If you’re reading this in Columbia County, Georgia, your family may be navigating one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find community and friendship. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening hazing rituals. We understand the fear, anger, and utter disbelief you might be feeling. While our offices are based in Texas, we are here to help families in Columbia County and across the nation fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and Greek organizations. We bring aggressive, data-driven legal strategies to families just like yours, tirelessly pursuing justice and holding every responsible party accountable.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Columbia County Families Need Us

The headlines shout the tragic stories: promising young lives cut short, students hospitalized with grievous injuries, all in the name of “tradition.” Hazing isn’t a rite of passage; it’s a criminal act that shatters lives and betrays the trust parents place in institutions of higher education. In Columbia County, Georgia, your children attend colleges and universities across the state and beyond, many of which host chapters of the very same fraternities and sororities implicated in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.

Parents in Columbia County send their children to institutions like Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, and other fine schools across Georgia and the Southeast, expecting them to be nurtured, educated, and kept safe. They shouldn’t have to worry that the Greek letters on campus could spell disaster. Yet, the statistics are grim: over half of all students in Greek life experience hazing, and tragically, a hazing death occurs almost annually in the United States. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a systemic failure deeply embedded in college culture.

These national Greek organizations often perpetuate cultures that glorify dominance, secrecy, and often, severe abuse. When your child pledges a fraternity or sorority at a university, whether it’s Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, or a private institution, they are joining chapters affiliated with national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing incidents. This means the problem exists; it is recognized, and it transcends state lines.

We believe that parents in Columbia County deserve to know that if their child becomes a victim of hazing, they have powerful advocates willing to take on these formidable institutions. We are not a local firm in every sense, but our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions allow us to represent victims nationwide, extending our reach to families in Columbia County when they need aggressive representation the most.

Our Landmark Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

We don’t just talk about the hazing crisis; we are actively fighting it in court right now. The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, is a $10 million lawsuit that embodies everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and unwavering accountability. This is not just a case; it is a live, ongoing battle that serves as a stark warning to Columbia County families about what modern hazing truly looks like, and proof of how fiercely we fight back.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a “Ghost Rush”

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled University of Houston student when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student planning to join UH the following semester. Despite not being officially affiliated with the university, he was still subjected to a brutal, seven-week hazing regimen that nearly cost him his life. This fact alone demonstrates the reckless disregard these organizations have for the well-being of anyone who crosses their path, regardless of their official status.

The Unthinkable: What Happened to Leonel

Leonel’s experience reads like a horror story, and it’s happening right now in Texas, at universities where Columbia County students might attend. He was subjected to a litany of abuses:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: He was sprayed directly in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning, a tactic recognized globally as torture.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume massive quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns, forcing them to vomit, only then to be pushed to continue physical exertions.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured relentless forced exercises tailored to cause debilitating injury, including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were even struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects, and recite the fraternity creed under intense duress. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their sleep and inducing exhaustion.

On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Leonel was forced into an extreme workout that included hundreds of pushups and squats. He became so exhausted he could no longer stand without help. As Ralph Manginello recounted to 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.”

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

Leonel Bermudez’s body literally broke down from the trauma. He was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys and potentially leading to permanent damage or even death. He exhibited the classic symptom of passing brown urine, a clear indicator of muscle breakdown. His creatine kinase levels, a marker of muscle damage, were dangerously high. He now faces ongoing medical monitoring and the potential for long-term health complications.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended its University of Houston chapter. By November 14, 2025, the chapter was permanently closed, with members voting to surrender their charter. Criminal referrals were initiated, and University of Houston representatives called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation” of community standards.

However, as KHOU 11 reported, the lawsuit alleges that both the national organization and the local housing corporation “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Pi Kappa Phi’s own website statement, made public on November 21, 2025, confirmed the closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Astonishingly, they concluded by stating, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This flagrant disregard for accountability, even as a student recovers from their abuses, is precisely what fuels our determination.

Why This Case Resonates in Columbia County

The Bermudez case offers critical lessons for families in Columbia County:

1. Hazing is Torture, Not Tradition: What happened to Leonel was systematic abuse, not harmless pranks. These brutal acts occur at universities across the country, including those where Columbia County students enroll. The very same national fraternities, including Pi Kappa Phi with its 150+ chapters, have a presence at institutions like Augusta University or other Georgia campuses.
2. Universities and Nationals Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, yet failed to prevent it. They, like many universities, have the power to stop hazing but often fail to act until tragedies occur. This same institutional negligence can exist at the universities your children attend, and it makes them equally liable.
3. A Pattern of Knowing Disregard: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident at Florida State University. Eight years later, Leonel was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence demonstrates that the national organization knew but failed to implement effective safeguards. The University of Houston also had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 with Pi Kappa Alpha, showing a recurring problem they failed to address.
4. Victims Are Silenced by Fear: Leonel’s attorneys noted his fear of retribution. This is a common barrier for hazing victims. We are committed to protecting our clients and ensuring their voices are heard without fear.
5. A $10 Million Lawsuit Sends a Message: This significant demand for damages is intended not just to compensate Leonel, but to send an unequivocal message toทุก fraternity national, every university administration, and every individual who thinks hazing is acceptable. A similar message can be sent from Columbia County families seeking justice.

As Lupe Pena, one of our attorneys, 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.” Your child’s case could be the catalyst that saves countless others from suffering the same fate.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Columbia County and beyond might have a dated image of hazing—maybe some embarrassing errands or late-night drills. But the reality is far more sinister. Hazing today is often life-threatening, involving physical brutality, psychological torture, and extreme consumption. It’s designed to break a person down, not build them up.

Here’s a closer look at the types of hazing incidents we see and fight against:

• Physical Abuse: This includes forced excessive exercise until collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100+ pushups), enduring strikes with paddles or other objects, branding, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, or beatings. The goal is often physical exhaustion and pain.
• Forced Consumption: This is perhaps the most common and deadliest form of hazing, involving forced binge drinking, consuming non-alcoholic liquids to dangerous levels, or eating repellent or excessive amounts of food until vomiting. This leads to alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis, and internal injuries.
• Waterboarding or Simulated Drowning: As in Leonel’s case, this involves practices that simulate drowning, such as repeatedly being sprayed in the face with a hose. This is a recognized torture technique and unequivocally criminal.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Pledges are often stripped, verbally abused, degraded, forced to wear embarrassing attire, subjected to sleep deprivation, or isolated. The emotional scars from this can last a lifetime, leading to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Disturbingly, hazing can involve forced nudity, sexually suggestive acts, or carrying objects of a sexual nature. In the worst cases, it escalates to sexual assault.
• Servitude and Legal Violations: Pledges are forced to perform endless tasks for older members, including cleaning, providing transportation, or engaging in illegal activities like stealing. This also includes pressuring pledges to remain silent about hazing from authorities or potential victims.

The True Cost: Medical and Psychological Trauma

The injuries sustained from hazing are severe and often permanent. For Leonel, it was rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Other victims suffer:

• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, leading to brain damage or organ failure.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From falls, beatings, or being forced to run into objects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: From falls or forced physical exertion.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to severe cold or heat.
• Internal Organ Damage: From forced consumption or physical blows.
• PTSD, Depression, Anxiety: The psychological toll can be immense, requiring extensive therapy and medication.

These are not just “bumps and bruises.” These are life-altering, and often fatal, injuries that carry immense medical costs and emotional suffering for victims and their families. Columbia County parents need to understand that the “fun” of Greek life can mask a terrifying reality.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying and holding accountable every single entity that played a role in the abuse or failed to prevent it. In our Bermudez case, we have cast a wide net, naming a comprehensive list of defendants, demonstrating our commitment to leaving no stone unturned. For families in Columbia County, our approach means that if your child is hazed at any institution, we will meticulously investigate all potential defendants:

1. The Local Chapter: The immediate perpetrators, those who organized and carried out the hazing rituals. This includes the chapter as an entity, its officers (such as the president and pledgemaster), and individual members who actively participated. Their direct involvement makes them primary targets for liability.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These entities wield immense power and financial resources, with millions in assets and liability insurance. They establish the rules, provide training, and are supposed to oversee their local chapters. When hazing occurs, especially with a history like Pi Kappa Phi’s (Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), it indicates a profound failure in their oversight, risk management, and enforcement of anti-hazing policies. They are the “deep pockets” from whom significant recovery can be sought.
3. The University or College: Educational institutions have a paramount duty to protect their students. Our Bermudez case explicitly names the University of Houston and its Board of Regents. Their liability often stems from:
   • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property (like the Pi Kappa Phi house in Houston), the university, as the property owner, has a duty to provide a safe environment.
   • Negligent Supervision: Universities are responsible for overseeing student organizations, including Greek life. A failure to adequately monitor, investigate, or enforce anti-hazing policies constitutes negligent supervision.
   • Failure to Act: If a university has a history of hazing incidents (like UH’s 2017 hazing hospitalization), and fails to implement effective preventative measures, they are deliberately indifferent to student safety.
4. Housing Corporations: These often separate entities own and manage the physical fraternity or sorority houses. They have responsibilities similar to other property owners to ensure a safe environment.
5. Individual Perpetrators: Beyond the chapter leaders, any individual who played a direct role in the hazing, whether as an active participant, a facilitator, or by hosting events where hazing occurred (as with the former member and his spouse in the Bermudez case), can be held personally liable.
6. Insurance Carriers: Perhaps the most critical funding source for settlements. National organizations, universities, and individuals (through homeowners or personal liability policies) carry various forms of insurance that cover such incidents. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys gives us an unparalleled advantage in navigating these policies to maximize recovery.

This multi-defendant approach is crucial because it ensures that no single entity can evade responsibility by pointing fingers at another. We believe in holding everyone accountable, from the individual who inflicted the harm to the highest levels of oversight that failed to prevent it.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For Columbia County families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for financial recovery is important. These cases go beyond medical bills; they seek compensation for immense suffering, lost potential, and, in tragic cases, the ultimate loss of life. Precedent-setting verdicts and settlements across the nation demonstrate that juries and courts are increasingly willing to award multi-million dollar damages to hazing victims and their families. This sends a powerful message that these institutions and individuals cannot escape accountability.

Here are just a few landmark cases that underscore the financial and legal ramifications of hazing:

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Totaling $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, and the fraternity and individuals paid over $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million personally. This case directly supports our own $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit, proving that compensation of this magnitude is both justified and achievable when institutions fail.
• Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  • Max Gruver, just 18, died after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” where pledges were forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to deliver substantial verdicts. It also led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)
  • Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual where he consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes and repeatedly fell down stairs. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. With strong evidence, including security camera footage, the case resulted in an estimated $110 million or more in multiple settlements. This case proves that overwhelming evidence of egregious conduct can lead to massive recoveries and significant criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. It also spurred Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Confidential Settlement
  • Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event. This is the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. While the settlement amount was confidential, the incident led to criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi has a hazing death on its record from 2017 demonstrates a long-standing, systemic problem that went unaddressed, directly impacting their liability in our current lawsuit.
• Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi, 2021): $4+ Million Settlement
  • Adam Oakes died after a Delta Chi hazing event involving forced alcohol consumption. His family, who initially sued for $28 million, recently settled for over $4 million in October 2024, demonstrating that substantial settlements continue to be achieved in these cases. His death also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.

These cases are not isolated incidents; they represent a disturbing pattern across national fraternities and universities. Importantly, many of these landmark cases have also spurred significant legislative changes, making hazing a felony in several states and increasing penalties.

For Columbia County families, these precedents offer powerful reassurance: justice for hazing victims is not only possible but is being achieved at the highest levels of recovery. The egregious nature of the hazing suffered by Leonel Bermudez, combined with the documented patterns of negligence by both Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, positions our $10 million lawsuit squarely within this landscape of major hazing litigation.

Texas Law Protects You: A Clear Legal Framework

For families in Columbia County, Georgia, understanding the legal landscape that governs hazing is crucial, even when focusing on a Texas case. While the specifics of state laws vary, the fundamental principles of accountability and victim rights are universal, and federal laws often provide overarching protections. Our firm, deeply rooted in Texas law and with federal court authority, leverages a robust legal framework to pursue justice for hazing victims, no matter where they are located.

Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas boasts one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing laws, and its statutes offer powerful tools for holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if that act:

   • Involves physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding).
   • Causes sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect health.
   • Involves forced consumption of food, liquids, alcohol, or drugs creating an unreasonable risk.
   • Requires the student to violate the Penal Code.
   • Coerces the student to consume alcohol to the point of intoxication.

   Our Bermudez case easily meets multiple elements of this definition through the waterboarding, physical exhaustion, forced eating, and use of wooden paddles. This demonstrates how explicitly criminal and civilly actionable hazing has become. Similar definitions exist in many states, providing a foundation for lawsuits even outside Texas.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law establishes clear criminal penalties:

   • Engaging in hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
   • Hazing causing serious bodily injury is a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure definitively constitute serious bodily injury.
   • Hazing causing death is a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Not just individuals, but organizations themselves can be penalized, including fines up to $10,000 and denial of operating permission. This means the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization directly face statutory penalties.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical provision. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

   • This directly counters the common defense from fraternities and universities: “He knew the risks; he volunteered.” In Texas, the law clearly rejects this notion. This legal principle, often adopted in other states or argued on public policy grounds, is vital for Columbia County victims facing similar victim-blaming tactics.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates an additional layer of accountability for institutions that attempt to cover up incidents.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or do not result in a conviction, civil lawsuits offer victims a path to significant compensation. Columbia County victims can pursue multiple claims:

• Negligence: This is the cornerstone of most personal injury claims. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individuals owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (allowing hazing), which directly caused the student’s injuries, resulting in damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as was the case with UH owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), these entities can be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment or for allowing dangerous conditions to persist.
• Negligent Supervision: When a national organization fails to adequately supervise its local chapters, or a university fails to properly oversee its Greek life system, leading to foreseeable harm, they are liable for negligent supervision.
• Assault and Battery: These direct intentional torts allow individual perpetrators to be held accountable for physical harm inflicted during hazing activities, such as striking with paddles or forced physical contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For highly egregious conduct, like waterboarding, that causes severe psychological harm, this claim allows victims to recover for extreme emotional suffering.
• Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover for their immense losses.

Federal Civil Rights Claims

Beyond state hazing laws, victims may also have recourse under federal civil rights statutes, particularly if the hazing involves elements of discrimination or if the university, as a recipient of federal funding, has displayed deliberate indifference to known patterns of abuse. This is where our federal court admissions become a powerful asset, allowing us to pursue justice in federal forums regardless of the state where the incident occurred, making our reach truly national.

For Columbia County families, regardless of where their child attends college, these legal frameworks provide a powerful arsenal to pursue justice. We leverage every applicable statute and legal theory to ensure maximum accountability and compensation.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Columbia County and Beyond

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. This isn’t just about finding a lawyer; it’s about finding a team that understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation, possesses the courtroom experience to stand against powerful institutions, and has the genuine compassion to fight for your family. Attorney911 is that team, and we offer a distinct advantage to Columbia County families seeking justice.

Experience That Counts: Over 25 Years of Courtroom Battle

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience to every case. He is not just an attorney; he is a seasoned litigator who has stood up against corporate giants in mass tort cases like the BP Texas City explosion and has consistently secured millions for his clients across a spectrum of personal injury and criminal defense cases. This depth of experience means we know how to investigate, build, negotiate, and, if necessary, try complex cases against well-funded defendants—skills directly applicable to hazing litigation involving universities and national fraternities.

Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

What truly sets Attorney911 apart is our unique insight into the defense’s playbook. Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant time working as insurance defense attorneys before dedicating their careers to representing victims. Lupe Pena, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, gaining firsthand knowledge of how insurance companies and corporate defendants strategize to deny, delay, and minimize payouts.

This experience means:

• We Know Their Tactics: We’ve seen every trick, every angle the defense will use to shift blame, downplay injuries, and undervalue claims.
• We Negotiate from Strength: Knowing their weaknesses allows us to anticipate their moves and push for maximum compensation.
• Strategic Advantage: This insider knowledge is an “unfair advantage” for our clients, neutralizing the defense’s strategy before it even begins.

For Columbia County families, this means you have attorneys who understand the opposing side from the inside out, ensuring they cannot exploit your unfamiliarity with the legal system.

Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Nationwide Reach

Hazing doesn’t respect state lines. The national fraternities and universities your Columbia County children attend often operate across multiple states. Our federal court admissions (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) combined with Ralph Manginello’s dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us the authority to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction nationwide. This allows us to serve hazing victims in Columbia County, Georgia, just as effectively as we do in Texas. We will travel to Columbia County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when justice demands it.

Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise

Our aggressive representation in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is not an anomaly; it is an extension of our deep, specialized focus on hazing litigation. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis injury recovery and litigation, directly relevant to Leonel Bermudez’s medical condition. We have experience taking on national fraternities and holding universities accountable. This specialized knowledge is crucial for navigating the unique legal and cultural aspects of hazing cases.

Unwavering Compassion & Client-Centered Approach

We understand that you’re coming to us in a moment of crisis. Our firm prides itself on treating every client like family. Our bilingual staff, fluent in Spanish, ensures that language barriers never prevent access to justice for Columbia County’s diverse communities. We’ve earned a 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews because we prioritize communication, empathy, and aggressive advocacy. Clients consistently praise our responsiveness and the personal care they receive, knowing they are more than just a case number. Tracey White, a past client, noted, “She would call every week, she never got upset with me she remained professional always.” Chad Harris, another client, said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” You can expect the same dedication for your family in Columbia County.

Contingency Fees: Access to Justice for All

We believe that no family should be denied justice due to financial constraints. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• $0 Upfront: You pay absolutely nothing to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime for our legal services.
• Risk-Free Representation: This aligns our interests directly with yours, allowing us to take on the financial risk of litigation so you can focus on healing.

For Columbia County families facing medical bills, emotional trauma, and academic disruption, this payment structure ensures that aggressive legal representation is accessible.

Strong Track Record Against Big Opponents

We have a proven history of securing significant results against tough opponents, from major corporations to governmental entities. The complex multi-district litigation of the BP Texas City explosion honed our skills in taking on massive entities. This same tenacity is brought to bear when confronting national fraternities and well-resourced universities, ensuring that Columbia County families have an advocate who is not intimidated by the size or influence of the defendants.

Ultimately, choosing Attorney911 means partnering with a legal team that combines unparalleled experience, insider knowledge, nationwide reach, a specialized focus on hazing, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of your family. We are ready to bring the same fight we’re waging in the Bermudez case to Columbia County, ensuring that those responsible for your child’s suffering are held fully accountable.

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

If your child in Columbia County, Georgia, has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action is essential to protect your child’s legal rights and build a strong case for justice. We understand the fear and confusion, and we’re here to guide you through it. Here are the crucial steps you should take:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Everything

• Seek Immediate Medical Care: Your child’s health and safety are paramount. If there are any physical injuries, pain, or discomfort, seek medical attention immediately. Even if symptoms seem minor, severe conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Do not delay.
• Document Everything with Medical Professionals: Clearly tell doctors, nurses, and emergency responders exactly how the injuries occurred and that they resulted from hazing. Ensure that these details are recorded in medical reports. Keep copies of all medical records, including emergency room reports, doctors’ notes, hospital bills, and prescription information.
• Address Psychological Trauma: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek help from a qualified mental health professional (therapist, counselor, psychologist). Ensure that these sessions are documented and that any diagnoses like PTSD, anxiety, or depression are properly recorded. These records are vital for proving non-economic damages.

2. Preserve All Evidence — Do Not Delete Anything

Hazing perpetuators often rely on secrecy and digital communication. Your child’s phone and personal records are a goldmine of evidence.

• Digital Communications: SAVE EVERYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger conversations, emails, and any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. Crucially, do not delete any messages or posts, even if they seem irrelevant or embarrassing. Deleting evidence can severely harm your case.
• Photos and Videos: Save any photos or videos your child may have taken, or that were sent to them, related to the hazing activities, the fraternity/sorority house, or their injuries. Photograph injuries as they appear and as they heal. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
• Witness Information: Identify any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Collect their names, phone numbers, and any other contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Fraternity/Sorority Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, creeds, or other documents given to your child by the organization.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for medications, travel expenses for treatment, and any documentation of lost wages or lost academic opportunities.

3. Do Not Engage Without Legal Counsel

This is perhaps the most critical warning. Institutions and perpetrators will immediately attempt to control the narrative and limit their liability.

• Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, officers, alumni, or national representatives. They are not on your side.
• Do NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: Be very cautious communicating with university officials (Greek life office, dean of students, Title IX coordinator) without legal counsel. While reporting to the university might be required, anything your child says can be used against them or twisted.
• Do NOT Sign Anything: Absolutely do not sign any documents from the university or the fraternity/sorority. These documents may contain waivers of rights or confidentiality clauses that could compromise your legal claim.
• Do NOT Post on Social Media: As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns, anything posted online can and will be used by the defense to undermine your credibility or claim. Keep all details of the hazing and your child’s recovery private.
• Do NOT Give Recorded Statements: If any insurance company or university representative asks for a recorded statement, politely decline. Let your attorney handle all communications.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is of the essence in hazing cases. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Similar deadlines apply in Georgia and other states. Missing this deadline means permanently losing your right to sue.

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our consultations are always free and confidential. We are available 24/7 for hazing emergencies. You can also email us at ralph@atty911.com.
• No Upfront Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
• Remote Consultations for Columbia County Families: We understand that you may not be in Houston. We offer video consultations, allowing Columbia County families to meet with our experienced attorneys from the comfort of their home.
• We Travel to You: For critical depositions, trial proceedings, or important client meetings, our attorneys will travel to Columbia County or other locations as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.

By taking these immediate steps, Columbia County families can protect their child’s rights, preserve crucial evidence, and begin the journey toward securing accountability and compensation for the immense harm caused by hazing.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Columbia County, Georgia

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Columbia County, Georgia, or anywhere across the country, your family is in a legal emergency, and you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to be your first responders.

We know that a phone call can feel daunting, especially when your family is dealing with trauma and uncertainty. But reaching out to us is the crucial first step towards securing justice for your child and holding responsible parties accountable. We are actively fighting the same battle right now, with the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case as proof of our relentless dedication. We bring the same level of commitment, expertise, and resources to hazing victims in Columbia County.

Call Us Now – Available 24/7

Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Columbia County Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This number connects you directly to our team, ready to listen and provide immediate guidance. We are available around-the-clock because we know that these emergencies don’t keep business hours.

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

What You Can Expect When You Contact Us:

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial consultation with us is always free. There is no obligation, and everything you share is kept strictly confidential. This is your opportunity to tell us what happened, ask questions, and understand your legal options without any financial burden.
• No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we secure a financial recovery for you. Our success is directly tied to yours.
• Remote and Flexible Meetings: For Columbia County families, geographic distance is not an issue. We offer video consultations, allowing you to meet with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home. When necessary, we will travel to Columbia County or wherever needed for depositions, client meetings, and trial.
• Empathetic and Experienced Team: Our staff is kind, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping victims. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes and will guide you through every step of the legal process with care and professionalism. We are bilingual, offering Spanish-speaking clients the comfort of clear communication.
• Aggressive Advocacy: From day one, we will aggressively investigate your claim, identify all liable parties, preserve critical evidence, and begin building a powerful case designed to maximize your compensation. We will not be intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their legal teams.

We Represent Hazing Victims Nationwide, Including Columbia County

Hazing is a national problem, and our fight transcends state borders. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our ability to represent hazing victims extends to Columbia County, Georgia, and across the United nation through:

• Federal Court Authority: Admittance to the U.S. District Court allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when dealing with national organizations or multi-state incidents.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage in litigation against national entities often headquartered or deeply involved in these states.
• National Network: We collaborate with experts and local counsel as needed to ensure the most effective representation, regardless of location.

Whether your child was hazed in a fraternity or sorority, on a sports team, in a marching band, or any other student organization at a university near Columbia County, or anywhere in the country, we are equipped to help.

To Other Victims of Hazing:

If you are a student who experienced or witnessed hazing, or if you know of others who were victimized alongside Leonel Bermudez at Pi Kappa Phi or any other institution, we urge you to come forward. 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 voice matters, and your courage can help us hold powerful institutions accountable and prevent future tragedies.

Don’t let fear silence you. Don’t let shame prevent justice. The window for legal action has strict limits, and evidence can disappear quickly. Contact us immediately to explore your options.

Columbia County families, let us fight for you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.