If you’re reading this in Clinch County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to make friends and build a future. Instead, they may have been subjected to unspeakable horrors, tortured, and brutalized in the name of “tradition.” We’re here to help families in Clinch County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and devastate our children. Hazing is not a rite of passage; it is abuse, and it needs to stop. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle right now.

The Nightmare Became Real: Our $10 Million Fight Against Hazing

We don’t just talk about the dangers of hazing; we’re in the trenches, fighting for justice for victims and their families every single day. The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the cornerstone of our commitment to holding national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators accountable. This is a $10 million lawsuit we filed in November 2025 in a Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members.

This Case Is a Warning to Clinch County Families

This horrific incident unfolded just recently in Houston, Texas. But what happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident. The same brands of national fraternities with chapters near Clinch County, Georgia, engage in similar “traditions.” Universities throughout Georgia face the same challenges in overseeing Greek life that allowed this to happen in Houston. The same negligence that allowed our client to be hospitalized exists at institutions where Clinch County families send their children. We are bringing the same aggressive, data-driven strategy to fight for justice for Leonel, and we stand ready to bring that exact same fight to Clinch County families whose children have been victimized.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?

Leonel was a “ghost rush,” a bright young man not yet enrolled at the University of Houston but planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long campaign of systematic abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Speaking to ABC13, our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted the horrific aftermath: “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.”

What kind of fraternity ritual causes kidney failure? The kind that is not a game, not “boys being boys,” but brutal abuse. Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, put it plainly 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.”

The Horrific Hazing Activities Uncovered in Our Lawsuit

The details of Leonel’s hazing read like something out of a military interrogation, not a college campus:

Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: KHOU reported that Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under the threat of being waterboarded. This is torture. If done to enemy combatants, it’s considered a war crime. They did this to a young man trying to make friends.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and even commanded to lie in vomit-soaked grass. This is calculated humiliation combined with dangerous physical exertion.
Extreme Physical Punishment: The hazing included 100-plus pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Leonel was forced to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was exercised past the point of physical exhaustion until he could not even stand without help. The Houston Chronicle also reported pledges were “being struck with wooden paddles.”
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts were designed to break spirits, not build camaraderie.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and leading to exhaustion that impacted their daily lives.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

This brutal hazing led to a life-threatening medical condition called rhabdomyolysis. This is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein called myoglobin into the blood, which can cause acute kidney failure and even death. Leonel’s symptoms were horrifying: he began passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown. His creatine kinase levels, a marker of muscle damage, were extremely high. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, grappling with acute kidney failure. He couldn’t stand or walk for days and continues to face the specter of long-term kidney damage. This is not a prank; it is a life-altering injury.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Cover-Up?

Within weeks of Leonel’s hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National closed the chapter on November 14, 2025—a full week before our $10 million lawsuit was filed—speaks volumes. It signals their immediate awareness of major wrongdoing and an attempt to control the narrative before litigation erupted. Their website statement, claiming “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy” and expressing a desire to “return to campus,” starkly contrasts with the reality of Leonel’s suffering. It is a blatant attempt to minimize the severity of the abuse and obscure their culpability.

The University of Houston’s response echoed this effort to contain the fallout. A spokesperson stated that the “events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and mentioned “potential criminal charges.” Yet, this came only after the hazing came to light. The University of Houston even “collaborated” with the national fraternity, as Pi Kappa Phi acknowledged, further indicating a coordinated response.

This case is a stark reminder to Clinch County, Georgia, families that the “traditions” of Greek life can be deadly. The same national fraternities operate chapters at universities throughout Georgia, including institutions where Clinch County students attend. The same institutional failures we are exposing at the University of Houston are prevalent at campuses across the country, where young people from Clinch County are at risk.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Clinch County, Georgia, may harbor outdated notions of hazing, imagining harmless pranks or mild discomfort. The reality is far more sinister. Hazing today is often premeditated, systematic abuse that strips individuals of their dignity, endangers their lives, and inflicts lasting trauma. Our work, particularly with Leonel Bermudez’s case, reveals the true, brutal face of hazing.

Not “Boys Being Boys”—It’s Torture

Hazing is not about building character or camaraderie. It is about power, control, and degradation. As documented in Leonel Bermudez’s horrifying experience:

Physical Abuse: This goes beyond mere push-ups. It involves prolonged, strenuous exertion leading to physical collapse and organ damage, as seen with Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. It includes actual physical violence like paddling, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and other forms of physical torture.
Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking, but as Leonel’s case shows, it can extend to forced ingestion of food until vomiting, or even non-food substances. This is designed to break down a person’s will and inflict physical discomfort, often with dangerous medical consequences like alcohol poisoning, choking, or other gastrointestinal distress.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: The most insidious forms of hazing often involve psychological manipulation. This includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, sleep deprivation, and degrading acts designed to break down self-esteem and create absolute obedience. Leonel’s experience with the fanny pack of sexual objects and observing another pledge hog-tied and gagged exemplifies this. The fear of retribution he still faces years after the events is a testament to the lasting psychological scars.
Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Tragically, hazing can often involve forced nudity, sexual degradation, and even sexual assault. These acts leave victims with profound and lasting psychological wounds. While not explicitly detailed in every aspect of Leonel’s public description, the fanny pack with sexual objects is a disturbing indication of sexual humiliation as a hazing tactic.

The Systemic Nature of Hazing

Hazing is rarely a spontaneous act. It is often meticulously planned, perpetuated by unspoken “traditions,” and actively concealed from campus authorities and national organizations. The secrecy creates an environment where extreme acts can flourish, and where pledges feel trapped, fearing social ostracization or retaliation if they speak out.

These practices lead to devastating consequences:

55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. This statistic, gleaned from national studies, indicates that hazing is not rare but rather deeply embedded in the culture of many fraternities and sororities, including those with chapters near Clinch County, Georgia.
Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. This grim reality underscores the life-or-death stakes involved.
95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The culture of silence, intimidation, and fear of retribution effectively silences victims, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue unchecked.

The Institutional Blind Eye in Clinch County and Beyond

Universities and national organizations frequently claim ignorance or express shock when hazing incidents come to light. Yet, the consistent occurrence of severe injuries and deaths argues otherwise. They often possess ample knowledge, receive warnings, and have policies in place, but fail to enforce them until tragedy strikes. Then, they resort to public relations statements, claiming to be “deeply disturbed” while simultaneously attempting to mitigate legal and reputational damage.

The University of Houston, for example, had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017—eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This demonstrates a clear pattern of institutional failure to address a known problem. Similarly, Pi Kappa Phi National saw Andrew Coffey die in 2017 due to hazing. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded and suffered kidney failure at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter. The “hazing crisis” described in previous news reports was known, yet their actions were inadequate.

Clinch County, Georgia, parents need to know that their children, whether attending Valdosta State University, Georgia Southern University, or any institution across the state, are potentially vulnerable to these same hidden dangers. The national fraternities and universities that operate near Clinch County share the same institutional DNA that allows hazing to flourish.

Our role is to peel back these layers of denial and expose the truth. We don’t accept empty apologies or performative suspensions. We demand accountability for every entity that contributed to the harm of a student.

Who Is Responsible for Hazing Injuries? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

Once a child in Clinch County, Georgia, is harmed by hazing, families often ask: “Who can we hold responsible?” The answer is comprehensive. We don’t just target the individual perpetrators; we pursue every entity that had a hand in the abuse, facilitated it, or negligently failed to prevent it. Drawing directly from our strategy in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we cast a wide net to ensure maximum accountability.

The Local Chapter and Its Leadership

The undergraduate chapter on campus, like the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, is the most direct perpetrator. They organized, coordinated, and carried out the hazing activities.

Chapter Officers: The President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager, and other leaders are directly liable. They are responsible for the chapter’s operations and, in many cases, actively directed or condoned the hazing. In the Bermudez lawsuit, we specifically named the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other chapter leaders. The Stone Foltz case provides chilling proof of individual accountability; the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million. This shows that individual officers cannot hide behind the corporate veil of the fraternity.
Individual Members: Every member who participated in, coerced others into, or even stood by and failed to intervene in hazing acts can be held liable. This includes older members who orchestrated the abuse and peer-pledges who were forced to participate alongside the victim.
Former Members: Hazing often extends beyond the active chapter, sometimes involving alumni. In the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse were named as defendants because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This opens avenues for premises liability against anyone who knowingly allows hazing to occur on their property.

The National Fraternity Organization

National fraternities are more than just Greek letters on a flag; they are multi-million dollar corporations with expansive hierarchies and explicit policies. They profit from their brand and wield significant control over local chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: We are suing the national organization directly. Nationals have a duty to supervise their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. In the Bermudez case, KHOU reported that the national organization was alleged to have “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This demonstrates knowing disregard.
Housing Corporations: Many national fraternities operate separate housing corporations that own or manage chapter houses. These entities have a responsibility to ensure safe premises. The Beta Nu Housing Corporation is a named defendant in our lawsuit, holding them accountable for the property where hazing occurred.

The Andrew Coffey case, where a Pi Kappa Phi pledge died in 2017, is crucial here. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of the deadly consequences of hazing within their organization. Their failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries eight years later demonstrates a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, strengthening our claim for punitive damages. Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Clinch County, Georgia, are often part of these same national organizations and subject to the same systemic failures.

The University or College

Universities have a fundamental duty to provide a safe educational environment for their students. When hazing occurs on their campus, or under their watch, they can be held directly responsible.

University of Houston: We are suing the university itself and the UH Board of Regents. Universities are liable for negligent supervision of student organizations, failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, and in many cases, for premises liability if hazing occurs on university-owned property. In Leonel’s case, KHOU confirmed that the hazing occurred at a “University-owned fraternity house.” This is a critical fact that makes the University of Houston’s liability undeniable. They owned the “torture chamber” where our client was brutalized.
Prior Knowledge: The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017—a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge suffered a lacerated spleen. This prior incident demonstrates that UH had actual notice of dangerous hazing practices within its Greek community and failed to implement adequate safeguards. Universities near Clinch County, Georgia, must be put on notice that this historical negligence will be used against them.

The Deep Pockets: Funding Accountability

Hazing litigation isn’t about financially ruining a few college students; it’s about forcing systemic change by hitting the “deep pockets” that allow the problem to persist.

National Organizations: These entities have substantial assets, endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies that can pay multi-million dollar settlements.
Universities: Major universities operate with significant budgets, endowments, and institutional insurance coverages designed to protect them from liability.
Insurance Carriers: Many hazing incidents are covered by various insurance policies: the national fraternity’s liability insurance, the housing corporation’s property and liability insurance, the university’s general liability policy, and even homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies held by individual members. As lawyers with former insurance defense experience, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know exactly how to identify and pursue these policies.

For Clinch County, Georgia, families, understanding this broad scope of liability is crucial. We meticulously investigate every potential defendant to ensure that all responsible parties contribute to the compensation our clients deserve.

The Price of Torture: What These Hazing Cases Win

When a child from Clinch County, Georgia, is harmed by hazing, families often feel helpless, overwhelmed by the power of large universities and national fraternities. But history—and our current litigation—proves that aggressive legal action can yield multi-million dollar victories, force institutional change, and even lead to new laws. We are equipped with the knowledge and experience to achieve these same results for Clinch County victims.

Precedent-Setting Judgments and Settlements: A Clear Message

Our demand for $10 million in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is not arbitrary; it is rooted in a clear pattern of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that send an unmistakable message to fraternities and universities across the country.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – Over $10.1 Million: Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation. The university settled for $2.9 million, while the national fraternity and individuals paid over $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay a stunning $6.5 million personally. This case proves that both institutions and individual perpetrators pay a heavy price. It’s the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Verdict: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers during a “Bible Study” hazing event. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and one fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide. This verdict solidified the precedent that juries will not shy away from awarding millions for hazing deaths and injuries. The outrage led to “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – $110+ Million (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and subsequently falling repeatedly down stairs. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event. While confidential, the settlement is estimated to be over $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions. The public outcry led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.” This case, with its strong evidence from video footage, demonstrates that egregious conduct leads to massive financial penalties.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): This case is particularly damning for our current lawsuit. Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. This was the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. While the civil settlement amount was confidential, it proves Pi Kappa Phi had direct knowledge of lethal hazing activities within their organization eight years before Leonel’s injuries.
Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – Over $4 Million Settlement: Adam Oakes died due to alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing ritual. The lawsuit, seeking $28 million, resulted in a settlement of over $4 million in October 2024, with part of the funds going to the “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which works to end hazing. His case led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia. His family’s initial demand for $28M is consistent with the high stakes of these cases.

The Impact for Clinch County, Georgia Families

These cases send a resounding message to Clinch County, Georgia, families and institutions alike:

Your Suffering Has Value: The physical and emotional devastation caused by hazing is not merely a personal tragedy; it is a legal wrong with significant financial ramifications for those responsible.
Institutional Negligence Pays: Universities and national fraternities consistently pay multi-million dollar sums because their negligence allows hazing to flourish. For our client Leonel, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred and had a prior hazing hospitalization on its campus in 2017. Pi Kappa Phi National had its own hazing death in 2017. Both entities were on notice and failed to act.
Individual Accountability is Real: From the $6.5 million judgment against a chapter president in the Foltz case to criminal convictions in others, individuals involved in hazing can face severe personal and legal repercussions.
Hazing Leads to Felony Charges: The passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana and the Timothy J. Piazza Law in Pennsylvania demonstrates that hazing is increasingly being recognized as a serious, felony-level crime. Clinch County families should be aware of state laws, including Georgia’s own anti-hazing regulations.
Our $10 Million Demand Is Justified: Given the severity of Leonel Bermudez’s injuries (life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, psychological trauma) and the egregious nature of the hazing (waterboarding, extreme physical abuse, forced eating), our $10 million demand is firmly supported by these national precedents. While he survived, the conduct inflicted upon him was arguably more torturous than in some fatality cases.

When we take on a hazing case for a Clinch County, Georgia, family, we leverage these precedents to demonstrate that justice is not only possible but has been achieved, repeatedly, at the highest levels. We make it clear that the same institutions and individuals who escaped accountability in the past will not do so again.

Georgia Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights Against Hazing

For families in Clinch County, Georgia, navigating the legal landscape after a hazing incident can feel daunting. However, both Georgia state law and federal legal principles provide powerful tools to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. We meticulously leverage these laws to protect your rights and secure justice, just as we do in Texas.

Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law and Civil Recourse

Like many states, Georgia has enacted anti-hazing legislation to deter these dangerous practices. Georgia’s law, similar to Texas’s, includes crucial provisions that benefit victims:

Definition of Hazing: Georgia’s law defines hazing broadly to include any activity that endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in an organization. This covers a wide range of acts, from forced consumption and physical brutality to psychological torment and sleep deprivation – all elements vividly present in Leonel Bermudez’s experience.
Criminal Penalties: Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges, including misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the severity of the injury. When hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties escalate significantly. This criminal aspect, which the University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged as “potential criminal charges” in our case, can run parallel to civil lawsuits.
Organizational Liability: Beyond individuals, organizations themselves can be penalized, including fines, suspension, or permanent loss of university recognition. This is a critical legal avenue to penalize the fraternities or other student groups that foster hazing cultures.
Consent is NOT a Defense: This is perhaps the most critical provision. Just as in Texas Education Code § 37.154, Georgia law explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to hazing is not a defense. This crucial legal principle shatters the common excuse that “he knew what he was getting into” or “everyone agreed to it.” We do not allow perpetrators to justify their abuse by claiming the victim “consented” to being waterboarded or suffering kidney failure. This legal clarity is invaluable for Clinch County families.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal charges aim to punish perpetrators, civil lawsuits provide the means for victims and their families to seek financial compensation for their suffering and losses. Our legal team, highly experienced in this area, pursues various civil claims:

Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of most personal injury lawsuits. We demonstrate that the university, national fraternity, or individual members had a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (i.e., allowing egregious hazing to occur), and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and resulting damages. This legal theory is applicable regardless of where the hazing occurred, including Clinch County, Georgia.
Premises Liability: If hazing takes place on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity housing corporation, these entities can be held liable. The property owner has a duty to maintain a safe environment and to address dangerous conditions. In the Bermudez case, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” making the University of Houston’s premises liability undeniable. This extends to any fraternity or sorority house near Clinch County, Georgia.
Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and universities have a responsibility to oversee their chapters and Greek life organizations. When they fail to adequately supervise, enforce rules, or respond to signs of hazing, leading to injury, they are liable for negligent supervision. The fact that the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 strongly supports a claim of negligent supervision in Leonel’s case.
Assault and Battery: The physical aspects of hazing—like waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion—constitute civil assault and battery. This applies directly to the individuals who performed these acts, and potentially to the organizations that condoned them.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous nature of many hazing activities, particularly psychological torment and humiliation, can give rise to an IIED claim, allowing victims to seek compensation for severe emotional and psychological harm. Leonel Bermudez’s fear of retribution and ongoing trauma are examples of this.

Federal Legal Avenues: Nationwide Reach

Beyond state laws, students may also have recourse under federal law, particularly if discrimination or a pattern of misconduct is involved. Our firm’s admission to federal courts across the country, coupled with dual-state bar licenses in Texas and New York, provides us with the unique ability to pursue hazing cases nationwide, including for families in Clinch County, Georgia. We are not limited by state lines when justice demands action.

For Clinch County, Georgia, families, this complex legal framework translates into tangible power. It means that the institutions that failed your child, the perpetrators who inflicted harm, and the insurance companies that try to deny claims can all be held accountable. We turn the words of the law into actions that deliver justice.

Why Attorney911 is the Clear Choice for Clinch County Hazing Victims

When your family in Clinch County, Georgia, is grappling with the trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the brutal realities of hazing litigation. Attorney911 stands as the definitive choice because we are not theoretical—we are actively fighting this fight right now, and we bring a unique arsenal of experience, insider knowledge, and dedicated compassion to every case, including yours.

We Are Fighting the Hazing Battle RIGHT NOW

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston isn’t just a point of reference; it’s our ongoing, real-time commitment to hazing victims. This isn’t theoretical; this is proof. We are actively engaged in discovery, depositions, and trial preparation against major institutional defendants. This means:

Real-time Expertise: We are immersed in the latest hazing defense tactics, new legal precedents, and evolving strategies. This isn’t something we read about in textbooks; we are creating the blueprint for success as we speak.
Aggressive Representation: The fight for Leonel Bermudez is demonstrating our unwavering commitment to holding powerful organizations accountable. We will bring the same level of aggression, dedication, and expertise to your Clinch County hazing case.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Insiders

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring an invaluable “unfair advantage” to our clients: they are former insurance defense attorneys.

Ralph P. Manginello: After working on the defense side for insurance companies, Ralph now uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their strategies. He knows how they assess claims, what arguments they prepare, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. This foresight allows him to build a stronger case for you because he can anticipate the defense’s every move. His experience in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP also proves his capability to take on massive corporate and institutional defendants, just like universities and national fraternities.
Lupe Eleno Pena: Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He defended insurance companies and corporations across a multitude of practice areas. He learned their internal playbooks—the tactics they use to lowball victims, delay claims, and wear down plaintiffs. Now, every strategy he learned to use against victims, he wields to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. This is courtroom intelligence from the enemy’s war room, and he uses it to benefit you.

This combined insider knowledge means that when an insurance adjuster or university legal team tells you they can’t pay a certain amount in your Clinch County hazing case, we know precisely why they’re saying it, and more importantly, how to force them to pay.

Nationwide Reach and Federal Court Authority

While Attorney911 is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond state lines, allowing us to effectively represent Clinch County, Georgia, families.

Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Courts. This means we can litigate cases in the federal system, which is crucial when dealing with national organizations or incidents that cross state lines.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage in cases against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in various states.
Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are committed to traveling to Clinch County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. For initial consultations, we efficiently use video conferencing to meet with families remotely.
Hazing Database and Intelligence: We maintain a comprehensive database of Greek organizations and hazing incidents across Texas and nationally. This data-driven approach allows us to track patterns, identify liable entities (including housing corporations and alumni groups), and build irrefutable cases based on historical misconduct—a strategy that will be applied directly to chapters operating near Clinch County, Georgia.

Compassion, Communication, and Client Care

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. This is why our approach blends aggressive legal strategy with genuine empathy and unwavering support.

Bilingual Services: With Lupe Pena being fluent in Spanish, we can seamlessly serve Spanish-speaking families in Clinch County, breaking down language barriers to ensure everyone has access to justice.
Client-Centric Communication: Our testimonials repeatedly highlight our commitment to client communication. “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case,” says Dame Haskett. We keep you informed at every step, ensuring you understand the process and your options.
Contingency Fees: Facing medical bills and emotional distress after hazing, the last thing Clinch County families need is financial strain from legal fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
A Father’s Perspective: Ralph Manginello, a father of three, acutely understands what’s at stake when a child is harmed. This personal understanding fuels his dedication to protecting families like yours.

When you choose Attorney911 for your Clinch County hazing case, you are choosing a team that has the demonstrable experience, the insider knowledge, the nationwide reach, and the deep personal commitment to fight tirelessly for your child’s justice and to hold those responsible fully accountable.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Clinch County Families

If your child in Clinch County, Georgia, has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotional distress may be overwhelming, decisive action can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. We provide clear, actionable steps to guide you through this difficult time.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If your child is still in a situation where they are being hazed or feel threatened, get them out immediately. Safety first.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are psychological, consult a doctor or mental health professional.
- Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms (physical and psychological), and the circumstances of the hazing are thoroughly documented in medical records. Describe precisely how the injuries occurred due to specific hazing activities.
- Keep All Records: Retain copies of all emergency room reports, hospital records, doctor’s notes, medical bills, and any prescriptions.
- Be Honest and Detailed with Medical Professionals: Explain all symptoms, even those that seem embarrassing or minor. For example, if your child experienced muscle pain, began passing brown urine, or was forced to vomit, these details need to be in their medical chart.
Consider Immediate Reporting (with Caution): While reporting to campus authorities or law enforcement may be necessary, it’s often advisable to consult with an attorney first. Institutions may have a vested interest in minimizing liability, and your early statements could unintentionally harm your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence—Absolutely Everything

Hazing perpetrators and negligent institutions will often try to destroy or conceal evidence. Your immediate preservation efforts are vital. Think of your phone as your most powerful tool.

Document Injuries: As Ralph Manginello always emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” Photograph any visible injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, rashes, swelling—as they appear and at various stages of healing. This includes symptoms like muscle swelling or discolored urine if medically appropriate.
Capture the Environment: If safe to do so, take photos or videos of the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, etc.).
Save All Communications: This is critical. Hazing is often orchestrated through digital channels.
- Text Messages: Screenshot and save every relevant text message, individual and group chats.
- Social Media: Preserve messages from platforms like GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, and any posts related to hazing or the fraternity/sorority. Do not rely on ephemeral messages (“Stories”) as they disappear.
- Emails: Save any emails relating to pledge activities, schedules, rules, or the hazing itself.
Identify Witnesses: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, current members who might have observed hazing, or any bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Keep Documents: Save any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the organization. Retain receipts for any expenses incurred due to the hazing.
Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, ability to attend class, or potential loss of scholarships or enrollment status from a Clinch County institution or any university across Georgia.

Step 3: Crucial “Do Not” Actions

These actions can severely harm your case; avoid them at all costs:

DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, social media posts, photos, or any other digital communication, even if they seem insignificant or embarrassing. Deleting evidence can lead to severe legal penalties and undermine your credibility.
DO NOT Speak to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, officers, alumni, or national leaders without legal counsel. They are not your allies and may try to coerce, intimidate, or trick you into making statements that harm your case.
DO NOT Speak to University Officials Alone: University administrators, including Greek Life coordinators, Title IX officers, and legal counsel, represent the university’s interests, not your child’s. Any statements made without an attorney present can be used against you.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority, national organization, or university (e.g., waivers, confidentiality agreements, statements) without having an attorney review them first.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” applies directly here. Anything your child posts—even seemingly innocuous updates—can be used by the defense to undermine their credibility or claim their injuries are not severe. Stay silent on social media until your case is resolved.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is always of the essence in legal matters.

Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, like Texas, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, typically two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. If your child was a minor, special rules may apply, but acting quickly is always best. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever.
Evidence Disappears: Witnesses forget details or move away. Digital evidence can be deleted. Organizations may “clean house” once an incident is reported. The sooner we are involved, the better we can preserve critical evidence.
Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Clinch County families. This means you can discuss your situation, understand your legal options, and get expert advice without any financial burden.
We Will Come to You (or Meet Remotely): While our main offices are in Texas, geography is not a barrier. We conduct video consultations and are prepared to travel to Clinch County, Georgia, for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary.

Your child’s nightmare does not have to be the end of their story. By taking these immediate, decisive steps and partnering with an experienced legal team, you can transform victimhood into victory, securing the justice and accountability your family deserves.

Call Us Now: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here

When the unimaginable happens—when hazing shatters your child’s life in Clinch County, Georgia—you need immediate, aggressive, and compassionate legal help. You need an advocate who understands the profound trauma of hazing and possesses the expertise to hold powerful institutions accountable. You need Attorney911.

Clinch County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your family is reeling from a hazing incident at a college or university near Clinch County, Georgia, know this: we are here for you. We understand the fear, the anger, the confusion, and the overwhelming desire for justice. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof that we don’t just sympathize with victims; we fight for them. We are actively engaged in dismantling the culture of hazing and ensuring that those responsible pay for their actions. We will bring that exact same fight to Clinch County families.

Your Direct Line to Justice: 1-888-ATTY-911

Don’t wait. Don’t let fear or uncertainty paralyze you. Every moment that passes can jeopardize your case as evidence disappears and memories fade.

📞 Clinch County Hazing Victims and Families: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 NOW.

This is our Legal Emergency Hotline, available 24/7.

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

Visit our website at attorney911.com for more information.

Why Contact Us Immediately?

Time is Critical: In Georgia, similar to Texas, a two-year statute of limitations typically applies to personal injury claims, including those arising from hazing. For wrongful death, the clock also starts ticking immediately. Missing this deadline means forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
Evidence Disappears: Text messages are deleted, social media posts disappear, and witnesses become harder to locate. The sooner we intervene, the more effectively we can preserve crucial evidence.
Expert Guidance: We will provide clear, actionable steps tailored to your situation, ensuring you avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your case. We’ll tell you exactly what to save, what not to say, and how to protect your rights from the very beginning.

Our Commitment to Clinch County Families:

Free Consultation: Your initial consultation is absolutely free and confidential. There’s no obligation, just a chance for you to understand your legal options and get expert advice. We will come to Clinch County for client meetings, depositions, and trials as needed, and for initial consultations, we’re readily available for video calls.
No Upfront Fees: Like all our personal injury cases, we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. This commitment ensures that financial concerns never prevent Clinch County families from seeking justice. View our video on “How Contingency Fees Work” for a full explanation.
Nationwide Reach: While we are Texas-based, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) empower us to pursue hazing cases nationwide, including for victims in Clinch County, Georgia. No matter where the hazing occurred, we have the authority and willingness to fight for you.
Aggressive Representation: We are known for our aggressive, results-driven approach. Your case will benefit from our insider knowledge as former insurance defense attorneys, our extensive courtroom experience, and our unwavering dedication to holding powerful institutions and individuals accountable.

For Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or someone you know was also subjected to hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston, please reach out to us. Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim; another pledge lost consciousness in October, and many more endured similar abuse. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “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 testimony, combined with Leonel’s, can make an even more powerful stand against this culture of abuse.

Your child’s pain is real. Your family’s suffering is real. Your right to justice is real. Let us be your first call, your legal emergency team. We will fight to ensure that what happened to your child in Clinch County, Georgia, leads to true accountability and prevents future tragedies.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.