If you’re reading this, your family in Brooks County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a future, and find their place in the world. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and gravely injured by a fraternity or other student organization. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Brooks County fight back against the institutions that betrayed your trust.

We are Attorney 911, and we are actively engaged in the fight against hazing right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston, representing a young man named Leonel Bermudez who was waterboarded, hog-tied, stuffed with food until he vomited, and forced to exercise until his kidneys failed. This isn’t theoretical; this is happening in real time, in Texas, at a major university. The same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice we bring to our Houston cases is available to families in Brooks County.

The Haunting Echoes in Brooks County: When “Brotherhood” Becomes Torture

The promise of fraternity and sorority life often includes lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and community service. Parents in Brooks County send their children to colleges and universities across Georgia and the Southeast, trusting these institutions to provide a safe environment for growth and learning. Yet, beneath the veneer of camaraderie, a dark and dangerous secret persists: hazing.

Hazing is not just harmless pranks or Rites of Passage. As we’ve seen firsthand in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, it has evolved into severe physical and psychological torture that can lead to life-altering injuries and even death. In Brooks County, where values of community and family run deep, the betrayal of trust by these organizations is particularly devastating.

Families throughout Brooks County, whether your child attends Valdosta State University just to the east, or heads further north to institutions like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, need to understand that hazing can happen anywhere. The national fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities near Brooks County operate under the same organizational structures that have enabled hazing for decades. And the same tragic consequences that unfolded in Houston can occur right here, impacting Brooks County’s students and families.

Our mission is to ensure that what happened to Leonel Bermudez—and countless others—never happens again. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in the courts, holding accountable every individual, every chapter, every national organization, and every educational institution responsible for these barbaric acts.

The Hazing Crisis: A National Epidemic That Reaches Brooks County

The crisis of hazing is pervasive across American college campuses, including those where students from Brooks County choose to pursue their education. Hazing is a complex and deeply ingrained problem, often shrouded in secrecy and perpetuated by a culture of silence and fear. It is not confined to obscure corners; it thrives even at prestigious institutions where parents expect the highest standards of care.

We recognize that families in Brooks County send their children to universities with aspirations, not anxieties about their safety. Yet, the statistics paint a chilling picture:

• Over half of students (55%) involved in Greek letter organizations experience hazing. This staggering number means that hundreds of thousands of young people across the country, including those who once walked the halls of Lowndes High School or Valdosta High School, are subjected to abuse in the name of “tradition.”
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the United States every single year. This isn’t a fluke; it’s a relentless, preventable tragedy.
• A shocking 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The fear of retribution, the pressure to conform, the shame, and the belief that reporting won’t make a difference keep victims trapped in a cycle of silence. This culture of fear is exactly what these organizations leverage to continue their abusive practices.

When we talk about “hazing,” we’re not talking about minor indignities. We’re talking about systematic abuse designed to break individuals down, both physically and psychologically. This crisis impacts fraternities, sororities, collegiate athletic teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various other university clubs and organizations. No student activity is immune to the potential for hazing, making vigilance and a firm legal response paramount for Brooks County families.

We see the problem not just as individual acts of aggression, but as a colossal failure of institutions. Universities know hazing happens. National organizations know hazing happens. They have policies, they have rules, and they have the power to stop it. Yet, too often, they choose not to – until a student ends up hospitalized or worse. Only then do they scramble to issue statements, “suspend” chapters, and claim they are “shocked” by the events. We believe these actions are often too little, too late, and designed more to protect their brand than to genuinely protect students.

For families in Brooks County whose children attend colleges such as Valdosta State University, or other institutions across Georgia and neighboring states, this understanding is critical. The national fraternities that operate here are part of the same system that injured Leonel Bermudez. These organizations often prioritize their “traditions,” alumni donations, and institutional reputation over the fundamental safety and well-being of their pledges. We are here to shatter that paradigm and force them to put student safety first.

The Face of Modern Hazing: Our $10 Million Fight in Houston

What Happened in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Case is a Warning to Brooks County

This isn’t a story from decades ago; it’s a terrifying account of modern hazing that unfolded recently in Houston, Texas. The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston is precisely why we do what we do. It illustrates the brutal reality of hazing today and serves as a stark warning to every parent in Brooks County whose child plans to attend college. We are fighting this battle right now, seeking $10 million in damages, and we will bring the same fierce dedication to justice for any hazing victim in Brooks County.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025, with plans to enroll in Spring 2026. They did this to someone who wasn’t even fully integrated into their university community yet.

What followed his bid acceptance was weeks of systematic abuse, humiliation, and physical torture. This was not about building character; it was about breaking it. These actions culminated in Leonel being hospitalized for four agonizing days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure – conditions that could have been fatal and may leave him with permanent organ damage.

Why This Case Is a Blueprint for Justice for Brooks County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi is a national fraternity with over 150 chapters across America, including chapters at universities where Brooks County students attend. The same toxic “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can, and likely do, exist in chapters near your community.
• Universities, like the University of Houston, bear responsibility when hazing occurs on their watch. The UH scenario highlights the institutional negligence that allows such abuses to fester, a negligence that can be found at other universities, including those near Brooks County.
• We don’t merely highlight; we actively litigate. Our firm, Attorney 911, filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. This case is new, it is ongoing, and it is a testament to our aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to hazing litigation.

News Coverage of Our Fight:
This case is making headlines, forcing major institutions and national organizations to confront their failures. We make sure these stories are told.

• ABC13 Houston: Reported on November 21-22, 2025, detailing “abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge.” Read the full story here.
• KHOU 11: Broke the news on November 21, 2025, explicitly stating, “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” Find the report here.
• Houston Public Media: Featured coverage on November 24, 2025, which highlighted the “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing,” and detailed the “ghost rush” status of Leonel Bermudez. Access the article here.
• Houston Chronicle: Provided additional details on November 22, 2025, about the lawsuit, including specific hazing activities like “high-volume suicides” and the use of “wooden paddles.” You can read their coverage here.

The Defendants Facing Our Lawsuit:
Our $10 million lawsuit names every entity responsible, casting a wide net to ensure comprehensive accountability:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The University of Houston Board of Regents
• The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and 11 other individual fraternity members.
• Even a former member and his spouse, because hazing incidents occurred at their residence.

This broad list of defendants demonstrates our commitment to identifying and pursuing every party that contributed to the harm. This is not about singling out a few students; it’s about dismantling the entire network of negligence and abuse.

The Hazing Activities Leonel Endured

The details of Leonel’s hazing are not for the faint of heart, but they are crucial for Brooks County parents to understand the brutal reality of what their children might face:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” This is an act of torture, recognized internationally as such. They did this to a young man they were supposed to welcome as a “brother.” Pledges were repeatedly sprayed in the face with a hose while performing calisthenics, and threatened with further waterboarding if they didn’t comply.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. This horrific act was then compounded by forcing him to continue running sprints while physically distressed, even making him lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included performing over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (a demanding running drill), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother drills.” He endured two-mile warmups and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed. He was forced to continue until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without assistance. In one particularly egregious instance, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during these forced workouts, requiring others to elevate his legs to revive him. Leonel was also struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather, forced to carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects, and witnessed another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to humiliate, degrade, and instill fear.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to profound exhaustion. The combination of intense physical exertion and lack of rest dangerously compromised his health.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure
All of these horrific acts culminated in a severe medical emergency. Leonel was rushed to the hospital after his mother noticed symptoms like brown urine – a classic indicator of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with:

• Severe Rhabdomyolysis: A serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into his bloodstream.
• Acute Kidney Failure: A life-threatening complication where his kidneys could no longer filter waste from his blood.
  He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, requiring intensive medical treatment. He continues to face the risk of permanent kidney damage. This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated in other hazing cases, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in this area.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Damage Control and Blame Shifting

• University of Houston’s Statement: A UH spokesperson openly called the hazing events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting an ongoing investigation and “potential criminal charges.” This acknowledgement of severe wrongdoing often comes only after a victim’s family bravely steps forward.
• Pi Kappa Phi National’s Response: The national organization swiftly closed the Beta Nu chapter on November 14, 2025 – a mere seven days before we filed our lawsuit. Their public statement expressed “regret” for “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy” but also stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a cynical strategy: shut down the problematic chapter to mitigate legal and public relations damage, then quietly plan a return, rather than fundamentally addressing the root causes of their hazing problem.

For families in Brooks County, this case is not just about a student in Houston. It is a critical warning about the nature of hazing, the severe consequences it can inflict, and the institutional failures that allow it to persist. It also serves as proof: Attorney 911 has the knowledge, experience, and resources to take on these powerful entities and demand justice. We don’t just talk about accountability; we deliver it.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Brooks County

When many people in Brooks County think of hazing, they might envision harmless pranks or mild inconveniences – activities far removed from the brutal reality our clients face. However, the truth is far more sinister. Modern hazing, particularly within fraternities, often involves systematic, prolonged abuse that pushes individuals to their physical and psychological limits, frequently resulting in severe injury or death. This is not about “building character” or “team bonding”; it is about dominance, control, and degradation.

We want to equip Brooks County parents, students, and community members with an accurate understanding of what genuine hazing entails, so you can recognize the warning signs before it’s too late. The behaviors our client, Leonel Bermudez, endured are not isolated. They are part of a widespread, dangerous culture that thrives on secrecy and perpetuates itself through intimidation and fear.

The Forms of Hazing We See Today:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond mild discomfort. It includes beatings, paddling with hands or objects (as with the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding with hot irons, forced calisthenics (like the 500 squats and 100 pushups that caused Leonel’s kidney failure), sleep deprivation tactics, and forced exposure to extreme weather or confined spaces. These acts create an unreasonable risk of physical harm and can lead to severe medical conditions such as rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, internal injuries, and heatstroke.
• Forced Consumption: This is a tragically common element in hazing, particularly involving alcohol. Pledges are often coerced into binge drinking, chugging entire bottles of liquor, or participating in dangerous drinking games. Beyond alcohol, hazers force consumption of unusual or repulsive foods, eating until vomiting (as Leonel experienced with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), or even non-food substances. These actions carry immense risks of alcohol poisoning, choking, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Psychological Torture: This aspect of hazing can leave scars as deep, if not deeper, than physical injuries. It involves humiliation, extreme verbal abuse, degradation, social isolation, and credible threats of physical harm or social ostracism for non-compliance. Leonel’s experience of being hog-tied, stripped, and forced to carry sexually suggestive objects are prime examples. The ultimate goal is to strip away individuality and assert absolute control, often leading to severe anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: This reprehensible form of hazing can involve forced nudity, unwanted sexual touching, coerced sexual acts, or being forced to carry or interact with sexually disturbing objects. These acts are not only deeply traumatic but also constitute sexual assault, a criminal offense.
• Water Torture (Simulated Drowning): As our client Leonel Bermudez tragically experienced with a garden hose, simulated waterboarding is an act of torture. It is designed to induce extreme panic and fear of drowning, creating immense psychological and physical trauma.
• Servitude and Isolation: Pledges are often forced to perform errands, clean houses, drive members around at all hours, or attend to members’ every demand. This culminates in sleep deprivation, loss of personal time, and a profound sense of powerlessness.

The Medical Consequences Are Real:
The injuries inflicted by hazing are far from minor:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: The devastating conditions that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez are a direct result of extreme physical exertion and lack of hydration. This is a life-threatening emergency.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Internal Injuries: From beatings or forced consumption.
• Long-term Psychological Damage: PTSD, chronic anxiety, and depression can affect victims for years, necessitating extensive therapy.
• Death: The ultimate, irreversible consequence, leaving families in Brooks County shattered.

For parents in Brooks County, understanding the true nature of hazing is your first line of defense. It’s crucial to have open conversations with your children about these dangers and to assure them that physical or psychological abuse is never a prerequisite for belonging. If your child experiences any of these terrifying rituals, know that you are not alone, and we are here to fight for justice.

Who Is Responsible? Every Entity That Participated or Allowed Hazing

When hazing leaves a student in Brooks County injured or, tragically, leads to their death, the responsibility extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. Our approach at Attorney 911 is to identify and pursue every single entity, from the individual students to the sprawling national organizations and the universities themselves, who bear legal culpability. This comprehensive strategy ensures that we target not just the “foot soldiers” of hazing, but the deep pockets and institutional enablers that allow these abuses to persist.

In the case of Leonel Bermudez, our $10 million lawsuit names a broad spectrum of defendants, illustrating just how many layers of negligence contribute to these tragedies. The same categories of liability apply to hazing incidents at colleges and universities near Brooks County.

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority:

• Why they are liable: The chapter directly organized, planned, and executed the hazing activities. They are the immediate perpetrators of the harm.
• Our approach: We sue the chapter as a collective entity, as well as its officers and individual members who participated. The chapter often holds assets, and its status as an officially recognized student organization carries weight.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

• Why they are liable: National organizations oversee local chapters. They are responsible for establishing anti-hazing policies, providing training, conducting audits, and enforcing rules. When they fail in these duties, or when they know about a pervasive hazing culture (like Pi Kappa Phi’s alleged “hazing crisis”) and fail to act effectively, they are directly negligent. National organizations have substantial assets and liability insurance policies designed to cover such incidents.
• Our approach: We aggressively pursue national organizations. They have the “deep pockets” required for significant compensation, and holding them accountable sends a message that resonates across all their chapters nationwide. As noted in the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi National immediately shuttered the Houston chapter upon learning of the hazing, demonstrating their knowledge of the severe violations. Their previous history, including the death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter in 2017, further establishes a pattern of negligence.

3. The University or College:

• Why they are liable: Universities have a fundamental duty to provide a safe educational environment for their students. This duty extends to regulating and overseeing recognized student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs (as the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house), their liability for premises negligence becomes even more pronounced. They can also be liable for negligent supervision of Greek life, failing to respond to prior warnings, or creating an environment where hazing is tacitly or overtly tolerated.
• Our approach: We don’t shy away from suing institutions like the University of Houston or the University of Georgia. Educational institutions have immense resources, and they often bear significant responsibility for allowing hazing to flourish under their watch. We examine their policies, their enforcement, and their history of hazing incidents (like UH’s prior 2017 hazing hospitalization) to demonstrate a pattern of institutional failure.

4. Individual Perpetrators:

• Why they are liable: Every student who actively participates in, directs, encourages, or condones hazing can be held personally responsible. This includes chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager) and individual members. Even individuals who host hazing activities at their private residences, like the former member and his spouse in the Bermudez case, can be named defendants.
• Our approach: We seek to hold individuals accountable. While they may not have the “deep pockets” of a national fraternity or university, their personal liability is crucial for comprehensive justice. As seen in the $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, a former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, individual officers can face severe personal financial consequences. Pursuing individuals also sends a powerful message that personal actions have serious repercussions.

5. The Housing Corporation:

• Why they are liable: Many fraternity chapters operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the actual residential properties. These corporations have a responsibility to ensure safety on their premises. If hazing occurs in a house owned or managed by a housing corporation, they can face premises liability claims.
• Our approach: We investigate the corporate structure behind every chapter. Identifying these entities, often tax-exempt organizations with their own assets and insurance, is critical for maximizing recovery.

6. Insurance Carriers:

• Why they are liable: Behind every national organization, university, chapter, and often even individuals (through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) are liability insurance policies. These are designed to cover claims arising from negligence, including hazing.
• Our approach: As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess invaluable insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. We know their strategies for minimizing payouts, and we are adept at navigating complex policy provisions to ensure maximum compensation for our clients.

For Brooks County families, understanding these layers of accountability is empowering. We don’t guess who is responsible; we investigate thoroughly, leveraging our deep knowledge of Greek life corporate structures, university oversight, and individual culpability. When your child is harmed by hazing, we pursue justice from every possible angle, ensuring that all responsible parties are held fully accountable.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Justice for Hazing Victims

When we embark on hazing litigation for families in Brooks County, we do so with a clear understanding of the severe consequences hazing inflicts and the substantial financial and punitive outcomes necessary to address them. The cases we pursue are rarely minor; they often involve profound physical and psychological injuries, sometimes resulting in death. Fortunately, there is a strong and growing body of legal precedent demonstrating that juries and courts are willing to award multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to enforce accountability.

These cases send a resounding message: hazing costs millions. These same legal strategies and outcomes are possible for victims in Brooks County, no matter where they attend college.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements That Have Shaped Hazing Litigation:

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

  • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old freshman, was hazed by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol, became severely intoxicated, and was dropped off at his apartment where he later died from acute alcohol poisoning.
  • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national organization, along with other individuals, settled for $7.2 million. The chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was also hit with a separate $6.5 million personal judgment in December 2024. This case represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Relevance to Brooks County: Our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent. It demonstrates that universities and national fraternities are willing to pay significant sums to resolve hazing claims, even in cases where the victim survived but suffered catastrophic injuries.

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

  • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual called “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. Gruver’s blood alcohol content was 0.495 — more than six times the legal limit.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. In a separate criminal case, a fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.
  • Relevance to Brooks County: This verdict underscores that juries are outraged by hazing and will award millions in compensation. It shows the combined power of civil litigation and criminal accountability in shaping public policy and deterrence.

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

  • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old sophomore, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual known as “the gauntlet.” He fell down a flight of stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911 despite his deteriorating condition. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
  • The Outcome: Multiple confidential settlements, estimated to exceed $110 million, were reached with various defendants, including the national fraternity and Penn State University. More than a dozen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Relevance to Brooks County: This monumental case proves that when there is strong evidence and egregious conduct, settlement figures can reach astronomical levels. It highlights the critical importance of evidence preservation – much like the detailed allegations we’ve assembled in the Bermudez case.

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

  • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge at Pi Kappa Phi’s Florida State chapter, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101 during a “Big Brother Night” ritual.
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing. The FSU chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family reached a civil settlement, though the amount remains confidential.
  • Relevance to Brooks County: This is our smoking gun. Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident exactly 8 years to the day before Leonel Bermudez suffered kidney failure in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident. This irrefutably demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing practices within its chapters and failed to act effectively for almost a decade. This pattern of negligence is critical for our case and can be used to seek significant punitive damages.

The Power of Precedent:
These cases—and many others nationwide—demonstrate a clear trend:

• Hazing is not protected by “tradition” or “brotherhood.” Courts and juries see it for what it is: assault, battery, and often, a tragic instance of negligence leading to wrongful death.
• Accountability extends up the chain. From individual pledges to chapter officers, national organizations, and the universities themselves, no party is immune from responsibility.
• Damages reflect the severity. When lives are lost or irrevocably altered, the financial compensation reflects the immense suffering, medical costs, lost futures, and the need to deter future bad acts through punitive damages.

For families in Brooks County, these precedents provide a blueprint for hope and a roadmap for justice. They show that standing up against powerful fraternities and universities is not only possible but can lead to transformative outcomes, forcing change and preventing future tragedies. We leverage this deep knowledge of past victories to fight for the maximum possible compensation for our clients.

Justice Under Georgia Law for Brooks County Hazing Victims

When a student in Brooks County is harmed by hazing, understanding the legal framework that protects them is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability for hazing are robust across the United States. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to effectively pursue cases anywhere in the country, ensuring that Brooks County victims receive the same top-tier representation regardless of location.

Even though our primary base of operations is in Houston, we are intimately familiar with Georgia’s legal landscape, where students from Brooks County attend colleges and universities.

Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)

Georgia has a comprehensive anti-hazing statute, which is broadly consistent with anti-hazing laws in other states, including Texas. This law makes it clear that hazing is a serious offense with legal consequences.

Definition of Hazing:
Georgia law defines hazing as “any event, activity, or ordeal engaged in or required by any student organization, or any member thereof, which subjects an individual to physical injury or mental harm, or which could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual, or which injures, degrades, or disgraces the individual, or which tends to injure, degrade, or disgrace the individual.”

Brooks County Application: This definition is broad and covers the types of physical and psychological abuses Leonel Bermudez endured, including forced exercise, water torture, forced consumption, and humiliation. The hazing your Brooks County child experienced almost certainly falls under this legal definition.

Criminal Penalties:
Georgia law classifies hazing as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, meaning individuals can face substantial fines and jail time. If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties can be even more severe. Criminal prosecution can run concurrently with a civil lawsuit, and often, a criminal finding strengthens the civil claim.

Key Provisions to Protect Brooks County Victims:

• Consent is NOT a Defense: Just like under Texas law, Georgia’s hazing statute explicitly states that the victim’s consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This is critical. Fraternities and universities often try to argue that “the pledge knew what they were signing up for” or “they could have left.” The law rejects this argument outright, recognizing the immense power differential and coercive nature of hazing. You cannot consent to being assaulted or tortured.
• Immunity for Reporting: Georgia law often includes provisions that grant immunity from hazing charges to individuals who, in good faith, report hazing activities to law enforcement or university officials. This is designed to encourage students to come forward without fear of self-incrimination.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal penalties punish the wrongdoers, civil lawsuits are directed at obtaining compensation for the victim’s injuries and suffering. For Brooks County families, this means pursuing financial recovery from all responsible parties. Our legal team leverages various civil liability theories to build an unassailable case:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common basis for hazing lawsuits. We must prove that the defendants (e.g., the fraternity, national organization, university) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., allowing hazing to occur, failing to supervise, inadequate policies), that this breach caused the student’s injuries, and that the student suffered demonstrable damages.

   • Brooks County Application: Universities near Brooks County have a duty to protect their students, especially in recognized organizations. National fraternities have a duty to safeguard their pledges. When they fail, leaving a student with severe injuries like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, they are negligent.

2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation (as the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house), these entities can be held liable. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment and address dangerous conditions.

   • Brooks County Application: Many fraternities and sororities at universities near Brooks County reside in houses or facilities owned or managed by the university or their respective housing corporations. If they allow a dangerous hazing environment to exist on their property, they are responsible.

3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, allowing hazing to occur unchecked. Similarly, universities can be held liable for negligent supervision if they fail to properly oversee Greek life organizations on their campus.

   • Brooks County Application: Our firm will meticulously investigate the oversight structures of any national organization and university involved in a Brooks County hazing incident, looking for patterns of ignored warnings or insufficient intervention.

4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators. “Assault” involves placing someone in fear of harmful contact, while “battery” is the actual harmful or offensive physical contact.

   • Brooks County Application: Acts like waterboarding, being struck with paddles, or forced physical exertion often constitute assault and battery by the individual fraternity members who perpetrated them.

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim holds parties accountable for extremely outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress.

   • Brooks County Application: The psychological torment inflicted through hazing, such as humiliation, degradation, and terror, often meets the high standard for IIED claims. Leonel Bermudez’s psychological trauma from waterboarding and other abuses would certainly qualify.

Statute of Limitations:
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those arising from hazing, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This is a critical deadline. If a lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, the victim typically loses their right to pursue compensation forever. This reinforces the urgency of contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible after a hazing incident.

For Brooks County families, understanding these legal avenues is essential. Our firm’s expertise in navigating these complex legal waters, coupled with our willingness to travel to Brooks County and work remotely, means that justice is within reach, regardless of location. We blend a deep understanding of state-specific laws like Georgia’s anti-hazing statutes with broader federal and common law principles to deliver comprehensive legal representation.

Why Attorney 911: Your Brooks County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your family in Brooks County faces the aftermath of a devastating hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate landscape of hazing litigation. We are Attorney 911, and we have positioned ourselves as the definitive authority on fraternity and sorority hazing cases in America. Our commitment to Brooks County families stems from our core belief that no student should suffer abuse in the name of “tradition,” and every responsible party must be held accountable.

We are not just a law firm; we are a tactical operation designed to bring justice to victims of negligence and abuse. For Brooks County, our advantage lies in our deep experience, proven track record, and unique legal strategies that set us apart from general personal injury firms.

1. Actively Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit RIGHT NOW:

• The Proof: Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez is not a theoretical exercise. It’s happening in Harris County Civil District Court, Texas, showing exactly how we aggressive represent victims. This is real-world, current experience against major institutional defendants.
• Brooks County Benefit: We bring this same, proven litigation strategy and deep understanding developed from live hazing cases directly to your family in Brooks County. We are in the fight, and we know how to win it.

2. Unequaled Insider Knowledge: Both Attorneys are Former Insurance Defense Lawyers:

• Ralph P. Manginello: Our founder, Ralph Manginello, began his career defending insurance companies. He gained invaluable insights into how insurers evaluate claims, identify weaknesses in plaintiffs’ cases, and strategize to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that “insider” knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our hazing victims.
• Lupe Eleno Peña: A third-generation Texan who previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. Lupe defended insurance companies against claims across various practice areas. He understands the internal tactics, valuation methods, and delay strategies employed by the defense. He literally knows their playbook because he helped write it.
• Brooks County Benefit: This combined 37+ years of dual-sided experience means we anticipate every move the defense will make. Whether it’s a university legal team or a national fraternity’s insurance adjuster, we know how they think, operate, and how to effectively counter their strategies to ensure Brooks County families receive maximum compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions = Nationwide Reach:

• Federal Court Admissions: Both Mr. Manginello and Mr. Peña are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts. This allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in the federal system, a crucial advantage when national fraternities, universities, or incidents crossing state lines are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York): This unique qualification helps us strategically wherever national fraternity headquarters are located or where national legal precedent is set.
• Brooks County Benefit: Even though we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve Brooks County families. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via phone and video, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Brooks County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

4. Deep Knowledge of Texas (and National) Hazing Law:

• Expertise in Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Hazing Statutes: We understand every nuance of these vital laws, including the critical provision that “consent is NOT a defense” to hazing—a point we hammer relentlessly against defendants.
• Broader Legal Framework: We apply various civil liability theories, including negligence, premises liability, negligent supervision, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, to maximize every avenue for recovery.
• Brooks County Benefit: Our comprehensive legal understanding extends to how Georgia’s anti-hazing laws and other state statutes interact with these broader principles, ensuring a robust case strategy tailored to your situation.

5. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Successes:

• Beyond Hazing: Our firm has a history of achieving significant compensation in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation. This demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against the largest corporate defendants.
• Hazing Specific: The precedents we leverage, like the $10.1 million in settlements in the Stone Foltz case or the $110 million+ in the Timothy Piazza case, are not just statistics to us; they are benchmarks for the justice we seek for our clients, including those in Brooks County.
• Brooks County Benefit: Our extensive experience in high-stakes litigation translates directly to our ability to fight for the highest possible settlements and verdicts in Brooks County hazing cases.

6. Compassionate, Bilingual, and Client-Centered Approach:

• Parent-First Philosophy: We understand that a hazing incident is a nightmare. Our empathetic approach means we speak to families in Brooks County with compassion and clarity, not legal jargon. We are here to guide you through this difficult journey.
• Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Brooks County receive comprehensive, culturally relevant, and clear legal counsel without language barriers.
• Brooks County Benefit: You are not just a case number to us. We treat Brooks County families like our own, ensuring clear communication, understanding, and unwavering support from your first call to the final resolution.

7. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs for Brooks County Families:

• Financial Barrier Removed: We understand that dealing with medical bills, emotional trauma, and academic disruption is already a heavy burden. We take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.
• Brooks County Benefit: You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are paid only if, and when, we successfully recover compensation for you. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures that every Brooks County family, regardless of their financial situation, can access aggressive, expert legal representation.

For families in Brooks County searching for answers and accountability after a hazing tragedy, Attorney 911 offers not just legal expertise, but a proven battlefield advantage. We know the fight, we know the enemy, and we are ready to stand squarely by your side.

What to Do Right Now for Brooks County Hazing Victims: Your Immediate Next Steps

If your child in Brooks County has been harmed by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can profoundly impact the strength of your legal case. We understand the fear, anger, and confusion you may be feeling, but we urge you to follow these steps to protect your child’s rights and secure the evidence needed for justice.

Here’s exactly what families in Brooks County should do right now:

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, consult a medical professional immediately.
• Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms, and medical complaints are thoroughly documented by doctors, nurses, and therapists. This creates an official record that is invaluable for your case. Insist on copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, hospital reports, and bills.
• Brooks County Connection: Whether your child is treated at Archbold Brooks Hospital in Quitman or other facilities around Brooks County/South Georgia, ensure comprehensive medical care and documentation.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Evidence is the backbone of any hazing lawsuit. It can disappear quickly, so act fast.

• Take Photos and Videos: Immediately photograph and video record any physical injuries, no matter how small—bruises, cuts, swelling, burns. Continuously document the healing process over days and weeks. If there is any physical evidence related to the hazing (e.g., specific objects, locations, clothing), photograph it.
• Collect Communications: This is absolutely critical in modern hazing cases.
  • Text Messages: Save every text message, including group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal).
  • Social Media: Take screenshots of all relevant posts, direct messages, and comments on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Do not delete them.
  • Emails: Preserve any emails related to the fraternity/sorority, pledgeship, or specific incidents.
• Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who:
  • Witnessed the hazing incident.
  • Was also hazed.
  • Heard about the hazing from others.
  • Helped your child after the incident.
  • Brooks County Connection: Other students from Valdosta, Thomasville, or even out of state might have crucial information.

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

• No Contact with Fraternity/Sorority: Do not speak to any local chapter members, alumni, or national leadership. They are not on your side and will likely try to minimize the incident or coerce your child into silence.
• No Contact with University Administration (Alone): Be extremely cautious when dealing with university officials. While you may be required to report the incident, do not provide extensive statements or sign anything without first consulting an attorney. University officials, even well-meaning ones, fundamentally serve the university’s interests, not your child’s.
• No Contact with Insurance Companies: Never give a recorded statement or discuss the incident with any insurance adjuster—either from the fraternity, the university, or even your own—before speaking with your lawyer. They are trained to elicit information that can be used against your case.
• Brooks County Connection: If the school is in Georgia, they will have their own legal teams. Let us manage these interactions for you.

Step 4: Do NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media

• Silence is Golden: Anything you or your child posts on social media can and will be used against your case by the defense. This includes photos, comments, emotional outlets, or seemingly innocuous posts.
• Review Old Posts: The defense will scour your child’s old social media accounts for anything that might suggest a pre-injury lifestyle or contradict their claims. Do not delete anything, as this can be seen as destruction of evidence. Simply become dormant on social media regarding the incident.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 IMMEDIATELY

• Time is Critical: The statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) for most personal injury claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the injury. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy crucial records. Every day matters.
• Free Consultation: We offer a 100% free consultation to Brooks County families. This is your opportunity to speak with a hazing litigation expert, understand your legal options, and get clear guidance without any financial obligation.
• 24/7 Availability: Hazing emergencies don’t adhere to business hours. We are available 24/7 to answer your call.
• Brooks County Connection: Even if you’re not in Houston, we can conduct video consultations and travel to Brooks County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Step 6: Preserve Academic and Financial Records

• Academic Impact: Collect any records demonstrating the hazing’s impact on your child’s academic performance, enrollment status, or scholarships.
• Financial Strain: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work or internships, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the hazing incident.

We understand that taking these steps can feel daunting during a traumatic time. However, by acting quickly and strategically, you empower yourself and your child to seek justice. We are here to guide Brooks County families through every step, providing aggressive representation and compassionate support.

Using Your Phone to Document Evidence

Your mobile phone is one of your most powerful tools in documenting a hazing incident. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our YouTube video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.” This applies directly to hazing. Take photos of your child’s injuries, the location if possible, and screenshots of all digital communications. Watch our video on documenting evidence here.

Avoiding Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

In another important video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” we discuss critical errors that can jeopardize a legal claim. For hazing victims, this often includes deleting text messages, posting on social media, or speaking with the fraternity or university without legal representation. These mistakes can destroy crucial evidence or create statements that are used against you. Learn more about avoiding these pitfalls.

Understanding Texas Statutes of Limitations

While Georgia has its own specific deadlines, understanding the concept of statutes of limitations is vital. As we explain in our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”: “If you don’t file before the statute of limitations runs out, you lose your right to sue forever.” In most personal injury cases, including hazing, this can be as short as two years. Delaying action allows evidence to disappear and makes building a strong case much harder. Watch our video to understand these critical deadlines.

Attorney 911: Your Trusted Advocate in Brooks County Hazing Cases

Call Us Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or your child in Brooks County has been a victim of hazing, don’t face this nightmare alone. You have legal rights, and we are here to ensure those rights are fiercely protected. We are Attorney 911, and we are fighting this battle right now in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. We will bring the same level of aggression, expertise, and dedication to your case, no matter where you are in Brooks County or anywhere else in the nation.

Brooks County Families – Call Now for a FREE Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: Hazing emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we. Our lines are open around the clock to provide immediate assistance to families in crisis.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing every Brooks County family access to top-tier legal representation. Learn more about how contingency fees work by watching our video: How Contingency Fees Work.
• Email Us Directly: For a confidential discussion, you can reach Ralph Manginello at ralph@atty911.com.
• Visit Our Website: Explore our resources and learn more about our firm at attorney911.com.

We Represent Hazing Victims Nationwide, Including Brooks County:

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends far beyond state lines. We are equipped to represent Brooks County families and hazing victims across America through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases with national implications.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With admissions in both Texas and New York, our legal framework provides strategic advantages when confronting national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations outside of Texas.
• Remote Consultations: We leverage modern technology to conduct secure and confidential video consultations, making it easy for Brooks County families to connect with our legal experts from the comfort of their home.
• Commitment to Travel: When necessary, our attorneys will travel to Brooks County for depositions, crucial meetings, and trial proceedings, ensuring our physical presence wherever justice demands. Distance will never be a barrier to achieving justice for our clients.

We Handle All Types of Hazing Cases in Brooks County:

Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims from a wide range of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Brooks County (e.g., Valdosta State University, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia).
• Brooks County high school and college sports teams.
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups associated with Brooks County schools.
• ROTC programs at various academic institutions.
• Clubs, societies, and other student organizations.
• Military academies and other specialized institutions.

To Other Victims of the Pi Kappa Phi Hazing at the University of Houston:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not alone. The lawsuit alleges a “pattern” of violations, and other pledges were subjected to similar horrors, with one even losing consciousness. We believe there are more victims, and we want to help you too. As Lupe Pena emphasized: “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 experienced or witnessed hazing within the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, or any other organization at the University of Houston or nearby institutions, please contact us. Your voice is powerful, and together, we can bring all responsible parties to justice.

Brooks County families, let us be your legal emergency team. You are victims of unconscionable abuse, and you deserve comprehensive, aggressive, and compassionate legal representation. Contact us today, and let us begin the fight for justice your child deserves.