If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new opportunities, to grow into the person they are meant to be. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Butts County fight back.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – it’s overwhelming. You might be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could have happened and what you can possibly do. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to offer immediate, aggressive support. Our firm, Attorney911, specializes in hazing litigation, and we are actively fighting these battles right now in courts across the nation, working tirelessly to hold accountable every institution and individual responsible for harming your child.

The Haunting Truth: What Hazing Looks Like Today

For families in Butts County, it’s crucial to understand that hazing has evolved far beyond harmless pranks. It is systematic abuse, psychological torture, and often extreme physical torment that can lead to hospitalization, life-altering injuries, and even death. We’re not talking about a few silly initiation rites; we’re talking about actions that would be considered criminal assault or even torture in any other context.

Just weeks ago, right here in Texas, a prospective University of Houston student and our client, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to brutal hazing rituals by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What happened to Leonel is a stark, terrifying example of the reality of hazing on college campuses today, and it’s a reality that Butts County families must confront.

Leonel was a “ghost rush,” meaning he wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, for weeks, he endured unthinkable abuse at the hands of fraternity members who expected him to “earn” his place. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, and forced to eat until he vomited. He was subjected to psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion until his muscles broke down, leading to severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days hospitalized, fighting a life-threatening condition, and now faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This horror did not happen in some distant past or a far-off place. It happened in November 2025, in our own state, at a major university that many students from Butts County aim to attend. The same national fraternities with this dangerous culture operate at colleges and universities that Butts County families send their children to every year.

We want every parent in Butts County to hear Leonel’s story, to understand the gravity of modern hazing, and to know that when such a nightmare occurs, Attorney911 is the firm that will relentlessly fight for justice.

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

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the centerpiece of everything we stand for at Attorney911. It’s a real-time battle against hazing and institutional negligence that defines our aggressive, data-driven approach to litigation. We filed this $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, targeting not only the local chapter, but also the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, and its Board of Regents, along with 13 individual fraternity members. This is the fight we bring to every hazing case, including those affecting families in Butts County.

This aggressive approach has already yielded results. Within days of the hazing being reported and our involvement, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended. The members later voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated, and the University of Houston itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This is what happens when a firm like Attorney911 steps in—we bring swift accountability and send an undeniable message.

What Happened: A Timeline of Torture

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an escalating nightmare of physical and psychological abuse, detailed in our lawsuit and covered extensively by local media. His hazing included:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately.
• Throughout the pledge period (Sept 16 – Nov 3): Leonel is subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and forced late-night driving for fraternity members, leading to constant exhaustion. He is forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a constant reminder of his humiliation.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This incident alone demonstrates the extreme and perverse nature of the hazing.
• October 15, 2025: During a forced workout, a pledge loses consciousness and collapses. Other pledges are then forced to elevate his legs until he recovers. The hazers see this, continue the abuse, and Leonel is still subjected to these activities. This reveals a shocking indifference to human life.
• Multiple occasions: Leonel is waterboarded with a garden hose – a simulated drowning that the media correctly calls a “form of torture,” normally reserved for enemy combatants, not college students seeking brotherhood.
• Multiple occasions: He is forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomits. Then, he is forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Multiple occasions: He is stripped to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a garden hose, exacerbating the humiliation and physical toll. He is also struck with wooden paddles.
• November 3, 2025: After missing an event, Leonel faces extreme punishment. He is forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed. He is threatened with immediate expulsion if he stops. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help, crawling into his home that night.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates. He is too sore to move, and the pain intensifies.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital, noting he is passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He is diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring aggressive treatment and a four-day hospital stay.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closes the Beta Nu Chapter.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 files the $10 million lawsuit. Media outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, and Houston Chronicle immediately pick up the story, exposing the fraternity’s atrocities.

This isn’t just a story from far away; this is a direct warning to every family in Butts County. The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are not isolated incidents. They are part of a dangerous pattern that plays out at universities across Georgia and the entire country where these same national fraternities operate.

Media Coverage That Confirms Our Fight

Our aggressive representation of Leonel Bermudez has garnered significant media attention, validating the severity of the case and our firm’s commitment to justice:

• ABC13 Houston: Published their report on November 21, 2025, detailing the physical abuse and psychological torment. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, were quoted directly, emphasizing Leonel’s fear of retribution and our firm’s mission to prevent harm to others. Read the full story here.
• KHOU 11: Broke the story on November 21, 2025, explicitly naming Leonel Bermudez and revealing that hazing occurred at a “University-owned fraternity house.” They also exposed allegations that the national organization knew of “a hazing crisis.” Find the report here.
• Houston Chronicle: Provided further details on November 22, 2025, listing the specific brutal exercises and punishments, including forced consumption and being struck with wooden paddles.
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, confirmed our $10 million lawsuit, clarified Leonel’s “ghost rush” status, and explicitly highlighted the medical severity, stating, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” See their coverage here.

The widespread media attention underscores the fact that this isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a public call for accountability that resonates far beyond Houston, reaching into communities like Butts County.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Butts County might have a dated idea of hazing—maybe some silly pranks or embarrassing costumes. But the reality is far more sinister. Hazing today is often violent, demeaning, and potentially fatal. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is not an anomaly; it is the brutal norm that too many college students face nationwide, including potentially those from Butts County attending universities across Georgia or beyond.

Let’s be clear: this is not about “boys being boys” or “tradition.” Hazing often constitutes criminal acts such as:

• Assault and Battery: Physical violence like paddling, forced hitting, or violent physical exercises.
• False Imprisonment: Forcing someone to remain in a location against their will.
• Reckless Endangerment: Placing someone in a situation where they are at high risk of serious injury or death.
• Kidnapping: In some extreme cases where pledges are taken against their will.
• Sexual Assault: Forcing sexual acts or extreme sexual humiliation.
• Manslaughter or Murder: If hazing directly leads to a death.

The True Face of Hazing: Examples from Our Case

The activities Leonel endured vividly illustrate the extreme nature of modern hazing:

• Actual Torture: Being waterboarded with a garden hose, a practice considered torture by international law, simulates drowning and inflicts extreme psychological and physical terror.
• Forced Consumption: Being compelled to eat until vomiting, followed by continued physical exertion in their own vomit, is not only disgusting but can lead to aspiration, choking, and serious internal distress. The medical term for this is often poisoning if liquids or non-food items are included.
• Extreme Physical Abuse: The sheer volume of exercises (500 squats, 100+ pushups, repeated sprints and crawls) forced on Leonel pushed his body to the point of collapse, leading to muscle breakdown and kidney failure. This is not athletic training; it is physical torment with severe medical consequences. Being struck with wooden paddles is pure physical assault.
• Psychological Warfare: The constant threats of expulsion, forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, and hog-tying other pledges are designed to break a student’s will, instill fear, and strip away their dignity. This leads to lasting trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Medical Catastrophes: The rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure Leonel suffered are life-threatening conditions. The brown urine he passed was his body screaming for help as his muscles literally dissolved, poisoning his kidneys. This isn’t a sprained ankle; it’s a medical emergency that can lead to permanent damage or death.

Butts County parents, these are the current realities of hazing. If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization, they may be facing these very dangers. It’s hidden behind a veil of secrecy, loyalty, and intimidation, making it incredibly difficult for victims to speak out. That’s why we are here—to be their voice, their shield, and their sword.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When a child in Butts County is harmed by hazing, we don’t just point fingers at the students directly involved. Our data-driven litigation strategy identifies and pursues every single entity that bears responsibility, from the individual perpetrators to the largest institutions with the deepest pockets. Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case exemplifies this comprehensive approach.

Here’s who we typically hold accountable in hazing cases, and why:

1. The Individual Perpetrators: This includes the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and any current or former members who actively participated in, directed, or enabled the hazing. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individual defendants, including a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their residence. These individuals are liable for assault, battery, and negligence. Many fraternities operate off-campus in private residences, making homeowners and even spouses liable for allowing such activities on their property.
2. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority: The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is often directly responsible for planning and executing hazing activities. They are liable for the actions of their members, negligent supervision, and for creating a dangerous environment.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These national bodies have thousands of chapters across America, including those near Butts County. They are responsible for setting policies, training chapters, and overseeing their conduct. They often have substantial assets and insurance. When deadly hazing occurs, it’s often because the national organization failed to enforce its anti-hazing policies, failed to supervise its chapters adequately, or, as alleged in the Bermudez case, was aware of a “hazing crisis” and failed to intervene. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National closed its UH chapter just days after Leonel’s hospitalization is a direct admission of their failure and responsibility.
4. The University or College: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, especially when hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property. In the Bermudez case, what made the University of Houston particularly vulnerable was their ownership of the very fraternity house where hazing occurred. This creates a clear premises liability claim. Beyond property ownership, universities are often liable for negligent supervision of Greek life, failure to enforce their own anti-hazing rules, and failure to respond adequately to prior warnings or incidents. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017, meaning they had clear notice that hazing was a problem on their campus and failed to prevent it from happening again.
5. The Housing Corporation (if applicable): Many fraternities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter house. These entities can be liable if they knew or should have known about illegal activities occurring on their property and failed to prevent them.
6. Insurance Carriers: This is where the real money to compensate victims often resides. We aggressively pursue claims against the national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, the local chapter’s insurance, and even homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies of individual members. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña have intimate knowledge of how these companies operate, which gives our clients a distinct advantage.

We don’t guess who is responsible. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we already know who to sue. This intelligence-driven approach ensures that every liable party, regardless of their attempts to hide or deflect blame, is brought to justice and forced to pay for the harm they’ve caused Butts County students.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Butts County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, it’s natural to wonder if legal action can truly make a difference. The answer is an unequivocal yes. Throughout the country, victims and their families have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that not only provide crucial compensation but also send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing will cost you dearly. These precedent-setting cases form the foundation for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case and demonstrate what is possible for Butts County victims.

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

Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. The tragic case resulted in one of the largest public university hazing payouts in Ohio history. Foltz’s family received approximately $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and over $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and its members, for a total exceeding $10.1 million. This precedent directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case, showing that compensation for even non-fatal injuries can reach similar figures when the conduct is egregious.

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

Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study,” where he was forced to chug excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. A jury awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict. This case not only resulted in criminal convictions, but also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana. It proves that juries are willing to send a powerful message with multi-million dollar awards.

Timothy Piazza: Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — $110+ Million (Estimated)

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes and then falling down a flight of stairs, with fraternity brothers waiting 12 hours before calling 911. The settlements reached in this case are estimated to be over $110 million, with multiple fraternity members facing criminal convictions including involuntary manslaughter. The case also catalyzed Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.” The sheer scale of this settlement underscores the enormous liability institutions face when hazing leads to catastrophic outcomes.

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Undisclosed Settlement

Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU student, died of alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Phi event where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. This is the same national fraternity involved in our current Bermudez case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount remains confidential, the fact that Pi Kappa Phi was on notice of deadly hazing eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization is a critical piece of pattern evidence in our current litigation. It demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi National knew their chapters had deadly hazing practices and failed to stop them.

Recent Texas Hazing Lawsuits: A Growing Trend

It is also vital to note that hazing cases are not slowing down, even here in Texas. This very week, in November 2025, another wrenching lawsuit was filed against the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Texas at Austin following the death by suicide of an 18-year-old freshman after “horrific abuse.” This tragic case, unfolding concurrently with our Bermudez lawsuit, highlights the pervasive nature of hazing even at our state’s most prestigious institutions and the constant need for aggressive legal intervention.

These are not isolated incidents. They represent a clear, nationwide pattern. They demonstrate that when hazing causes severe injury or death, the responsible parties—including national fraternities, local chapters, and universities—are held accountable for millions of dollars. Your family in Butts County deserves the same relentless pursuit of justice and maximum compensation.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Not a Defense

For Butts County families dealing with hazing, one of the most important aspects of our legal framework is understanding the robust protections offered by Texas law. While Butts County may be in Georgia, the principles found in the Texas Education Code reflect a national consensus that hazing is a severe criminal and civil wrong, and victims are not to blame. This approach applies regardless of where the incident occurred, and our attorneys are licensed to pursue cases, including federal claims, anywhere in the country.

The Texas Anti-Hazing Law: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation, codified in the Texas Education Code. These statutes define hazing broadly and establish severe consequences:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if that act endangers the student’s mental or physical health or safety. This includes physical brutality (like striking, beating, branding), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics that create an unreasonable risk of harm, forced consumption of substances to the point of intoxication or harm, or any activity that violates the Penal Code.
  • In the Bermudez case, the hazing activities clearly fall under multiple statutory elements: being struck with wooden paddles (physical brutality), waterboarding (simulated drowning, physical brutality), forced consumption until vomiting, extreme calisthenics leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (unreasonable risk of harm).
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine) for participating or failing to report, to Class A misdemeanors (up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine) if serious bodily injury results, and even State Jail Felonies (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine) if hazing causes death.
  • Since Leonel Bermudez suffered “serious bodily injury” (rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure) requiring a multi-day hospitalization, the individuals involved in his hazing could face Class A misdemeanor charges, as anticipated by the University of Houston spokesperson.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law clearly states that organizations commit an offense if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property.
  • This is precisely why we’ve named both the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization as defendants. Their actions, or inactions, directly fall under this statute.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor, holding institutions themselves accountable.

The Game-Changer: Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas hazing law for victims and their families is the explicit declaration that consent is not a defense to hazing. The statute states:

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

This means that any argument from a fraternity, university, or individual member that says, “He agreed to participate,” “He knew the risks,” or “He could have left at any time,” is utterly invalid under Texas law. The legislature recognized that the power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of social ostracization inherent in hazing negate true consent.

For parents in Butts County, this legislative clarity is paramount. Your child cannot legally consent to being tortured, abused, or endangered. This provision fundamentally shifts the burden of responsibility from the victim to those who inflict or permit hazing.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal charges send a message to individual perpetrators, civil lawsuits are how hazing victims and their families, including those in Butts County, secure financial compensation for their immense suffering and losses. These civil claims operate independently of any criminal prosecution and rely on common-law principles:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim, asserting that universities, national organizations, and individual members had a duty of care to protect students, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property (as in the Bermudez case with the UH-owned fraternity house), the institution has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and can be held liable for dangerous conditions.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations that fail to adequately supervise their chapters, and to universities that fail to properly oversee Greek life activities on their campuses.
• Assault and Battery: Individual hazers can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when the hazing conduct is so outrageous and extreme (like waterboarding) that it causes severe emotional harm.
• Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members can pursue substantial damages for their losses.

Our expertise is in navigating these complex legal avenues, ensuring that Butts County families can access every available legal mechanism to hold all responsible parties accountable, irrespective of their location or the specific details of the hazing incident.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Butts County and Beyond

When your family in Butts County faces the unimaginable trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of this specific type of litigation and who has a proven track record of taking on powerful institutions. Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively engaged in the $10 million fight against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now, demonstrating precisely what we will do for your family.

Our Unmatched Advantages, Delivering Results for Butts County Families

1. Leading Hazing Litigation Experts: We are not general personal injury lawyers dabbling in hazing cases. Our firm is deeply specialized, and we are currently litigating a high-profile, $10 million hazing lawsuit. This isn’t just experience; it’s real-time, in-the-trenches fighting that translates directly to the aggressive representation you need.
2. Unprecedented Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our strategic advantage. They spent years working for the very insurance companies and corporations we now litigate against. They know the defense playbook inside and out – how claims are valued, how they strategize, and how they attempt to minimize or deny payouts. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle the opposition’s defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, including Butts County victims. Mr. Peña, in particular, worked for a nationwide insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, gaining invaluable perspective on how large entities protect themselves.
3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: While our headquarters are in Houston, we are equipped to represent victims nationwide, including those in Butts County. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual-state licensure and federal court authority give us a strategic edge when dealing with national fraternities and sororities that operate across state lines and often prefer federal jurisdiction for complex cases. We can effectively pursue justice for Butts County families against national organizations headquartered anywhere in the country.
4. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience – 25+ Years: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of litigation experience to every case. He has a proven track record, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating his capacity to take on massive corporate defendants – a skill directly applicable to battling national fraternities and universities. Lupe Peña adds over 12 years of his own litigation skill, ensuring our team is always sharp and prepared.
5. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess who to sue. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking entities by EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every responsible party, from the local chapter house corporation to the national headquarters. This same rigorous research applies to hazing incidents nationwide, giving Butts County families an unparalleled advantage.
6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes. Our priority is your family’s well-being. We treat every client like family, offering transparent communication and genuine empathy. Our countless 5-star reviews on Google (4.9 Stars, 250+ reviews) emphasize our commitment to caring for our clients through their most difficult times. “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” as one client, Chad Harris, put it.
7. No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fee Basis: We know Butts County families might be concerned about legal fees, especially after the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we win your case. This allows victims to pursue justice against well-funded institutions without financial strain. Learn more about our contingency fees here.
8. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Texas is a diverse state, and we are proud to offer comprehensive legal services in Spanish. Our fluent Spanish-speaking staff ensures that Hispanic families in Butts County who have been affected by hazing can navigate the legal system without language barriers, receiving clear explanation and support every step of the way.
9. Willingness to Travel: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via video, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Butts County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring you receive personalized and aggressive representation regardless of your location.

Meet Your Advocates: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

Ralph is a tenacious litigator with over 25 years of courtroom experience. A former insurance defense attorney, he intimately understands how the opposing side plans their strategies, giving our clients a formidable advantage. His extensive background includes high-stakes mass tort litigation like the BP Texas City Explosion, where he fought against a multi-billion dollar corporation—the same aggressive spirit he brings to hazing cases against national fraternities and universities. With dual bar admissions in Texas and New York, and experience in federal civil rights litigation, Ralph is uniquely positioned to pursue the complex, multi-jurisdictional hazing cases of today. As a father of three, he keenly understands the devastating impact hazing has on families. Learn more about Ralph here.

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

Lupe Peña is a highly skilled associate attorney who also brings invaluable insider knowledge from his previous role at a national insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP. He spent years defending insurance companies and major corporations, learning their tactics for minimizing claims and fighting payouts. Now, he dedicates his expertise to helping victims, using that “battlefield intelligence” to anticipate the defense’s moves and ensure our clients receive maximum compensation. Mr. Peña is a third-generation Texan and fluent in Spanish, offering crucial support to our diverse clientele. His deep understanding of commercial litigation and catastrophic injury cases perfectly complements our hazing practice. Discover Lupe’s background here.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form a powerhouse legal team, combining decades of experience, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication to justice. For Butts County families, this means having the fiercest advocates in your corner.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Butts County Families

If your child in Butts County has been victimized by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Taking the right steps can make all the difference in preserving evidence, protecting your legal rights, and building a strong case. We understand that this is an incredibly traumatic time, and you might feel overwhelmed. Here is clear, actionable guidance to follow:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Everything

• Seek Medical Care Immediately: Your child’s health is paramount. If they are injured, unconscious, or even just feeling unwell, get them to an emergency room or doctor right away. Even if the injuries seem minor, some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Any delay in seeking medical treatment can be used by the defense to argue that the injuries were not severe or not caused by the hazing.
• Insist on Documentation: Ensure that all medical professionals are aware the injuries are hazing-related. Medical records are crucial evidence. Request copies of all emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), imaging scans, and hospitalization records.
• Photograph Injuries: Take clear, timestamped photographs of any physical injuries (bruises, marks, swelling, cuts) as soon as possible, and continue to document them as they heal. Our experience, as highlighted in our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence,” shows that pictures tell your story. Watch the video here.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Digital and Physical

Hazing thrives in secrecy, but leaves a trail. Collecting and preserving this evidence is vital for your case:

• Digital Communications: This is often a goldmine for hazing cases. Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, or social media posts related to the hazing. Screenshot everything. These communications often contain direct evidence of hazing instructions, threats, coercion, or admissions of guilt.
• Photos and Videos: If your child, other pledges, or witnesses took any photos or videos during hazing activities, secure them immediately. Even seemingly innocent photos can become critical evidence.
• Physical Evidence: If there are any physical items connected to the hazing (e.g., specific objects used, damaged clothing, empty alcohol bottles from a hazing event), preserve them.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of other pledges, fraternity members who might be willing to speak up, or any bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Pledge Manuals/Documents: If your child received any written materials (pledge manuals, schedules, rules, creeds), keep them safe.

3. Crucial “DO NOTs” for Butts County Victims

Avoiding these common mistakes can protect your case from being undermined by the defense:

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete any messages, photos, or social media posts related to the incident, even if you think they are irrelevant or incriminating. Deletion can be considered destruction of evidence.
• DO NOT Speak to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership Alone: They are not your allies. They will try to control the narrative, minimize the incident, or pressure your child into silence. Any statements given without legal counsel can be used against your family.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, national organization, or university without having an attorney review them first. These documents often waive your legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” emphasizes that anything posted on social media can be used by the defense to discredit your child or minimize their injuries. Learn more here.
• DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters and university representatives are trained to elicit information that harms your case. Refer all inquiries to your attorney. As another video highlights, “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident.”

4. Understand Legal Deadlines: The Statute of Limitations

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including hazing, is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death cases, it is two years from the date of death. While Butts County, Georgia may have slightly different local laws, federal claims and the urgency of hazing make prompt action universally important. However, this period can sometimes be extended for minors until they reach adulthood. Regardless, waiting is always detrimental:

• Evidence disappears.
• Witnesses’ memories fade.
• Organizations may destroy relevant records.
• Your legal rights can expire.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized on November 6, and we filed the lawsuit within weeks. This swift action is protective and proactive. Do not delay. Understand more about statutes of limitations.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation

This is the single most important step. We offer a 24/7 legal emergency hotline, and your initial consultation is always free and confidential. We are here to listen, evaluate your case, and advise you on the best course of action without any obligation. Distance is not a barrier; we conduct remote consultations via phone or video and are prepared to travel to Butts County when necessary.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Butts County

If your child in Butts County has been victimized by hazing, the time to act is now. You have legal rights, and we have the expertise, experience, and dedication to fight for them. We are actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for hazing, and we will bring that same aggressive, data-driven representation to your case.

We understand the isolation and fear that can accompany a hazing incident, especially in a close-knit community like Butts County. You might feel alone, but we want you to know that you have powerful allies ready to stand with you. Whether the hazing occurred at a university in Georgia, Texas, or anywhere else in the country, our federal court experience and dual-state bar admissions equip us to pursue justice on your behalf.

Butts County Families: Call Us Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Your legal emergency is our call to action. Do not delay. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak with a compassionate professional who understands what you’re facing.

You can also reach us via email at: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Costs. We Come to You.

We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are paid only if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime. This ensures that every family, regardless of financial means, has access to top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide. We offer convenient video consultations for Butts County families, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Butts County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever needed. Justice knows no geographic boundaries.

We Are Here for All Victims of Hazing

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in a wide range of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Butts County and across the country.
• Butts County-area high school or college sports teams (football, basketball, cheerleading, etc.).
• Marching bands, clubs, and other student organizations in Butts County.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any group where abuse is disguised as “initiation” or “tradition.”

To Fellow Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or your child were subjected to the same brutal hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, or witnessed the abuse Leonel Bermudez endured, know that you are not alone. We know Leonel was not the only victim; another pledge collapsed during a forced workout, and many others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical torment. Your experiences are critical, and your voice deserves to be heard. Lupe Peña said it best: “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, and let’s bring all responsible parties to justice together. Your bravery can help protect countless others.