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. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Wilkes County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we represent hazing victims and their families in Wilkes County and across America. Our firm is currently in a fierce legal battle, fighting for a young man from the Houston area who was brutalized by a fraternity to the point of kidney failure. This isn’t a theoretical fight; it’s happening right now, in a courtroom not far from where families in Wilkes County send their children to college. We understand the anger, the fear, and the helplessness you might be feeling. We are here to transform that into powerful action.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is abuse, assault, and often, it is a crime. When your child is brutalized because they wanted to belong, every institution that enabled that violence must face justice. From the individual perpetrators to the national organizations and the universities that allow them to operate on their campuses, we pursue every entity responsible. This is about more than just compensation; it’s about sending an undeniable message: hazing will no longer be tolerated.

The Haunting Reality of Hazing in Wilkes County and Beyond

Wilkes County is a community where families prioritize education and a bright future for their children. Many students from Wilkes County aspire to attend universities across Georgia, the Southeast, and even nationally, including institutions like the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, or even beyond to major hubs like the University of Houston or Texas A&M. These institutions, full of promise, are also fertile ground for one of the most insidious forms of abuse: hazing.

The image of hazing that many parents in Wilkes County might hold—of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences—is dangerously outdated. Today’s hazing is increasingly violent, psychologically damaging, and often life-threatening. The incidents are not isolated; they are systemic, often perpetuated by national organizations with deep pockets and by universities that prioritize reputation over student safety.

We want families in Wilkes County to understand that the same patterns of abuse, the same reckless disregard for student well-being, and the same institutional failures that we are fighting in our current landmark case are present in Greek life chapters and student organizations at campuses your children might attend. Hazing knows no geographic boundaries; it’s a nationwide epidemic that demands aggressive, unwavering legal action.

Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

This case isn’t just a headline; it’s Leonel’s story, and it is the blueprint for how we fight hazing. It is a stark warning to families in Wilkes County about what hazing truly looks like today, and it is a testament to our firm’s unwavering commitment to victims.

This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities across Georgia and near Wilkes County. The same fraternities operate near Wilkes County. The same negligence exists at institutions throughout the country. And we will fight for Wilkes County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

The Story of Leonel Bermudez: A Warning to Every Parent

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who hadn’t even officially enrolled at the University of Houston. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester, eager to make new connections. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, hoping for friendship and belonging. What followed was a weeks-long nightmare of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation that tragically landed him in the hospital.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. This lawsuit targets not only the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter but also the national Pi Kappa Phi Headquarters, their housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, other current members, and even former members and a spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence.

This comprehensive approach is exactly what parents in Wilkes County can expect from Attorney911. We leave no stone unturned in identifying and pursuing every responsible party.

The Unthinkable Acts: What Leonel Endured

The details of Leonel’s hazing are horrifying and reveal the true brutality often hidden behind fraternity house doors.

“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.” This is how Ralph Manginello described the aftermath of Leonel’s ordeal to ABC13 News.

The hazing activities Leonel was subjected to included:

• Simulated Waterboarding: As reported by KHOU 11, Leonel was “waterboarded with a garden hose.” Houston Public Media echoed this, stating, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is not a college prank; it is abuse on par with tactics used in interrogation, a violation of human rights.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: On November 3, 2025, just days before his hospitalization, Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform over “500 squats,” “100+ pushups,” “high-volume suicides” (running drills), “bear crawls,” “wheelbarrows,” “save-you-brother drills,” “two-mile warmups,” and “repeated 100-yard crawls.” He was made to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this relentless physical torment, all under threat of expulsion. He was exercised “past the point of physical exhaustion” until he “could not stand without help.” The Houston Chronicle further reported that he was “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Forced Consumption Until Vomiting: He was forced to ingest large amounts of “milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns” until he vomited. Then, he was allegedly “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. In another disturbing incident on October 13, 2025, another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.” Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and endured sleep deprivation, driving fraternity members during early morning hours.

The Medical Emergency: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

The physical toll of these torturous acts led to a severe medical crisis. Leonel was found “passing brown urine”—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was rushed to the hospital on November 6, 2025, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent “three nights and four days in the hospital,” according to Houston Public Media, recovering from this life-threatening condition. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood, which can lead to permanent kidney damage or even death. This is the SAME medical condition Attorney911 has successfully litigated before, demonstrating Mr. Manginello’s specific expertise in these complex cases.

The Institutional Cover-Up and Admission of Guilt

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters closed its University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter, effective November 14, 2025. Their website statement admitted to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure, just seven days before our lawsuit was filed, is a clear admission of guilt and an attempt to distance the national organization from the egregious actions of its chapter. Yet, in the same breath, they declared, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” revealing a profound lack of remorse and a readiness to resume operations after public scrutiny subsides.

The University of Houston, despite a spokesperson saying the “events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards” and mentioning “potential criminal charges,” has also been named in our lawsuit. KHOU 11 reported that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” directly linking the institution to the site of the abuse. This, combined with their history of hazing incidents (a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen in 2017 due to hazing at a different UH fraternity), demonstrates a systemic failure to protect students.

The Media Spotlight: Holding Them Accountable

This case has garnered significant media attention from outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media. This widespread coverage amplifies Leonel’s story and underscores the severity of the hazing crisis. It is this kind of public pressure, coupled with aggressive legal action, that forces real change.

Media Coverage Highlights:

• ABC13 Houston: Published their report on November 21, 2025, detailing the severe physical and psychological abuse, and quoting our attorneys.
• KHOU 11: Broke the story on November 21, 2025, naming Leonel Bermudez and revealing that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.”
• Houston Chronicle: Covered the lawsuit on November 22, 2025, listing the specific, grueling exercises and the use of “wooden paddles.”
• Houston Public Media: Reported on November 24, 2025, confirming the $10 million demand and explicitly stating, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”

This case is not just about Leonel Bermudez; it is about sending a message that resonates far beyond the University of Houston campus. It is a message that we intend to deliver to every university, every national fraternity, and every individual who believes that such barbaric practices have a place in our educational institutions. For families in Wilkes County, this case is proof that Attorney911 doesn’t just talk about fighting hazing—we are actively in the trenches, securing justice.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the “Pranks”

For parents in Wilkes County, it’s vital to understand what hazing has become. It’s not the silly, harmless activities often depicted in movies or romanticized by nostalgia. Hazing today is a dangerous, often life-threatening, form of abuse.

Based on our current Pi Kappa Phi case and other documented hazing incidents across the nation, here’s what hazing truly entails:

1. Physical Abuse and Torture:

• Forced Extreme Exercise: Pledges are often made to perform calisthenics, running drills (“suicides”), bear crawls, and wheelbarrows for hours, often without adequate rest or water, leading to severe injury. Leonel Bermudez’s injury from 500 squats and 100+ pushups is a prime example.
• Beatings and Paddling: The use of “wooden paddles” as physical punishment, as suffered by Leonel, is a direct assault.
• Exposure: Forced exposure to cold weather (stripping to underwear), often combined with being sprayed by water, as in Leonel’s waterboarding incident, leads to hypothermia and distress.
• Branding and Branding Alternatives: While not directly in our current case, other notorious incidents include branding with hot implements or forcing individuals to endure painful tattoos.

2. Forced Consumption:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: This is a leading cause of hazing deaths. Pledges are coerced into binge drinking, drinking until they blackout, or consuming entire bottles of liquor (as in the Andrew Coffey case). This often involves answering questions incorrectly leading to more drinks (as in the Max Gruver case).
• Non-Food Substances & Food to Vomiting: Forcing consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, as Leonel experienced, is a method of physical torture that can lead to choking or aspiration. Other incidents include consumption of vile or unsanitary mixtures.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation:

• Degradation and Humiliation: Forced public nudity, carrying objects of a sexual nature as in Leonel’s case, or being made to lie in vomit-soaked grass are designed to strip pledges of dignity and create extreme psychological distress.
• Sleep Deprivation: Requiring pledges to drive members in early hours, attend mandatory late-night events, or undergo prolonged “interrogations” deprives them of essential rest, impairing judgment and physical health.
• Threats and Coercion: Threats of physical punishment, social ostracization, or expulsion from the organization create an environment of fear that prevents victims from speaking out.
• Isolation: Sometimes pledges are isolated from friends, family, and resources, further increasing their vulnerability.

4. Sexual Hazing:

• This abhorrent category, while not currently detailed in our specific lawsuit, is a known and terrifying element of hazing that includes forced sexual acts, sexually suggestive behavior, or harassment. The requirement to carry “objects of a sexual nature” in Leonel’s case borders on this category.

How This Impacts Students from Wilkes County:
Whether your student attends the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Emory University, or any other institution with Greek life, these hazing patterns are a pervasive dangerous reality. The national fraternities and sororities that operate chapters close to Wilkes County are the same organizations linked to these brutal incidents nationwide. They are often hiding dangerous cultures under a veneer of “leadership development” and “community service.”

It’s NOT “Boys Will Be Boys”: It’s a Crime.
The notion that hazing is “just part of the experience” or “boys will be boys” must be vehemently rejected by families in Wilkes County. When these activities lead to injury, hospitalization, or death, they are:

• Assault and Battery: Intentional physical harm.
• False Imprisonment: Forcing someone to remain against their will.
• Reckless Endangerment: Creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury.
• Criminal Hazing: Most states, including our home state of Texas, have specific laws making hazing a criminal offense.
• Manslaughter or Murder: In cases of severe injury or death.

We aim to dismantle these harmful stereotypes and equip parents in Wilkes County with the knowledge that their child’s pain is real, valid, and legally actionable. We are here to help you seek justice, not just for your family, but to ensure that what happened to your child does not happen to another.

Who Is Responsible: Every Entity That Participated or Allowed It

The beauty of hazing litigation is that it allows us to hold multiple layers of individuals and institutions accountable. When a child from Wilkes County is harmed by hazing, we refuse to let the perpetrators hide behind the Greek letters, university policies, or complex organizational structures. We peel back every layer to expose every responsible party.

In our current $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez, we have identified and named a comprehensive list of defendants. This approach illustrates exactly who can be held responsible in a hazing case in Wilkes County:

1. The Individual Perpetrators:

   • Chapter Officers: This includes individuals like the Fraternity President and the Pledgemaster who directly orchestrated or oversaw the hazing activities. These are often named defendants due to their leadership roles and direct involvement.
   • Participating Members: Any current fraternity members who actively engaged in, encouraged, or failed to intervene during hazing acts can be held liable.
   • Former Members & Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, former members and a spouse were named because hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability beyond current students to alumni who facilitate such abuse and even homeowners who knowingly allow it on their property. This highlights how far our legal reach extends to ensure accountability for all who participate, directly or indirectly.

   Why They’re Liable: These individuals directly commit the acts of assault, battery, and hazing. While they may have fewer personal assets than institutions, holding them personally accountable sends a powerful message, as seen in the $6.5 million judgment against an individual in the Stone Foltz case.

2. The Local Fraternity Chapter:

   • The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston is a primary defendant. They are liable because they directly organized and conducted the hazing. Chapters exist as recognized entities that recruit and induct members, making them directly responsible for the activities they sanction.

   Why They’re Liable: The chapter itself, as an organization, can be held responsible for the actions of its members and leaders.

3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization:

   • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national headquarters, is a major defendant in Leonel’s case. National organizations have a fundamental duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure the safety of their members.
   • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: This corporate entity often owns or manages the fraternity houses. They are named because they control the premises where hazing can occur.

   Why They’re Liable: National organizations often have substantial assets and insurance policies. They are liable when they know (or should have known) about a dangerous hazing culture within their chapters but fail to intervene or implement effective safeguards. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National had knowledge of a “hazing crisis” and had experienced a hazing death (Andrew Coffey in 2017) makes their negligence undeniable. When they “thank” the university for “collaboration” to shut down a chapter, it shows they recognize their own culpability and are trying to mitigate further damage.

4. The University or College:

   • The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are key defendants in our lawsuit. Universities have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe environment for their students.
   • Crucially, in Leonel’s case, KHOU 11 reported that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This is a critical detail, as it directly implicates the university in a premises liability claim.

   Why They’re Liable: Universities face liability when they:

   • Own or Control Property: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, they have a duty to ensure its safety.
   • Fail to Supervise: They have a responsibility to oversee Greek life and other student organizations.
   • Have Prior Knowledge: When a university has a documented history of hazing incidents (as UH did with a 2017 hazing hospitalization), their failure to act demonstrates willful negligence.
   • Fail to Enforce Policies: Universities typically have anti-hazing policies that they must actively enforce.

By casting such a wide net of responsibility, we ensure that every party that played a role in the hazing of your child in Wilkes County, from those who actively participated to those who passively enabled, is held accountable. This approach maximizes the potential for meaningful compensation and, critically, forces systemic change that protects future students.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Wilkes County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the question of “what can we achieve” is paramount. Our answer is backed by a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the nation. These landmark cases prove unequivocally that justice for hazing victims is attainable and often comes with significant financial compensation.

Here’s why these precedents matter for a family in Wilkes County: they demonstrate that the strategies we employ are effective, and the damages we seek are not only justifiable but consistent with what courts and juries demand for such egregious acts.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Setting the Bar for Wilkes County Cases

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

   • What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event and died from alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: Settlements included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and individuals, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. A former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was also found personally liable for $6.5 million in a December 2024 judgment.
   • Relevance to Wilkes County: This case sets a benchmark. Our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case is directly aligned with the recovery families have received in similar, tragic circumstances. It proves that both universities and national fraternities are on the hook for millions, and individuals can face severe personal liability.

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

   • What Happened: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual called “Bible Study,” where he was punished for incorrect answers.
   • Outcome: A jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict to the Gruver family. Criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, followed. The event also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Relevance to Wilkes County: This jury verdict underscores that when defendants refuse to settle, juries are willing to award substantial sums to hazing victims. It also highlights how these cases can lead to vital legislative change, echoing our firm’s goal of preventing future harm.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlements)

   • What Happened: Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs multiple times, and despite severe injuries, fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding.
   • Outcome: Confidential settlements, estimated to be over $110 million, were reached with various parties. Multiple criminal charges and convictions, including involuntary manslaughter, occurred. This tragedy led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
   • Relevance to Wilkes County: This case, with its strong evidence (captured by security cameras), demonstrates the immense financial and legal pressure institutions face when confronted with undeniable proof of negligence. While the amounts are staggering, it illustrates the high cost of institutional indifference and the potential for families to achieve massive redress when facts are clear.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case

   • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event.
   • Outcome: The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed, criminal charges were filed against nine members, and a confidential civil settlement was reached.
   • Relevance to Wilkes County: This is a crucial precedent for our Leonel Bermudez case because Andrew Coffey died in hazing perpetrated by the same national organization: Pi Kappa Phi. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a knowing disregard for student safety by the national fraternity, proving that Leonel’s injuries were entirely foreseeable. This provides powerful leverage for higher punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi.

Why Attorney911’s $10 Million Demand is Not Justified, It’s Necessary

These precedents confirm that our firm’s pursuit of $10 million in damages for Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization (not even a death case) is not arbitrary. It reflects:

• The Severity of Injuries: Leonel suffered life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring extensive hospitalization and potentially long-term medical care.
• Egregious Conduct: Waterboarding, physical beatings, and forced consumption are abhorrent acts that warrant maximum accountability.
• Institutional Knowledge & Negligence: Both Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston had prior knowledge of deadly hazing incidents and failed to implement effective preventative measures.
• Punitive Damages: The deliberate indifference and reckless actions of the defendants strongly support significant punitive damages, intended to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

For families in Wilkes County, this means that if your child is harmed by hazing, the possibility of holding the responsible parties accountable for millions of dollars is very real. We leverage these past victories, combined with our strategic data-driven approach, to ensure hazing victims in Wilkes County receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Not A Defense

For parents in Wilkes County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial, especially when facing institutions that will inevitably try to shift blame onto victims. While our firm is based in Texas, many states have anti-hazing laws inspired by the same principles, and federal civil rights claims apply regardless of location. The core legal protections are in place to empower victims, not to protect perpetrators.

Understanding Texas Hazing Laws: The Foundation of Our Fight

At Attorney911, we are deeply familiar with the Texas hazing laws, particularly Texas Education Code Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These laws provide a robust framework for criminal prosecution and, importantly, for civil lawsuits.

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

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety.
• Includes physical brutality (whipping, striking, branding).
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or calisthenics that pose “unreasonable risk of harm.”
• Forces consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol that causes “unreasonable risk of harm.”
• Requires performing a task that violates the Penal Code.

Directly Applicable to Leonel Bermudez’s Case: Every act Leonel endured—from waterboarding and wooden paddles to 500 squats and forced eating—falls squarely within this statutory definition. His injury (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) is a direct result of acts that posed “unreasonable risk of harm” and endangered his “physical health or safety.”

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law carries significant criminal consequences for hazing, ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (for engaging in or failing to report hazing) to a Class A Misdemeanor for hazing causing serious bodily injury (which applies directly to Leonel’s kidney failure) and a State Jail Felony for hazing causing death. The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges” in relation to Leonel’s case, signaling the criminal severity of the acts.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): This is a critical provision that holds organizations accountable. It states that an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and denial of operating permission on campus. This provision allows us to target not just individuals, but the fraternity chapter and national organization itself.

The Most Crucial Legal Protection: “Consent Is Not a Defense” (§ 37.154)

This statute is a cornerstone of our hazing litigation strategy and offers immense protection for victims in Wilkes County:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is not a subtlety; it’s a direct and unambiguous rebuke to the pervasive myth that hazing victims “sign up for it” or “agree to participate.” When fraternities, universities, or defense attorneys try to argue that Leonel—or your child in Wilkes County—”consented” to being waterboarded, beaten, or driven to kidney failure, Texas law explicitly states that this argument is irrelevant and inadmissible.

Why This Matters for Your Child in Wilkes County:

• Empowers Victims: It removes the burden of guilt or self-blame that often plagues hazing victims who felt pressured to endure abuse.
• Dismantles Defense Strategies: It preemptively invalidates the primary defense tactic often employed by fraternities and universities.
• Focuses on Perpetrator Conduct: It shifts the legal focus entirely onto the actions of those who committed and enabled the hazing, not on the choices of the victim under duress.

Beyond Criminal: Civil Liability for Hazing Victims

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits provide the means for victims and their families in Wilkes County to recover compensation for their immense suffering and losses. We pursue multiple civil liability theories, ensuring every responsible party is brought to justice:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common claim. It asserts that the defendants (individuals, chapter, nationals, university) had a duty of care to protect the student, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, this breach caused the injuries, and the injuries resulted in damages.
2. Premises Liability: Crucial in Leonel’s case, where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Property owners have a duty to ensure safety on their premises.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to both national organizations and universities that fail to adequately oversee their chapters and student groups.
4. Assault and Battery: These intentional torts target individuals who directly inflict physical harm, ensuring they are personally accountable.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim addresses the severe psychological and emotional trauma caused by egregious hazing acts, opening the door for recovery for PTSD, anxiety, and other lasting mental health impacts.

For every family in Wilkes County dealing with hazing, know this: the law is on your side. We use these precise legal tools to dismantle the defenses of powerful institutions and secure the justice and compensation your child deserves. We are not intimidated by their resources; we are armed with the law and a relentless commitment to our clients.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Wilkes County Hazing Victims

When your child in Wilkes County has been devastated by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal team with the expertise, aggression, and insider knowledge to dismantle powerful institutions. Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, offers a unique blend of qualifications that make us the clear choice for families facing this crisis. While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends nationwide, and we are committed to serving families in Wilkes County with the same fierce advocacy.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantages:

1. Ralph P. Manginello: Battle-Tested Litigation Experience

   • 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Mr. Manginello brings over two decades of aggressive litigation to every case. This isn’t just theory; it’s battle-tested experience in state and federal courts. For Wilkes County families, this means proven expertise fighting for victims.
   • Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph started his career defending insurance companies. He knows their playbook, their strategies, and exactly how they try to minimize claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and build unassailable cases for hazing victims. This insight is invaluable for families in Wilkes County whose child’s case will inevitably involve multiple insurance providers.
   • Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion mass tort litigation—a case involving 15 deaths and over 180 injuries against a massive corporate defendant—demonstrates his capacity and experience in taking on the largest, most well-resourced opponents. This background is directly applicable to fighting universities and national fraternities with significant legal and financial power.
   • Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with appellate experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Ralph has the jurisdiction to pursue hazing cases in federal court nationwide, including for victims in Wilkes County. Many hazing cases against national fraternities and multi-state universities often move to federal court due to the interstate nature of the defendants.
   • Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): This unique qualification provides a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in different states. It allows for broader legal maneuverability and access to different legal strategies.
   • Journalism Background: Ralph’s journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin means he is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories persuasively. Hazing cases often require exposing what institutions want to keep hidden, and this skill is paramount.
   • Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience litigating rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and cases involving institutional negligence. Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez amplifies this expertise, proving we are actively fighting these battles.
   • Father of Three: Beyond legal acumen, Ralph is a father. This personal understanding of what’s at stake for families deepens his commitment to fighting for justice.

2. Lupe Eleno Peña: The Insurance Defense Insider

   • Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Mr. Peña also worked for a nationwide insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, before dedicating his career to representing personal injury victims. He brings an insider’s view of how powerful insurance companies evaluate, delay, and attempt to deny claims across numerous practice areas, from product liability to construction law. This means he knows how they think and how to dismantle their defenses specifically for Wilkes County hazing claims.
   • “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight” Philosophy: This is Mr. Peña’s litigation philosophy, and it’s precisely what’s needed to take on well-funded defendants in hazing cases. He’s dedicated to meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and relentless advocacy.
   • Proficient in Spanish (Se Habla Español): For the diverse community in Wilkes County and across the nation, Mr. Peña’s fluency in Spanish ensures that Hispanic families affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.
   • Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: With experience recovering millions for clients in wrongful death, dram shop (holding alcohol providers accountable), trucking accident, and catastrophic injury cases, Mr. Peña is well-versed in the severe damages often seen in hazing incidents.

Our Client-Centered Approach:

• We Come to Wilkes County: Although headquartered in Houston, we are prepared to travel to Wilkes County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
• Remote Consultations: For families in Wilkes County and beyond, we offer convenient video consultations, ensuring immediate access to expert legal advice.
• Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost to You: We understand that families are already burdened by medical costs and emotional distress. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case. This levels the playing field against well-funded institutions and ensures that financial concerns don’t prevent access to justice. You pay $0 upfront.
• Deep Emotional Investment: We don’t see clients as just cases; we see them as individuals and families who have suffered immense injustice. As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This passion drives our relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims in Wilkes County.
• 24/7 Availability: Hazing emergencies don’t stick to business hours. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultations, providing immediate legal support when your family needs it most.

Social Proof: What Our Clients Say

Our reputation is built on trust and results, reflected in our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews on Google. Clients consistently praise our firm for treating them like family, our consistent communication, and our unwavering fight for maximum settlements. Testimonials speak of Ralph as a “true PITT BULL and fighter” and praise the compassion and effectiveness of our team, including Mr. Peña.

For families in Wilkes County, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a legal team that combines unparalleled experience, insider knowledge, aggressive advocacy, and genuine compassion—all dedicated to securing justice for your child.

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

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Wilkes County or anywhere else, the time to act is now. The emotional toll is heavy, but legal deadlines are critical, and evidence must be preserved immediately. We understand this is a terrifying and confusing time. Here’s clear, actionable guidance to protect your child’s rights and build a strong foundation for their case.

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, consult with medical professionals.

   • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries are thoroughly documented by doctors. Request copies of all medical records, hospital visits, ER reports, and physician’s notes. For physical injuries like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, every lab result and treatment record is crucial. For psychological trauma, seeking therapy and documenting its impact is vital.
   • Video: “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” (Refer to our YouTube library for more guidance on this.)

2. Preserve All Evidence: Hazing cases often rely heavily on digital and personal testimony.

   • Digital Communications: SAVE every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Your child may feel tempted to delete these out of shame or fear, but they are critical evidence. These can show coercion, threats, and specific hazing requests.
   • Photos and Videos: Collect any photos or videos of the hazing activities or injuries. If your child has injuries, photograph them at all stages of healing. If you can safely obtain images of the hazing location, do so.
   • Documents: Keep all pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or guidelines provided by the organization.
   • Witness Information: Gather names and contact information for any other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
   • Academic and Financial Records: Document any impact the hazing had on your child’s academic performance, enrollment status, or ability to work. Keep records of tuition, fees, and lost wages.
   • Video: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” (This is a must-watch for practical tips on digital evidence.)

3. Do Not Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers:

   • Do Not Engage: Do not speak to local chapter officers, national fraternity representatives, university administrators, or their legal counsel without first consulting your own attorney. They are not on your side; their goal is to minimize their liability and get you to say something that can hurt your child’s case.
   • Do Not Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity or university without legal review. These documents may waive your child’s rights.
   • Do Not Give Recorded Statements: Our firm’s advice is clear: “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” (a key video in our library). This applies equally to university and fraternity representatives. If you do not have an attorney, politely decline to give any recorded statements.

4. Stay Off Social Media:

   • Do Not Post: Refrain from posting about the hazing incident or your child’s injuries on any social media platform. Anything your child posts can and will be used against them to undermine their claims of injury or suffering.
   • Do Not Delete (Except Our Advice): While the general rule is to preserve evidence, if your child has already posted something harmful to their case, consult with us immediately before taking any action. Do not delete evidence, as that could be spoliation.
   • Video: “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” (Essential viewing for every victim.)

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

   • Time is Critical: There are strict legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations (typically two years in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death cases). Evidence disappears, memories fade, and perpetrators can cover their tracks. Waiting jeopardizes your child’s case. Leonel Bermudez’s case was filed within weeks of his hospitalization; this swift action is crucial.
   • We Come to You: For families in Wilkes County, distance is not an obstacle. We offer video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Wilkes County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed.
   • Contingency Fees: Remember, there is no upfront cost. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
   • Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (Available 24/7).
   • Email: ralph@atty911.com

If Your Child Witnesses Hazing in Wilkes County:

If your child has witnessed hazing, but not been directly harmed themselves, they still have an important role in stopping abuse. Encourage them to:

• Document Everything Safely: If possible, discreetly collect evidence just as a victim would.
• Speak Up: Encourage them to report the hazing to a trusted adult, university official, or directly to Attorney911. Witnesses can be crucial to holding perpetrators accountable.

The decisions you make in the first hours and days after a hazing incident can profoundly impact the outcome of a potential legal claim. Trust your instincts, gather information, and reach out to an experienced legal team that understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation. We are here to guide families in Wilkes County through every step of this challenging process.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here

Wilkes County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for Wilkes County 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. We know how to WIN. Wilkes County families get the same aggressive representation.

The moment of crisis, whether it’s a terrifying call from a university, an unexpected trip to the emergency room, or the quiet confession of abuse from your child, feels like a legal emergency. That’s exactly what we handle at Attorney911. We are your first responders to these legal emergencies, and for families in Wilkes County, that readiness is crucial.

Call Now – Free Consultation

Your family doesn’t have to face this nightmare alone. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your child’s hazing incident. There’s no obligation, just expert legal advice to help you understand your options.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7 for Wilkes County hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable team ready to listen, understand, and guide you on your next steps.

We Work on Contingency: You Pay $0 Upfront

We understand the financial strains that come with a medical crisis and the fear of legal costs. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

• You pay us absolutely nothing upfront.
• We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

This means financial barriers will never prevent families in Wilkes County from accessing the top-tier legal representation they deserve against powerful fraternities and universities.

We Serve Wilkes County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), hazing is a national crisis impacting communities like Wilkes County and students at universities across Georgia and the entire country. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice for victims no matter where the hazing occurred.

• Federal Court Authority: This enables us to litigate complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often where national fraternities and universities operate across state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing broader legal reach and a strategic advantage against national organizations.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience, we offer secure and confidential video consultations, allowing families in Wilkes County to meet with our attorneys remotely.
• Travel Commitment: We will travel to Wilkes County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to justice for your family.

We represent victims of hazing in ALL types of organizations, not just fraternities and sororities:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions near Wilkes County, such as the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, or Georgia Tech.
• Sports teams in collegiate and community settings.
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any club or organization that replaces mentorship with abuse.

To Other Victims of Hazing: Your Story Matters

If Leonel Bermudez’s story resonates with you, or if you were one of the other pledges subjected to the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, we know there are more of you. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout on October 15, 2025. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. You have legal rights too, and we can represent you.

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.

The message to every university and fraternity operating in or near Wilkes County is clear:

• We know who you are.
• We know your corporate structure.
• We know your national organization’s hazing death record and how much they have paid in settlements.
• When you haze students, we will use every piece of intelligence to hold you accountable. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

Don’t let fear or intimidation prevent you from seeking justice. Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, depends on it.

Call Attorney911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911.