If you’re reading this in Whitfield County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, expecting to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and outright torture. Maybe they were hospitalized, just like our client in Houston. Or perhaps they’re struggling with the emotional wounds of hazing, scared and unsure where to turn. We understand what you’re going through. Your child was supposed to be safe. We’re here to help families in Whitfield County fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed this to happen.

We know the fear, the anger, and the helplessness you might be feeling. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, unfolding far from home, in places where your children were supposed to be nurtured and protected. But you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are Attorney 911, and we are actively fighting hazing right now in Texas, pursuing a $10 million lawsuit that epitomizes our aggressive, data-driven approach to holding every responsible party accountable. The same fight we’re bringing to Houston, we will bring to Whitfield County, because every student deserves protection and every family deserves justice.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Whitfield County Families Need Us

Hazing isn’t just a college prank or a harmless rite of passage anymore. It’s a dangerous epidemic that is sweeping across college campuses nationwide, including those where students from Whitfield County attend. These aren’t isolated incidents; they are systematic patterns of abuse, often ignored or actively covered up by the very institutions entrusted with our children’s safety.

Consider these sobering statistics:

• 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t a small subset; it’s the majority.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The culture of silence, intimidation, and fear of retribution is incredibly powerful, even in Whitfield County.
• Since the year 2000, at least one hazing-related death has occurred every single year in the United States. That’s a minimum of 25 families shattered forever.

This crisis is why we exist. While schools near Whitfield County like Dalton State College, Covenant College, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga might seem idyllic, the truth is that national fraternities and sororities, often with chapters on or near these campuses, operate under the same organizational structures that have allowed hazing to thrive nationwide. Your child attending a university in Georgia or a neighboring state faces the same risks as a student in Texas or Florida. The same national organizations that engage in these dangerous behaviors have chapters where your children might attend college.

It’s not just fraternities and sororities. Hazing permeates sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations. The problem is widespread, and the consequences are devastating. We believe that by aggressively pursuing accountability through the legal system, we can force change and make a difference for countless families in Whitfield County and beyond.

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

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re in the trenches fighting it right now. Our firm, Attorney 911, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members in Harris County Civil District Court. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in November 2025, is more than just a lawsuit; it’s a testament to our commitment to aggressively represent hazing victims and relentlessly pursue justice.

This could have happened to your child. This is what hazing looks like today. And this is exactly what we do about it.

News Coverage: Multiple Outlets Have Reported

This lawsuit has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severe nature of the hazing and the institutional failures that allowed it to occur. You can find detailed reports from:

• ABC13 Houston, November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges“
• KHOU 11, November 21, 2025: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations“
• Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2025: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit“
• Houston Public Media, November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing“

Even Pi Kappa Phi National, one of the defendants, released their own statement:

• Pi Kappa Phi National, November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston“

These reports confirm the severity of the hazing and the immediate impact of our lawsuit.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who was not even their student. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025, and what followed was weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As Ralph Manginello told 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, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena added, “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: A Timeline of Torture

The hazing of Leonel Bermudez was not a single incident but a prolonged period of escalating abuse:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.
• Weeks of September-November: Systematic hazing begins, including forced dress codes, study hours, weekly interviews, and being compelled to drive members in the early morning hours, leading to exhaustion. He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he revived. The hazing continued.
• November 3, 2025: Leonel was punished for missing an event with extreme physical exertion: 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened, unable to move due to severe pain.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital as he was passing brown urine—a critical sign of muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter (they knew what was coming).
• November 21, 2025: Our lawsuit was filed, immediately covered by local news outlets.

The Hazing Activities: Beyond Pranks

The lawsuit details harrowing activities that go far beyond any notion of “harmless pranks”:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Pledges, including Leonel, were sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating drowning. Houston Public Media explicitly called this behavior “a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while physically distressed and made to lie in his vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included performing 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-intensity running drills like “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and being struck with wooden paddles. This relentless exertion pushed his body to the point of traumatic muscular breakdown.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather and carry degrading “fanny packs,” coupled with the hog-tying incident involving another pledge, demonstrates a pattern of severe psychological abuse and degradation.
• Sleep Deprivation: The forced late-night and early-morning driving contributed to chronic exhaustion, further compromising Leonel’s health and safety.

Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The severe physical hazing led directly to a life-threatening medical condition:

• Rhabdomyolysis: This is the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, difficulty walking, and brown urine.
• Acute Kidney Failure: The proteins released during rhabdomyolysis can clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure, a condition that can be fatal and may cause permanent kidney damage. Leonel was hospitalized for this.

Ralph Manginello, with his specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understands the full medical and legal implications of such an injury.

Institutional Responses: They Knew

Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters responded, but their statements only highlight their knowledge and potential complicity:

• University of Houston Spokesperson: Admitted the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges” for individuals. This acknowledges the severity of the alleged conduct and the institution’s awareness.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Posted on their website about closing the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025—a full week BEFORE our lawsuit was filed. This shows a clear consciousness of liability and an attempt to distance themselves, while still stating, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” Their prior history, including the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017, further underscores their failure to address a “hazing crisis” they allegedly knew about.

Why This Case Matters to Whitfield County Families

This case isn’t just about what happened in Houston; it’s a stark warning for every family in Whitfield County with a child heading to college:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t harmless activities. The same acts of waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical abuse can happen at universities where students from Whitfield County attend.
2. Universities are Complicit: UH owned the fraternity house where much of this occurred. Colleges near Whitfield County, whether it’s Dalton State, Covenant College, or others, have the same power to regulate Greek life and the same liability when they fail to protect students.
3. National Organizations Have a History: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide. This national organization had a student die in 2017 due to hazing. The patterns of negligence are systemic and national.
4. Victims Deserve Justice: Leonel faced retribution fears. Your child, or other students in Whitfield County who witness hazing, might be afraid to speak out. We provide the protection and advocacy needed to seek justice.
5. Your Case Can Save Lives: As Lupe Pena emphasized, pursuing these cases sheds light on the problem and prevents future harm. A Whitfield County hazing lawsuit could force change and save another child’s life.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: Large settlements, like our $10 million demand, send an undeniable message that torturing students will have severe financial consequences, forcing institutions to prioritize safety over “tradition.”

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Whitfield County might envision hazing as mild pranks or silly initiations. The reality, as demonstrated by the Bermudez case and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. It is systematic abuse designed to strip individuality, instill fear, and force submission.

This isn’t about “boys being boys” or “building character.” It is:

• Assault and Battery: Direct physical violence, including beatings, paddling, and forced physical exertion leading to injury.
• Torture: Acts like waterboarding, designed to inflict severe physical and psychological pain.
• Reckless Endangerment: Placing individuals in situations where their health and safety are gravely at risk, as seen with extreme alcohol consumption or physical activity to the point of collapse.
• Psychological Manipulation: Humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation, and threats that cause severe emotional distress.
• Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or even sexual assault.
• Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, the most extreme outcome of severe hazing, occurring far too frequently.

The statistics don’t lie:

• More than 40% of student athletes report hazing.
• Hazing occurs in all types of student organizations, not just fraternities—from marching bands and ROTC to academic clubs.

The Institutional Failure:
Universities and national organizations are well aware of hazing. They have policies, “task forces,” and “awareness campaigns.” Yet, they often turn a blind eye until a student is hospitalized or, tragically, dies. Only then do they react, often with damage control rather than genuine accountability. They “suspend” chapters, claiming surprise, even when a clear pattern of abuse exists. This pattern of willful negligence is precisely what we fight.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just one person or one group. A network of individuals and institutions are typically liable. We leave no stone unturned in identifying and pursuing every party that contributed to the harm. We go after the deep pockets to ensure full compensation and to send a message that resonates throughout college campuses, including those where students from Whitfield County pursue their education.

Based on our Pi Kappa Phi case, here’s who we hold responsible:

• Local Chapters and Their Officers: The fraternity chapter itself, and its leaders (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.), are directly responsible for organizing and conducting hazing activities. They are at the forefront of the abuse.
• Individual Members: Every member who actively participated in, encouraged, witnessed, or failed to stop hazing can be held personally liable. This includes those who hosted hazing events at their residences, even former members and their spouses who enabled the environment of abuse.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These large entities provide charters, funding, and oversight to local chapters. They are responsible for ensuring that their chapters adhere to anti-hazing policies and a safe environment. When they fail to adequately supervise, enforce rules, or respond to warnings (like the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey in the same fraternity), they are directly liable. These are the “deep pockets” with millions in assets and liability insurance.
• Universities and Colleges: Institutions like the University of Houston have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When they own the property where hazing occurs, when they have knowledge of prior incidents, and when they fail to provide adequate oversight of Greek life, they are liable. This means universities near Whitfield County, such as Dalton State College or Covenant College, could face similar charges if hazing occurs on their watch.
• Housing Corporations: Often separate legal entities that own and manage fraternity or sorority houses, these corporations can be held liable if they knowingly allow unsafe or illegal activities on their property.
• Insurance Carriers: These are the ultimate source of compensation. We are experts at navigating the complex web of liability policies held by national organizations, universities, and individuals to maximize recovery for victims.

It’s crucial for families in Whitfield County to understand that seeking justice in a hazing case is not about targeting individual college students with limited means. It’s primarily about holding the powerful, well-funded institutions—the national fraternities and the universities—accountable.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

The fight against hazing is proving to be a winning battle for victims and their families. Juries and insurance companies nationwide are delivering multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear message: hazing is unacceptable and incredibly costly. These precedents demonstrate that substantial compensation is possible for hazing victims in Whitfield County, too.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements: They Will Pay

• STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
  • Total: $10.1 Million+
  • In 2021, Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation. The victim’s family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. This case marked the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent, even for cases not involving a death.
  • Just recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded personally against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating that individual perpetrators face severe personal liability.
• MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
  • Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
  • In 2017, Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit—after being forced to play a drinking game called “Bible Study.” A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
  • Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  • Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. After falling multiple times and sustaining a traumatic brain injury, fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The powerful evidence, including security camera footage, led to multiple settlements estimated to exceed $110 million. This tragedy also resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
• ADAM OAKES — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)
  • Total: $4 Million+ Settlement
  • Adam Oakes died in 2021 from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi big-little event. His family recently reached a $4 million+ settlement from universities and individuals. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
• ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
  • (Same Fraternity as Our Case)
  • In 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” His death led to criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. The civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement, proving that Pi Kappa Phi National has a documented history of deadly hazing.

Why These Precedents Matter for Whitfield County

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported: The Stone Foltz case proves that multi-million dollar recoveries are achievable even when the victim survives but suffers severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
2. Pi Kappa Phi’s History of Death: The Andrew Coffey case is a smoking gun. It proves Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within their chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a pattern of negligence and foreseeability that strengthens our case and any future case against them.
3. Universities are Liable: Multiple cases, including Stone Foltz and Timothy Piazza, show that universities bear significant financial responsibility for failing to protect students from hazing.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial damages. Waterboarding a student, as occurred in our case, is sure to provoke similar outrage.
5. Legislative Change Follows Litigation: The Max Gruver Act and Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law show how civil litigation can drive meaningful legislative reform, helping to prevent future tragedies.

Texas Law Protects You: Beyond Consent

For families in Whitfield County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. While we are based in Texas, where our landmark case is proceeding, most states have similar anti-hazing statutes. More broadly, civil liability theories like negligence and federal civil rights claims apply nationwide, meaning our federal court authority enables us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing incident occurred.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Shield for Victims

The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 forms the backbone of anti-hazing efforts in our state. These laws clearly define hazing, establish criminal penalties, and—critically—address a common misconception:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): The law defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act… that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.” This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, forced calisthenics, and forced consumption of substances. Our client Leonel Bermudez’s experience meets multiple elements of this definition.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing can lead to criminal charges, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor for engaging in hazing to a State Jail Felony if it results in death. Given Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure), individuals involved could face Class A Misdemeanor charges carrying up to a year in jail.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law allows organizations themselves to be penalized, including fines and denial of the right to operate, if they condone, encourage, or allow hazing by their officers or members. This directly applies to the Pi Kappa Phi chapter and its national organization.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal protection for hazing victims. The statute explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means that even if a fraternity argues “he agreed to participate,” Texas law unequivocally rejects that as a justification for abuse.

Civil Liability: Seeking Compensation and Justice

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek monetary compensation for their suffering. These civil claims are not unique to Texas; they exist in every state, providing a pathway to justice for hazing victims nationwide:

• Negligence Claims: We can prove that the university, the national fraternity, and individual members owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through hazing or inaction, caused the injuries, and are therefore liable for damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH, the institution can be held responsible for maintaining unsafe conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities can be liable if they failed to adequately supervise Greek life chapters, despite knowing the risks.
• Assault and Battery: Individual hazing perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: When hazing involves “outrageous conduct” that causes severe emotional distress, victims can sue for this specific harm.

The Texas Education Code, coupled with these civil liability theories, creates a robust legal framework for holding all responsible parties accountable for hazing incidents in Whitfield County and beyond.

Why Attorney 911: Your Unfair Advantage in Whitfield County Hazing Cases

When facing powerful institutions like national fraternities and universities, Whitfield County families need attorneys with the experience, local knowledge, and strategic insight to fight back effectively. We are Attorney 911, and we offer a unique combination of credentials, compassion, and aggressive legal tactics that make us the definitive choice for hazing victims.

What Sets Us Apart for Whitfield County Families

1. Actively Fighting Now: We are not theoretical. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is happening right now in your neighboring state. This isn’t just a case study for us; it’s a live battle that demonstrates our immediate, decisive action. The same aggressive representation we deliver in Houston, we extend to Whitfield County.
2. Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and Associate Attorney Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense attorneys. They’ve seen the playbook of national organizations and universities from the inside. They know how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Lupe Pena’s experience with a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, handling products liability, personal injury defense, and construction law, gives us a distinct edge.
   • As Lupe says, “With Mr. Peña you get an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side.” This is our approach to every Whitfield County hazing case.
3. 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of litigation experience, including high-stakes cases like the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, against massive corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to taking on well-funded national fraternities and state universities for Whitfield County families.
4. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph is dual-state licensed in Texas and New York. This grants us federal court authority, crucial for pursuing cases against national organizations that operate across state lines. We can pursue your Whitfield County case in federal jurisdiction if necessary.
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability. Our in-depth knowledge of hazing tactics, medical consequences, and institutional failures is a direct result of handling such complex cases.
6. “Se Habla Español”: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, enabling us to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in Whitfield County affected by hazing, removing language barriers to justice.
7. Client-Focused and Compassionate: We treat every client like family. As many of our 4.9-star Google reviewers attest, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” We know the unique cultural values within Whitfield County underscore the importance of family and community. We extend that same care to your situation.
   • “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” – Chelsea Martinez
   • “This law firm here is 1 of a kind. I felt like I had my back against the world and Ralph Manginello gave me hope and believed in me… they made me feel like family best Law Firm.” – MOSTHATED MILYYY’
8. No Upfront Fees. Period.: We understand that the financial stress of dealing with a hazing incident is immense. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis for Whitfield County families. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures that financial concerns never prevent you from seeking justice.

How We Serve Whitfield County Hazing Victims:

• We will travel to Whitfield County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• We offer remote consultations via video chat, making it easy for Whitfield County families to connect with us from the comfort of their home.
• We build cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence) to present an ironclad claim.
• We preserve evidence immediately, from texts and photos to medical records and witness statements.
• We aren’t afraid to take on universities, national organizations, and individual perpetrators. We know their power, and we know how to beat them.

Our commitment is to families in Whitfield County just like the family we’re representing in the Bermudez case. You deserve aggressive, dedicated, and knowledgeable representation.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Whitfield County Families

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Whitfield County or anywhere else, the immediate aftermath can be traumatic and confusing. Taking the right steps from the outset is crucial for their well-being and for preserving the integrity of any potential legal claim. We’re here to provide clear, actionable guidance.

5 Critical Steps for Whitfield County Hazing Victims and Families:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if the trauma is primarily psychological, get professional medical evaluation. Rhabdomyolysis, like in our client’s case, can have delayed symptoms. Headaches, nausea, or changes in behavior can signal serious underlying issues. A medical record creates an objective, third-party account of the injuries, which is vital evidence.
   • As Ralph emphasizes in our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical,” delays in treatment will be used by the defense to argue you weren’t seriously hurt.
2. Preserve Absolutely Everything — Document, Document, Document: Hazing cases often depend heavily on digital evidence and witness accounts.
   • Medical Records: Keep every hospital record, ER report, doctor’s note, therapy record, and prescription.
   • Photos/Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If there are photos or videos of hazing activities, secure them immediately. Screenshots of texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, or any social media posts related to the hazing are invaluable.
   • Communications: Save all text messages, emails, or chat logs relating to the hazing. Do NOT delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. The defense will use any deletion against you (“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”).
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of other pledges, fraternity members who witnessed the hazing, or any bystanders.
   • Documents: Retain any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or agreements provided by the organization.
   • Rhabdomyolysis: If your child experienced rhabdomyolysis, like Leonel, meticulously document all symptoms (e.g., brown urine, muscle pain, difficulty moving), medical care received, and follow-up treatment.
3. Do NOT Communicate With the Organization or University (Alone): This is a critical mistake. Institutions and fraternities will try to control the narrative, minimize their liability, or even extract statements from your child that could harm their case.
   • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel.
   • Do NOT give statements to university administration (e.g., Dean of Students, Greek Life office) without your attorney present.
   • Do NOT sign any documents from the fraternity, sorority, or university. These can waive your rights.
   • Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters. As our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” warns, they are not on your side, and their job is to minimize payouts.
4. Stay Off Social Media: In today’s digital age, anything posted online can and will be used against you. Do not post about the incident, your injuries, or your emotional state. Do not post “party” photos that could be misinterpreted. Even old posts can be twisted. “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” highlights this danger.
5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence.
   • Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, personal injury lawsuits generally have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, with some exceptions for minors or delayed discovery. In Texas, where our firm is based and our landmark case is ongoing, the same 2-year limitation applies. Do not wait until it’s too late. As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” explains, missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever.
   • Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence, as memories fade, documents are destroyed, and witnesses become unavailable.
   • Expert Guidance: An experienced attorney like Ralph Manginello or Lupe Pena can immediately send preservation letters to all involved parties, preventing them from deleting crucial evidence. They can guide you through the complex legal process, protect your rights, and build a strong case.

Our Client Intake Protocol for Whitfield County Families:

We evaluate Whitfield County cases based on:

• Clear Hazing Conduct: Does the behavior meet the legal definition of hazing in Georgia and nationwide?
• Documented Injuries: Are there medical records for physical or psychological harm?
• Identifiable Defendants: Can we pinpoint the individuals, chapters, national organizations, and educational institutions responsible?
• Available Evidence: Are there texts, photos, videos, or witnesses?
• Pattern of Abuse: Was this a systemic issue, or a one-time isolated “prank”?
• Institutional Knowledge: Did the university or national organization know, or should they have known, about the hazing risk?

If your case meets these criteria, we are ready to fight for you, offering video consultations and traveling to Whitfield County when needed.

Contact Us: Your First Call in a Legal Emergency

If your child in Whitfield County has been affected by hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. This is why we are Attorney 911. We provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help when you need it most. You don’t have to navigate this traumatic experience alone. We are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for Whitfield County victims too.

Whitfield County Families: Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline 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 by calling this number directly.

Our Promise to Whitfield County Families:

• No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. You pay us $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to represent hazing victims nationwide, including those in Whitfield County. We offer convenient video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Whitfield County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
• Bilingual Services: Se habla español. Our team is fluent in Spanish, ready to assist Hispanic families in Whitfield County with initial consultations and ongoing communication, ensuring no language barrier impedes your fight for justice.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the profound emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. We treat every Whitfield County family with the care and respect a family member deserves. As one of our clients stated, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

For Any Victim of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

To any other student who was exposed to or involved in the hazing at Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, which led to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization: We know there are more of you. Leonel was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others endured waterboarding, forced eating, physical abuse, and psychological torture.

You have rights. We can represent you, just as we are representing Leonel. As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

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

Don’t delay. The clock is ticking on your right to seek justice. Contact Attorney 911 today.