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, build relationships, and find their place. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially suffered lasting harm. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Catoosa County fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless college prank; it’s a dangerous, often criminal, act that can lead to severe injury, psychological trauma, and even death. In Catoosa County, parents send their children off to universities across Georgia and nationwide, trusting that these institutions will keep them safe. All too often, that trust is betrayed by fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other organizations that prioritize outdated, abusive “traditions” over the well-being of young people.

At Attorney911, we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, a case that embodies everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. The same aggressive, empathetic, and expert representation we provide to families in Houston is available to you, right here in Catoosa County. We believe that distance should never be a barrier to justice.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Catoosa County Families Need Us

The crisis of hazing extends far beyond any single campus or organization. It is a systemic problem deeply entrenched in many college cultures, impacting students from Catoosa County whether they attend a major public university in Georgia like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, or institutions further afield in Texas, Florida, or Pennsylvania. The incidents often go unreported due to fear, shame, and loyalty, creating a cycle of abuse that continues to harm generation after generation of students.

Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a current and present danger. Every year, families from communities like Catoosa County send their children off to pursue higher education, only to have their hopes shattered by the devastating reality of hazing. It’s a betrayal of trust by institutions, national organizations, and individual members who perpetuate these dangerous rituals.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, fearing retaliation, social exclusion, or further abuse.
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the United States every single year. These are preventable tragedies that devastate families and leave an indelible stain on our educational institutions.

When hazing occurs, it’s not a secret; it’s often an open secret known by multiple levels of leadership within local chapters, national organizations, and university administrations. They have the power and the policies meant to stop it but often fail to act until a student is severely injured or tragically dies. Only then do chapters get suspended, charters revoked, and empty statements of regret issued. By then, it’s often too late for the victim, leaving families in Catoosa County to pick up the pieces of shattered lives.

We refuse to stand by and let this happen. We believe that every family in Catoosa County deserves to know the true scope of this problem, and that every victim deserves robust legal representation to hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable.

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

Catoosa County Families: This is what hazing looks like today. This is what we do about it.

This isn’t an abstract legal principle for us; it’s a live, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court. This case is precisely why Attorney911 exists—to fight aggressively for victims of hazing and to send an undeniable message that these barbaric practices will not be tolerated.

Our current flagship case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025. It targets not only the local chapter but also the national fraternity, its housing corporation, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is new, it is ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly the kind of relentless, data-driven legal action we bring to every hazing case, including those originating from Catoosa County.

Media Coverage of Our Current Fight:

• ABC13 (KTRK) Houston: Published their report on November 21, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges“
• Click2Houston (KPRC 2): Published their report on November 21, 2025: “Only on 2: Lawsuit alleges severe hazing at University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter fraternity“
• Hoodline: Published their summary on November 22, 2025: “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse“
• Houston Public Media: Revealed additional details on November 24, 2025: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing“

The Defendant’s Own Admission:

• Pi Kappa Phi National: In a statement issued on November 21, 2025, they confirmed the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston“

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston when he was hazed. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet, demonstrating a chilling disregard for human life and institutional rules.

He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in him being hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Here’s what happened to Leonel, as exposed in our lawsuit:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: Leonel was subjected to simulated waterboarding, where he was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics. This is a form of torture, yet it was inflicted on a young student.
• Hog-tied and humiliated: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Leonel was forced to witness and participate in similar degrading acts.
• Forced eating until vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were compelled to continue physical exertions, sometimes lying in their own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme physical punishment: He endured endless repetitions of high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to perform 100+ pushups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed, under explicit threats of expulsion if he stopped. One pledge even lost consciousness during these grueling workouts.
• Struck with wooden paddles: The lawsuit alleges Leonel was physically struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t a game; it’s assault.
• Psychological torture: Beyond the physical, he was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, was stripped to his underwear in cold weather, and subjected to sleep deprivation by being forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours.
• Medical Catastrophe: On November 3, 2025, Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was pushed to his absolute physical limit, becoming so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. When he returned home, he literally crawled up the stairs. Days later, passing brown urine (a critical sign of muscle breakdown), his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis—a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream—and acute kidney failure. He spent four days hospitalized, facing the very real risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Timeline of Betrayal and Battle:

• Sept 16, 2025: Leonel accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• Sept 16 – Nov 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
• Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Oct 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout.
• Nov 3, 2025: The incident occurs: Leonel is forced to perform extreme physical exertions, collapses, and suffers severe injury.
• Nov 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushes him to the hospital, where he is diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel is hospitalized for three nights and four days.
• Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter (they knew what was coming).
• Nov 21, 2025: Our firm, Attorney911, files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County. News reports immediately follow.

What Their Own Statements Reveal:

The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting that “any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission of serious wrongdoing and potential criminal conduct from the university itself.

Pi Kappa Phi National’s statement, released after the chapter closure but just before our lawsuit became public, said they closed the chapter “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They even thanked UH for its “collaboration.” Crucially, they stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a disturbing lack of remorse—they’re already planning their comeback while Leonel is still recovering.

Why This Case Matters to Catoosa County Families:
This case is a stark warning. The same national fraternities that have chapters at universities popular with students from Catoosa County—such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Georgia Tech, and other institutions across the Southeast—are the same organizations that perpetuate these dangers. The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez can happen to your child. The institutional negligence that allowed this at the University of Houston can happen at any university near Catoosa County.

We are fighting this battle with Leonel, and we will bring the same level of aggression, expertise, and dedication to your family’s fight in Catoosa County. As Attorney Ralph Manginello told ABC13 in his powerful quote, describing Leonel’s pain: “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.”

Attorney Lupe Pena added to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This is our ethos. This is why we fight. The justice we seek for Leonel Bermudez will resonate far beyond Houston, sending a clear message to fraternities and universities across the nation, including those your children attend.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Catoosa County may imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality, as revealed in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far more sinister and dangerous. This is not about building character or fostering camaraderie; it is systematic abuse, physical and psychological torture, and often criminal behavior.

The Categories of Hazing We See:

1. Physical Abuse and Assault: This is often the most visible and immediately damaging form of hazing. Cases like Leonel’s include:

   • Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced calisthenics (hundreds of push-ups, squats, “suicide” drills, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, 100-yard crals) often past the point of collapse, leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
   • Beatings and Paddling: As seen in Leonel’s case with allegations of being struck with wooden paddles.
   • Sleep Deprivation: Orchestrated through late-night activities and early-morning “duties,” severely compromising health and safety.
   • Exposure to Elements: Forcing pledges outdoors in extreme weather, sometimes minimally clothed or sprayed with water, risking hypothermia or heatstroke.
   • Branding and Scarring: Inflicting permanent marks, a common ancient practice now a modern criminal act.

2. Forced Consumption: This category often leads to serious medical emergencies, particularly with alcohol.

   • Binge Drinking: Requiring pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol in short periods, leading to alcohol poisoning. This was the cause of death in cases like Andrew Coffey and Max Gruver.
   • Forced Eating: Compelling pledges to eat non-food items, or massive quantities of food until they vomit, as Leonel suffered with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns.
   • Other Substances: Forcing ingestion of unsanitary, dangerous, or illegal substances.

3. Psychological Torture and Degradation: The mental scars from hazing can last a lifetime, manifesting as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a fundamental breakdown of trust.

   • Humiliation and Degradation: Public embarrassment, forced nudity, wearing degrading costumes or items (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual objects), or being forced to lie in your own vomit.
   • Isolation and Intimidation: Creating an environment where pledges feel trapped, alone, and too scared to report the abuse, often through threats of retaliation or expulsion.
   • Verbal Abuse: Constant yelling, belittling, and demeaning language designed to break down self-esteem.

4. Simulated Drowning/Water Torture: As horrifyingly revealed in Leonel’s case, “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose” is a form of torture that mimics near-death experiences and can cause profound psychological and physical trauma. When Houston Public Media reports that “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture,” it highlights the true nature of these brutal acts.

The Consequences are Real and Immediate:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As Leonel’s case tragically showed, extreme physical exertion can break down muscles, releasing toxins that cause life-threatening kidney damage.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: From falls, beatings, or assaults.
• Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From environmental exposure.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical stress.
• Long-Term Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, a shattered sense of self, and difficulty trusting others.
• Death: The ultimate, irreversible consequence that devastates families and communities.

This is not a game. This is violent abuse, and communities like Catoosa County must understand the true gravity of these acts to properly demand accountability from those who perpetrate and enable them.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a child from Catoosa County is harmed by hazing, we refuse to allow anyone to escape accountability. At Attorney911, we sue everyone who participated, everyone who knew, and every institution that failed to protect the victim. Our comprehensive approach ensures that all responsible parties, from individual members to vast national organizations and wealthy universities, are held liable. This is our strategy in the Bermudez case, and it will be our strategy for your family in Catoosa County.

The Defendants We Target:

1. Individual Perpetrators: These are the members who directly inflicted or facilitated the hazing.

   • Chapter Officers: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other leaders who designed, directed, or oversaw the hazing activities. These individuals often bear significant personal responsibility. For example, in the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for millions.
   • Participating Members: Any student who actively engaged in or enabled the hazing.
   • Former Members/Alumni: Many hazing activities occur at off-campus residences, sometimes owned or occupied by alumni. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because hazing occurred at their residence, making them liable under premises liability and aiding/abetting theories.

2. Local Chapters (Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi):

   • The chapter itself, as an organized entity, directly planned, executed, and condoned the hazing rituals. They are vicariously liable for the actions of their members and directly liable for the culture they created.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.):

   • These are often the “deep pockets” in hazing litigation. National organizations control the charter, provide guidelines, collect dues, and are supposed to oversee local chapters.
   • Their Liability: They are liable for negligent supervision, failure to train, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, and often for creating or perpetuating a culture where hazing is implicitly (or explicitly) encouraged. In Leonel’s case, KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing policies “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This demonstrates a pattern of deliberate indifference, which is critical for securing punitive damages.

4. Housing Corporations:

   • Many chapters operate through separate legal entities called housing corporations that own or manage the fraternity houses. These corporations have a responsibility to ensure safe premises.
   • Their Liability: They are liable for premises defects, unsafe conditions, and failing to prevent hazing from occurring on property they control.

5. Universities and Colleges (University of Houston, UH Board of Regents):

   • Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When hazing occurs, particularly on university-owned or sanctioned property, their liability is often significant.
   • Their Liability:
     • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee Greek life or address known hazing problems.
     • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property (as it did for Leonel Bermudez in a “University-owned fraternity house”), the university as a landlord has a duty to ensure safety.
     • Failure to Act: Ignoring repeated warnings, previous incidents, or a general awareness of hazing within their Greek system. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 with another fraternity, meaning they had clear notice that hazing was a problem on their campus. Their failure to prevent Leonel’s injuries makes them squarely liable.
     • Breach of Contract: Universities implicitly contract with students to provide a safe educational environment.
     • Title IX Violations: In cases involving sexual assault or gender-based discrimination connected to hazing.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts typically come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and possibly homeowners’ policies of individual defendants. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know precisely how these policies operate and how to maximize recovery.

The “Deep Pockets”:
We emphasize that this is not about suing “broke college kids.” It is about holding powerful institutions with substantial assets and insurance policies—like national fraternities and major universities—accountable. When these institutions fail to protect students from Catoosa County, they must pay for the harm they allowed to occur. We have the intelligence, the experience, and the determination to track down every liable entity and ensure they face justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Catoosa County facing the unimaginable pain of a hazing injury or death, the question is often, “Can we really fight these powerful organizations?” The answer is a resounding YES. The legal landscape for hazing victims has dramatically shifted, with courageous families across the country securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send a clear message: hazing will cost you everything.

These precedent cases are not just legal footnotes; they are human stories of immense suffering turned into powerful vehicles for accountability and change. They prove that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not just justified, but deeply rooted in established patterns of justice. The same legal strategies and precedents apply to cases originating from Catoosa County.

Landmark Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

   • Outcome: $10.1 Million+ Total. Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol at a hazing event. The family received an initial $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. In a separate, direct legal action, a jury in December 2024 ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally in survivorship and wrongful death damages.
   • Significance for Catoosa County: This demonstrates that universities are held accountable for millions, national fraternities are liable for millions, and individual orchestrators can face direct, multi-million dollar personal judgments. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly in line with this precedent.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

   • Outcome: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict. Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to participate in a “Bible Study” hazing event. He was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly.
   • Significance for Catoosa County: This jury verdict unequivocally shows that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial sums to victims’ families. The Max Gruver Act, subsequently passed in Louisiana, made hazing a felony, highlighting the legislative impact of these tragic cases. The egregious conduct in Leonel Bermudez’s case is even more violent, suggesting a similar, if not greater, outrage from a jury.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

   • Outcome: $110 Million+ (Estimated in combined settlements). Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a “gauntlet” drinking ritual, consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs multiple times and suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras recorded the horrifying events.
   • Significance for Catoosa County: This monumental recovery demonstrates the potential for damages when there is clear evidence of extreme negligence, intentional disregard for safety, and a cover-up. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, a direct result of this tragedy, further amplifies the need for strong legal action.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

   • Outcome: Confidential Settlement. Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event. This is the SAME national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
   • Significance for Catoosa County: THIS IS A SMOKING GUN. Pi Kappa Phi National KNEW their chapters engaged in deadly hazing. Andrew Coffey’s death was in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. Eight years later, the same national organization failed to prevent another devastating incident. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and foreseeability on the part of Pi Kappa Phi National, bolstering claims for substantial punitive damages.

5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

   • Outcome: $4 Million+ Settlement. Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing ritual. The family originally sought $28 million. The resulting settlement included a cash payment to the family and a significant donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which works to combat hazing.
   • Significance for Catoosa County: It shows that initial demands for multi-millions are common and that substantial settlements are achieved in non-death injury cases if similar patterns apply.

The Power of Precedent for Catoosa County Families:
These cases send a resounding message to every fraternity, sorority, and university—including those attended by students from Catoosa County:

• Hazing will cost you millions. The days of minor fines and wrist-slaps are over.
• Juries hate hazing. The sheer maliciousness and recklessness of hazing rituals outrage jurors, leading to significant awards.
• Institutional accountability is real. Universities and national fraternities cannot hide behind their lawyers; they will be held responsible for their failures.

For your family in Catoosa County, these precedents mean that the path to justice, though challenging, is well-established. We use this history, these verdicts, and these legislative changes to build the strongest possible case for your child, ensuring that what happened to them will not be forgotten and will lead to the accountability they deserve.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Not a Defense

Families in Catoosa County need to understand that the law is on their side when it comes to hazing. While Attorney911 operates nationwide, our home base in Texas provides a particularly strong legal framework that underpins our aggressive approach to hazing litigation. Many states have similar laws, and where state laws might differ, federal civil rights claims and general negligence principles still apply, extending our reach far beyond Texas borders.

Texas Anti-Hazing Law (Education Code § 37.151-37.157):

1. Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership that:

   • Involves Physical Brutality: This includes striking, beating, whipping, branding, or the placement of harmful substances on the body. This covers the wooden paddles and other physical assaults Leonel Bermudez endured.
   • Endangers Mental or Physical Health: This covers sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like being stripped in cold weather or sprayed with a hose), confinement, or excessive calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups leading to rhabdomyolysis).
   • Involves Forced Consumption: This includes requiring consumption of food, liquid, drugs, or alcohol to an extent that risks harm. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting clearly falls under this.
   • Involves Criminal Acts: Any activity that requires a student to violate the Penal Code.

   Significance for Catoosa County: The specific acts Leonel suffered—waterboarding, extreme exercise, forced eating, paddling, humiliation—are all explicitly covered by the Texas hazing statute. If similar incidents occurred near Catoosa County, these actions violate state law and create civil liability.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas. The severity of the charges depends on the harm caused:

   • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in, encouraging, aiding, or failing to report hazing.
   • Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes “serious bodily injury.” Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure absolutely constitute serious bodily injury, meaning the individuals involved in his case face Class A misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
   • State Jail Felony: If hazing results in death, individuals face up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
   • Significance for Catoosa County: The University of Houston’s own spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case. This means the severity of civil liability is often compounded by criminal wrongdoing, driving up the potential for justice.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law explicitly states that an “organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni… commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Organizations can face fines and be denied the right to operate on campus.

   • Significance for Catoosa County: This is crucial for holding local chapters and national organizations (like Pi Kappa Phi National) directly responsible, regardless of whether specific individuals are identified and prosecuted.

4. CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical protection for hazing victims and their families. Many fraternities and universities attempt to shift blame by claiming the victim “consented” or “knew what they were getting into.” Texas law unequivocally rejects this argument:

   • “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.”

   Significance for Catoosa County: This means that no matter how much pressure, coercion, or perceived “choice” was involved, a victim cannot legally consent to be hazed. This legislative foresight dismantles a primary defense tactic and empowers victims.

Civil Liability: How Catoosa County Victims Sue:
Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek monetary damages for the immense harm caused by hazing.

1. Negligence: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. We prove that the defendants (individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty by allowing or participating in hazing, and that this breach directly caused the injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university (like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house) or an individual, they can be held liable for creating or allowing an unsafe condition.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies to national organizations (for failing to supervise their chapters) and universities (for failing to oversee Greek life activities and ensure student safety).
4. Assault and Battery: Individual members who physically strike, force, or threaten a student can be sued directly for intentional harm. Waterboarding and paddling are clear examples.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing acts often constitute “extreme and outrageous” conduct that causes severe emotional distress, supporting claims for mental anguish and PTSD.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing death, families can pursue wrongful death claims for their devastating losses.

For families in Catoosa County, these civil claims are vital. They allow for comprehensive financial recovery—covering medical bills, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and punitive damages—and they are pursued independently of any criminal proceedings, ensuring justice can be served. Attorney911 has the expertise in these complex legal areas to fight for your child.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Catoosa County

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team. At Attorney911, we are just that: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ ready to move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. For families in Catoosa County, choosing the right representation means selecting a firm with unmatched experience, an aggressive posture toward defendants, and a deep understanding of the unique intricacies of hazing litigation.

Why Catoosa County Families Choose Attorney911:

1. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience (25+ Years):

   • Ralph P. Manginello brings over 25 years of diverse litigation experience to every case. He is a seasoned trial attorney who isn’t afraid to take on formidable opponents. This courtroom prowess means that universities and national fraternities in Catoosa County know they face a real fight, not just a settlement negotiation.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: Your case is handled by attorneys with proven success in high-stakes litigation, prepared to go to trial if necessary to get you justice.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook:

   • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” They spent years working on the other side, defending insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims. They understand precisely how these entities value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate defense tactics, dismantle their arguments, and negotiate from a position of strength, maximizing your child’s recovery. We speak their language, and we know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority (Admitted to U.S. District Court):

   • Hazing cases often involve national organizations and multi-state issues, making federal court jurisdiction highly relevant. Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: This capability means we can pursue claims against national fraternities headquartered anywhere in the U.S. and leverage federal law, regardless of where the incident occurred in Catoosa County or at a college your child attends.

4. Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas AND New York):

   • Ralph holds active bar licenses in both Texas and New York.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternity organizations, many of which are based or have significant operations in the Northeast. It allows for broader legal strategies and jurisdiction options, directly benefiting cases involving national organizations whose chapters populate campuses throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

5. High-Profile, Complex Litigation Experience (e.g., BP Texas City Explosion):

   • Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured over 180. This demonstrates the firm’s capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: The skills, resources, and strategic approach required to take on a giant like BP are directly transferable to battling national fraternities, major universities, and their vast insurance networks in hazing cases from Catoosa County.

6. Hazing Litigation is Our CURRENT Focus – The Bermudez Case:

   • We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston (filed November 2025) is proof of our real-time commitment and expertise in hazing cases.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: You benefit from our cutting-edge strategies, recent findings, and current litigation experience. We know what’s working now because we’re doing it now.

7. Se Habla Español – Bilingual Staff:

   • Our dedicated team is bilingual and fluent in Spanish. Lupe Peña is a third-generation Texan who is fluent in Spanish.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: We ensure clear and compassionate communication for Spanish-speaking families in Catoosa County, removing language barriers and ensuring every client feels heard and understood throughout the legal process.

8. Client-Focused and Empathetic Approach:

   • Our Google My Business reviews show a 4.9-star rating from over 250 reviews, with consistent themes of “they treat you like family” and outstanding communication. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: We provide warm, human support during your family’s crisis, treating you with respect and compassion while aggressively pursuing justice. We never see you as just another case. As one client, Chad Harris, said: “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

9. Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost for Catoosa County Families:

   • We understand the financial strain that a hazing incident can place on families. We take hazing cases on contingency.
   • Catoosa County Benefit: You pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire us. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing any family in Catoosa County, regardless of financial means, to afford top-tier legal representation against powerful defendants. For more details on how this works, watch our video “How Contingency Fees Work.”

10. Nationwide Reach – We Come to Catoosa County:

    • While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice extends nationwide.
    • Catoosa County Benefit: Distance is not a barrier. We offer remote video consultations, gather evidence electronically, and are prepared to travel to Catoosa County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Your location will not prevent you from accessing our expert hazing litigation services.

We truly believe that victims of hazing deserve aggressive, expert, and compassionate legal representation. Attorney911 isn’t just a law firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ dedicated to shutting down your emergency—including the devastating impact of hazing on your family in Catoosa County.

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

When hazing strikes, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Fear, confusion, and shock can make it difficult to think clearly, but prompt action is essential to protect your child’s legal rights and build a strong case. For families in Catoosa County, knowing these steps can make all the difference.

Here’s an actionable guide—what you need to do RIGHT NOW:

Step 1: Prioritize Medical Attention – Document Every Injury

• Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage) may not be immediately apparent. For instance, Leonel Bermudez’s symptoms worsened over days before his mother rushed him to the hospital.
• Be Thorough with Medical Professionals: Tell doctors everything your child experienced, including specific hazing acts, forced consumption, lack of sleep, and any physical or emotional symptoms. Ensure medical records clearly link the injuries and symptoms to the hazing. If your child is passing brown urine, get to an emergency room immediately—it’s a sign of serious muscle breakdown.
• Keep All Medical Records: Collect every doctor’s note, hospital record, test result, bill, and prescription. These form the bedrock of evidence for physical harm. If therapy or counseling is needed for psychological trauma, meticulously document those appointments and bills too. Our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” explains this importance.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – Digital and Physical

• STOP Deleting Anything: Instruct your child and any sympathetic witnesses immediately not to delete any digital communications. This includes texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, TikTok videos, emails, or any other social media content related to the fraternity/sorority, the pledging process, or the hazing incidents. Deleting evidence can severely harm a case.
• Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of all relevant messages, photos, or videos before they can be deleted by others. Many apps have “disappearing messages,” so act fast. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? (Attorney911 Explains)” provides crucial guidance on this.
• Document Physical Evidence: If there are any bruises, cuts, burns, or other visible injuries, photograph them from multiple angles, with clear lighting, and include a date/time stamp if possible. Continue to photograph injuries as they heal. Also, document any physical items related to the hazing, such as specific clothing, notes, or environmental hazards at the hazing location.
• Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information for any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or its aftermath. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Gather Internal Documents: If your child received any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the organization, preserve them.

Step 3: AVOID Contact with Defendants – Let Us Handle It

• Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter leadership, national representatives, or alumni. They are not on your side and will likely try to extract information, pressure your child, or coordinate their story.
• Do NOT Talk to Your University’s Administration or Lawyers: The university’s priority is to protect itself, not your child. Any statements made to them can be used against your case. Let us speak for you.
• Do NOT Accept or Sign Anything: Refuse to sign any documents, waivers, or confidentiality agreements from the fraternity/sorority or university without consulting an attorney. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
• No Social Media Posts: Do not post anything about the incident, your feelings, or your child’s condition on social media. Anything posted can be twisted and used to undermine the case. This includes celebratory posts that might make your child appear “fine.” Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” strongly advises against this.
• Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance companies, and even university officials, may request recorded statements. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” explains why this is vital.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911: This is your emergency hotline. Do not delay. There is a statute of limitations (typically a two-year deadline in most states like Georgia) for filing personal injury lawsuits. Evidence disappears rapidly, and memories fade. The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case will be. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” stresses this urgency.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free, confidential consultation. This is your chance to discuss your case, understand your legal options, and get expert advice without any financial obligation.
• Contingency Fee Basis: Remember, we work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that seeking justice for your child in Catoosa County is not a financial burden.
• Location is Not a Barrier: Even if you’re in Catoosa County and our offices are in Houston, Austin, or Beaumont, we can help. We offer video consultations and travel for serious cases.

Your family lives in Catoosa County, a close-knit community where you expect your children to be safe, especially when pursuing education. When that safety is shattered by hazing, you need unwavering support and aggressive legal action. Following these steps will lay the strongest foundation for your child’s case and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. You did not deserve this, and we will fight tirelessly for the justice you seek. Enough is enough.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Catoosa County

When the unthinkable happens, and your child or a loved one in Catoosa County is a victim of hazing, the path forward can seem overwhelming and shrouded in darkness. But you are not alone. Attorney911 is your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to bring compassionate support and aggressive legal action to your family’s fight.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, a case that has sent shockwaves through the national Greek life community. The experiences of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was waterboarded, forced to eat until he vomited, and pushed to kidney failure, are precisely why we exist. We know how to build these cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to WIN. And we will bring that same dedication, expertise, and force to fight for your family in Catoosa County.

Catoosa County Families: Don’t wait. Don’t suffer in silence. This is your legal emergency. We are here to help.

🚨 IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING VICTIMS: CALL 1-888-ATTY-911 NOW! 🚨

Our legal emergency hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Night or day, when you need help, we answer.

• Call Us: 1-888-ATTY-911 (That’s 1-888-288-9911)
• Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com
• Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Why Contacting Attorney911 is Your First Best Step:

1. Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial consultation is absolutely free. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to speak with an expert hazing litigation attorney who will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide clear guidance on your legal options. We ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
2. No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: We understand that your family in Catoosa County is already facing immense emotional and potentially financial strain. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
   • You pay nothing out of pocket to hire us.
   • We only get paid if we win your case.
   • Our fees come directly from the settlement or verdict we secure for you.
   • This removes financial barriers and allows you to pursue justice against powerful adversaries without worrying about mounting legal bills. For more information on how this works, see our video on “How Contingency Fees Work.”
3. Nationwide Reach with Local Sensitivity for Catoosa County: Although our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our expertise extends far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national problem, and we bring our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) to bear on cases across the country.
   • Remote Consultations: We can conduct secure video consultations, making it easy for families in Catoosa County to connect with our legal team from the comfort and privacy of your home.
   • We Travel to You: For critical depositions, court appearances, or client meetings, our attorneys are prepared to travel to you in Catoosa County to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Empathetic and Aggressive Representation: We combine deep compassion for what your family is enduring with a fierce, relentless approach to litigation. We’ve seen the devastation hazing causes, and we commit ourselves fully to holding every responsible party accountable. Your family will be treated like our own.
5. Urgency is Key: The passage of time can dramatically weaken a hazing case. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and critical deadlines (like the statute of limitations) can expire. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin:
   • Preserving vital evidence (texts, photos, medical records).
   • Identifying all potential defendants (from individual members to national organizations and universities).
   • Building an unassailable legal strategy.

Your child’s future, their physical and emotional well-being, and the protection of other students depend on courageous action now. If your family in Catoosa County has been impacted by hazing, reach out to Attorney911 today. Let us be your legal emergency team. Let us fight for the justice your child deserves, and help ensure that no other family has to endure the pain you are experiencing.

Remember: Don’t confront them. Don’t wait. Call us. We are here to help.