If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build character, and grow into a young adult. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially suffered life-altering injuries, or worse. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Walker County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and organizations.

We are Attorney911, and we are legal emergency lawyers. We are a firm built on aggressive representation of victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries and deaths. We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members for heinous hazing that involved waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, and extreme physical abuse that led to kidney failure. This happened in Houston, just hours from Walker County, but it could happen in any college town across Georgia or the nation where fraternities operate.

We understand that Walker County families send their children off to college with dreams, not nightmares. Whether your student attends a local institution like Dalton State College, Berry College, or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga just across the border, or they venture further to major universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or even out-of-state to the University of Alabama or the University of Tennessee, the risk of hazing is real. These institutions, and the national fraternities they host, have a responsibility to keep your children safe. When they fail, leaving students like Leonel Bermudez hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, we step in to demand justice.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight in Your Backyard

Walker County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

The case we are fighting right now, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is a stark warning that hazing is not just a relic of the past; it is a brutal reality happening today in Georgia and across America. This $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, represents everything we stand for: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the upcoming semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and extreme physical hazing that ultimately landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We fight for Leonel, and we will fight for your child in Walker County with the same aggression and dedication. This horrifying incident was not isolated. The same national fraternities operate in the Greek life systems near Walker County. The same dangerous “traditions” that led to Leonel’s hospitalization are often perpetuated at campuses across Georgia and the nation. The same institutional negligence that allowed this to occur at the University of Houston exists at countless other universities that fail to adequately oversee their Greek organizations.

We made these details public, sharing them with major news outlets to ensure the truth was heard. Here’s what the media reported on our ongoing fight:

• ABC13 Houston covered the filing on November 21-22, 2025, detailing the severe abuse: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
• KHOU 11 immediately reported on November 21, 2025, confirming the $10 million claim: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
• The Houston Chronicle followed up on November 22, 2025, with more specifics on the hazing methods: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
• Houston Public Media provided an extensive overview on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”

Even Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters acknowledged the closure of their University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter on their own website on November 21, 2025, effectively admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” You can read their statement: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston”

Who Are We Holding Accountable? Everyone.

Our lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants to ensure every responsible party is held liable:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (specifically the University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The University of Houston Board of Regents
• The fraternity’s President
• The Pledgemaster
• Multiple current and former individual fraternity members
• A former member and his spouse, who allowed hazing activities to occur at their private residence

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Terror

Leonel’s ordeal began the moment he pledged. The abuse was not a single incident but a sustained campaign of physical and psychological torment:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture. Pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and driving members during early morning hours, causing severe exhaustion. Non-compliance was met with threats of physical punishment or expulsion.
• October 13, 2025: Chillingly, our lawsuit details another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: Another pledge tragically lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. These warning signs were ignored.
• November 3, 2025: Leonel was severely punished for missing an event. He was forced to endure 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 fraternity creeds during these exercises, pushed to such exhaustion that he couldn’t stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel became progressively more sore, immobile, and ill. As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “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…”
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a critical indicator of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, likely in anticipation of legal action.
• November 21, 2025: Our $10 million lawsuit was filed. This represents Attorney911’s immediate and aggressive response.

The Hazing Activities: Beyond Pranks, This is Torture

The allegations in our lawsuit expose the horrific reality of modern hazing. This isn’t “boys being boys” or harmless fun. It’s calculated abuse designed to break pledges down physically and psychologically.

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, and forced to run under threat of further waterboarding. Houston Public Media unequivocally called this out, stating, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to resume physical exertion, lying in their own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Beyond the 100+ pushups and 500 squats that led to Leonel’s injuries, other activities included high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, repeated 100-yard crawls, and even “being struck with wooden paddles.”
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This included being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, carrying a fanny pack with “objects of a sexual nature” at all times, threats, and enforced obedience. The hog-tying incident involving another pledge is a chilling example of the psychological abuse common in these environments.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced early-morning drives for fraternity members contributed to severe sleep deprivation, impacting academic and physical well-being.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s injuries were not minor. He suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream. This can quickly lead to acute kidney failure and, if untreated, can be fatal. His symptoms were classic: brown urine, indicating myoglobin in his system, extremely high creatine kinase levels confirming muscle damage, and severe muscle pain preventing him from standing or walking. He required intensive medical treatment and still faces the risk of long-term kidney damage. Ralph Manginello has direct experience and specialized expertise in litigating rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence

Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters responded, but their words often thinly veiled an attempt to manage public perception and limit liability.

The University of Houston spokesperson stated the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting an investigation was underway and individuals could face “expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission against interest, confirming the university knew of serious wrongdoing and criminal conduct.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, on their website, confirmed the chapter’s closure “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” While claiming to take hazing “seriously” and prioritizing “member well-being,” their statement concluded with, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a profound lack of remorse and a readiness to resume operations after public scrutiny subsides, rather than a genuine commitment to systemic change. This attitude reinforces the need for strong legal action to create lasting accountability.

Why This Case Matters to Walker County Families

• Hazing is NOT a Prank, It’s Torture: This case shatters the myth that hazing is harmless. It is brutal, systemic abuse, and it’s happening at institutions just like those near Walker County.
• Universities are Complicit: UH owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. Universities located near Walker County have the same power to stop hazing, but often fail to exercise it, leaving them liable.
• National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter, proving they knew the severity of the alleged conduct and the implications for their organization. The same national organizations with similar internal knowledge operate in Walker County and across Georgia.
• Victims Fear Retribution: Leonel chose not to speak directly to the media because he fears retribution. This is a common and terrifying reality for hazing victims in Walker County seeking justice, and we are committed to protecting our clients.
• One Brave Victim Can Save Lives: As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” By standing up with Leonel, we aim to prevent other Walker County students from enduring similar fates.
• $10 Million Sends a Message: This lawsuit is about more than just compensation; it’s about holding institutions accountable and sending an undeniable message that torturing our children will carry severe financial consequences. Walker County families have the right to send that same message.

The reality of hazing is that it is often assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment, sometimes leading to manslaughter or murder. Statistics show 55% of students in Greek organizations report hazing, and 40% of student-athletes experience it. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S. Tragically, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty. Universities and national organizations are aware of these statistics and the endemic nature of hazing but frequently only act after a severe injury or death, by which point it’s often too late.

Hazing Beyond Stereotypes: What It Really Looks Like

The common image of hazing often involves minor pranks, but the reality is far more sinister, often involving severe physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly; it is a brutal example of what hazing looks like today.

Hazing in Walker County is not restricted to Greek life. We have seen it in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations not just in Georgia but across the country. It is important for parents and students in Walker County to understand the true nature of these activities.

Here are the forms of hazing incidents we regularly encounter and that were evident in Leonel’s case:

Physical Abuse:

• Beatings and Paddling: Being struck with objects, as Leonel was with wooden paddles.
• Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: Activities like the 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and “suicides” that push students beyond safe limits, leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Branding and Burning: Intentionally inflicting injuries with heat or chemicals.
• Exposure: Forced exposure to cold or hot weather, or confinement in small spaces, such as being stripped to underwear in cold weather and hosed as Leonel was.

Forced Consumption:

• Binge Drinking: Requiring pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, often rapidly. This is a primary cause of hazing deaths.
• Eating Until Vomiting: Forcing consumption of excessive or repulsive foods or liquids, as Leonel suffered with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns.
• Non-Food Substances: Forcing consumption of unsanitary or dangerous substances.

Psychological Torture:

• Humiliation and Degradation: Public shaming, forced degrading acts, or carrying embarrassing objects, such as Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual objects.
• Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant insults, belittling, bullying, and threats of repercussions for non-compliance.
• Isolation: Separating pledges from others or limiting contact with the outside world.

Sexual Hazing:

• Forced Nudity or Sexual Acts: Requiring pledges to be naked or perform sexual acts, or exposing them to sexually explicit materials or acts.
• Carrying Sexual Objects: As seen in Leonel’s case, forcing pledges to carry items of a sexual nature.

Simulated Drowning/Waterboarding:

• This extremely dangerous practice, used against Leonel with a garden hose, is a form of torture that mimics drowning, inducing sheer terror and physiological distress.

Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion:

• Mandatory late-night or early-morning activities that severely limit sleep, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, as with Leonel being forced to drive members at all hours.

Servitude:

• Forcing pledges to perform demeaning chores, errands, or personal services for active members.

The Medical Reality: The consequences of these acts are severe. Beyond rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, victims can suffer from alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and the profound psychological scars of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Many of these injuries require long-term medical care, affecting a student’s entire future.

Who Is Responsible? Everyone Who Participated or Looked Away.

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying and holding every single responsible party accountable. In Leonel’s case, we didn’t just sue the individuals; we cast a wide net to ensure accountability from all entities who contributed to or allowed the abuse. This is the same comprehensive approach we will bring to hazing cases in Walker County.

• Local Chapter: The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and carried out the hazing. Their leaders and members bear direct responsibility.
• Chapter Officers and Individual Members: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and individual members who orchestrated, participated in, or stood by during the hazing are directly liable. This is not about suing “broke college kids”; it’s about making individuals face the personal consequences of their actions, just as the former president in the Stone Foltz case was held personally liable for millions.
• Former Members and Their Spouses: As seen in Leonel’s case, hazing occurred at a former member’s residence, implicating him and his spouse for premises liability and aiding the abuse. This extends liability beyond current students to those who enable hazing outside of university property.
• National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had a duty to supervise its chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure a safe environment. Their failure to do so, despite knowing about a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) and an alleged “hazing crisis,” makes them deeply liable. These national entities often have significant assets and insurance policies.
• University: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, providing them with direct control and responsibility. Universities in Walker County hosting Greek life also have a duty to protect their students, implement anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate oversight. When universities fail to act on prior warnings or implement effective safeguards, they become directly responsible for the harm that occurs.
• Insurance Carriers: For each of these liable parties—national organizations, universities, individuals, and housing corporations—there are often multiple layers of commercial, general liability, and homeowner’s insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess insider knowledge of how these policies work and how to maximize recovery from them. We know their playbook because we helped write it.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that we pursue every avenue for compensation and accountability, sending a clear message that no one involved in hazing, from the lowest-ranking member to the highest echelons of university administration and national Greek leadership, is above the law. We are relentless in leveraging this strategy for Walker County families.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For Walker County families seeking justice, it’s essential to know that hazing cases, particularly those involving severe injury or death, result in significant financial recoveries. These verdicts and settlements send a powerful message and demonstrate that accountability is possible. The multimillion-dollar outcomes listed below provide strong precedent, underpinning our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case.

The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations is clear: Hazing costs millions. These same results are possible for Walker County victims.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total $10.1 Million+

  • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation. The family settled with Bowling Green State University for $2.9 million and with Pi Kappa Alpha (the national fraternity and individuals) for approximately $7.2 million. The chapter president was also found personally liable for $6.5 million in a separate judgment in December 2024. This case alone directly supports our $10 million demand, demonstrating the value juries and institutions place on a hazing victim’s suffering, even for a non-fatal outcome like Leonel’s kidney failure.

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

  • Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. The jury awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict. This case proved that juries will deliver substantial verdicts in hazing cases, and it led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total $110+ Million (Estimated Settlements)

  • Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, captured entirely on security cameras. The family reached confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million. This case dramatically illustrates the financial consequences when institutions and fraternities are shown to be grossly negligent and attempts are made to cover up wrongdoing. It also led to Pennsylvania’s robust Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Bermudez!

  • Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pi Kappa Phi, the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case, eventually saw nine of its members charged, its chapter at FSU permanently closed, and a confidential civil settlement reached with the family. This is devastating pattern evidence against Pi Kappa Phi National, showing they knew of deadly hazing within their organization eight years before Leonel’s injuries but failed to act.

• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement (October 2024)

  • Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently settled for over $4 million, with a substantial portion also funding the “Love Like Adam” Foundation dedicated to hazing prevention. This is another recent case underscoring the high value of hazing injury and death claims and the ability to achieve significant recoveries for victims.

• University of Alabama (2023) / Sigma Alpha Epsilon: A lawsuit was filed alleging a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to hazing, with claims of fraud, negligence, and assault. This demonstrates that non-fatal, serious injury cases, like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, are actively being pursued with major lawsuits.

• Previous University of Houston Hazing Case (2017) / Pi Kappa Alpha: The University of Houston has a documented history of hazing problems. In 2017, a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. This establishes institutional knowledge and negligence on the part of the University of Houston, highlighting their failure to implement effective safeguards despite prior incidents.

Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths

These tragedies have sparked major legislative changes, demonstrating the public and legal system’s commitment to ending hazing.

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Made hazing causing serious injury or death a felony.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Elevated hazing to a felony offense.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Felony charges for hazing, named after Collin Wiant.
• Texas Hazing Law: Our own state has robust laws with criminal penalties ensuring consent is NOT a defense.

These precedents, and the public outcry they represent, strengthen Leonel’s case and provide a clear roadmap for families in Walker County seeking accountability for hazing. Juries consistently respond with multi-million dollar awards when confronted with the horrific realities of hazing.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Walker County

For families in Walker County, understanding the legal framework that applies to hazing incidents is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of hazing law, institutional liability, and victim’s rights are consistent across state lines. Georgia, like Texas, has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Where state laws differ, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to effectively navigate national legal complexities.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151 through 37.157, provides a comprehensive framework for defining, penalizing, and holding organizations accountable for hazing. This framework is a powerful tool for victims and serves as a strong foundation for civil lawsuits, complementing criminal charges.

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

• Involves physical brutality like whipping, beating, striking, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel Bermudez was struck with wooden paddles.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or excessive calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect mental or physical health. Leonel suffered extreme sleep deprivation, forced cold exposure, and calisthenics that led to kidney failure.
• Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
• Induces or requires a student to commit a Penal Code violation.
• Involves coercing a student to consume drugs or excessive alcohol.

Leonel’s case, with its waterboarding, extreme physical exertion, and forced consumption, unequivocally satisfies multiple elements of this definition, making the acts committed against him clear violations of Texas anti-hazing law.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing face criminal charges, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) for participating, to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine) if serious bodily injury occurs. If hazing leads to death, it becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine). Given Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, which constitutes serious bodily injury, the individual perpetrators in his case face Class A Misdemeanor charges. This directly aligns with the University of Houston’s spokesperson acknowledging “potential criminal charges.”

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, the law also holds organizations 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. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property. This provision is vital for holding Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter responsible.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal point in hazing cases: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This directly counters the common defense used by fraternities and universities that victims “knew what they were getting into” or “could have left.” Under Texas law, consent to hazing is irrelevant. You cannot legally consent to criminal acts.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days, with failure to do so being a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is key for uncovering institutional knowledge and potential cover-ups.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, for Compensation and Justice

While criminal charges punish the wrongdoers, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to recover compensation for their suffering and future needs. Hazing victims in Walker County can pursue several civil liability theories:

1. Negligence: This is a broad claim showing that the fraternity, national organization, or university had a duty of care to protect students, breached that duty (e.g., by permitting hazing), and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages. This applies to institutions in Walker County just as it does in Texas.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case where UH owned the fraternity house) or a fraternity housing corporation, those entities can be held liable for maintaining an unsafe environment. This would apply to any college or university in Georgia that owns or controls fraternity or sorority houses.
3. Negligent Supervision: National fraternities, sororities, and universities have a duty to adequately supervise their chapters and Greek life activities. Failure to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” or prior incidents, constitutes negligent supervision.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who inflict physical harm (like paddling or waterboarding) can be sued directly for intentional torts. Every participant can be held liable.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For conduct as outrageous and severe as what Leonel endured, victims can claim damages for profound psychological and emotional harm, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
6. Vicarious Liability: National organizations and universities can be held responsible for the actions of their chapters, members, or employees under principles of agency and control.

These civil claims ensure that individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and educational institutions in Walker County, and anywhere else hazing occurs, are held financially accountable for the devastating harm they cause.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal team after a hazing incident is paramount. For families in Walker County, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise but a deep, personal commitment to fighting for justice. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates who understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll hazing takes on victims and their families. We offer a combination of experience, strategic insight, and aggressive representation that sets us apart.

Meet Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™:

• Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph is a battle-tested trial attorney. His background as a former insurance defense attorney means he knows exactly how insurance companies – and the universities and fraternities they represent – strategize to minimize or deny claims. He understands their playbook intimately and uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses. Ralph’s experience with multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation, such as the BP Texas City refinery explosion case, demonstrates his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants, a skill directly applicable to fighting large universities and national fraternities. His dual-state bar admission in Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage in cases against national organizations headquartered out of state. Furthermore, his personal background as a father of three and a youth coach provides him with a deep understanding of team dynamics and the environments where hazing can thrive.
• Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney: Lupe, a third-generation Texan, brings over 12 years of experience to our team. Critically, Lupe also served as an associate attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means he, too, has insider knowledge of how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to lowball victims. His work defending against products liability, personal injury, construction, and commercial claims gives him an unparalleled understanding of corporate legal tactics. Fluent in Spanish, Lupe ensures comprehensive legal services for our Spanish-speaking clients, eliminating language barriers to justice. His philosophy is to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the other side, an aggressive approach needed to tackle powerful defendants.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Insiders
Both Ralph and Lupe cut their teeth on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic choice. When you hire Attorney911, you’re not just getting lawyers; you’re getting former insiders who know the exact tactics, weaknesses, and financial levers of the defense. We know how they think, how they operate, and how they try to avoid accountability. This is an unfair advantage for hazing victims in Walker County seeking justice.

What Sets Us Apart for Walker County Hazing Victims:

• Active Hazing Litigation Expertise: We aren’t just theoretically interested in hazing cases. We are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This is real-world, current experience that demonstrates our commitment and capability. Walker County families get the benefit of this aggressive, in-progress fight.
• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal appellate courts. This federal authority allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities and multi-state issues.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Walker County. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We leverage remote consultation technology (video calls) for your convenience and are prepared to travel to Walker County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
• Comprehensive Experience: Ralph’s expertise extends to mass tort cases similar to the BP Texas City explosion, demonstrating the firm’s capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants. Lupe’s experience in wrongful death, dram shop liability (relevant for hazing involving coerced alcohol consumption), and catastrophic injury cases directly applies to the severe outcomes of hazing.
• No Upfront Fees – Contingency Basis: We understand that the emotional and financial burden of hazing can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, ensuring that powerful institutions cannot outspend a victim’s family. We align our success with yours. For Walker County families, this means having elite representation without added financial stress.
• Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Our staff is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Walker County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.
• Focus on Accountability: We document everything developers. Our proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks hundreds of Greek organizations and their corporate structures across Texas and beyond, allowing us to identify every liable entity when hazing occurs. We don’t guess who’s responsible; we know. This data-driven approach is a cornerstone of our aggressive litigation strategy.
• Client-Centered Approach: We treat our clients like family. Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews speaks to our consistent communication, responsiveness, and genuine care for our clients. As many testimonials state, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

We are relentless, aggressive, and deeply invested in fighting for hazing victims. For families in Walker County, if your child has been harmed by hazing, you need a firm that is not afraid to take on national fraternities, powerful universities, and individual perpetrators. You need a firm that knows their legal weaknesses and how to exploit them for your benefit. You need Attorney911.

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

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Walker County or anywhere else in Georgia or nationwide, taking immediate, decisive action can be critical to preserving your legal rights and building a strong case. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time, filled with confusion, anger, and fear. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your family.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health, or your child’s health, is the absolute priority. If there is any physical injury—no matter how minor it may seem—seek professional medical care immediately. This includes emergency room visits or consultations with a doctor. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning can have delayed symptoms or severe long-term consequences. Even if the injuries are psychological, seek counseling or therapy from a qualified professional. Medical records are vital evidence, creating an irrefutable timeline of harm. Insurers and defense attorneys will use any delay in seeking medical care to argue your injuries were not serious or not related to the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything!: Hazing thrives in secrecy. Your ability to document what happened can be the key to justice.

   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), psychological evaluations, and billing statements.
   • Photos and Videos: Take pictures and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, rashes) at all stages of healing. If possible, safely document the location where hazing occurred. Screenshots of hazing activities, symbols, or even conversations surrounding hazing are invaluable.
   • Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. This includes communications from fraternity members, pledges, or witnesses. Do NOT delete anything, as this could be classified as spoliation of evidence. As Ralph Manginello continuously advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact information (phone numbers, email, social media handles) of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or people who have knowledge of the fraternity’s activities.
   • Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications given to you by the organization.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, lost wages (if any were incurred due to injury or missed work), and tuition/fees for any disrupted academic terms.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions: This is a critical step.

   • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal counsel. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
   • Do NOT sign any documents from the university, the fraternity, or their insurance companies. These documents often waive your rights to future legal action.
   • Do NOT post about the incident on social media. As another one of our videos emphasizes, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident”. Anything you post can be twisted and used to undermine your case.
   • Do NOT delete any messages or social media posts, even old ones, as this could be seen as destruction of evidence.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence. In most states, including Georgia, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits have a strict 2-year statute of limitations. This means you generally have only two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue legal action forever. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, explains this critical deadline.

   The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

   • Send preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally obligating them to protect relevant evidence (including deleting texts or social media).
   • Launch an independent investigation.
   • Gather critical evidence before it disappears or is intentionally destroyed.
   • Protect you from manipulative tactics by the university or fraternity.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Team for Hazing Victims in Walker County

You don’t have to face this nightmare alone. For Walker County families, Attorney911 is your first call in a hazing emergency. We are ready to listen, advise, and fight for the justice your family deserves. Our commitment is unwavering, and our track record in aggressive litigation speaks for itself.

If you’re in Walker County and your child has been subjected to hazing, now is the time to act.

🚨 WALKER COUNTY FAMILIES: CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 🚨

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. You can reach Ralph Manginello directly by calling our emergency hotline or emailing. We offer video consultations for Walker County families who cannot travel to our Houston office, and we will travel to Walker County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Remember, we work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This means expert legal representation for your Walker County hazing case without any added financial burden during an already stressful time.

We Serve Hazing Victims Like You in Walker County and Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, the tragedy of hazing spans across the nation, affecting colleges and universities in Walker County, Georgia, and every other state. Our legal authority extends far beyond Texas borders.

• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. This is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities, whose operations cross state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York, providing a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternity and sorority organizations that may be headquartered or operate significantly in other states. This dual licensing means we understand the complexities of multi-jurisdictional litigation that often arise in hazing cases.
• Willingness to Travel: We are committed to justice wherever it leads. We will travel to Walker County and beyond for critical aspects of your case, including depositions, witness interviews, and trials, ensuring you have face-to-face representation when it matters most.
• Remote Consultations: Modern technology allows us to connect with Walker County families via video calls and secure digital platforms, making the initial consultation and ongoing communication convenient and accessible, no matter your location.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in many types of organizations that practice ritualized abuse:

• Greek letter organizations at colleges and universities near Walker County
• High school and college sports teams, including those in Walker County
• Marching bands and performing arts groups
• ROTC and military programs
• Clubs, honor societies, and other student organizations
• Military academies and related associations

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not alone. The hazing that occurred at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter was systemic. Another pledge lost consciousness on October 15. Many others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse, and humiliation.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

As Lupe Peña courageously 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.” If you were a victim of the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing, or if you witnessed it, please reach out to us. Your voice matters, and your testimony could be crucial in securing justice for all.

Let us be your legal emergency team. We will fiercely advocate for your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work tirelessly to help you achieve the compensation and peace of mind you deserve. Call us now.