If you’re reading this in Clayton County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, perhaps to one of the many esteemed institutions across Georgia or even further afield, expecting to make friends, learn, and grow. Instead, they were brutalized. They were tortured. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Clayton County fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed this to happen.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear for your child’s future – these emotions are overwhelming. You may be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could have happened and what you can possibly do. At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates for justice and guardians of truth. We represent families in Clayton County and nationwide whose children have been severely injured or tragically lost due to hazing. We don’t just talk about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now in court, and our work is sending shockwaves through Greek life across the country.

The Hazing Crisis: When Brotherhood Turns to Brutality in Clayton County and Beyond

Hazing is not a harmless tradition. It is not “boys being boys” or “character building.” Hazing, at its core, is a perverse form of abuse and assault, often escalating to psychological torture, physical violence, and sexual degradation. The idyllic image of college life, Greek letters, and campus camaraderie shatters when parents in Clayton County realize their child has been forced into unthinkable acts simply to belong.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over half of students (55%) involved in Greek life experience hazing. This isn’t a rare occurrence; it’s a systemic problem embedded within many fraternities and sororities that have chapters at universities many Clayton County students attend.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. This constant stream of tragedy underscores the deadly risks involved.
• A shocking 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. Shame, fear of retaliation, and misplaced loyalty create a conspiracy of silence that allows these barbaric practices to continue unchecked.

These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a dangerous pattern that plays out at colleges and universities where young people from Clayton County go to school. Whether your child attends a state university, a private college, or a regional institution, the presence of Greek life often brings with it the risk of hazing. Institutions across Georgia, like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and Emory University, all host Greek organizations, and unfortunately, hazing can occur at any of them. Similarly, students from Clayton County who venture out of state to places like Florida State University, Bowling Green State University, or Louisiana State University, often find themselves facing the same dangers.

The institutions themselves — the universities and the national fraternity/sorority organizations — are often complicit. They know hazing exists. They have policies against it. Yet, time and again, they fail to implement meaningful oversight or enforce their own rules, allowing dangerous cultures to fester. It’s only when a student is severely injured or dies that they react, often with damage control rather than genuine accountability.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston (2025) – A Warning for Clayton County

To understand the severity of hazing today, and the aggressive stance we take on behalf of our clients, let us tell you about a case we are actively litigating right now. It is a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 that perfectly illustrates the brutality of modern hazing and our relentless pursuit of justice. This case happened in Houston, but the same hazing tactics, the same national fraternities, and the same institutional negligence can be found at universities near Clayton County, wherever your child may be attending. This is why it is so important for Clayton County families to understand what occurred.

Our plaintiff, Leonel Bermudez, was not even officially a University of Houston student when he underwent weeks of systematic abuse and torture at the hands of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective student planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a nightmare that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Here’s how the media reported it, based on the lawsuit we filed:

• ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” (Link)
• KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations.” (Link)
• Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit.” (Link)
• Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” (Link)

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement, acknowledging the chapter’s closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy.” (Link)

The $10 Million Lawsuit Names:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
• The University of Houston
• The UH Board of Regents
• Thirteen individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and others.

This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it’s a clear demonstration of what Attorney911 stands for: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims. For Clayton County families, this case is a stark warning and a testament to the fact that we fight back.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: The Hazing Timeline

Leonel Bermudez endured weeks of systematic torment. Our lawsuit details what occurred:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of continuous hazing. He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, wear an enforced dress code, complete required study hours, and conduct weekly interviews. He was threatened with physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance. He was also forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.
• October 13, 2025: In a shocking incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: Alarmingly, another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he recovered. This incident should have been a clear warning, but the hazing continued.
• November 3, 2025 (The Incident): As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was subjected to extreme physical demands. He was forced through grueling exercises: 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose (simulated waterboarding). He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising past his physical limits. He was made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress, and even lie in his own vomit. He was made to strip to his underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose. He became so exhausted that he couldn’t stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel crawled into bed the night of November 3. As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, undergoing intensive medical treatment.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, just days before our lawsuit was filed. This hasty closure suggests they were well aware of the severity of the hazing and the impending legal action.
• November 21, 2025: We filed the $10 million lawsuit.

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

For parents in Clayton County, it’s crucial to understand that hazing today is far more sinister than silly pranks and embarrassing rituals. As Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically demonstrates, it is outright torture with life-threatening consequences. We use parent-facing language to describe these acts because we want to ensure you grasp the gravity of what your child may have endured. This is not about building character; it’s about breaking spirits and bodies.

The hazing activities exposed in our lawsuit, and others like it, include:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel Bermudez experienced, being sprayed in the face with a garden hose during calisthenics is a perverse form of torture. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” When done to enemy combatants, it’s considered a war crime. Fraternities are doing this to young students.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges are forced to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomit. Then, they are often forced to continue physical activities, lying in their own vomit-soaked grass. This is not only humiliating but extremely dangerous, risking choking and aspiration.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This includes hundreds of pushups, hundreds of squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other exercises pushed to the point of collapse. The Houston Chronicle noted “being struck with wooden paddles” was also part of the abuse Leonel suffered. This level of exertion and violence can lead to severe injuries and medical emergencies like rhabdomyolysis.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Forcing students to strip to their underwear in cold weather, carrying sexually explicit objects, or being hog-tied are dehumanizing acts designed to break a person’s will. Threats of expulsion or further punishment create an environment of fear and coercion.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members in the early morning hours, coupled with late-night activities, results in extreme exhaustion, impairing judgment and physical health. Mental health impacts such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are often long-lasting.

The Medical Consequences:
Leonel’s hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure is a direct result of these barbaric acts. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing harmful proteins into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys and even lead to death. The presence of brown urine, very high creatine kinase levels, and inability to move were all signs of this life-threatening condition. This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated before, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases. The long-term impact could include chronic kidney disease, requiring ongoing monitoring, or even dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The institutional responses following these incidents often highlight their culpability. The University of Houston spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” hinting at criminal charges. Pi Kappa Phi National’s statement confirmed violations of their own risk management policy, yet boldly declared, “we look forward to returning to campus.” This kind of rhetoric in the face of such trauma shows an extreme lack of remorse and a systemic failure to protect students.

For Clayton County parents, this is what hazing looks like today. This is not some distant news story; this is happening in our country, at universities where your children might be. The same fraternities that commit these acts have chapters at institutions that draw students from Clayton County. The same dangerous cultures lurk. And Attorney911 is the firm aggressively fighting back against it all.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable for Hazing in Clayton County

When hazing leaves a student physically or psychologically harmed, or tragically leads to death, multiple parties can, and should, be held accountable. We cast a wide net, ensuring that every entity capable of preventing the harm, or that actively participated in it, faces justice. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a prime example of this comprehensive approach.

For families in Clayton County seeking justice for a hazing incident, understanding who can be held liable is crucial. It’s not just the individuals directly involved; it extends to the very institutions that foster or allow such environments.

Here are the types of liable parties we pursue:

1. The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing activities. This includes the chapter officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, who directed the abuse, as well as the individual members who participated in or failed to stop it. As evidenced in the Bermudez case, even former members who hosted hazing at their residences, and their spouses who allowed it, can be held liable under premises liability.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These national bodies, like Pi Kappa Phi National, have a legal and moral obligation to oversee their local chapters. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, overlook patterns of abuse, or ignore warnings about a “hazing crisis,” they become a key defendant. These national organizations often have substantial assets and insurance, making them a significant target for compensation. In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi’s hasty decision to close its UH chapter before our lawsuit was filed demonstrates their clear awareness of culpability.
3. The University or College: Educational institutions, including those in or near Clayton County, have a duty to protect their students. If the hazing occurs on university-owned property (as it did in the Bermudez case with the fraternity house), or if the university has a documented history of hazing incidents (like UH did with a 2017 case), their liability is magnified. Universities have the power to regulate, supervise, and intervene in Greek life activities. Their failure to do so, their turning a blind eye, or their inadequate enforcement of anti-hazing policies makes them directly responsible. Institutions such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University, among others, all have Greek life programs and are obligated to maintain a safe environment for their students.
4. Individual Perpetrators: Every single person who actively participated in, planned, or facilitated the hazing can be held personally responsible. Their actions constitute assault and battery, and they cannot hide behind the fraternity’s shield. Our lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster, to ensure personal accountability. As demonstrated in other precedent cases, individual perpetrators can face millions in personal judgments.
5. Insurance Carriers: Perhaps the most crucial defendant, as they hold the “deep pockets.” Hazing lawsuits often involve claims against general liability insurance policies held by national organizations, universities, and even homeowners’ insurance policies belonging to individual members or alumni who hosted hazing events. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge, allowing us to expertly navigate these complex policies and maximize recovery for our clients.

At Attorney911, we don’t just sue the “obvious” targets. We meticulously investigate to identify every single individual and entity that bears responsibility, whether directly or through their negligence. This comprehensive approach ensures that those who perpetuate or enable hazing cannot escape accountability. We did it in the Bermudez case, and we will do the same for families in Clayton County.

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

For families in Clayton County considering legal action, one of the most pressing questions is often, “What is possible?” We want you to know that justice for hazing victims can, and often does, result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These precedent cases send a clear message: hazing will not be tolerated, and institutions that allow it will pay dearly. The same legal strategies, tenacity, and pursuit of justice that secured these outcomes are what we bring to every case, including those from Clayton County.

Let these landmark cases provide hope and demonstrate the power of aggressive legal representation:

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

  • What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event.
  • The Outcome: We saw settlements totaling over $10.1 million. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, while Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individual members paid $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay a personal judgment of $6.5 million. The chapter was permanently expelled, and multiple individuals faced criminal convictions.
  • Significance for Clayton County: This case sets a benchmark for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and fraternities are held liable for millions, and individual orchestrators can face monumental personal judgments. It also shows a common parallel to hazing incidents with forced alcohol consumption.

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

  • What Happened: Eighteen-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 (six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” where pledges were forced to drink if they answered questions incorrectly.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. This case also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide for one fraternity member, and spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Significance for Clayton County: This demonstrates that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts, showing their outrage at hazing. It also illustrates how civil cases often lead to critical new legislation, affecting all universities.

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

  • What Happened: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi initiation ritual, falling down stairs and suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from his injuries.
  • The Outcome: The various confidential settlements are estimated to collectively exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This tragedy led to Pennsylvania’s stringent Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. Crucially, security cameras captured the entire horrific event, providing undeniable evidence.
  • Significance for Clayton County: This case highlights that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, the damages awarded can be astronomical. The 12-hour delay in seeking medical help underscores the conscious indifference of the fraternity members, a factor that heavily influences settlements and verdicts.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

  • What Happened: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
  • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family received a confidential civil settlement.
  • Significance for Clayton County: This case is particularly crucial because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that we are currently suing. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters in 2017. Their failure to prevent another severe incident like Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later constitutes a clear pattern of negligence and warrants significant punitive damages.

• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Over $4 Million Settlement

  • What Happened: Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi initiation ceremony where he was forced to consume a large bottle of whiskey.
  • The Outcome: The family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually resulted in a settlement of over $4 million from various parties including the Delta Chi International Fraternity and other entities. This case led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring mandatory hazing prevention training.
  • Significance for Clayton County: This illustrates that initial high demands are common and often lead to significant settlements. It also reinforces the pattern of new hazing laws emerging from these tragedies.

These cases are not just historical footnotes; they are active proof that justice can be won. The suffering of these victims and their families spurred significant compensation and, in many instances, crucial legislative change. For families in Clayton County, these precedents should offer a powerful understanding: your fight is not hopeless, and your pursuit of justice can have a profound impact, not only for your child but for students everywhere.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Clayton County

For families in Clayton County, understanding your legal rights is critical when confronted with a hazing incident. While our firm is headquartered in Texas, where specialized anti-hazing laws are in place, nearly all states have similar statutes. Furthermore, the principles of negligence, premises liability, and federal civil rights claims apply nationwide. Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue justice for hazing victims in Clayton County and beyond, regardless of where the college or university is located.

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

This comprehensive law is a powerful tool in holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.” This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics that risk harm, forced consumption of food or alcohol, and any activity violating the Penal Code.

  • Clayton County Relevance: The horrific acts Leonel Bermudez endured—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise until kidney failure, emotional humiliation, and physical abuse—fall squarely within multiple definitions of hazing under this statute. Most states near Clayton County, wherever your child may attend college, possess similar broad legal definitions.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime with escalating penalties:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, or soliciting, encouraging, or aiding in hazing. Also, for firsthand knowledge and failure to report. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)

  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury.” (Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine)

  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine)

  • Clayton County Relevance: Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury.” This means the individuals responsible in his case, and similarly in any Clayton County case, could face criminal charges up to a Class A Misdemeanor. The University of Houston spokesperson herself noted “potential criminal charges” in relation to the Bermudez hazing, confirming the criminal nature of these acts.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be penalized if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their members commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus.

  • Clayton County Relevance: This directly applies to fraternity chapters, national organizations, and even universities who may turn a blind eye or fail to enforce their policies.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is a critical provision that directly counters one of hazing perpetrators’ most common excuses: “But they consented! They knew what they were signing up for!” Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

  • Clayton County Relevance: This provision is a powerful shield against victim-blaming. No matter what a fraternity from a university near Clayton County might claim, your child cannot legally consent to being hazed or assaulted. Their fear of social exclusion, threats of expulsion, or desire to belong negate any true “consent.”

• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.

Civil Liability: Suing for Justice in Clayton County

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Clayton County to pursue financial compensation for their suffering. We can sue based on several legal theories:

1. Negligence: This is often the cornerstone of hazing lawsuits. We argue that the university, national organization, and individual perpetrators had a “duty of care” to protect students, they “breached” that duty through their actions or inaction, and this directly “caused” the student’s injuries, leading to “damages.”
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as it did in the Bermudez case with the UH-owned fraternity house), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to properly oversee Greek life activities on campus.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual participants who cause physical harm can be sued for intentional torts like assault and battery, holding them personally accountable for their violent actions.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For acts of hazing so extreme and outrageous, this claim allows us to seek damages for the severe psychological and emotional harm inflicted upon a victim.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing fatality, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their immense loss, including emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and financial contributions.

For Clayton County families, these civil claims are vital. They exist in every state, meaning your child’s hazing case can proceed regardless of local criminal prosecution decisions. We will meticulously identify every viable legal claim and every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Clayton County

When your child has been hazed, you need more than just a lawyer; you need uncompromising advocates with a proven track record against powerful institutions. Attorney911 offers families in Clayton County a unique and potent combination of experience, insight, and dedication that few other firms can match. We are not just experienced; we are fiercely committed to taking on hazing perpetrators and deeply invested in each client’s fight for justice.

Here’s why Attorney911 is the clear choice for Clayton County families:

1. Aggressive Representation, Right Now: We are not hypothetical. We are currently leading a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in the Harris County Civil District Court. This isn’t just a case study for us; it’s a live, ongoing battle. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless fight to every hazing case, including yours in Clayton County. As our attorney Lupe Peña stated 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.”
2. Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook: Both of our managing attorneys, Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, are former insurance defense attorneys.
   • Ralph Manginello (male): Has spent 25+ years in the courtroom, first defending insurers, and now aggressively representing victims. He knows how insurance companies strategize, how they try to minimize claims, and how to dismantle their defenses. His background in journalism also makes him a master investigator, uncovering facts and telling compelling stories, crucial for hazing cases where institutions try to hide the truth.
   • Lupe Eleno Peña (male): Worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He gained firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to lowball or deny payouts. Now, he uses that battle-tested intelligence to maximize recovery for our clients.
     This combined insight is an unfair advantage for the victims we represent. We anticipate their moves because we used to make them.
3. Federal Court Authority and Nationwide Reach: While headquartered in Houston with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends to Clayton County and across the nation. Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. Ralph Manginello holds dual-state bar admissions in Texas AND New York, providing a strategic advantage when facing national fraternities or universities headquartered out of state. We are committed to traveling to Clayton County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary, and we offer remote consultations via video to make our services accessible to families regardless of location.
4. Deep Experience with Complex Litigation and Catastrophic Injuries: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion Litigation demonstrates his capability in handling truly complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases involving institutional negligence and wrongful death. Our firm also has extensive experience in wrongful death, dram shop liability (relevant for forced alcohol hazing), and catastrophic injury cases, including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case.
5. Unwavering Client Support and Communication: We pride ourselves on treating Clayton County families like our own. Our bilingual staff ensures Se Habla Español services for Hispanic families in Clayton County, eliminating language barriers. We are known for consistent communication, ensuring you are updated at every stage of your case. Our Google My Business rating of 4.9 Stars from over 250+ reviews reflects our commitment to client satisfaction, with testimonials highlighting our responsiveness, compassionate approach, and willingness to fight for maximum settlements.
6. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost for Clayton County Families: We understand that the financial stress of dealing with a hazing incident can be immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if, and when, we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing families in Clayton County to pursue justice against powerful institutions without the burden of legal fees.

When your child is suffering, you need a firm that cares, a firm that knows how to fight, and a firm that has already proven it can win. Attorney911 embodies this. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will bring our full force to bear on behalf of Clayton County hazing victims.

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

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the trauma may be overwhelming, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. For families in Clayton County, here is what you need to do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. If your child is injured, physically or psychologically, get them to a doctor, emergency room, or mental health professional without delay. Even if injuries seem minor, medical documentation is paramount. As Ralph Manginello states in our YouTube video, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical,” delays in treatment give defendants an opportunity to argue that injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by the incident. Document everything medically.

2. Preserve All Evidence — EVERYTHING:

   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, ER visits, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels in rhabdomyolysis cases), and therapy records.
   • Photos and Videos: Take photos and videos of your child’s injuries at all stages of healing. If possible (and safely), document any hazing locations or items used in hazing activities. As our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” emphasizes: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
   • Communications: This is crucial. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, and any other digital communication related to the hazing. Do not delete anything.
   • Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have seen or heard anything.
   • Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written materials given to your child by the organization.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for treatment, and any documentation of lost wages or academic fees incurred.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions:

   • NO Contact with Fraternity/Sorority: Do not talk to chapter leaders, members, or alumni without legal counsel. They will try to control the narrative, deny involvement, or pressure your child into silence.
   • NO Contact with University Administration Alone: Do not give statements to university officials or Greek life advisors without your attorney present. Their primary loyalty is to the institution, not your child.
   • NO Signing Documents: Never sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university without having it reviewed by your attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
   • NO Social Media Posts: As our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” warns, anything posted on social media can and will be used against you. Do not post details of the incident, photos that could be misinterpreted, or any comments about the hazing or legal case.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury (or death in wrongful death cases). While that may seem like a long time, evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are quick to destroy or conceal records. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized on November 6, 2025, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks. That rapid response allowed us to secure critical evidence and put defendants on notice.

   For Clayton County families, calling us right away means we can:

   • Issue immediate “preservation letters” to all involved parties, legally requiring them to save all evidence, from text messages to security footage.
   • Begin our thorough investigation, gathering critical information while it’s fresh.
   • Guide you through every step, alleviating your burden so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

   Do not try to navigate this complex legal, medical, and emotional landscape alone. Universities and national fraternities have vast resources, legal teams, and crisis communicators designed to protect them. You need your own dedicated team.

These actionable steps are your first line of defense. Remember, your child’s hazing experience was a tragedy, but their fight for justice can be a powerful catalyst for change ensuring no other Clayton County family endures such pain.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Clayton County

If your nightmare has become real, and your child has been subjected to hazing in Clayton County or at any university across America, you have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now, and we’ll fight just as aggressively for victims and their families in Clayton County.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know the tactics. We know the law. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to WIN. Clayton County families deserve – and will receive – the same aggressive representation.

Clayton County Families, Your Child Deserves Justice. Call Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com
Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for Clayton County hazing emergencies. You don’t have to face this alone.

Our Commitment to Clayton County Families:

• Contingency Fee Basis: You pay us $0 upfront. We cover all case expenses. We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid. This ensures access to justice for every family, regardless of financial means. Watch our video, “How Contingency Fees Work,” for more details.
• Nationwide Representation: While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Clayton County and across the country. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide us with the authority and flexibility to pursue cases wherever hazing occurs.
• Remote Consultations: For families in Clayton County, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations so you can meet with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• We Travel to You: For critical depositions, client meetings, or trials, our legal team is prepared to travel to Clayton County to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.

This is more than a lawsuit; it’s a movement. As our attorney Lupe Peña profoundly 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 bravery in stepping forward can protect countless other students.

For any other victims who may have suffered from the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston: We know there are others. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others experienced waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. You have rights too. Do not suffer in silence. Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Your child’s safety, well-being, and future are worth fighting for. Let Attorney911 be your voice for justice.

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