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Charlton County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Charlton County, Earth, Georgia, North America, United States

If you’re reading this, your family in Charlton County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to embark on a new chapter of learning and growth. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured, or worse, their life was tragically cut short, all in the name of a twisted “tradition.” We’re here to help families in Charlton County fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing that continues to plague our schools and our communities.

Charlton County, nestled in the southeastern corner of Georgia, is a place where community and family values run deep. Families यहां in Charlton County send their children to colleges and universities, whether within Georgia or beyond, with the expectation that they will be safe, nurtured, and afforded opportunities for intellectual and personal development. The thought that their child could be subjected to egregious hazing rituals by the very organizations meant to foster camaraderie is a betrayal of that deepest trust. Whether your child attends a major state university like the University of Georgia, a smaller regional college like Coastal Georgia, or ventures to institutions further afield, the risk of hazing remains a chilling reality. We, at Attorney911, understand this fear, this anger, and this sense of betrayal.

We are not just observers of the hazing crisis; we are actively fighting it right now in the courtroom. Our firm, Attorney911, is aggressively representing victims and their families, bringing landmark lawsuits against powerful fraternities and negligent universities. We are here to say to Charlton County families: you are not alone, and you have powerful allies in this fight. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, drawing from our deep expertise and current litigation, to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to seek justice for your child.

The Bermudez Case: This is What Hazing Looks Like. This is What We Do About It.

Charlton County Families: This case wasn’t just another legal proceeding for us; it is the very embodiment of what Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. What happened to Leonel Bermudez took place in Houston, Texas, but the horrifying “traditions” he endured are not unique to one city or state. The same dangerous hazing rituals can and do occur at universities and colleges where students from Charlton County attend. The same national fraternities with their dangerous cultures have chapters at institutions throughout Georgia and across America. The same institutional negligence, which allowed this to happen right under a university’s nose, exists at educational institutions nationwide, potentially impacting students from Charlton County. And we want every family in Charlton County to know that if their child suffers a similar fate, we will bring the same aggression, the same thoroughness, and the same unwavering commitment to their fight for justice.

Our attorneys are currently engaged in a $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. This isn’t a theoretical exercise; it’s a live, ongoing battle that showcases exactly how we fight for hazing victims.

In the News: Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case

The severity of Leonel Bermudez’s experience and our firm’s aggressive pursuit of justice quickly garnered widespread media attention from prominent news outlets:

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” found at https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/. This statement, while carefully worded, serves as a crucial admission of violations by the fraternity itself.

The Student They Tortured: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who planned to join UH for the upcoming spring semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was an egregious campaign of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

For Charlton County families, this detail is chilling: they did this to someone who wasn’t even their student. This demonstrates a reckless disregard not just for student safety, but for human safety, plain and simple.

Our lead attorney, Ralph Manginello, speaking to ABC13, vividly painted the picture:
“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:
“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 the very essence of why we fight. To prevent another Charlton County family from enduring this nightmare.

The Horrific Timeline of Abuse

The lawsuit meticulously details weeks of escalating abuse:

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately, not as “fun activities,” but as systematic humiliation and control.
  • Throughout the Pledge Period: Leonel was subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews with members, and forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to severe exhaustion. He was humiliated by being forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance hung constantly over his head.
  • October 13, 2025: At a particularly disturbing hazing session, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t a one-off; it was a snapshot of the culture.
  • October 15, 2025: A chilling event unfolded when another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This wasn’t a warning sign; it was a clear red flag that was completely ignored.
  • November 3, 2025: The Breaking Point. As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was forced into an extreme workout regimen that involved over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprint drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling exercises. He became so utterly exhausted that he could not stand without help.
  • November 4-5, 2025: Leonel was unable to move, his condition worsening rapidly.
  • November 6, 2025: His mother, seeing his critical state and the alarming symptom of passing brown urine (a sign of severe muscle breakdown), rushed him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He remained hospitalized for three nights and four days.
  • November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National, clearly aware of the severity of the situation and the impending legal action, officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, stating “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”
  • November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit against the fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals.

The Hazing Activities: Evidence of Torture and Abuse, Not Pranks

Our lawsuit meticulously documents the sheer barbarity of the hazing Leonel endured. This was not harmless “fun.” It was calculated cruelty designed to break pledges down physically and psychologically.

  • Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face during calisthenics. This is a technique condemned as torture globally, used against prisoners of war. To inflict this upon a student seeking camaraderie is unthinkable. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. After vomiting, they were made to continue running sprints in their own sick, and to lie in vomit-soaked grass. This is not tradition; this is sadistic.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: The 100+ pushups, 500 squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and 100-yard crawls were designed to push pledges beyond their limits. The fact that another pledge lost consciousness during these drills, and members still continued, shows a shocking disregard for human life. Leonel was also struck with wooden paddles.
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: The fanny pack with sexual objects, being hog-tied, forced stripping in cold weather, and constant threats of expulsion or physical pain created an atmosphere of terror and degradation.
  • Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced early-morning driving and late-night activities led to severe fatigue, weakening pledges’ physical and mental defenses.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel Bermudez’s body literally broke down from the abuse. He developed rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream. This surge of proteins, particularly myoglobin, overwhelmed his kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure. The sight of him “passing brown urine” was a classic indicator of this life-threatening condition. He was hospitalized for days, and the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains a serious concern for his future. This is the same medical condition that Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating, a testament to our firm’s deep understanding of these complex cases.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Denial and Damage Control

Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters responded with carefully crafted statements that, upon closer inspection, reveal conscious efforts at damage control.

The University of Houston spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media:
“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.”
While this sounds official, it’s an admission that their policies were violated and that criminal acts may have occurred. It’s a statement made after the victim was hospitalized and the lawsuit was imminent.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, on their own website, announced the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, stating:
“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.”
Crucially, they added, “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.”
This statement reveals critical information: they closed the chapter seven days before our lawsuit was filed, indicative of their knowledge of wrongdoing and an attempt to preemptively limit liability. Their mention of “collaboration” with UH points to a coordinated effort to manage the fallout. And their assertion of “looking forward to returning to campus” demonstrates a profound lack of remorse and a belief that this tragedy is merely a temporary setback.

KHOU 11 further reported that the national organization and housing corporation allegedly “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.’” This is a “smoking gun” admission that they knew about a systemic problem and deliberately chose not to act.

Why the Bermudez Case Matters to Every Charlton County Family

  1. Hazing is Torture, Not Tradition: This case shatters any romanticized notions of hazing. Waterboarding, forced eating till vomiting, extreme physical abuse – these are acts of torture. Charlton County parents must understand this brutality can happen to their children at any institution, under any Greek letters.
  2. Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this happened. Universities have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down chapters. When they fail, as UH did despite previous incidents, they bear significant liability. This applies to any university attended by Charlton County students.
  3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence establishes deliberate indifference. National fraternities operating in Georgia or elsewhere are not innocent bystanders; they are responsible for their chapters’ actions.
  4. Victims Fear Retribution: Leonel is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This is a common and terrifying reality for hazing victims in Charlton County and everywhere else. Our role is to provide a shield and ensure their voices are heard without fear.
  5. One Brave Victim Can Save Lives: As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Leonel’s courage in stepping forward, backed by our aggressive litigation, can force changes that protect future students. A case brought by a Charlton County family could have the same profound impact.
  6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The sheer monetary demand in our lawsuit is designed to get the attention of these powerful institutions. It’s the price of their negligence, and it’s a message that Charlton County families, through similar litigation, can send loud and clear.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When Charlton County parents hear “hazing,” they might think of mild pranks or silly initiations. But the reality, as evidenced by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far darker and more dangerous. This is not about building brotherhood; it’s about systematically stripping individuals of their dignity and humanity, often with devastating physical and psychological consequences.

The True Face of Hazing: A Disregard for Human Life

Hazing today is synonymous with criminal acts:

  • Assault and Battery: Direct physical harm, beatings, paddling, branding, or the forced physical exertion until collapse that Leonel experienced.
  • Torture: Methods like waterboarding, simulated drowning, exposure to extreme elements, or prolonged sleep deprivation.
  • Reckless Endangerment: Forcing excessive alcohol consumption, dangerous stunts, or physical activities that cause rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
  • False Imprisonment: Holding individuals against their will, as in the hog-tying incident documented in the Bermudez case.
  • Psychological Warfare: Constant humiliation, threats, degradation, and isolation that leave lasting emotional scars.
  • Sexual Abuse and Assault: While not explicitly alleged in the Bermudez physical assault, the forced carrying of sexual objects is an example of the degrading sexual nature that hazing can take, often escalating to full sexual assault.
  • Manslaughter or Murder: When hazing goes too far, and it frequently does, leading to preventable deaths.

The Chilling Statistics: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

The scope of the hazing problem is staggering:

  • Prevalence: Over 55% of students in Greek organizations and 40% of student athletes report experiencing hazing. This means a significant number of students from Charlton County who join these groups are at risk.
  • Secrecy: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. Shame, fear of retaliation, loyalty to the group, and a belief that it’s “part of the process” contribute to this silence.
  • Annual Tragedies: Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. This is a preventable epidemic.
  • Beyond Greek Life: Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. It occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, academic clubs, and other student organizations. No student organization is inherently immune.

The Institutional Failure: A Choice to Look Away

Universities, national Greek life organizations, and various student groups are well aware of hazing’s existence. They draft anti-hazing policies, but often, these are merely performative. They know the risks. They have the power to stop it through vigorous enforcement, anonymous reporting systems, and decisive action. Yet, time and again, they choose not to—until, that is, a student ends up hospitalized or dies. Only then do they publicly express “shock,” “suspend” chapters, or initiate “investigations,” often with the primary goal of minimizing their own liability rather than genuinely protecting students. This pattern of deliberate indifference is what we work tirelessly to expose and hold accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Participant and Enabler Accountable

When hazing tears a Charlton County family apart, we believe every single individual and institution connected to that egregious act must be held accountable. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a prime example of our comprehensive approach, targeting all potential defendants.

The Local Chapter: The Direct Perpetrators

The immediate perpetrators of hazing are the members of the local fraternity or sorority chapter.

  • Chapter Officers: Individuals like the chapter president, pledgemaster, or risk manager often orchestrate and direct hazing activities. They bear significant responsibility for the safety (or lack thereof) of new members.
  • Individual Members: Every member who actively participates in hazing, facilitates it, or stands by and allows it to happen without intervention, is a potential defendant. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individual fraternity members.
  • Former Members & Their Spouses: Our lawsuit uniquely included a former member and his spouse because some of the most severe hazing sessions, including the waterboarding, occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who hosts or enables hazing on their property.

The National Organization: The Puppet Masters

National fraternities and sororities, despite their claims of promoting brotherhood and leadership, often turn a blind eye to or even implicitly encourage hazing within their local chapters.

  • Failure to Supervise: National organizations have a duty to establish and enforce anti-hazing policies, conduct regular inspections, and provide adequate oversight. When, as in the Bermudez case, they fail to do so despite “knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis’,” they are liable.
  • Indifference to Warnings: The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National had already seen a death (Andrew Coffey in 2017) and eight years later another student was hospitalized points to a systemic failure at the national level.
  • Deep Pockets: These national entities possess substantial assets, endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them primary targets for significant damage claims.

The University: The Negligent Overseers

Universities and colleges have a fundamental duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise direct control over student organizations and properties.

  • Premises Liability: In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned and directly controlled the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house where hazing occurred. This creates a clear case for premises liability, as the university failed to maintain a safe environment on its own property.
  • Failure to Supervise Greek Life: Universities have the power to regulate, suspend, and remove Greek organizations. When they fail to use this authority, particularly after previous hazing incidents (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing at UH), they are negligent.
  • Institutional Indifference: Despite knowing about the pervasive issue of hazing on their campuses, many universities prioritize the social benefits or alumni donations associated with Greek life over student safety.
  • Board of Regents/Trustees: For public institutions, the governing board of regents or trustees can also be named as defendants, reflecting the highest level of institutional responsibility.

The Insurance Carriers: The Financial Backstops

Behind every organizational and many individual defendants are insurance companies. These are typically the “deep pockets” that ultimately pay large settlements and verdicts.

  • National Organization’s Liability Insurance: Covers the national fraternity for negligence and other claims.
  • University’s Institutional Insurance: Covers the university for its negligence, premises liability, and failure to protect students.
  • Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance: May cover individual members or those who host hazing events at their residences.

At Attorney911, our strategic advantage lies in our deep understanding of these complex liability structures. Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both former insurance defense attorneys, know exactly how these companies operate, what their policies cover, and how to dismantle their defenses. We don’t just sue the easy targets; we meticulously identify every potentially liable entity to maximize recovery for our clients.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For Charlton County families, understanding the potential impact of a hazing lawsuit is crucial. The tragic stories of victims like Stone Foltz, Maxwell Gruver, and Timothy Piazza, backed by multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, serve as powerful proof that justice can be achieved. These cases, occurring across the nation, set precedents and send an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and individuals: hazing costs dearly. The same aggressive legal strategies that led to these outcomes are precisely what we bring to every Charlton County hazing case we undertake.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Evidence That They Will Pay

We have meticulously tracked and learned from high-profile hazing cases nationwide:

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

    • Outcome: Death from alcohol poisoning after forced consumption.
    • Total Payout: Over $10.1 MILLION. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individual members. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to personally pay $6.5 million in survivorship and wrongful death damages.
    • Significance: This case directly validates our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held accountable. More critically, it shows that individual perpetrators can face massive personal liability, setting a powerful precedent for officers in the Bermudez case. It also led to “Collin’s Law” in Ohio.

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

    • Outcome: Death from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) during a “Bible Study” where incorrect answers meant forced drinking.
    • Total Payout: A jury awarded the Gruver family a $6.1 MILLION verdict.
    • Significance: This jury verdict underscores that when juries hear the harrowing details of hazing, they punish defendants severely. It also resulted in the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the legislative impact of such cases.

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

    • Outcome: Death from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling multiple times, with fraternity brothers delaying calling 911 for 12 hours.
    • Total Payout: While confidential, settlements are estimated to exceed $110 MILLION.
    • Significance: This case, which had extensive video evidence (security cameras captured everything), proves that when evidence is strong and the conduct is heinous, the financial repercussions for institutions can be colossal. It also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.

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

    • Outcome: Death from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during “Big Brother Night.”
    • Total Payout: The civil lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement, but multiple criminal charges were filed.
    • Significance: This is critically important for the Bermudez case because it involved the exact same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey’s death, eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized, undeniably proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew their chapters had deadly hazing cultures and failed to act.

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

    • Outcome: Death from alcohol poisoning during a hazing event.
    • Total Payout: Settled in October 2024 for over $4 MILLION (the family had initially sued for $28 million).
    • Significance: Another recent, substantial settlement highlighting the severe financial consequences. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

  6. UT Austin Hazing Death (November 2025 – Pending)

    • Outcome: Tragically, a wrongful death lawsuit was recently filed against Sigma Chi and the University of Texas at Austin regarding the death by suicide of an 18-year-old freshman after “horrific abuse.”
    • Significance: This unfolding case, coincidentally filed locally during the same week as the Bermudez lawsuit, tragically reinforces that hazing deaths remain a current and pressing issue in Texas. It demonstrates heightened media and legislative attention on the pervasive problem of hazing at our universities.

Our $10 Million Demand: Supported by Precedent

The $10 million we are seeking for Leonel Bermudez is not an arbitrary figure. It is firmly rooted in the outcomes of these precedent-setting cases. While Leonel survived, his injuries—severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—are life-altering, requiring extensive medical care and potentially leading to lifelong complications. When considering pain and suffering, the egregious nature of the waterboarding and other abuses, plus the clear institutional knowledge and negligence of both Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, our demand is entirely justified.

Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths: A Legacy of Change

These tragic incidents have not only resulted in massive financial payouts but have also catalyzed critical legislative changes across the country, creating stricter anti-hazing laws, often named in honor of the victims:

  • Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Introduced felony charges for hazing causing death and granted immunity for those who report hazing.
  • Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Made hazing a felony offense and significantly increased penalties, directly influencing criminal accountability.
  • Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Named after Collin Wiant, this law also enhanced criminal penalties for hazing, making it a felony in certain circumstances.
  • Adam’s Law (Virginia, 2024): After Adam Oakes’ death, Virginia passed comprehensive anti-hazing legislation.

These laws demonstrate a growing societal intolerance for hazing, making it easier for prosecutors to bring criminal charges and for civil attorneys like us to prove liability. These precedents pave the way for successful outcomes in cases involving Charlton County hazing victims, showing that public opinion and legal frameworks are turning decisively against hazing culture.

Why These Precedents Fuel Our Fight in Charlton County

  1. Our financial demands are justified. Cases with less egregious harm or where the victim survived have still resulted in multi-million dollar payouts.
  2. Pi Kappa Phi’s history is undeniable. The Andrew Coffey death means Pi Kappa Phi National has a documented record of severe hazing consequences.
  3. University failures are common. UH’s prior hazing incident mirrors systemic problems at other universities that have faced massive liability.
  4. Juries sympathize with victims. Hazing elicits outrage, leading to significant verdicts against perpetrators and institutions.
  5. Legislative change is a call to action. These laws demonstrate a clear legal and moral imperative to end hazing, which strengthens the stance of victims.

For Charlton County families, this means that while the path to justice can be long and challenging, it is absolutely achievable, with significant potential for holding powerful entities accountable.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

For Charlton County families whose children attend universities in Texas, or for cases occurring in Georgia and other states, understanding the legal framework is paramount. While our deep dive here focuses on Texas law where Attorney911 is headquartered, know that similar anti-hazing statutes exist in most states, including Georgia. Furthermore, our ability to pursue cases in federal court means that federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims against powerful national organizations and universities apply regardless of your specific location in Charlton County.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Shield for Students

The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, explicitly defines and criminalizes hazing, providing a powerful legal foundation for civil lawsuits.

What Constitutes Hazing? (Texas Education Code § 37.151)
Texas law defines “hazing” as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

  • Involves physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body). Leonel was struck with wooden paddles, directly fitting this definition.
  • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or similar activity that causes unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects health. Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, “suicides,” waterboarding, and exposure to cold after stripping fall squarely into this category, confirmed by his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
  • Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that causes unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting is a clear violation.
  • Involves activities that violate the Penal Code (i.e., other criminal acts). Waterboarding, assault, and false imprisonment (like the hog-tying of another pledge) are all Penal Code violations.

The Bermudez case directly meets multiple elements of this statutory definition, highlighting the clear criminal nature of the acts perpetrated. This provides a strong basis for criminal referrals and strengthens the civil suit by demonstrating clear legal violations.

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code § 37.152):
Individuals who engage in hazing can face severe criminal penalties:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For mere participation or failure to report, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are undoubtedly “serious bodily injury,” meaning those responsible could face this level of charge.
  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. This underscores the severity of the law and why cases like Stone Foltz’s, Max Gruver’s, and Timothy Piazza’s resulted in criminal prosecutions.

Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code § 37.153):
The law also holds organizations responsible. A fraternity or sorority can face fines up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their members commit hazing. This is why Pi Kappa Phi was quick to “close” their chapter and why universities can impose sanctions.

Crucially: Consent is NOT a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154):
This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas anti-hazing law:

“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 shatters the defense that hazing victims “knew what they were getting into” or “consented to participate.” The Texas Legislature recognized that the power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of ostracism inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means to any Charlton County parent whose child was hazed: your child’s “consent” to join the group or participate in activities cannot be used against them in a Texas court. Even in states without this explicit statutory language, legal arguments around coerced consent and power imbalances are highly effective.

University Reporting Requirements (Texas Education Code § 37.155):
Chief administrative officers of educational institutions 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. This creates a paper trail and holds universities accountable for their reporting failures or attempts at cover-ups.

Civil Liability: Your Path to Compensation and Justice

Beyond criminal charges, which punish offenders, a civil lawsuit allows Charlton County victims and their families to seek monetary compensation for the immense physical, emotional, and financial damages suffered. These foundational civil claims are applicable across all states, not just Texas.

  1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. It alleges that institutions (universities, national fraternities) or individuals had a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty by allowing hazing, and this breach caused the student’s injuries and damages. This applies to Leonel Bermudez’s case: UH and Pi Kappa Phi had a duty to protect him; they breached it fundamentally.
  2. Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or fraternity housing corporation, that entity can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. The fact that UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel was waterboarded makes this a critical component of our lawsuit.
  3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when an entity has a responsibility to oversee the actions of others but fails to do so adequately. National fraternities are often found negligent for failing to supervise their chapters, and universities for failing to adequately oversee their Greek life organizations.
  4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts, meaning they involve deliberate harmful or offensive contact. Every act of physical violence (e.g., paddling, forced exercises causing injury) in hazing can be grounds for assault and battery claims against individual perpetrators.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological harm caused by extreme and outrageous conduct. Given the psychological torture involved in cases like waterboarding and forced humiliation, IIED claims are highly relevant.
  6. Wrongful Death: If hazing tragically leads to a student’s death, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking compensation for economic losses, loss of companionship, and punitive damages.

For Charlton County families, understanding these legal avenues is the first step toward reclaiming power and pursuing justice. Our firm’s expertise spans these legal complexities, ensuring that every possible angle is explored to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

When your family in Charlton County is facing the devastating aftermath of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a champion. You need a team with unmatched experience, a proven track record, and a profound commitment to justice. At Attorney911, we are exactly that team. We are not theoretical in our fight against hazing; we are engaged in it right now in the courtroom, fighting for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This active, aggressive litigation is the best testament to our capabilities and why Charlton County families should choose us.

Beyond the Greek Letters: Our Unrivaled Expertise and Aggression

1. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook.
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring a critical, unique advantage to your case: they are former insurance defense attorneys. Mr. Pena, notably, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means:

  • Insider Knowledge: We have seen their strategies, their valuation methods, their delay tactics, and their lowest offers from the inside.
  • Dismantling Defenses: We know how insurance companies and corporate defendants (like universities and national fraternities) will try to minimize or deny claims, and we know exactly how to counter them.
  • Aggressive Negotiation: We negotiate from a position of strength, fully aware of their weaknesses and their likely moves.
    As Lupe Pena often says, “With Mr. Peña you get an an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side.” That “outsmart” comes directly from his insider knowledge.

2. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Nationwide Reach for Charlton County Families.
Hazing cases often involve national fraternities and universities in other states. Our legal capabilities transcend state lines:

  • U.S. District Court Admissions: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts. This means we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when national organizations are involved or when civil rights claims are brought. Hazing is a national problem, and we have national jurisdiction.
  • Dual-State Licenses (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual admission provides a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities, many of which have significant presences or headquarters in various states. It demonstrates our ability to navigate diverse legal landscapes.

3. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Taking on Giants.
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery Explosion litigation (2005), a multi-billion dollar mass tort case that killed 15 and injured over 180, proves our ability to take on the largest, most powerful corporate defendants. Universities and national fraternities are no less formidable, but we have a history of confronting such giants and winning. This experience is directly transferable to complex hazing cases involving institutional negligence and wrongful death.

4. Hazing-Specific Expertise: We Speak the Language.
We aren’t just personal injury lawyers; we are hazing litigation specialists.

  • Rhabdomyolysis Injury Recovery: We have specific experience with this severe muscle breakdown condition, the very injury Leonel Bermudez suffered.
  • Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M Hazing Cases: Our firm has direct experience with other prominent hazing incidents, demonstrating our specialized knowledge of Greek life culture and institutional accountability.
  • Active Litigation: The Bermudez case is not a historical anecdote; it’s our current fight. This means we are intimately familiar with the latest tactics, defenses, and legal strategies necessary to win.

5. Comprehensive Hazing Intelligence Database: We Know Who to Sue.
We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas and nationwide, meticulously tracking:

  • IRS 501(c)(3) & (c)(7) Tax Filings: Over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations, including their legal names, Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and mailing addresses. This includes local housing corporations, alumni chapters, and national organizations. For example, our database tracks the “Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc” with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, the very entity behind the UH chapter we sued. It includes “Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc” with EIN 133048786 in College Station, Texas, and “Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated” with EIN 882755427 in San Marcos, Texas. This means that when hazing happens, we know exactly their corporate structure and can identify all liable entities.
  • Metropolitan Area Data: Our intelligence covers 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. For instance, the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro area has 510 Greek organizations, Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land has 188, and Austin–Round Rock has 154. This data allows us to target every entity from undergraduate chapters, to alumni groups, to honor societies, connected to the target location.
  • National Brand Overlap: We track how national brands appear across different types of entities—undergraduate chapters, graduate and alumni chapters, and honor or professional affiliates—enabling us to pursue the “same letters, same danger” argument with precision.
  • Charlton County Application: While our database is comprehensive for Texas, the national fraternities and their complex structures extend across the U.S. This meticulous approach means we can quickly identify and target the relevant national organizations and their local affiliates where a Charlton County student is hazed, regardless of state.

6. Ethical and Empathetic Approach: We See Your Child, Not a Case Number.
We truly understand what Charlton County families are going through. We know your child is a person, not a paycheck.

  • No Upfront Fees (Contingency): We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers and allows any Charlton County family to seek justice. Listen to our video “How Contingency Fees Work” for more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
  • Accessibility: We offer free consultations 24/7. We provide video consultations for Charlton County families. Distance is not a barrier; we will travel to Charlton County for depositions, client meetings, or trials when needed.
  • Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): For our diverse Charlton County community, especially Hispanic families, our fluent Spanish-speaking staff ensures clear communication and removes language barriers to justice.
  • Community Roots: Ralph Manginello is a lifelong Texan, a father of three, and actively involved in youth sports. He understands the pressures young people face and the devastating impact hazing has on families. Lupe Pena is a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, deeply connected to his community.

7. Testimonials Speak Volumes: 4.9 Stars on Google with 250+ Reviews.
Our clients consistently praise our communication, aggression, and compassionate approach. One client said, “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.” Another said, “I just want to say thank you to Manginello Law firm for helping me with my case. In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”

When tragedy strikes a Charlton County family due to hazing, the choice for legal representation is clear. We are the experienced, aggressive, and compassionate allies you need to fight for justice and accountability.

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

If your child in Charlton County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural reactions, but swift and deliberate action can dramatically impact the success of your legal case. We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide, informed by our extensive experience, to help Charlton County families navigate this terrifying time.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute first priority.

  • Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room immediately. Some hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or concussions, may have delayed symptoms or serious internal damage. Medical documentation is paramount. If offered an ambulance, take it. Do not delay seeking medical treatment; insurance companies will often argue that a delay means the injuries were not severe.
  • Document Everything (Medically): Ensure all injuries are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Keep copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results (X-rays, MRIs, blood work), and bills. This paper trail will be crucial evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence Immediately

Evidence can disappear quickly, either accidentally or deliberately. Your immediate actions here are vital. The same guidance we offer in our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs applies:

  • Take Photos and Videos:
    • Injuries: Photograph your child’s injuries at all stages of healing – bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, changes in skin color (like the brown urine of rhabdomyolysis). Documenting these over time can be very powerful.
    • Hazing Locations: If it’s safe to do so, photograph the physical location of the hazing – the fraternity house, basement, park, or any site where activities occurred. Take wide shots and close-ups.
    • Physical Evidence: Any items used in the hazing, discarded alcohol containers, degrading objects, or clothing worn during the incident should be photographed and, if possible, safely preserved.
  • Collect and Preserve Digital Communications: Hazing thrives on digital communication.
    • Text Messages: Screenshot every relevant text message, from group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, or standard SMS, that mentions hazing activities, threats, schedules, or consequences.
    • Social Media: Preserve screenshots of any posts, direct messages (DMs), or stories on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Facebook related to the hazing or the fraternity/sorority’s activities. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant; deleting evidence can harm your case.
    • Emails: Save and print any emails exchanged about the hazing process.
  • Identify Witnesses: Gather names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it – other pledges, active members who were uncomfortable, or bystanders.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University (Alone)

This is a critical mistake victims often make. Remember our attorney Lupe Pena’s background as an insurance defense lawyer: institutions and their lawyers are not on your side.

  • No Statements: Do not give any statements (written, oral, or recorded) to fraternity or sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without consulting your attorney first. As we stress in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, anything you say can be used against you.
  • No Signing: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority or university. These documents may be attempts to waive your rights or accept a lowball settlement.
  • Stay Off Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident on social media. Even seemingly innocuous posts can be twisted and used by the defense to undermine your credibility or the severity of your injuries.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

Time is a critical factor. The Texas Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, is typically two years from the date of injury, and for wrongful death, two years from the date of death. Other states, including Georgia, have similar or different deadlines. Waiting too long can mean you lose your right to sue forever. Our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c explains this in detail.

  • Free Consultation: Call us immediately for a free, no-obligation consultation. We respond 24/7.
  • Evidence Protection: The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can send preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally compelling them to retain all relevant evidence.
  • Expert Guidance: We will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is built for maximum impact.
  • No Upfront Cost: Remember, we work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. See “How Contingency Fees Work” for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Step 5: Consider Reporting to Authorities (with Legal Counsel)

While a civil lawsuit focuses on compensation, it is important to consider if criminal charges are appropriate.

  • Local Law Enforcement: Hazing is a crime in many states. Your attorney can advise on filing a police report.
  • University Title IX Office: If the hazing involved sexual misconduct or gender-based violence, a report to the university’s Title IX office is crucial.
  • University Dean of Students/Hazing Hotline: Many universities have official channels for reporting hazing. Your attorney can help navigate these.

For Charlton County parents, the journey to justice may seem daunting, but with the right legal team, it is a path that can and should be taken. Our aggressive, data-driven approach, coupled with our deep empathy for victims, makes Attorney911 the powerful advocate you need.

Contact Us: Your Call for Justice Starts Here

Charlton County, we hear you. We see your fear, your anger, and your unwavering love for your child. We believe in your right to justice, and we are ready to fight for you.

Our attorneys are not just discussing hazing in theory; we are actively litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit right now against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is the ultimate proof of our commitment, our capability, and our resolve. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies we are deploying for Leonel Bermudez in Houston are precisely what we will bring to your family’s fight in Charlton County.

Charlton County Families: Your Call to Action is Now.

If your child in Charlton County has been victimized by hazing, or if you suspect it has occurred, the time to act is immediate. Do not delay. Do not let fear or uncertainty paralyze you. We are here to help.

📞 CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because a legal emergency can strike at any moment. Your initial consultation is absolutely FREE, giving you the opportunity to speak with an expert without any financial commitment.

Email Us Directly:

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Distance Is Not a Barrier to Justice for Charlton County.

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to hazing victims extend far beyond.

  • Nationwide Representation: Hazing is a national problem, and we are a national solution. We leverage our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) to represent victims across America, including Charlton County, Georgia. Many national fraternities and universities operate across state lines, and so do we.
  • Remote Consultations: For Charlton County families, we offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing you to connect with our legal experts from the comfort and privacy of your home.
  • We Come to You: When necessary for depositions, critical meetings, or trials, our team is prepared to travel to Charlton County to aggressively represent your interests. Justice knows no geographic bounds, and neither do we.

We Work on Contingency: $0 Upfront, We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win.

We understand that pursuing a major lawsuit against powerful institutions can seem daunting and expensive. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • You pay nothing upfront.
  • We cover all litigation costs.
  • We only get paid if and when we win your case.
    This commitment ensures that every Charlton County family, regardless of their financial situation, has access to expert legal representation and the opportunity to fight for justice.

Have You Been Hazed by Pi Kappa Phi at UH? We Are Already Fighting for Others.

If you are another victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or if you have information relevant to the Leonel Bermudez case, we urge you to come forward. We believe there are more victims, more untold stories, and more evidence waiting to be uncovered. As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your voice, combined with ours, can bring powerful change.

Your Child Deserves Justice. Charlton County Deserves Accountability.

Let us be your shield. Let us be your sword in the fight against hazing. Your call to 1-888-ATTY-911 is the first brave step toward holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that no other Charlton County family has to endure this heartbreak. We stand ready to be your legal emergency lawyers. Call now.