen. Attorney911 exists to redress that betrayal. Let us be your first call, your legal emergency service, and your unwavering advocate.

Enough is enough. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let our fight for Leonel Bermudez inspire your fight for justice.