If you’re reading this in Union County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a community, and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were subjected to rituals that caused them lasting physical and psychological harm that no one should ever endure. We’re here to help families in Union County, Georgia, fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we represent victims of severe hazing across the United States, including families right here in Union County, Georgia. Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys.” It is assault, battery, and too often, it is deadly. When your child is hazed at a college or university, whether in Athens, Atlanta, or anywhere else in Georgia, you need a legal team that understands the true nature of this crisis and has the proven experience to fight for justice.

Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is aggressive, thorough, and relentless in pursuing accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. We understand the unique challenges faced by families in Union County, Georgia, when confronting powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities. We bring a fierce commitment to every case, transforming our clients’ pain into powerful advocacy.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis: Why Union County, Georgia Families Need Us

The headlines about hazing deaths and severe injuries at colleges across America are heartbreaking and, for parents, terrifying. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a deeply entrenched, dangerous culture that too many universities and national Greek organizations have allowed to fester. For families in Union County, Georgia, sending a child off to college is a moment filled with hope and pride. The last thing any parent expects is that their child will be subjected to torture and abuse at the hands of their peers.

Hazing is a nationwide problem, affecting students at institutions both large and small, public and private. It extends far beyond fraternities and sororities, infiltrating sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs. The grim reality is that hazing often happens in plain sight, with perpetrators operating under a misguided belief in “tradition” and victims silenced by fear of retaliation or social ostracism.

In Union County, Georgia, our children attend colleges and universities across the state and beyond, from the University of Georgia in Athens to Georgia Tech in Atlanta, from Kennesaw State to Georgia Southern, and many other institutions. These campuses, while offering incredible opportunities, also host chapters of national fraternities and sororities with a documented history of hazing. Furthermore, local clubs and athletic teams can also harbor dangerous hazing practices. The physical and emotional distance can make parents in Union County feel helpless when their child is abused far from home.

We reject the notion that hazing is an inevitable part of college life. It is criminal. It is preventable. And it must be stopped with aggressive legal action. When a student in Union County, Georgia, is harmed by hazing, we believe in holding every responsible party accountable—from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that enable such dangerous environments.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight We’re Waging Right Now

Union County, Georgia Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This isn’t theory. This isn’t just about reviewing past cases. Our firm, Attorney911, is actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case, filed in November 2025, represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and unwavering pursuit of accountability.

What happened in Houston can happen anywhere – even to a student from Union County, Georgia, attending a university across the state or across the country. The same national fraternities that have chapters in Georgia—like Pi Kappa Phi, which has chapters at universities like the University of Georgia, Mercer University, and Georgia Southern University—are the very organizations we are holding accountable. The same type of institutional negligence that allowed hazing to spiral out of control at the University of Houston can exist at campuses your children might attend. We will fight for Union County, Georgia, families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

📰 Media Coverage of Our Active Lawsuit:

Our commitment to justice for hazing victims has already garnered significant media attention:

• ABC13 Houston: Published November 21-22, 2025, detailing “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” Read the full report here.
• KHOU 11: Reported November 21, 2025, on a “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” Find the story here.
• Houston Chronicle: Provided coverage on November 22, 2025, regarding the “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.” Full article here.
• Houston Public Media: Revealed November 24, 2025, that “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” Read their coverage here.

The defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, even responded on their own website: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. This statement is an admission, not a denial, of the violations that occurred.

💰 The $10 Million Lawsuit: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi

Filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, this lawsuit is a direct action against all parties responsible for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez. Our legal team, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are relentlessly pursuing justice.

Named Defendants:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• University of Houston
• UH Board of Regents
• Fraternity President
• Pledgemaster
• Current and Former fraternity members
• A Former Member and His Spouse (where hazing occurred off-campus)

The Case That Shows Union County, Georgia Families Why We Fight

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush.” This meant he wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Despite not being officially affiliated with the university, he was still targeted and abused by the fraternity. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student.

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Why This Matters to Union County, Georgia Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including active chapters at universities throughout Georgia. This means the same organization that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez could be operating near your home or where your child attends college.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at fraternities across Georgia. Hazing rituals often follow similar patterns across chapters, regardless of location.
• Universities in Georgia face the same liability failures as the University of Houston. Many institutions struggle with Greek life oversight, creating conditions ripe for hazing.
• If your child is being hazed in Union County, Georgia, or while away at college, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven strategy to every case.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, reflecting on Leonel’s ordeal: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena emphasized the wider impact, telling ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

What Happened: The Horrific Hazing Timeline

• Sept 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid from Pi Kappa Phi.
• Sept 16 – Nov 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture begin.
• Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This shows the routine nature of extreme abuse.
• Oct 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. Other pledges are forced to elevate his legs until he recovers, showing clear disregard for health and safety.
• Nov 3, 2025: The Incident: Leonel Bermudez is forced to endure extreme physical punishment—over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other grueling exercises—while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsens. He is unable to move due to extreme muscle soreness and pain.
• Nov 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel is hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes the Beta Nu Chapter (as per their own website statement). This closure occurred before the lawsuit was filed, indicating the national organization’s awareness of severe wrongdoing.
• Nov 21, 2025: Our $10 MILLION LAWSUIT is filed in Harris County, and news agencies like ABC13 and KHOU 11 immediately begin coverage.
• Nov 22, 2025: The Houston Chronicle covers the lawsuit, detailing more of the physical abuse endured.
• Nov 24, 2025: Houston Public Media reveals the $10 million figure and provides additional hazing details, including a statement from the University of Houston.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: The Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured was not a game. It was a calculated campaign of physical and psychological torture, demonstrating the brutal reality of hazing happening at colleges your children might attend.

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” pledges were sprayed in the face during calisthenics, and forced to run under threat of being waterboarded. This is a form of torture, a war crime when committed against enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon a college student.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. After vomiting, they were immediately forced to continue running sprints and lie in their own vomit-soaked grass, showcasing extreme degradation.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Hazing included over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. They endured two-mile warmups and repeated 100-yard crawls. Leonel was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising to the point of collapse, with threats of expulsion if he stopped. He was so exhausted he could not stand without help. Pledges were even struck with wooden paddles. Another pledge lost consciousness during these forced workouts.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Students were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather. Leonel had to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. The hog-tying incident of another pledge, tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour, further highlights the depravity. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion, enforced dress codes, study hours, and weekly interviews created a climate of fear and control.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to profound exhaustion affecting their daily lives and ability to function.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical torture inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez resulted in a severe and life-threatening medical condition: Rhabdomyolysis.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This protein is toxic to the kidneys and can lead to acute kidney failure and even death.

Our Client’s Medical Evidence:

• Brown Urine: A classic and alarming sign of muscle breakdown (myoglobin in the urine).
• Very High Creatine Kinase Levels: Laboratory tests confirmed severe muscle damage.
• Acute Kidney Failure: A life-threatening complication that required immediate and intensive medical intervention.
• Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days: Leonel received intensive medical treatment to prevent further damage and stabilize his condition.
• Could not stand or walk: For days after the incident, he was physically unable to bear weight or move independently.
• Muscle pain and difficulty walking: Documented upon hospital admission, confirming the severity of his injuries.

This is the same medical condition Attorney911 has successfully litigated before, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases. The long-term risks of such an injury include chronic kidney disease, a need for dialysis, or even a kidney transplant. This young man’s future health is now permanently at risk due to hazing.

Institutional Responses: On the Record, Yet Still Failing

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025):
“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Translation: They admit their standards were violated, acknowledge the conduct was disturbing, and are coordinating with law enforcement. This indicates potential criminal charges loom. However, this statement comes after extreme harm has already occurred, highlighting their reactive, rather than proactive, approach.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters – Their Own Statement (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025):
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members.”
“We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership. Pi Kappa Phi has a proud history of accomplished students and alumni from the Beta Nu Chapter, and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”

What Their Corporate PR Statement Actually Means:

• “Violations of… risk management policy” means they waterboarded a student and caused him kidney failure.
• “Prioritizing the well-being of our members” is a hollow phrase when a member is in the hospital because of their chapter’s actions.
• “We look forward to returning to campus” shows a complete lack of genuine remorse; they are already planning their comeback while our client recovers.
• “Thank the University of Houston for its collaboration” indicates a coordinated response – essentially, UH helped them close quietly before the lawsuit was filed to limit negative publicity for both institutions.

The Facts: Pi Kappa Phi National closed the chapter before our lawsuit was filed, a clear sign they knew what was coming and were trying to mitigate their liability. The lawsuit alleges a “pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally,” suggesting a systemic problem within the 150+ chapters across America.

Why This Case Matters to Union County, Georgia Families

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: What happened to Leonel Bermudez proves that college hazing is not benign. It is systematic abuse. This same type of abuse can and does happen at universities and colleges near Union County, Georgia.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near Union County, Georgia, like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and other institutions, possess similar authority and responsibility over Greek life and student safety. They have the power to stop hazing, and they share liability when they fail to do so.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter. This isn’t an act of remorse; it’s an admission that they knew the conduct was wrong. The same national Greek organizations that have chapters in Georgia operate under similar oversight structures—and similar failures.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez “fears retribution for speaking out,” according to his attorneys. Students from Union County, Georgia, who are hazed face the same fear. We protect our clients fiercely, ensuring their voices are heard without further intimidation.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Union County, Georgia Students: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your case, if you are a victim from Union County, Georgia, could lead to institutional changes that prevent future tragedies and save lives across the state.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit is designed to force accountability and send an unmistakable message to every fraternity, every university, and every national organization: torturing our kids will cost you millions. Union County, Georgia, families can send the same powerful message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Too many parents and students in Union County, Georgia, still hold outdated ideas of what hazing truly entails. Images of lighthearted pranks or silly challenges from Hollywood movies do a disservice to the terrifying reality. Hazing today is not “boys being boys,” nor is it about “building brotherhood” through harmless rituals.

IT IS:

• Assault against an individual.
• Battery, often involving physical force or forced consumption.
• Torture, as evidenced by waterboarding and extreme physical duress.
• Reckless endangerment of human life and safety.
• In tragic instances, it results in manslaughter or even murder.

The Hard Truths About Hazing:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t a fringe problem; it’s rampant.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing, indicating it’s not limited to Greek life.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. It is a persistent and deadly crisis.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, largely due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.
• Hazing spans across fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations.

The Institutional Failure:
Universities and national organizations are often aware that hazing is happening. They have the resources, the policies, and the power to stop it. Yet, all too often, they choose not to—until a student is hospitalized or dies. Only then do they react, “suspending” or “dissolving” chapters and claiming to be “shocked,” even when patterns of abuse have been evident for years.

Types of Hazing Incidents

While the specifics vary, a typology of hazing reveals its consistent brutality, echoing the horrors Leonel Bermudez endured:

• Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling (like the wooden paddles used on Leonel), branding, burning, and forced exercise to exhaustion. Rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical exertion is a direct consequence of this.
• Forced Consumption: This category covers binge drinking, chugging, forced consumption of specific foods until vomiting (as Leonel endured with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), or even non-food substances. Alcohol poisoning is a frequent and often fatal outcome.
• Sleep Deprivation: Requiring pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform tasks through the night, or endure disrupted sleep cycles leads to severe physical and mental exhaustion, increasing vulnerability and risk.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats (like the threats of expulsion used on Leonel), and public shaming all constitute severe psychological torture. The fanny pack with sexual objects is a prime example of this.
• Sexual Abuse: This is the most egregious form of hazing and includes forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, and outright sexual assault. The hog-tying incident in Leonel’s case borders on this category.
• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: This terrifying act, directly experienced by Leonel with a garden hose, directly simulates drowning and is recognized internationally as torture.
• Exposure: Forcing students to endure extreme cold or heat, confining them in small, dark spaces, or spraying them with water in cold temperatures are common tactics that risk hypothermia, heatstroke, and severe illness.
• Servitude: Requiring pledges to clean, perform errands, or act as personal drivers for members at all hours strips them of dignity and time.

Medical Consequences of Hazing:
The immediate and long-term health effects of hazing are severe:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A common outcome of forced drinking, often leading to death.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from beatings, falls, or severe dehydration.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or drug use.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-lasting psychological damage that requires extensive therapy and can impact a victim’s life for years.
• DEATH: The ultimate, tragic consequence that ends dozens of lives every year.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Entity Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one individual at fault. A network of individuals and powerful institutions often enable, condone, or fail to prevent the abuse. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we are casting a wide net to ensure comprehensive accountability, a strategy we will deploy for Union County, Georgia, victims as well.

Our Approach to Identifying Defendants (Based on Pi Kappa Phi Case):

• Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. The officers, including the president and pledgemaster, were instrumental in directing these activities, and the individual members participated in and failed to stop the abuse.
• National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had a duty to oversee its chapters across America, including those at universities like the University of Georgia, Mercer University, and Georgia Southern University that students from Union County, Georgia, might attend. Their immediate suspension and dissolution of the UH chapter post-exposure is an admission they knew the conduct was wrong. Their failure to adequately supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and learn from past incidents (like the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their FSU chapter) makes them deeply liable. National fraternities have deep pockets, with millions in assets and liability insurance, making them prime targets for significant damages.
• University: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a substantial portion of the hazing occurred. This means they had control over the property, the power to regulate Greek organizations, and a fundamental duty to protect students. Their failure to act, despite having prior hazing incidents on campus (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing that hospitalized a student), makes them directly responsible. Universities, including those in Georgia, possess substantial endowments and general liability insurance.
• Housing Corporation: The Beta Nu Housing Corporation, a separate entity often responsible for owning and managing fraternity property, can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing on its premises.
• Individual Members & Their Families: Every person who directly participated in, facilitated, or failed to intervene in the hazing can be held personally responsible. In Leonel’s case, this includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, other chapter leaders, current members, former members who hosted hazing at their residence, and even the spouse of a former member who allowed hazing to occur on their property.

The Deep Pockets: This is not about suing broke college kids alone. Our strategy focuses on holding institutions accountable. National fraternities and universities have significant assets and insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. Our experience in dismantling the defenses of such powerful entities ensures that victims from Union County, Georgia, have a fighting chance for meaningful compensation.

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

For Union County, Georgia, families contemplating legal action against those responsible for hazing, it’s crucial to understand that justice can (and often does) come with substantial financial compensation. These are not theoretical outcomes; they are documented realities from cases across the nation. These landmark verdicts and settlements serve as powerful precedents, reinforcing that a $10 million demand, like the one we’ve filed in the Bermudez case, is not only justified but achievable.

The Message to Union County, Georgia Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations:

Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. The same results are possible for Union County, Georgia victims. These precedents demonstrate that juries will award, and institutions will pay, multi-million dollar damages for hazing incidents. The legal strategies that led to these outcomes are precisely what we bring to every hazing case.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements — They Will Pay

STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 TOTAL RECOVERY: $10.1 MILLION+

• University Payout: Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
• Fraternity & Individuals Payout: Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) national organization and individual defendants settled for $7.2 million.
• Individual Judgment: Most recently, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, a former chapter president, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in personal liability.

What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event.
Relevance to Our Case for Union County, Georgia: This case directly supports our $10 million demand. It shows that universities and national fraternities are willing to pay significant amounts, and that individual perpetrators face personal liability. The fact that Pi Kappa Alpha is another major national fraternity makes this comparison even more potent.

MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 TOTAL: $6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT

• Jury Verdict: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million.
• Criminal Outcome: One fraternity member faced a negligent homicide conviction and prison time.
• Legislative Impact: The case led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.”
Relevance to Our Case for Union County, Georgia: This verdict sends a clear message that juries are outraged by hazing and will award multi-millions. It also demonstrates how tragic incidents can spur significant legislative change, underscoring the severe societal impact of hazing.

TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 TOTAL: $110+ MILLION (Multiple Settlements)

• Settlements: Confidential, but estimated to be over $110 million from various parties after multiple lawsuits.
• Criminal Outcomes: 18 fraternity members were charged, leading to convictions for involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and assault.
• Legislative Impact: The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, creating stricter penalties nationwide.

What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza sustained a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi event. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911 despite his clear distress, and security cameras captured the entire horrific ordeal.
Relevance to Our Case for Union County, Georgia: This case highlights that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious (as in Leonel Bermudez’s waterboarding and extreme physical abuse), settlements can reach astronomical figures. It also shows the power of criminal charges and legislative reform that often follow such tragedies.

ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

⚠️ THE SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE (PI KAPPA PHI)

• Criminal Outcomes: 9 fraternity members faced charges.
• Chapter Status: The chapter was permanently closed at FSU.
• Civil Suit: The family settled for a confidential amount.

What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
Relevance to Our Case for Union County, Georgia: This is a crucial precedent for our lawsuit because it involved the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about their deadly hazing culture as far back as 2017. Eight years later, they had done nothing to fix it, leading to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization.

What These Precedents Mean for Union County, Georgia Victims

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported by Precedent: The Stone Foltz case alone settled for over $10 million. While Leonel Bermudez survived, his severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and four days in the hospital, coupled with the long-term health risks, justify similar damages for medical bills, future complications, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. And the torture he endured—waterboarding, paddling—is arguably even more egregious than some of the alcohol-related hazing deaths.
2. Pi Kappa Phi Has a Deadly History: The tragic death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 links directly to our current case. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National has a documented history of severe hazing and has failed to enact meaningful change. This establishes a pattern of negligence that is critical for punitive damages.
3. The University of Houston (and by extension, other universities in Georgia) Has Prior Hazing Issues: Houston’s own history includes a 2017 hazing incident that hospitalized a student with a lacerated spleen. This means the University of Houston knew about hazing risks on its campus and failed to adequately prevent future incidents. Institutions in Georgia with prior hazing issues face similar liability.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case demonstrates that real people, sitting on a jury, will not tolerate these actions and will award significant compensation. The egregious nature of the conduct in Leonel Bermudez’s case – waterboarding, forced vomiting, 500 squats – will undoubtedly outrage a jury.
5. Criminal Charges May Follow: Hazing is a crime in many states, including Texas and Georgia. The precedents show that criminal charges against individual perpetrators often accompany civil lawsuits, adding another layer of accountability. The University of Houston spokesperson has already alluded to “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case.

Strategic Angles for This Case (and for Union County, Georgia Cases):

• “Pi Kappa Phi Didn’t Learn From Andrew Coffey”: This is a powerful narrative showing the national fraternity’s repeated failure to protect students over an eight-year span.
• “UH Knew—They Had a 2017 Hazing Case”: This angle highlights the University of Houston’s institutional negligence and failure to implement effective changes after a prior, severe hazing incident.
• “Waterboarding Is Torture”: Elevating the conduct beyond mere “hazing” to torture underscores its horrifying nature and amplifies public outrage and a jury’s potential award for punitive damages.
• “They’re Already Planning to Come Back”: Pi Kappa Phi’s corporate statement about returning to campus reveals a lack of genuine remorse and a belief that they can simply weather the storm and resume operations, strengthening the argument for substantial punitive damages.
• “He Wasn’t Even a Student Yet”: The victim’s “ghost rush” status expands the duty of care and highlights the fraternity’s reckless disregard for protocol and safety.
• “Consent Is Not a Defense in Texas (or Georgia)”: This legal principle powerfully refutes the common defense tactic that victims willingly participated, focusing accountability on the perpetrators and institutions. Georgia law similarly criminalizes hazing, irrespective of consent.
• “150 Chapters—How Many More?”: This angle points to the systemic nature of hazing within a national organization, justifying broader discovery into Pi Kappa Phi’s chapters across the country and raising concerns for communities like Union County, Georgia.
• “They Knew About ‘A Hazing Crisis'”: Reports that national leadership was aware of a “hazing crisis” and failed to act is a critical piece of evidence demonstrating their deliberate indifference.

⚖️ Legal Framework: Union County, Georgia Hazing Victims’ Rights

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Union County, Georgia, families seeking justice for hazing. While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating the Bermudez case, the underlying legal principles extend nationwide. Most states, including Georgia, have anti-hazing laws, and critically, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims apply regardless of where the hazing occurred. This federal court authority allows us to pursue your case wherever justice demands, including for victims in Union County, Georgia.

Georgia Hazing Laws (Detailed Reference)

Georgia’s legal framework, under Georgia Code § 16-5-61, specifically addresses hazing, emphasizing the state’s intent to prohibit such harmful practices.

Definition of Hazing (§ 16-5-61(a)):

It shall be unlawful for any person to haze, molest, or assault any student for the purpose of being initiated into or becoming a member of any athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or other organization.

Union County, Georgia Application: Georgia’s definition is broad, covering “any athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or other organization.” This means the hazing your Union County, Georgia child experienced, whether in Greek life, a sports team at a local school like North Georgia Technical College or Young Harris College (both near Union County), or any student organization, likely falls under this statute.

Criminal Penalties (§ 16-5-61(b)):

Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

Effect of a Misdemeanor of a High and Aggravated Nature (Georgia Code § 17-10-4):

• Fine: Up to $5,000
• Imprisonment: Up to 12 months in jail
• Additional penalties: Restitution, community service, probation.

Significance for Union County, Georgia: While not as severe as felony hazing laws in some other states, Georgia’s law still carries significant criminal consequences. Moreover, the criminal findings can strengthen a civil claim.

Civil Liability for Hazing: What Union County, Georgia Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits provide the avenue for Union County, Georgia, victims to seek compensation for their injuries and hold institutions financially accountable. These civil claims are typically available regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings and offer a broader scope of damages.

1. Negligence Claims: This is a foundational legal premise in all states, including Georgia.
   • Duty of care: Universities and organizations, including those in or near Union County, Georgia, owe a duty to protect their students or members.
   • Breach of duty: This duty is breached when they allow or contribute to a hazing environment.
   • Causation: The breach of that duty directly causes a student’s injuries.
   • Damages: The student suffers quantifiable harm (medical bills, pain, suffering).
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by a university or fraternity housing corporation, such as a fraternity house at the University of Georgia or a club meeting space, premises liability comes into play. Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment, and allowing a dangerous hazing situation constitutes a breach of this duty.
3. Negligent Supervision: This claim targets the failure of responsible parties to properly oversee others.
   • A national organization can be sued if it failed to adequately supervise its chapter in Georgia.
   • A university in Georgia can be sued if it failed to monitor Greek life or other student organizations.
   • Chapter officers can be sued if they failed to control their members.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who inflict physical harm (like the waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion Leonel Bermudez endured) can be sued for intentional harmful contact.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When hazing conduct is “extreme and outrageous” and causes severe emotional distress, a victim can sue for IIED. The psychological trauma of hazing often falls squarely within this category.

Union County, Georgia Families: These civil claims exist in almost every state. Your hazing case can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or whether a criminal case results in a conviction. Our federal court authority means that even if a Georgia-specific claim is insufficient, we can often pursue federal civil rights or general negligence actions.

Consent is NOT a Defense (in Georgia or anywhere else)

A common tactic by defense attorneys in hazing cases is to argue that the victim “consented” to participate or “knew what they were signing up for.” This argument completely misrepresents the dynamics of hazing and often attempts to shift blame from the perpetrators to the victim.

In Georgia, as in Texas, the law provides protection against this heinous defense. While Georgia’s hazing statute doesn’t explicitly state “consent is not a defense” within the hazing code itself, the legal precedent and understanding of coercion in such situations effectively nullify consent. Furthermore, you cannot legally consent to a criminal act like assault, which is often inherent in hazing.

Why the “Consent” Defense Fails:

• Coercion and Peer Pressure: Hazing environments are inherently coercive. Pledges face immense pressure to comply, fearing social exclusion, retaliation, or losing their chance for membership. This eliminates genuine, free consent.
• Hidden Dangers: Victims are rarely fully informed of the true nature, severity, and risks of hazing activities they will be subjected to. They cannot consent to what they do not know.
• Criminal Acts: Many hazing acts constitute criminal offenses (assault, battery, false imprisonment). Legally, one cannot consent to be the victim of a crime.
• Power Imbalance: The inherent power imbalance between members and pledges, or coaches and athletes, makes true consent impossible.

Our legal team is expert at dismantling these kinds of cynical arguments, focusing the court’s attention on the deliberate harm caused by the perpetrators and institutions.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage Against Hazing Injustice

When your child from Union County, Georgia, becomes a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation and has the power to take on the biggest institutions. Attorney911 offers a unique set of advantages that make us the strongest choice for families facing this nightmare. We are not just experienced personal injury lawyers; we are hazing litigation specialists with a proven track record.

Our Core Advantages for Union County, Georgia Families:

1. We Are Actively Fighting Hazing Right Now: This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National, the University of Houston, and numerous individuals stemming from the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This means we are in the trenches, developing strategies, gathering evidence, and taking on these powerful defendants today. Union County, Georgia, families can count on the same aggressive, contemporary representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers working for insurance companies, defending major corporations and individuals against personal injury claims. This is your “unfair advantage.” We know their playbooks. We understand how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. We use this insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and maximize your recovery. Mr. Peña specifically worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, giving him unparalleled insight into the strategies of national organizations.
3. Extensive Courtroom and Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience, including complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants, such as his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion mass tort litigation. This proves our capacity to take on defendants with virtually unlimited resources – the same skills directly applicable to confronting major universities and national fraternities. Lupe Peña adds another 12+ years of aggressive litigation, building a deep reservoir of experience.
4. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and possess dual-state bar licenses in Texas AND New York. This is a strategic advantage for hazing cases that often involve national fraternities or universities operating across state lines. It means we can pursue your case effectively in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when dealing with national organizations. We can represent Union County, Georgia, victims even if the hazing occurred in a different state.
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel Bermudez’s medical condition), and institutional accountability cases. This isn’t general personal injury law; it’s a highly specialized and aggressive practice area for our firm. We understand the physical, psychological, and institutional dimensions of hazing.
6. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain one of Texas’s most comprehensive databases of Greek organizations, including IRS-registered entities, housing corporations, alumni chapters, and their corporate structures. This allows us to cut through the smoke and mirrors, identify every responsible entity, and know exactly who to sue. This proactive, intelligence-based approach is crucial for building unbreakable hazing cases.
7. Empathetic and Client-Focused Approach: We understand the profound trauma hazing causes. Our founding philosophy is to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help to those suffering legal emergencies. For Union County, Georgia, families, this means a warm, responsive legal team that treats you like family, not just another case file. Our numerous 4.9-star Google reviews from over 250 clients attest to our commitment to communication and client care.
   • “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
   • “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
8. No Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee Basis): We understand that a hazing incident creates immense emotional and financial strain. We take 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 levels the playing field, allowing Union County, Georgia, families to take on powerful university and national fraternity systems without financial risk.
9. Willingness to Travel: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Union County, Georgia, families and are prepared to travel for depositions, critical meetings, and trials wherever your case takes us.
10. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña, a fluent Spanish speaker, ensures that language is never a barrier to justice. This is invaluable for Union County, Georgia’s diverse community and for many families dealing with the complexities of the legal system in a second language.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team of legal strategists, former industry insiders, and compassionate advocates dedicated to securing justice for your family in Union County, Georgia.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Union County, Georgia Families

If you or your child has been the victim of hazing, whether at a university in Georgia or further afield, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and scared. The immediate steps you take can be crucial to protecting your legal rights and building a strong case. We want to empower Union County, Georgia, families with clear, actionable guidance.

IMMEDIATE STEPS FOR UNION COUNTY, GEORGIA HAZING VICTIMS:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even If Injuries Seem Minor:

   • Prioritize Health: Your health and safety are paramount. Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your family doctor immediately.
   • Document Everything: Tell medical professionals exactly what happened. Ensure they document all physical injuries (bruises, burns, muscle pain, nausea, dehydration), any psychological distress (anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of self-harm), and the suspected cause (hazing activities).
   • Report All Symptoms: Even if you feel “fine” due to adrenaline, a thorough medical exam can uncover hidden injuries like concussions, internal injuries, or conditions like rhabdomyolysis. Delay in seeking care can be used by defense attorneys to claim your injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by hazing.
   • Keep All Records: Retain copies of all medical bills, doctor’s notes, hospital discharge papers, and prescriptions.

2. Preserve All Possible Evidence — Document Everything!

   • Photos and Videos: Use your cellphone to document everything. Take comprehensive photos and videos of your injuries (from bruises to scars, as they heal), any physical evidence from the hazing (clothing worn, specific items used, the scene if possible), and any written “rules” or schedules provided during pledging. If your child is hospitalized, have someone take pictures. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence.
   • Communications: Crucially, do NOT delete anything. Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram direct messages, emails, and social media posts related to the hazing. This includes messages from other pledges, members, or even warnings about activities. These digital communications often contain critical evidence of coercion, threats, and the hazing itself.
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any identifying information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members who may have witnessed the hazing, or even bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Documents: Keep pledge manuals, schedules, rules or codes of conduct you were given, and any materials related to the organization.
   • Financial & Academic Records: Document medical bills, receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, and any lost wages due to missed work. Note any impact on grades, enrollment, or scholarships.

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

   • No Statements: Do NOT give any recorded or unrecorded statements to the fraternity/sorority leadership, university administration, or their representatives (including their lawyers or insurance adjusters). They are not on your side; their goal is to protect the institution, not you. They will try to get you to say things that can harm your case. Learn about common mistakes that can ruin your injury case.
   • No Confrontations: Do NOT confront members or leaders of the organization. This can lead to further intimidation, compromise your narrative, and potentially destroy evidence they might otherwise have.
   • Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university without having an attorney review them first. You could be waiving crucial legal rights.
   • Social Media Silence: Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used against you to claim your injuries aren’t serious or that you’re fabricating details. Learn why you shouldn’t post on social media after an accident.

4. Report the Hazing (with Guidance from Legal Counsel):

   • Police Report: Depending on the severity and nature of the hazing, filing a police report may be appropriate. We can guide you through this process.
   • University Report (Title IX): Universities have internal reporting mechanisms, often through their Title IX office, for hazing, gender-based violence, or discrimination. Discuss this with your attorney before acting, as internal reports can sometimes prejudice your civil case if not handled strategically.
   • Timing: The timing and manner of reporting are critical. Our firm will help you strategize the most effective way to report while protecting your legal interests.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately:

   • Time is Critical: Hazing cases, like all personal injury claims, are subject to a statute of limitations (typically two years in Georgia and Texas). This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit before you lose your right to pursue compensation forever. Understand Texas Statutes of Limitations.
   • Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will be deleted, witnesses will forget, and organizations will destroy records.
   • Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Union County, Georgia, families. There is no risk in speaking with us, and it’s the fastest way to understand your legal options.
   • We Come to You / Remote Consultations: Even if you’re in Union County, Georgia, and we’re based in Houston, we can conduct video consultations. We are willing to travel for your case as needed to ensure you receive aggressive representation.

Union County, Georgia Families: Don’t Face This Alone. Call Us Now.

The path to justice after hazing can be complex and intimidating, especially when confronting powerful universities and national fraternities. Our team at Attorney911 is here to guide Union County, Georgia, families through every step, providing the expertise, empathy, and aggressive advocacy needed to achieve justice.

🚨 Union County, Georgia Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now—And We’ll Fight for Union County, Georgia, 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. And we will not back down. Union County, Georgia, families deserve the same aggressive, results-driven representation.

Union County, Georgia Families — Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Union County, Georgia, hazing emergencies.

We work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS—meaning there are $0 upfront costs for Union County, Georgia, families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that financial limitations never prevent you from seeking justice. Learn how contingency fees work.

What Union County, Georgia, Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Prioritize your or your child’s health. Document every injury and symptom.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Save every text, photo, video, and message related to the hazing. Do not delete anything. See our video on using your phone to document evidence.
3. DO NOT Engage with Institutions: Do not talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers/insurance adjusters without legal counsel. Do not sign anything. Avoid mistakes that can ruin your case.
4. DO NOT Post on Social Media: Keep all details of the incident off public platforms.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Georgia is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Evidence disappears quickly. Understand Georgia’s Statutes of Limitations.

We Serve Union County, Georgia, Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, and we have additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends to Union County, Georgia, and across America. Hazing tragically knows no geographical bounds; it happens at colleges and universities just like Young Harris College or North Georgia Technical College in and around Union County, Georgia, or at distant institutions where students from Blairsville, Suches, or Morganton matriculate.

We are fully equipped to evaluate and represent your Union County, Georgia, case regardless of where the incident occurred, thanks to our:

• Federal court authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when national organizations are involved.
• Dual-state bar licenses: Our licenses extend to Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage against national fraternities and sororities often headquartered in various states.
• Video consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, making it easy for Union County, Georgia, families to meet with our experienced attorneys remotely.
• Travel commitment: We are prepared to travel to Union County, Georgia, or any other necessary location for depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring you always have dedicated representation.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in Union County, Georgia. We represent victims of hazing in all organizational contexts:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities in or near Union County, Georgia.
• Sports teams in Union County, Georgia, from high school to college level.
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups at Georgia universities.
• ROTC programs across Georgia.
• Clubs and student organizations at any educational institution.
• Military academies or any other organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know There Are More of You.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one subjected to extreme hazing at Pi Kappa Phi. Another pledge lost consciousness on October 15. Countless others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, physical abuse, and psychological degradation.

You have rights too. We can represent you.
As Lupe Pena powerfully 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.”

Do not suffer in silence. Your voice has the power to protect others.

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to fight for families in Union County, Georgia, and beyond.