🚨 Hazing Victims in Covington County, Mississippi: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Covington County — we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it happens in Covington County too. The same fraternities operate at universities near Covington County. The same negligence exists at Covington County institutions. And we will fight for Covington County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
You have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people and institutions who hurt your child accountable.
📞 Covington County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Immediate Help
1-888-ATTY-911 — Available 24/7
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
🔥 This Happened in Houston. It Happens in Covington County Too.
The Same Hazing. The Same Fraternities. The Same Negligence.
On November 3, 2025, Leonel Bermudez — a “ghost rush” pledge not even enrolled at the University of Houston — was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
- Another pledge lost consciousness during these workouts — they kept going
- He crawled up the stairs when he got home — the next day, he couldn’t move
- His mother rushed him to the hospital — he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
- He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life
This didn’t just happen in Houston. It happens at universities near Covington County. And it could happen to your child.
⚠️ Covington County Parents: The Same Fraternities Are Near You
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Covington County. Other fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Kappa Sigma have chapters at universities near Covington County — and they have the same hazing cultures that have killed and hospitalized students nationwide.
These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern.
- 2017: Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi (FSU) from forced alcohol consumption
- 2017: A student was hospitalized at University of Houston from hazing
- 2025: Leonel Bermudez hospitalized at Pi Kappa Phi (UH) from waterboarding and extreme physical abuse
- 2025: Another hazing death lawsuit filed against Sigma Chi at University of Texas
If it can happen at these universities, it can happen at universities near Covington County.
🏛️ Universities Near Covington County Have the Same Liability Failures
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They knew the risks. They did nothing.
Universities near Covington County have the same power to regulate Greek life. They have the same responsibility to protect students. And they have the same liability when they fail.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Covington County, we can hold the university accountable.
💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Prove You Can Win
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These are not just numbers — they are proof that the legal system will hold institutions accountable.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4 million+ |
These results are possible for Covington County families too.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Covington County Hazing Victim
1. You Can Sue for Negligence
Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they are negligent.
2. You Can Sue for Assault and Battery
Hazing often involves physical abuse — striking with paddles, forced exercise, waterboarding. This is assault and battery.
3. You Can Sue for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
The psychological trauma from hazing — humiliation, fear, PTSD — is compensable.
4. Consent is Not a Defense in Mississippi
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Mississippi law says consent does not matter.
5. You Can Pursue Punitive Damages
When conduct is outrageous, courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future harm.
📋 What Covington County Families Should Do Immediately
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire.
1. Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything — medical records are critical evidence
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — screenshot everything
- Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing locations, anything related
- Witness information — names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
- Fraternity documents — pledge manuals, schedules, rules
- Academic records — show impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will try to get you to sign away your rights
- They will try to intimidate you into silence
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used as evidence
- Even innocent posts can be twisted against you
- Stay off social media until your case is resolved
5. Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Covington County hazing victims
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- We will travel to Covington County for your case
🎯 Why Covington County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.
2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to beat them.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. We can pursue your Covington County case in federal court if needed.
4. We Are Dual-State Licensed
We are licensed in Texas and New York — giving us strategic advantage against national fraternities headquartered anywhere.
5. We Speak Spanish
Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families. We provide bilingual representation — no language barriers.
6. We Offer Contingency Fees
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets.
7. We Will Travel to Covington County
We come to you for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier.
🏆 Our Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
BP Texas City Explosion (2005)
- Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
- 15 deaths, 180+ injuries
- Demonstrated capability in complex, high-stakes cases
Ryan Mitchell Smith Case (2022)
- High-profile criminal defense case covered by ABC13
- Showcased ability to handle sensitive, emotionally charged cases
Assault Family Member Case (2019)
- Secured trial setting dismissal — charges dropped before trial
- Proven ability to dismantle prosecution cases
Civil Rights Litigation
- Federal appellate experience in U.S. Second Circuit
- Expertise in constitutional litigation
Hazing-Specific Experience
- Currently litigating $10 million UH hazing case
- Expertise in rhabdomyolysis injury litigation
- Knowledge of Greek life culture and institutional negligence
🗣️ What Covington County Victims and Families Say About Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
🏥 Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Covington County Families
| Injury Type | Medical Consequences | Legal Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, hospitalization | Negligence, Assault, Battery, Punitive Damages |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Hospitalization, death, brain damage | Negligence, Wrongful Death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes | Negligence, Assault, Battery |
| Broken Bones | Surgery, physical therapy, permanent damage | Negligence, Assault, Battery |
| Burns | Scarring, disfigurement, infection | Negligence, Assault, Battery |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Organ damage, hospitalization | Negligence, Assault |
| Sexual Assault | Psychological trauma, physical injury | Sexual Battery, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Therapy, medication, lifelong impact | Negligence, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Wrongful Death | Loss of life, funeral expenses, lost future earnings | Wrongful Death, Negligence |
🏛️ Universities Near Covington County with Greek Life
While Covington County does not have a major university within its borders, several institutions with active Greek life are located in the surrounding region:
| University | Location | Distance from Covington County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) | Hattiesburg, MS | ~30 miles | Active Greek system with fraternities and sororities |
| William Carey University | Hattiesburg, MS | ~30 miles | Greek organizations present |
| Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, MS | Within Covington County | May have Greek-affiliated organizations |
| Jones County Junior College | Ellisville, MS | ~25 miles | Greek life presence |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Multiple campuses | Varies | Greek organizations at some campuses |
Note: Greek life at these institutions operates under the same national organizations that have chapters across the country. If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in our current case.
📞 Covington County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Immediate Help
1-888-ATTY-911 — Available 24/7
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🔥 To Fraternities and Universities Near Covington County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Covington County — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others:
We know what you’re doing. We are tracking your chapters. We are documenting your history.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your Covington County chapters. If you haze students, we will find every liable entity — your national organization, your housing corporation, your alumni oversight, and your individual members.
We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
To universities near Covington County — University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, and others:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the property. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
Act now or face the same accountability.
🎓 A Message to Covington County Students
If you’re being hazed, you are not alone. What they’re doing to you is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “building character.”
It is abuse. It is assault. It is illegal.
You have the right to say no. You have the right to leave. You have the right to report it. And if you’re injured, you have the right to compensation.
We will protect you. We will fight for you. You do not have to suffer in silence.
📢 Covington County Families: This Is Your Call to Action
1. If you suspect hazing, call us immediately. — 1-888-ATTY-911
2. If your child has been injured, get medical attention and call us. — We’ll guide you through evidence preservation
3. If you know of other victims, encourage them to come forward. — Pattern evidence strengthens all cases
4. If you want to prevent this from happening to others, share this information. — Awareness saves lives
This isn’t just about compensation. This is about stopping the cycle of abuse. This is about protecting the next Covington County student.
🏆 Join Us in the Fight
Leonel Bermudez’s attorney, Lupe Pena, said it best:
“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 Covington County case could save lives.
Call Attorney 911 now.
📞 Covington County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Covington County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We travel to Covington County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Hazing Victims in Covington County and Nationwide