If you’re reading this in Bryan County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went away to college, expecting to make friends, build connections, and embark on a new chapter. Instead, they were tortured. Abused. Harmed. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Bryan County fight back against the insidious horror of hazing.

We are Attorney911, and while our main offices are in Texas, our fight against hazing is nationwide. We lead the charge from Houston, where we are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities and a prominent state university. This isn’t theoretical – we are in the trenches right now, fighting a case that embodies everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries and deaths.

Hazing is a crisis that casts a dark shadow over college campuses, including those where Bryan County students choose to further their education. It’s often misunderstood, dismissed as harmless pranks or ‘boys will be boys’ rituals. But as you’ll learn, hazing today is brutal, dehumanizing, and tragically, often deadly. We believe that no Bryan County family should ever experience this nightmare alone. We equip you with the knowledge, resources, and aggressive legal representation needed to seek justice.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Bryan County Families Need Us

The allure of Greek life, sports teams, or student organizations can be strong for young people leaving Bryan County for college. They seek community, leadership opportunities, and a vibrant social scene. Parents in Bryan County send their children off with hopes and dreams, trusting that the institutions will keep them safe. But beneath the surface of camaraderie and tradition, a hidden world of abuse often thrives, turning anticipation into trauma, and sometimes, tragedy.

Bryan County families need to know that hazing is not an isolated incident that happens “somewhere else.” The same national fraternities and sororities with documented histories of severe hazing operate at universities throughout Georgia and across the United nation. The pressures, the rituals, and the devastating consequences that we see in Texas are mirrored on campuses attended by students from Bryan County. These are not pranks; these are acts of violence, psychological manipulation, and often, criminal behavior, orchestrated by trusted student leaders and often overlooked by institutions.

We understand that for many Bryan County parents, discussing hazing might feel distant, something that happens on TV. But the reality is, thousands of students nationwide are subjected to hazing each year, and the consequences range from severe physical injury, like kidney failure, to psychological trauma that can last a lifetime, or even death. Our mission is to shine a light on this dark practice, educate Bryan County families about its true nature, and provide a clear path to justice when the unthinkable happens.

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

What follows is an account of a case that has sent shockwaves through the university system and Greek life nationwide – the very same fight we’re prepared to bring on behalf of Bryan County families. This account is not a hypothetical scenario; it’s a live, ongoing $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025. It is Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., and it highlights the brutal reality of modern hazing.

Bryan County Families: This case happened in Houston, Texas, just a few weeks ago. But the same hazing happens at universities near Bryan County. The same national fraternities operate in Greek life chapters across Georgia and the Southeast. The same negligence and failures of oversight exist at institutions where students from Bryan County pursue their education. And we will fight for Bryan County families with the same aggression, expertise, and relentless pursuit of justice that we’re bringing to this case.

Media Coverage That Ignited a National Conversation

The urgency and severity of the Leonel Bermudez case quickly garnered significant media attention across Texas, underscoring the public’s demand for accountability in hazing incidents. This immediate coverage by prominent news outlets validates the claims and forces the involved institutions to confront their roles publicly.

• ABC13 Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” – Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, provided direct quotes on the terrifying details.
• KHOU 11 published their report on November 21, 2025: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” – This report explicitly named the plaintiff, Leonel Bermudez, and revealed the university’s ownership of the fraternity house.
• Houston Chronicle followed up on November 22, 2025: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” – Providing intricate details about the forced physical activities.
• Houston Public Media offered in-depth coverage on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” – Confirming the $10 million amount and highlighting the “ghost rush” status of our client.

Crucially, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters even issued its own statement on November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston“. This statement, while carefully worded, confirmed the chapter’s closure due to “violations” – a critical admission.

The Parties We Are Holding Accountable

Our $10 million lawsuit was filed in Harris County Civil District Court by Attorney911, with our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena leading the charge. We are suing every entity that bears responsibility for the horrific abuse our client endured:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter): The local chapter that directly orchestrated the hazing.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: The national organization that allegedly failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and prevent this abuse despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.”
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity responsible for the property where some of the hazing took place.
• University of Houston: The institution that owned the fraternity house and failed in its duty to protect students from known hazing risks.
• UH Board of Regents: The governing body of the university, bearing ultimate institutional oversight.
• Fraternity President and Pledgemaster: The chapter leaders who directed and facilitated the hazing.
• Current and Former Individual Fraternity Members: Up to 13 individuals who participated in, or enabled, the abuse. This includes a former member and his spouse, as hazing occurred at their private residence.

Leonel Bermudez’s Story: A Warning for Bryan County Families

Our plaintiff, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush.” This means he wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. He was planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. They did this – they subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing – to someone who wasn’t even officially their student.

What followed his acceptance was a relentless campaign of physical and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

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

Lupe Pena, speaking to the same network, emphasized our firm’s broader motivation: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Why Leonel’s story resonates with Bryan County families:

• Pi Kappa Phi operates 150+ chapters across America. This includes institutions where students from Bryan County may attend college.
• The same brutal “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are replicated by chapters nationwide. Hazing rituals often follow similar patterns regardless of location.
• Universities across Georgia and the country face the same liability failures as the University of Houston. Institutional negligence is a widespread problem.
• If your child is being hazed in Bryan County or at a university your child attends, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Houston. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The Terrifying Timeline of Abuse

The lawsuit meticulously details a harrowing period of hazing from mid-September to early November 2025:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The abuse begins almost immediately.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, degradation, and physical torture. For over seven weeks, Leonel and other pledges endured relentless abuse.
• October 13, 2025: In a separate incident highlighting the chapter’s depravity, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: During one of the forced, grueling workouts, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he recovered. This incident occurred weeks before Leonel’s collapse, demonstrating a pattern of extreme physical endangerment.
• November 3, 2025: THE INCIDENT. As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was forced to perform extreme physical exertions: over 100 pushups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed throughout and threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He became so utterly exhausted that he could not stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened daily. He described being “really sore and couldn’t really move,” with the next day being “worse.”
• November 6, 2025: His mother, observing his deteriorating state and the alarming symptom of passing brown urine (a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown), rushed him to the hospital.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The national Pi Kappa Phi organization suspended the chapter on November 6.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, as stated on their website. They performed this step just seven days before our lawsuit was filed, a strong indication of their awareness of severe wrongdoing.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County. The news broke, with ABC13, KHOU 11, and other outlets reporting on the same day.
• November 24, 2025: Houston Public Media confirmed the $10 million figure and revealed additional horrific details.

This timeline exposes not a series of isolated acts, but a prolonged, systematic campaign of abuse.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many people in Bryan County imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild challenges. Leonel Bermudez’s experience shatters these illusions, revealing modern hazing as brutal, dehumanizing, and often life-threatening. This isn’t about team spirit or bonding; it’s about control, degradation, and the systematic destruction of a person’s dignity and health.

The activities Leonel endured are a stark warning:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while performing calisthenics. This is a recognized torture technique, a war crime when used against enemy combatants. It was inflicted upon a college student for the purpose of “brotherhood.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific display of cruelty, he was “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed throughout and threatened if he stopped. Crucially, the Houston Chronicle reported instances of pledges “being struck with wooden paddles.” This level of exertion and physical assault caused organ damage.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. The incident of another pledge being hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour demonstrates the extreme psychological degradation involved. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion enforced compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, which led to severe exhaustion, affecting his daily life and ability to recover.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

The immediate result of this torture was a life-threatening medical condition: rhabdomyolysis.

What is Rhabdomyolysis? This is a severe breakdown of muscle tissue. As muscle cells disintegrate, they release a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This myoglobin then travels to the kidneys, where it can cause damage, leading to acute kidney failure. In severe cases, rhabdomyolysis can be fatal or result in permanent kidney damage, requiring dialysis or even a transplant.

Leonel’s symptoms were classic indicators:

• Brown urine: A telltale sign that myoglobin is being voided from the body.
• Very high creatine kinase levels: Laboratory tests confirmed extreme muscle damage.
• Acute kidney failure: A direct, life-threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis.
• Hospitalization: He required intensive medical treatment for four days to prevent further organ damage and stabilize his condition.
• Inability to move: A clear indication of the severity of muscle breakdown.

Ralph Manginello, our lead attorney, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases. This is the same medical condition we have successfully litigated before, giving us a unique insight into its long-term effects and the necessary legal strategies for recovery.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Effort to Protect Themselves

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters reveal their strategy: acknowledge wrongdoing enough to appear responsive, but frame it in a way that minimizes liability and protects their long-term interests.

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

Our interpretation: This is an admission that campus rules were clearly broken and that internal investigations are underway. The reference to “potential criminal charges” shows they recognize the gravity of the acts. However, statements about “coordination with the fraternity” suggest a synchronized approach to managing the public relations and legal fallout, rather than a unilateral commitment to justice for the victim.

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

Our interpretation: The timing is crucial. The chapter was closed seven days before our lawsuit was filed. This shows they were aware of impending legal action and took steps to distance the national organization from the local chapter. Their statement of “violations” is an admission of wrongdoing. Their claim of “prioritizing the well-being of our members” rings hollow when a member is hospitalized with kidney failure due to his chapter’s actions. Most tellingly, their stated intent to “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time” reveals a profound lack of remorse and a strategic focus on future recruitment rather than true accountability. They believe this will blow over, demonstrating why aggressive legal action is essential.

Why Leonel’s Case Matters to Every Bryan County Family

1. Proof That “Tradition” Is Torture: The horrific details of Leonel’s hazing demonstrate that this isn’t innocent fun, but systematic, dangerous abuse. Such activities masquerade as “tradition” but are nothing short of criminal acts. What happened at UH can and does happen at institutions near Bryan County.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. This makes their liability undeniable. Universities near Bryan County, Georgia, whether it’s a major state institution like Georgia Southern University in nearby Statesboro, or other colleges and universities around the state, hold similar power to stop hazing—and bear the same responsibility when they fail.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters acted swiftly to suspend and dissolve the chapter, proving they knew the conduct was wrong. But they also knew that one of their pledges, Andrew Coffey, died eight years prior to similar hazing. The same national organizations operate chapters throughout Georgia, including those in easy driving distance from Bryan County, like those in Savannah or Atlanta. These national bodies are fully aware of hazing risks from their own tragic histories.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez fears retribution for speaking out, a common and justifiable fear among hazing victims everywhere. Bryan County victims face the same intimidation. Our firm prioritizes victim protection and ensures their safety throughout the legal process.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Bryan County Students: As Lupe Pena emphasized, the goal is to prevent harm to others. By coming forward, Leonel’s courage holds powerful institutions accountable and sends a clear message that could save lives, including those of students from Bryan County.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This large demand is not arbitrary. It’s a statement that the price for torturing our children is immense. Bryan County families have the right to send the same message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that allow this culture to persist.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When we talk about hazing, especially to parents in Bryan County, Georgia, we often hear initial reactions of disbelief, of “that couldn’t happen here,” or “my child would never allow that.” But the reality of hazing today is far removed from the innocent pranks of movies or outdated notions of “character building.” It is a dark, systemic practice of abuse, and it is happening across America, including at institutions drawing students from Bryan County.

It’s crucial for Bryan County families to understand:

• It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s often violent assault.
• It’s not “tradition.” It’s systematic dehumanization.
• It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s often isolation and psychological torment.

What hazing IS:

• Assault and Battery: Direct physical violence, forced physical exertion, or unwanted contact.
• Torture: Methods designed to inflict severe physical or mental suffering, as seen in the waterboarding of Leonel Bermudez.
• Reckless Endangerment: Placing individuals in situations where their health and safety are intentionally jeopardized.
• Kidnapping/False Imprisonment: Forcing pledges into confined spaces or restricting their movement.
• Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexual degradation, or actual sexual assault, which disproportionately affects sorority pledges.
• Manslaughter or Murder: Tragically, in too many cases, hazing leads directly to death.

The Disturbing Statistics

These numbers highlight the pervasive nature of hazing and why it remains a pressing concern for Bryan County families whose children attend college:

• 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t a fringe activity; it’s central to many organizations’ initiation processes.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing, showing that the problem extends far beyond fraternities and sororities.
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. This devastating pattern shows an alarming consistency.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The culture of secrecy, fear of retribution, and loyalty to the group silences victims.
• Hazing occurs in a wide variety of student groups, including fraternities and sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations.

Categories of Hazing Incidents – A Deeper Look

Based on our current litigation in the Bermudez case and countless other documented incidents, hazing involves a disturbing range of activities:

• Physical Abuse: This is direct violence disguised as initiation. It includes beatings, branding with hot objects, forced exercise to the point of exhaustion, striking with wooden paddles, sleep deprivation, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Leonel’s case, with his 500 squats, 100 pushups, various crawls, and being struck with paddles, exemplifies this category.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning, but can also include forced eating until vomiting (as Leonel endured with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), or even ingesting non-food substances. These actions override bodily autonomy and can lead to severe medical emergencies.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities and forced early-morning tasks, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, making them more susceptible to manipulation and injury.
• Psychological Torture: This category aims to break down and control individuals through humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. Forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack with “objects of a sexual nature” and the hog-tying incident illustrate this devastating form of abuse.
• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: This abhorrent practice, inflicted upon Leonel with a garden hose, simulates drowning and is a recognized form of torture. Its presence in hazing rituals underscores the extreme levels of cruelty involved.
• Sexual Harassment or Abuse: This can range from forced nudity and inappropriate touching to sexual assault. It’s a particularly insidious form of hazing that leaves profound and lasting trauma.

The Horrifying Medical Consequences

The goal of hazing is to break down individuals, and the methods used often lead to serious and life-threatening medical consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, this is muscle breakdown leading to kidney damage. It is a critical, life-threatening condition.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or intentional head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme cold or heat.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.
• Psychological Trauma: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation, are tragically common long-term effects.
• Death: The ultimate, irreversible consequence, leaving families like yours in Bryan County devastated.

The Pervasive Institutional Failure

The University of Houston case, like countless others, exposes a pattern of institutional failure:

• Universities know hazing happens. They have policies, Greek life offices, and codes of conduct. Yet, time and again, they fail to enforce them effectively.
• National Greek organizations know hazing exists. Their risk management policies often exist, but their enforcement on the local level is often lax or non-existent until a tragedy strikes.
• Both institutions often act only AFTER someone is seriously injured or dies. Then, they issue statements, suspend chapters, and claim “shock,” scrambling to limit legal and reputational damage.

This cycle of abuse followed by reactive damage control is why legal action is so crucial. It forces true accountability and is often the only way to compel meaningful change. Bryan County families deserve nothing less than full transparency and aggressive pursuit of justice.

Who Is Responsible? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

When hazing occurs, it’s natural for Bryan County parents to focus on the immediate perpetrators. However, effective legal strategy demands that we look much wider, identifying every party that contributed to, enabled, or failed to prevent the abuse. As demonstrated in our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, the web of responsibility extends far beyond just students. We pursue every liable party to ensure comprehensive accountability and maximum compensation for victims.

Our $10 million lawsuit names multiple categories of defendants, because hazing is rarely the fault of just one person or group. It’s a systemic failure.

Greek Organizations (Local Chapters)

• The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing against Leonel Bermudez. This local chapter is the immediate perpetrator.
• Why they’re liable: They are directly responsible for the acts of their members, for organizing the hazing practices, and often for creating the coercive environment. In many cases, the chapter itself holds assets or insurance that can be targeted.

Chapter Officers and Individual Members

• In the Bermudez case, the Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, and up to 13 other individual members are named as defendants. This includes current members who participated and even former members and their spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence.
• Why they’re liable:
  • Leadership responsibility: Officers like the President and Pledgemaster have a direct duty to prevent hazing and are often the ones orchestrating it.
  • Direct participation: Any individual who actively engages in hazing acts (e.g., waterboarding, paddling, forcing consumption) can be held personally responsible for assault, battery, and other intentional torts.
  • Failure to intervene: Even members who witness hazing and do nothing can be held liable for their inaction, especially if they are in positions of authority.
  • Premises Liability: Former members and their spouses who allow hazing to occur on their private property can be held responsible for creating an unsafe environment.

National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary target in our lawsuit. They are a large, well-funded entity with a presence on over 150 campuses nationwide.
• Why they’re liable:
  • Failure to supervise: Despite having anti-hazing policies, national organizations often fail to adequately monitor and control their local chapters.
  • Knowledge of risks: As evidenced by previous hazing deaths (like Andrew Coffey in 2017 in a Pi Kappa Phi chapter), national organizations often have a long history of severe incidents, proving they knew the risks but failed to act systemically.
  • Failure to enforce policies: When they have rules against hazing but don’t enforce them, leading to injury, they are negligent. KHOU 11 reported that Pi Kappa Phi National allegedly “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
  • Deep Pockets: National organizations typically possess significant assets, endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them crucial targets for meaningful compensation.

Universities & Colleges

• The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are major defendants in Leonel’s case. Crucially, the University of Houston owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place.
• Why they’re liable:
  • Duty to Protect Students: Universities have a non-delegable duty to provide a safe educational environment.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, the institution can be held liable as a property owner for creating or allowing dangerous conditions.
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to adequately oversee Greek life organizations, respond to prior incidents, or implement effective anti-hazing measures. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 in a different fraternity, demonstrating a pattern of institutional negligence.
  • Failure to Warn: If the university knows of hazing activities or risks but fails to warn students or take protective measures.
  • Financial Resources: Universities often have large endowments and comprehensive insurance policies, making them key to securing substantial compensation.

Housing Corporations

• The Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. is named in our lawsuit.
• Why they’re liable: These entities often own or manage the physical fraternity houses. They have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises and can be held liable for hazing that occurs on their property, particularly if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.

Insurance Carriers

• The financial burden of hazing injuries and deaths is often immense, but victims should not despair about the ability of defendants to pay. The “deep pockets” in these cases are usually the various insurance carriers.
• Why they’re liable: All the organizational defendants (national fraternity, university, housing corporation) carry substantial liability insurance policies. Individual defendants may also be covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These policies are designed to cover negligence, assault, and other claims resulting in bodily injury.
• Our Advantage: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. They have sat on the other side of the table, learned the strategies large insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims, and now use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. We know how to identify and pursue every applicable insurance policy.

The take-away for Bryan County families: Hazing cases are complex, involving multiple layers of responsibility. Our firm meticulously investigates every angle, leaving no stone unturned, to identify every single individual and institution that contributed to your child’s trauma. We are not afraid to pursue powerful national organizations, large universities, and all individuals involved, leveraging every legal avenue to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For Bryan County families reeling from a hazing incident, understanding the potential financial recovery is critical. Hazing cases, particularly those involving severe injury or death, consistently result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. These aren’t just numbers; they represent true accountability and often fund lifelong medical care, compensate for lost futures, and provide a measure of justice after unimaginable trauma.

These precedent-setting cases demonstrate that vigorous legal action against fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators yields significant results. They show that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not just justified, but consistent with national outcomes.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: They Will Pay

The following cases illustrate the financial consequences faced by institutions and individuals when hazing escalates to severe injury or death. These are the same types of strategic outcomes we pursue for Bryan County hazing victims.

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

  • Total: $10.1 Million+
  • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation ritual. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
  • Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million. The national fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) and several individuals settled for an additional $7.2 million. In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million in personal damages. This case represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Relevance to Our Case: The $10.1 million total recovery for the Stone Foltz family is a direct precedent for our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case. This clearly demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held accountable for multi-million dollar figures.

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

  • Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  • What Happened: In September 2017, Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event at LSU. He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal driving limit.
  • Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with some receiving prison time for negligent homicide. The civil case also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This case proves that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar verdicts for hazing deaths. It also shows that criminal and civil accountability often run in parallel, and these devastating incidents can catalyze significant legislative changes, a path we may pursue on behalf of Bryan County victims.

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

  • Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Multiple Settlements)
  • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity, was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” ritual. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died days later. The entire incident was captured on security cameras.
  • Outcome: While confidential, settlements are estimated to exceed $110 million. 18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions including involuntary manslaughter. This case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This demonstrates the immense financial cost when hazing is captured by strong evidence, particularly egregious conduct, and institutional cover-ups. It sets a benchmark for cases involving clear liability and devastating outcomes.

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

  • Total: Settlement (Amount Confidential)
  • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
  • Outcome: Multiple fraternity members were criminally charged with hazing. The FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family’s civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This is critical: Pi Kappa Phi is the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 proves that Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had undeniable knowledge of the deadly hazing culture within its chapters. They had eight years to implement effective change, yet Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 with severe injuries. This pattern of negligence strengthens our punitive damages claim significantly.

Why These Precedents Matter for Bryan County Hazing Cases

1. Our $10 Million Demand Is Supported by Prior Outcomes: The Stone Foltz case directly justifies the financial demands we are making for Leonel Bermudez. Even though Leonel survived, his injuries, potential long-term kidney issues, and the sheer egregiousness of the hazing warrant similar compensation. Bryan County families who seek substantial justice find strong validation in these figures.
2. Pi Kappa Phi Has a Deadly History: The tragic death of Andrew Coffey under the Pi Kappa Phi banner proves that the national organization had explicit knowledge of the dangers within its chapters years ago. This establishes a pattern of knowing disregard that critically impacts our ability to demand punitive damages – money designed to punish and deter.
3. Universities Have a History of Enabling Hazing: The University of Houston itself had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, lacerated spleen). This institutional experience means UH knew hazing was a problem on its campus and failed to implement adequate safeguards, contributing to Leonel’s injuries. Similarly, institutions in proximity to Bryan County, such as Georgia Southern University, Savannah State University, or other universities across Georgia, have their own histories and responsibilities that must be examined.
4. Juries and Judges Hate Hazing: The substantial verdicts and settlements in these cases demonstrate a clear societal and legal rejection of hazing. Juries across America are outraged by these acts, particularly when they involve torture and extreme physical abuse like waterboarding, forced eating, and 500 squats. This outrage translates directly into large damage awards.
5. These Cases Lead to Criminal Charges and Legislative Change: Beyond civil compensation, these lawsuits frequently lead to criminal prosecutions of individual perpetrators and, as seen with the Max Gruver and Timothy Piazza Acts, catalyze stricter anti-hazing laws. This multi-faceted accountability is a powerful outcome we pursue for all hazing victims.

For Bryan County families, these precedents provide a roadmap to justice. They confirm that even against powerful national fraternities and large universities, significant financial recovery and meaningful change are not just possible, but repeatedly achieved. If your child has been subjected to hazing, the same legal strategies and dedication that secured these precedent-setting outcomes are precisely what we bring to your case.

Texas Law Protects You

For Bryan County families, understanding the legal framework around hazing is empowering. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are often similar across state lines, including in Georgia. Moreover, our federal court authority means that we can pursue cases for hazing victims in Bryan County and elsewhere, regardless of state lines, especially when national organizations or federal laws apply.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Strong Stance Against Abuse

Texas boasts one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes, the Texas Education Code (§ 37.151-37.157). This law criminalizes hazing and provides a robust framework for holding individuals and organizations accountable.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing both physical and mental endangerment:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.”

The law then lists explicit examples, many of which were inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez:

• (1) Physical brutality: Such as “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.” (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles.)
• (2) Activities risking harm to health or safety: Including “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” (Leonel endured extreme calisthenics, cold weather exposure, sleep deprivation, and sustained life-threatening injuries directly from these acts.)
• (3) Forced consumption: “Consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” (Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.)

Bryan County Application: While Georgia has its own anti-hazing statutes, the comprehensive nature of the Texas law provides a strong model. The hazing your child experienced likely violates both state criminal law in Georgia (Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-61) and gives rise to similar civil liability, which we are prepared to pursue.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law sets clear criminal consequences for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure absolutely constitute serious bodily injury, meaning multiple individuals involved could face these charges.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, the law holds organizations accountable, not just individuals. Organizations can face:

• Denial of the right to operate on campus.
• Fines up to $10,000.
• Forfeiture of property.

This means that the Pi Kappa Phi chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, and by extension any similar organizations in Georgia, can be penalized.

Universities’ Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor, creating an additional layer of accountability for institutions.

Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas anti-hazing law, directly addressing a common and cynical defense used by perpetrators:

“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.”

THIS IS POWERFUL: When Fraternities, universities, or individual defendants faced with civil or criminal charges try to argue, “He agreed to participate,” or “He knew what he was signing up for,” Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a legal defense. This principle is vital in dismantling arguments that place blame on the victim and highlights the coercive nature of hazing environments.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges seek to punish offenders, civil lawsuits empower victims and their families in Bryan County to recover compensation for their immense suffering and financial losses. Our firm leverages multiple civil legal theories to ensure comprehensive accountability:

1. Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental legal principle in Bryan County, Georgia, and every state.

   • Duty of care: Institutions like universities and national fraternities owe a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm.
   • Breach of duty: They breach this duty by failing to prevent hazing, enforce rules, or respond appropriately.
   • Causation: This breach directly causes the injuries sustained by the victim.
   • Damages: The victim suffers quantifiable and non-quantifiable losses.

2. Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by universities or housing corporations (as with the University of Houston in Leonel’s case), they are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. If they fail to correct dangerous conditions (i.e., known hazing activities), they can be held liable.

3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when:

   • A national organization fails to adequately supervise its local chapter, allowing hazing to flourish.
   • A university fails to monitor its Greek life system, despite a history of hazing incidents.
   • Chapter officers fail to control the behavior of their members.

4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be pursued against individual perpetrators. “Assault” involves intentionally placing someone in fear of harmful contact, while “battery” is the actual harmful or offensive contact itself. Acts like waterboarding, paddling, or forced consumption clearly fall under these categories.

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological harm caused by extreme and outrageous conduct. The egregious nature of many hazing acts, particularly those involving humiliation, degradation, or simulated torture, often meets the high bar for IIED.

Bryan County Families: These civil claims are not unique to Texas; they exist across the United States. Our expertise in these areas, combined with our federal court authority, allows us to pursue your hazing case regardless of where the incident occurred in Georgia or elsewhere. The focus is on securing comprehensive justice and compensation for your child’s injuries and suffering.

Why Attorney911 Is the Choice for Bryan County Hazing Victims

When your family in Bryan County, Georgia, faces the trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only highly skilled but fiercely dedicated and strategically equipped to take on powerful institutions. Attorney911, with our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, offers a unique blend of experience, insight, and a proven track record that positions us as the definitive choice for hazing victims nationwide, including those in Bryan County.

Our Firm: Aggressive, Professional, and Compassionate

Who We Are: Attorney911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Bryan County, Georgia, and across America by leveraging our federal court authority and an unwavering commitment to traveling wherever justice demands. We firmly believe that Bryan County families deserve the same aggressive and expert representation we provide in our home state.

Why Bryan County Families Choose Us:

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is a battle-tested trial attorney with over two decades of experience. This means he’s not afraid to take your case to court, a critical factor when dealing with defendants who prefer to settle quietly.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable “insider” knowledge. They previously worked as insurance defense attorneys, meaning they know exactly how insurance companies and large institutions strategize to minimize payouts. They’ve seen the playbook from the other side and now use that knowledge to dismantle defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. This is an unfair advantage for hazing victims.
• Federal Court Admissions: Our admission to U.S. District Courts provides us the authority to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential capability when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. This allows us to represent Bryan County families effectively, even for incidents outside of Texas.
• Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure offers a strategic advantage, particularly for hazing cases that often involve national fraternity organizations headquartered in other states.
• Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Bryan County receive comprehensive and culturally sensitive legal support, eliminating language as a barrier to justice.
• Nationwide Hazing Expertise: We aren’t just personal injury lawyers who occasionally handle hazing cases. We are actively and aggressively litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This is not theoretical; this is our live fight, and we bring the same strategies and dedication to Bryan County victims.

The Attorney911 Approach: Immediate, Fast, and Decisive

When a legal emergency strikes—whether it’s a car accident, workplace injury, or hazing incident at a campus drawing students from Bryan County—we move first, fast, and decisively.

For Bryan County Hazing Victims, Our Team Will:

• Build cases with expert witnesses: This includes medical professionals to detail injuries like rhabdomyolysis, Greek life culture experts to expose the systemic nature of hazing, and institutional negligence experts to hold universities accountable.
• Preserve evidence immediately: We guide families on how to secure critical evidence like text messages, photos, videos, medical records, and witness statements, preventing its disappearance or destruction.
• Negotiate from strength: Our active $10 million hazing litigation demonstrates that we mean business. Defendants know we are serious, which gives us leverage in negotiations.
• Travel to Bryan County: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys will travel to Bryan County, Georgia, for important depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
• Provide remote consultations: Bryan County families can connect with our attorneys quickly and conveniently through video consultations, ensuring immediate access to expert legal advice.

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Bryan County hazing victims, we take it to court.

Client Testimonials: Proof of Our Commitment

Our commitment to aggressive representation and compassionate client care is reflected in our 4.9-star rating based on over 250 Google reviews. Clients consistently praise our communication, responsiveness, and relentless pursuit of justice.

• “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
• “What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris
• “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez

Payment Flexibility for Bryan County Families: No Upfront Costs

We understand that after a traumatic hazing incident, Bryan County families are facing immense emotional and potentially financial strain. The idea of hiring a lawyer to fight wealthy institutions can seem daunting. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

What this means for Bryan County hazing victims:

• You pay $0 upfront. There are no hourly fees, and no retainer is required to hire us.
• We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, aligning our interests directly with yours.
• We bear the financial risk of litigation. This levels the playing field, allowing families to pursue justice against powerful defendants without worrying about mounting legal bills.

What Sets Us Apart for Bryan County Victims

We truly invest emotionally in the hazing victims we represent. We have witnessed firsthand the devastation fraternities can inflict upon young lives, and we are actively fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person, not a case file. And we will fight fiercely for Bryan County families, because we genuinely care about achieving justice and preventing future tragedies.

Our Attorneys: Leaders in the Fight Against Hazing

RALPH P. MANGINELLO — Managing Partner

Bryan County families can reach Ralph directly at ralph@atty911.com or by calling 1-888-ATTY-911. Video consultations are readily available.

Ralph’s Qualifications & Why They Matter for Your Bryan County Case:

• 25+ Years of Litigation Experience: Ralph is a seasoned trial attorney whose extensive courtroom experience means your case is in capable hands, ready for aggressive litigation if needed.
• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: His invaluable “insider” perspective dissects the strategies used by insurance companies and institutional defendants, allowing us to anticipate and counter their moves effectively.
• Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Experience: Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation against a massive corporate defendant demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against major institutions like national fraternities and large universities.
• Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas and New York) & Federal Court Authority: This allows us to strategically pursue nationwide hazing cases, particularly against national fraternities headquartered in other states, bringing our expertise directly to Bryan County victims.
• Civil Rights Litigation Experience: His background in federal civil rights cases is critical for hazing claims involving institutional cover-ups or retaliation against victims for speaking out.
• Journalism Background: Trained to investigate and uncover facts, Ralph builds compelling narratives that resonate with juries, exposing what institutions try to hide.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel’s), and university accountability, leveraging this specialized knowledge in every aspect of your case.
• Father of Three: He understands the profound stakes for Bryan County parents whose children are harmed by hazing, fueling his dedication to these cases.

LUPE ELENO PEÑA — Associate Attorney

Bryan County families can reach Lupe directly at lupe@atty911.com or by calling 1-888-ATTY-911. Video consultations are available.

Lupe’s Qualifications & Why They Matter for Your Bryan County Case:

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide defense firm, where he defended insurance companies against injury claims. This provides crucial “counter-intelligence” against the tactics Bryan County hazing defendants and their insurers will employ.
• 12+ Years of Litigation Experience & Federal Court Authority: His extensive experience in both state and federal courts ensures robust representation for Bryan County victims.
• Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Lupe’s experience representing families who’ve lost loved ones or suffered severe injuries is directly applicable to the most tragic hazing outcomes.
• Dram Shop Experience: His knowledge of holding establishments accountable for alcohol-related injuries is vital in hazing cases involving forced drinking, which is often a factor in Georgia hazing incidents.
• Finance Background & Business Acumen: His pre-law career in finance and a BBA in International Business equip him to accurately calculate and pursue massive damages, including lost earning capacity and financial impact on victims.
• Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe ensures complete accessibility and support for Bryan County’s Hispanic families, enabling clear communication throughout the legal process.

Together, Ralph and Lupe represent Attorney911’s “Insurance Counter-Intelligence System.” With both attorneys bringing prior insurance defense experience, our firm leverages this insider knowledge to create an “unfair advantage” for hazing victims, allowing us to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition.

What to Do Right Now

If you’re a parent in Bryan County, Georgia, and your child has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, anger, and fear are natural responses, but quick, strategic action is essential to protect your child’s legal rights and build a strong case.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

• Prioritize Health: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child resists, it is paramount to get a full medical evaluation. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries can have delayed symptoms.
• Document Everything: Every doctor’s visit, hospital stay, diagnosis, and treatment creates a crucial paper trail. Ensure medical professionals meticulously record the nature of the injuries and any statements your child makes about how they occurred.
• Psychological Evaluation: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek counseling or therapy from a licensed professional for any emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD. These records are vital for proving non-economic damages.

2. Preserve All Evidence – IMMEDIATELY:
Hazing defendants, universities, and fraternities are notorious for destroying or suppressing evidence once an incident comes to light. You must act fast.

• Digital Communications:
  • Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp: Take screenshots of every relevant communication—before, during, and after the hazing. This includes messages from other pledges, fraternity members, or anyone discussing the activities. Do not rely on cloud backups; physical screenshots are best.
  • Video/Photo Evidence: Preserve any photos or videos of the hazing itself, of your child’s injuries (at all stages of healing), or of the locations where hazing occurred. These are powerful pieces of evidence.
  • Social Media: Do NOT delete anything from your child’s personal social media or the fraternity’s. However, ensure no new posts are made about the incident. Anything posted can be used against them.
• Documents:
  • Pledge Manuals/Books: Any materials given to your child outlining “expectations” or rituals.
  • Schedules: Any calendars, event schedules, or flyers related to pledge activities.
  • Rules/Codes of Conduct: Any written rules or guidelines distributed by the fraternity or university that are relevant.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information for anyone else who was hazed, witnessed the hazing, or has knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. This includes other pledges, older members, or bystanders.
• Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages due to missed work or school, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Do NOT Engage Without Legal Counsel:

• Avoid Contact with Perpetrators: Do not speak directly with the fraternity leadership, individual members involved, or their parents.
• Decline Requests from University/Fraternity: Do NOT give statements, sign documents, or attend meetings with university administrators, Greek life advisors, or national fraternity representatives without your attorney present. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions.
• Say “No” to Recorded Statements: Never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, the university, or the fraternity. These statements are often used to twist your words and undermine your claim.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Act Now:

• Time is Critical: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. The same two-year limit usually applies to wrongful death cases, starting from the date of death. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit.
• Evidence Vanishes: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather crucial evidence as memories fade, documents are destroyed, and digital trails disappear.
• Your Rights Expire: If you miss the statutory deadline, you will lose your legal right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case.

As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c), waiting can be devastating. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately—hospitalized on November 6, 2025, and a lawsuit filed within weeks. This immediate action is a key factor in protecting legal rights and securing justice.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation:

• Expert Guidance: Our team specializes in hazing litigation and can assess the specifics of your child’s case, explain your legal options, and guide you through each step.
• Free and Confidential: Our initial consultations are always free, and everything discussed is strictly confidential. This allows you to explore your options without financial commitment or fear.
• We Protect Your Interests: From the moment you hire us, we handle all communications with the involved parties, shielding you from further distress and ensuring your rights are protected.

Bryan County Families: Take the First Step Towards Justice

The ordeal of hazing is terrifying, but your path to justice starts with decisive action. We can help.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline

🚨 Bryan County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – for Leonel Bermudez in Houston, and we will fight for Bryan 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. Bryan County families get the same aggressive representation.

Bryan County Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Bryan County hazing emergencies.

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Bryan County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that financial concerns never prevent you from seeking justice for the harm your child has endured. As our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) explains, we take the risk so you don’t have to.

What Bryan County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already – document everything, including all physical and psychological injuries.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – screenshots of text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails, photos, videos, and witness names. Do not delay, as evidence vanishes quickly. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) provides crucial guidance.
3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without consulting legal counsel first. Anything you say can be used against you.
4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can undermine your case. Our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) details these pitfalls.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY – The statute of limitations for personal injury in Georgia is generally two years. Evidence disappears fast, and your rights will expire. Don’t wait.
6. Bryan County Families: Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations for convenience and will travel to Bryan County, Georgia, for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed.

We Serve Bryan County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national scourge. It happens at colleges and universities across Bryan County, Georgia, and throughout America. We can evaluate your Bryan County case regardless of where the incident occurred, using our:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential capability when national organizations are involved.
• Dual-state bar licenses in Texas and New York, providing broader legal reach.
• Video consultations so Bryan County families can meet with us remotely and securely.
• Travel commitment – we will come to Bryan County for depositions, client meetings, and trials, ensuring you have experienced legal representation by your side.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities near Bryan County, including chapters at Georgia Southern University in nearby Statesboro, Savannah State University, and other institutions throughout Georgia.
• Bryan County sports teams.
• Marching bands at Georgia universities.
• ROTC programs.
• Student clubs and organizations.
• Military academies.
• Any group or organization that uses abuse or degradation as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others were subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights, too. We can represent you, and your courage can strengthen Leonel’s case.

As Lupe Pena compassionately 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.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. Protect yourself, protect others, and ensure accountability.

Don’t wait. Don’t suffer in silence.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Your fight for justice in Bryan County starts with a single call. We are ready to answer.