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

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

If you’re reading this in Crawford County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college, expecting to find friendship, community, and opportunity. Instead, they were tortured. They were hazed. They were abused in ways no human being should ever endure. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families like yours in Crawford County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are on the front lines of the national battle against hazing. Right now, in Harris County Civil District Court, we are aggressively representing a college student who was waterboarded, force-fed until he vomited, and made to exercise until his kidneys failed in a recent fraternity hazing incident. Our $10 million lawsuit names a national fraternity, a major university, and numerous individuals who participated in this horrific abuse. What happened to our client, Leonel Bermudez, is a stark warning for every parent in Crawford County whose child attends college or is considering joining a fraternity or sorority. This is what hazing looks like today. And we are the firm that fights back.

Crawford County families deserve the same aggressive, thorough, and data-driven representation we deliver to victims across Texas and nationwide. We come to Crawford County, for your cases, for your depositions, and for your justice.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight for Justice That Should Terrify Every Fraternity in America

Crawford County Families: This is What Hazing Looks Like. This is What We Do About It.

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is a declaration of war against the culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses. Filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court, this $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster, represents everything Attorney911 stands for. We are aggressive, we are thorough, and we are relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. Yet, this group of individuals and institutions subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that landed him in the hospital for four days, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They did this to someone who wasn’t even officially their student.

Within days of the hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. Just over a week later, the members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. The University of Houston itself called the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of a “clear violation of our community standards.” This is the immediate impact of swift, forceful legal action initiated by Attorney911. What you see happening in Houston is the same fight we bring to Crawford County.

Media Coverage That Exposed the Truth

Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston quickly garnered significant media attention, bringing the horrific details of Leonel’s ordeal to light. Families across Crawford County should read these reports and understand that their children are at risk in similar environments.

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters itself released a statement on November 21, 2025, titled “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” and stating that the chapter closure was effective November 14, 2025—a full week before our lawsuit was filed. They knew what was coming, and they tried to get ahead of it.

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Systematic Abuse

Leonel Bermudez’s nightmare began on September 16, 2025, when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was a terrifying descent into week after week of abuse.

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
  • Sept 16 – Nov 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture. Pledges were forced to carry fanny packs containing objects of a sexual nature, subjected to an enforced dress code, required to complete study hours, and conduct weekly interviews. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant. Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.
  • October 13, 2025: Chillingly, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while fraternity members prepared for a meeting.
  • October 15, 2025: Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This wasn’t an isolated incident; it was a pattern witnessed by others, yet the abuse continued.
  • November 3, 2025 (The Incident): Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. Ralph Manginello recounted that Leonel “crawled up the stairs and went to bed” that night.
  • November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened. He was “really sore and couldn’t really move,” and “the next day was worse.”
  • November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment. On November 6, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended the chapter.
  • November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, publicly acknowledging “violations.”
  • November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County.

The Hazing Activities: Not Pranks, but Torture

The lawsuit details brutal practices that go far beyond any notion of “harmless pranks.”

  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was “simulated waterboarded with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face during calisthenics, and forced to run repeatedly under the threat of more waterboarding. This is torture, a practice condemned as a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants. It was inflicted upon a young man trying to find a social outlet.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were forced to continue running sprints in physical distress, even having to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: The November 3 incident alone involved over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and a variety of other grueling exercises. During these sessions, pledges were struck with wooden paddles. One pledge even lost consciousness during a workout just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather, carry sexually suggestive objects, and endure the threat of social ostracization or expulsion if he didn’t comply. The hog-tying incident involving another pledge exemplifies the perverse acts of degradation.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Being forced to drive members during early morning hours left pledges in a constant state of exhaustion, impacting their physical and mental well-being.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s injuries were not minor. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition caused by the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can cause acute kidney failure.

  • Brown urine: This is a classic, tell-tale sign of myoglobin in the urine, indicating severe muscle breakdown.
  • Very high creatine kinase levels: Lab tests confirmed extensive muscle damage.
  • Acute kidney failure: His kidneys were unable to filter waste, a critical and dangerous complication.
  • Four-day hospitalization: He required intensive medical treatment to prevent permanent damage or worse.
  • Long-term risks: Leonel now faces the ongoing risk of chronic kidney disease and other serious health complications.

These are the same medical conditions that our attorney, Ralph Manginello, has successfully litigated in previous hazing cases, demonstrating our understanding of the specific and severe nature of these injuries.

Why This Case Matters to Crawford County Families

  1. Proof That “Tradition” Is Torture: The abuse Leonel suffered isn’t about “brotherhood.” It’s criminal. These same activities, often hidden and justified as “tradition,” happen at universities near Crawford County, whether it’s a major institution like the University of Georgia or smaller colleges in the state.
  2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned and controlled the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. Universities near Crawford County have the same power and responsibility to regulate Greek life and ensure student safety. Their failure to act makes them liable.
  3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately closed the chapter once the hazing was exposed, proving they knew the conduct was wrong. These same national fraternities operate at colleges attended by Crawford County students. Their policies often exist only on paper, not in practice.
  4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a fear that is sadly common among hazing victims. Crawford County students face the same pressure to remain silent. We protect our clients and ensure their voices are heard without fear.
  5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your Crawford County case isn’t just about your child; it’s about forcing systemic change that saves lives.
  6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The demand for $10 million is the price of accountability. It sends an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that they cannot torture our children without severe financial repercussions. Crawford County families can send the same powerful message.

Hazing in America: A Crisis That Hits Home

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not even benign “pranks.” It is a pervasive, dangerous, and often criminal culture.

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
  • 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.

This crisis extends beyond fraternities and sororities to sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other campus organizations across America, including institutions where students from Crawford County attend college.

The institutional failure is rampant: universities and national organizations know hazing happens. They have policies in place, but they often turn a blind eye until someone is severely injured or dies. Only then do they “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, claiming to be “shocked” by behavior they implicitly allowed to flourish. We are here to ensure their shock comes with a heavy price tag.

Who Is Responsible: Every Entity That Participated Or Allowed It

Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates our strategy: we pursue every liable party.

  • Local Chapter: The Beta Nu chapter directly organized and carried out the hazing.
  • Chapter Officers: The fraternity president and pledgemaster, in particular, bore leadership responsibility and directed these abusive activities.
  • Individual Members: Every member who participated in the hazing, or stood by and allowed it to happen, faces personal liability.
  • Former Members and Spouses: Hazing occurred at the private residence of a former member and his spouse, making them liable for allowing dangerous activities on their property.
  • National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, which oversees over 150 chapters nationwide, failed to adequately supervise the local chapter and enforce its own anti-hazing policies, despite prior knowledge of deadly hazing incidents.
  • University: The University of Houston owned and controlled the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They had the power to regulate, inspect, and intervene, but failed to protect Leonel.
  • Insurance Carriers: Behind every one of these entities are insurance policies designed to protect against liability. We know how to find them.

This fight is not about bankrupting college students. It’s about holding powerful institutions—national organizations with millions in assets, universities with vast endowments, and their extensive insurance carriers—accountable for their negligence and deliberate indifference.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today in Crawford County

The true face of hazing is far darker than the innocent pranks many parents might imagine. For families in Crawford County, it’s crucial to understand these realities because the same tactics are used at colleges and universities where your children might attend, whether in Georgia or across the country. This isn’t just about “building camaraderie”; it’s about systematically breaking down individuals, often with devastating physical and psychological consequences.

This is not harmless peer pressure. This is systematic abuse.

Physical Abuse That Endangers Lives

In our landmark lawsuit, Leonel Bermudez endured direct physical abuse that amounted to torture. This is not isolated to one fraternity or one university; these tactics are tragically common.

  • Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a terrifying simulation of drowning. This is a tactic recognized internationally as torture. It happens.
  • Extreme Physical Exertion: Being forced into hundreds of pushups, 500 squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls pushes the body beyond its limits. Our client’s resulting rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are direct, life-threatening outcomes of such brutality.
  • Paddling and Beatings: The use of wooden paddles, a common hazing tool, inflicts direct physical pain and injury, crossing the line into assault and battery.
  • Exposure: Striping pledges in cold weather or forcing them into uncomfortable, confined spaces demonstrates a disregard for their physical well-being.

Forced Consumption: A Deadly Game

The forcing of substances, particularly alcohol, is a leading cause of hazing-related deaths and injuries.

  • Alcohol Poisoning: While our client suffered from rhabdomyolysis, forced binge-drinking to extreme intoxication is a hallmark of hazing that has led to countless hospitalizations and deaths, such as in the tragic cases of Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue physical activity in his own vomit. This is designed to degrade and control.
  • Ingestion of Non-Food Substances: Sadly, hazing can include forcing pledges to eat or drink non-food items, leading to severe illness or poisoning.

Psychological and Emotional Torture

The scars of hazing are often deepest on the psyche. The emotional and psychological abuse inflicts long-lasting trauma that can be just as devastating as physical injury.

  • Humiliation and Degradation: Being forced to wear degrading objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual items), stripped naked, or exposed to humiliating acts shatters self-esteem and creates intense shame.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Systematically denying students adequate sleep breaks them down, making them more susceptible to control and unable to resist further abuse.
  • Isolation and Intimidation: Victims are often threatened with physical harm, social ostracization, or expulsion from the group if they speak out or fail to comply. This fear creates a powerful barrier to reporting. Leonel Bermudez himself is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.”
  • Manipulation and Coercion: Hazers exploit the desire to belong, using psychological tactics to assert dominance and control, making it incredibly difficult for victims to say no or escape the situation.

For parents in Crawford County contemplating their child’s college experience, it is vital to know that these are not isolated incidents portrayed in movies. These are the real-world, dangerous realities of modern hazing. If your child attends a university in Georgia, such as the University of Georgia, Mercer University, Fort Valley State University, or other institutions, or any university across the country, these activities can be taking place right now, hidden beneath layers of secrecy and false promises of “brotherhood.”

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Crawford County

When hazing shatters a family’s life in Crawford County, we don’t just point fingers; we target every single entity responsible. Hazing is rarely the act of a single individual; it is enabled by a complex web of negligence, apathy, and systemic failures. Our approach, proven in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, is to identify and pursue all culpable parties with the full force of the law.

The Individual Perpetrators: Those Who Directly Inflict Harm

The most immediate culprits are the individuals who directly engage in hazing activities. These are not always just current students; they can include alumni, “big brothers,” and even spouses of former members who facilitate or condone the abuse.

  • Chapter Officers: The fraternity president and pledgemaster, as in the Pi Kappa Phi case, are frequently central figures. They bear specific responsibility for organizing and overseeing pledge activities. Their leadership role makes them highly accountable.
  • Active Members: Any individual member who participates in, encourages, or even stands by while hazing occurs can be held personally liable. This includes those who inflict physical abuse, force consumption, or participate in psychological torment.
  • Former Members and Spouses: In the Bermudez case, former members and their spouses were named as defendants because major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability beyond the campus environment to anyone who provides a venue or allows abuse to occur. These individuals often have more assets and insurance coverage to contribute to a settlement or judgment.

The cases of families like Stone Foltz, where a former chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment, demonstrate that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity’s shield. We will expose their actions and pursue their personal assets and any applicable insurance.

The Local Chapter: The Immediate Enablers

The entire local chapter bears collective responsibility for creating and maintaining a culture where hazing thrives.

  • Organizational Liability: Under state anti-hazing laws, like those in Georgia which have seen significant updates in recent years, a local chapter can be held liable if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members commit or assist in hazing.
  • Failure of Oversight: The chapter leadership often fails to implement or enforce anti-hazing policies, allowing individual members to act with impunity.
  • Bermudez Example: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was directly responsible for organizing and conducting Leonel’s hazing. Their suspension and subsequent closure reflect their unequivocal culpability.

The National Organization: The “Deep Pockets” Who Look the Other Way

Many national fraternities and sororities operate as multi-million dollar corporations with extensive assets and insurance policies. They often claim to have zero-tolerance hazing policies, but their actions (or inaction) tell a different story.

  • Failure to Supervise: Despite having anti-hazing rules, national organizations frequently fail to adequately supervise their local chapters. This negligence is a primary target of our lawsuits. In the Bermudez case, KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national organization failed to enforce its own policies “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
  • Pattern of Negligence: The fact that Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017, just eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in another Pi Kappa Phi chapter, establishes a devastating pattern. This demonstrates that the national organization had ample notice and failed to implement effective systemic change. This allows us to pursue punitive damages, meant to punish and deter such egregious conduct.
  • “They Knew”: When a national organization immediately closes a chapter after hazing allegations surface, it’s an admission that the conduct was indeed a severe violation. Pi Kappa Phi closed its UH chapter a week before our lawsuit, proving they knew their actions were indefensible.

We use our extensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Database, which tracks over 1,400 Greek organizations across the state, to pinpoint the specific legal entities—including house corporations and alumni associations—that operate beneath the fraternity’s public facade. These entities often hold significant assets and insurance, making them crucial targets for recovery.

The University: Betraying Trust and Failing to Protect

Universities often present themselves as safe havens, but many are willfully blind to the dangers of hazing on their campuses. They hold immense power and responsibility.

  • Duty to Protect Students: Universities have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe educational environment. When hazing occurs, especially on university-owned property, they have often failed this fundamental duty.
  • Premises Liability: In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This makes them directly liable for allowing dangerous activities on their property. Universities near Crawford County, such as the University of Georgia or Mercer University, have similar responsibilities for campus properties and student organizations.
  • Failure to Supervise Greek Life: Despite having Greek life offices and administrators, many universities fail to effectively monitor fraternities and sororities. The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 (in a different fraternity but on the same campus), yet still failed to prevent the abuse Leonel suffered eight years later. This demonstrates a systemic institutional failure.
  • Ignoring Warning Signs: Universities often receive complaints or have knowledge of a hazing culture but fail to act decisively, prioritizing reputation or donor relations over student safety.

Insurance Carriers: The Ultimate Source of Compensation

Behind every organizational defendant and many individual perpetrators lies at least one insurance policy. National fraternities, universities, housing corporations, and even homeowners often carry liability insurance designed to cover accidents and negligence.

  • Expert Navigation: As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. We know their strategies for minimizing payouts, and we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
  • Multiple Policies: In complex hazing cases, we often pursue recovery from multiple policies: the national fraternity’s liability umbrella, the university’s general liability insurance, the housing corporation’s property insurance, and individual defendants’ homeowners or personal liability policies.
  • Deep Pockets: These insurance policies represent the “deep pockets” necessary to ensure victims receive full and fair compensation for catastrophic injuries, long-term medical needs, and profound pain and suffering.

For families in Crawford County, understanding these layers of responsibility is key to recognizing the strength of a hazing lawsuit. We don’t just sue the fraternity; we sue the network of individuals and institutions that allowed the abuse to happen, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Crawford County Victims

To families in Crawford County grieving over a hazing incident, especially one involving severe injury or death, the idea of pursuing justice can feel overwhelming. However, a strong track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the nation proves that accountability is not only possible but frequently achieved. These landmark cases serve as powerful precedents, demonstrating that a lawsuit can compel Greek organizations and universities to pay a heavy price for their negligence. The same legal strategies and the same potential for justice exist for hazing victims in Crawford County.

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) — $10.1 Million+

What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a new pledge at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event. He was found unresponsive and later died.

The Outcome: The Foltz family received over $10.1 million in settlements. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history, and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individual fraternity members. Furthermore, in December 2024, a jury issued a separate $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his role in Stone’s death. The fraternity was permanently expelled, and multiple individuals faced criminal convictions.

Relevance for Crawford County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that both the university and the national fraternity can be compelled to pay millions. For Crawford County families, it demonstrates that even in cases without death (like Leonel’s severe injuries), high-value settlements are achievable. It also highlights the personal financial consequences individuals face.

Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict

What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.495—six times the legal limit—during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly.

The Outcome: A jury delivered a stunning $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and its members. Several individuals faced criminal charges, with one member, Matthew Naquin, convicted of negligent homicide and serving prison time. This tragedy also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.

Relevance for Crawford County: Max Gruver’s case reinforces that juries are willing to award substantial damages for hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. It underscores that criminal and civil accountability often run in parallel, and that families can drive significant legislative reform.

Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017) — $110 Million+ (Estimated)

What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes as part of a ritual called “the gauntlet.” Highly intoxicated, he fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members then waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras in the house captured the horrifying sequence of events.

The Outcome: While confidential, reports estimate that settlements in various lawsuits against Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, and numerous individuals exceeded $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, leading to multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and assault. The tragedy also led to Pennsylvania enacting the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

Relevance for Crawford County: Timothy Piazza’s case reveals the staggering financial liability institutions face when hazing is documented. It also emphasizes the importance of strong evidence, like the security footage in Piazza’s case, in compelling massive settlements. The egregious conduct in Leonel Bermudez’s case—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse—is similarly compelling and designed to outrage a jury.

Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) — Same Fraternity as Our Case

What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” initiation.

The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil lawsuit filed by the Coffey family resulted in a confidential settlement.

Relevance for Crawford County: This case is particularly devastating for Pi Kappa Phi because it directly establishes a pattern of deadly hazing within the same national organization that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. Pi Kappa Phi had a clear, tragic warning in 2017. Eight years later, they failed to prevent Leonel’s hospitalization. This pattern of knowing disregard is crucial for establishing gross negligence and seeking punitive damages in the Bermudez lawsuit, setting a precedent that will impact chapters near Crawford County.

Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi, 2021) — $4 Million+ Settlement

What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old freshman, died after a Delta Chi fraternity bid night event where he was subjected to forced alcohol consumption.

The Outcome: The Oakes family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which settled for over $4 million in October 2024. Six fraternity members faced criminal charges. Oakes’ family worked tirelessly for “Adam’s Law,” which enacted new anti-hazing legislation in Virginia.

Relevance for Crawford County: This recent settlement for a high-value demand shows that multi-million dollar outcomes continue to be achieved, even where the case doesn’t go to a full trial. It also highlights the power of families to not only secure justice for their child but also to catalyze legislative change.

The Message to Every Crawford County Campus

These cases send an unambiguous message: universities, national fraternities, and individual members can no longer claim ignorance or dismiss hazing as harmless fun. The financial penalties are severe; the criminal consequences are real. For families in Crawford County, these precedents prove that you can fight back against powerful institutions and win. Whether your child attends a university in Macon, Columbus, Atlanta, or anywhere else in Georgia, or across the nation, these cases set the standard for accountability that Attorney911 is prepared to enforce.

Texas Law Protects You: Crawford County Victims Cannot Consent to Harm

For families in Crawford County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial, as it underpins every lawsuit we pursue. While we detail Texas law here, similar anti-hazing statutes exist in almost every state in the U.S., and federal civil rights laws apply nationwide. This means hazing victims in Crawford County, and anywhere else in the country, have powerful legal protections.

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

Texas was one of the first states to enact comprehensive anti-hazing legislation, and it remains one of the strongest in the nation. It explicitly defines hazing, outlines criminal penalties, and, perhaps most critically for victims, states that “consent is not a defense.”

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

  • Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body. (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles, a clear violation).
  • Endangers mental or physical health: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or calisthenics that subject the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect their health. (Leonel’s forced 500 squats, waterboarding, stripping in cold weather, and sleep deprivation directly fall under this).
  • Involves forced consumption: Forcing food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is explicit here).
  • Involves coercing a student to commit a crime: Or consume drugs/alcohol to intoxication.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): The law carries significant criminal penalties. Engaging in hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine). If it causes serious bodily injury, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Hazing that causes death becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine).

  • Leonel Bermudez’s case involves “serious bodily injury” (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), meaning individuals involved could face Class A Misdemeanor charges. This is why the University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges.”

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can be charged and penalized if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their officers or members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operating rights, and forfeiture of property. This is why we are suing the local chapter and national organization.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical provision for hazing victims. The law explicitly states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities: “He agreed to it. He knew what he was signing up for. He could have left.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist in coercive hazing environments. Students subjected to psychological manipulation, peer pressure, and threats cannot genuinely consent to dangerous or illegal activities. This is a powerful tool in court when confronting defense attorneys who try to shift blame to the victim.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in acquittal, victims in Crawford County can still pursue robust civil lawsuits to recover damages. Civil liability allows families to seek compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and immense pain and suffering.

  1. Negligence Claims: We argue that universities and fraternities owe students a “duty of care” to provide a safe environment. Their failure to enforce policies, supervise effectively, or intervene when hazing occurs constitutes a “breach of duty,” directly causing injuries and damages. This is a foundational element in almost all hazing lawsuits.
  2. Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university property, as it did in Leonel’s case (the University of Houston owned the fraternity house), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. Property owners have a legal obligation to address dangerous conditions they know or should know about.
  3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations and universities often fail in their duty to properly supervise local chapters and student groups. This negligence, when it leads to hazing, is a clear path to accountability.
  4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who inflict physical harm (like paddling or simulated waterboarding) can be sued directly for assault (threat of harm) and battery (unwanted physical contact), which are intentional torts.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing activities, such as waterboarding or forced humiliation, often meets the threshold for IIED, allowing victims to recover for severe psychological and emotional trauma.
  6. Vicarious Liability: This legal principle allows us to hold the national fraternity accountable for the actions of its chapter and members, and the university for organizations operating under its purview, particularly where a “master-servant” or agency relationship exists.

Federal Civil Rights and Title IX

For Crawford County students attending public universities that receive federal funding, there may also be grounds for federal civil rights claims, particularly under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities. While traditionally associated with sexual harassment and assault, hazing can constitute sex discrimination if it creates a hostile environment or targets students based on gender. Universities have an affirmative duty to investigate and remedy such conduct. Our federal court admissions (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) combined with dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) position us perfectly to pursue these complex federal claims, regardless of where in the nation the hazing occurred.

For Crawford County families, it’s vital to remember that the law is on your side. These legal frameworks provide powerful avenues to seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation necessary for recovery. The fight is complex, but with experienced legal representation like Attorney911, victory is attainable.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Crawford County

If your child in Crawford County has been a victim of hazing, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and uncertain of where to turn. You need an attorney who not only understands the legal complexities of hazing litigation but also the emotional toll it takes on families. You need a firm that is not afraid to take on powerful universities and multi-million dollar national fraternities. That firm is Attorney911.

We are not theorists; we are fighters. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates that we are actively fighting hazing right now, demanding accountability for horrific abuses like waterboarding and severe physical torture. We bring that same aggressive, unwavering commitment to every family we represent, including those in Crawford County.

Our Unmatched Advantages for Crawford County Hazing Victims:

  1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Battle-Tested Advocacy for Crawford County Families.
    Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two decades of intense courtroom experience. He is a seasoned trial attorney who has faced off against some of the largest corporations and most formidable legal teams. This extensive experience means that when we take on a hazing case in Crawford County, we are not learning on the job; we are executing proven strategies developed over a quarter-century of litigation. This expertise extends from handling complex mass torts, such as the BP Texas City explosion litigation, to orchestrating successful defenses in hundreds of criminal cases. He knows how to build a winning case from the ground up, no matter the scale of the opposition.

  2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook.
    Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña (who is male, despite the common misperception for the name “Lupe”) are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our strategic advantage, and it’s an unfair one for the other side.

    • Ralph Manginello practiced on the defense side, learning the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims.
    • Lupe Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, handling diverse cases for insurance carriers and corporate defendants. He literally learned their internal playbook: how they value claims, strategize defenses, delay payments, and try to wear down victims.
      We now use this insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and maximize recovery for our clients. When we go up against a national fraternity’s insurance carrier or a university’s legal team, we know exactly how they think because we used to be them. This insight is invaluable for Crawford County families facing powerful legal teams.

  3. Federal Court Admissions: Nationwide Reach & Strategic Litigation.
    Our attorneys are admitted to the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, which means we have the authority to litigate cases in federal court. This is crucial in hazing cases, which often involve national organizations and multi-state defendants, or instances where federal civil rights (like Title IX) claims may apply. This federal court authority, combined with a willingness to travel, means we represent hazing victims anywhere in the U.S., including Crawford County. We can initiate lawsuits in the most advantageous jurisdiction, not just where the incident happened.

  4. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Strategic Advantage Against National Fraternities.
    Ralph Manginello is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a significant strategic advantage in hazing litigation. Many national fraternities and sororities are headquartered or have substantial operations in states like New York. This allows us to pursue specific legal actions where their corporate structures are most vulnerable, giving us an edge in compelling national organizations—many of which have chapters at universities near Crawford County—to comply.

  5. Se Habla Español: Bilingual Support for Crawford County’s Diverse Families.
    Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is fully bilingual. This commitment to Spanish-speaking capabilities ensures that Hispanic families in Crawford County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without a language barrier. We conduct consultations, explain complex legal processes, and communicate case updates in Spanish, ensuring every client feels heard, understood, and confidently represented.

  6. Nationwide Hazing Expertise: Actively Litigating High-Stakes Cases.
    We are not merely offering a service; we are actively engaged in the fight against hazing, as evidenced by our $10 million lawsuit. This isn’t theoretical advice; it’s proven, real-time litigation. The strategies we employ in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s—which involves waterboarding, kidney failure, and multi-defendant accountability—are directly applicable to hazing incidents occurring at institutions that Crawford County students attend. We bring that same level of dedication and aggressive tactics to Crawford County victims.

  7. Deep Understanding of Hazing’s Medical & Psychological Trauma.
    Our firm has specific expertise in hazing injuries, including rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case. Ralph Manginello has handled such cases before, demonstrating a profound understanding of these complex medical conditions and their long-term impact. We also recognize and litigate for the severe psychological trauma that accompanies hazing, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This comprehensive understanding ensures that all physical, emotional, and financial damages are fully accounted for.

  8. Media Savvy and Public Pressure:
    Our cases, including the Bermudez lawsuit, consistently generate significant media attention. We understand how to leverage media coverage to expose wrongdoing, increase pressure on defendants, and ultimately drive settlements. This public scrutiny amplifies the call for justice and acts as a powerful deterrent.

  9. No Upfront Fees: Contingency Representation for Crawford County Families.
    We understand that legal fees can be a daunting prospect, especially when a family is dealing with medical crises and emotional trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

    • You pay $0 upfront. There are no hourly fees or retainers for you to worry about.
    • We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you, aligning our interests directly with yours.
      This payment structure ensures that every family in Crawford County, regardless of their financial situation, has access to top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.

Our Promise to Crawford County Families

Hazing is a betrayal of trust. When a child leaves Crawford County to pursue higher education, parents expect them to be safe. When that trust is broken, Attorney911 steps in. We want Crawford County families to know that while our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via video, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Crawford County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed.

Our commitment is to be a relentless force for justice. We see your child as a person, not a case number. We will fight to hold every liable party—from individual perpetrators to national fraternities and negligent universities—accountable for the harm they inflict. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to take your call.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Crawford County Hazing Victims

If you or a loved one in Crawford County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do (and don’t do) can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and recover compensation. Hazing victims often feel isolated, ashamed, or fearful of retaliation. We want you to know you are not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take right now to protect your rights.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention (and Document Everything)

Your health and safety are paramount. Even if you feel “fine,” hazing often involves hidden dangers like internal injuries, extreme physical exertion leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel Bermudez’s case), or alcohol poisoning.

  • Go to the ER or your doctor immediately. Do not delay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries only manifest days later. Delaying treatment can be used by the defense to argue your injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by the hazing.
  • Be honest and thorough with medical professionals. Explain exactly what happened and all symptoms you are experiencing, both physical and psychological.
  • Preserve all medical records. This includes hospital reports, ER visits, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and any therapy or counseling records. These documents are proof of your injuries and the direct link to the hazing.
  • Photograph your injuries. Take clear, date-stamped photos of any bruises, cuts, burns, or physical signs of abuse. Continue to document the healing process. As Ralph Manginello advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.”

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence (The Digital Footprint is Key)

In hazing cases, digital evidence is often a goldmine. The perpetrators think their actions are secret, but they often leave a trail.

  • DO NOT delete ANY messages, photos, or posts. This includes texts, iMessages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp, or any other social media communication. Deleting evidence can severely harm your case and even lead to legal penalties. If you’re concerned about what’s in your phone, simply stop using it for new communications until you’ve spoken with an attorney, or allow your attorney to secure a forensic copy.
  • Save screenshots. If you see other members discussing hazing, threatening others, or detailing activities, take screenshots with date and time.
  • Identify witnesses. Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges who experienced it, or anyone you confided in afterwards.
  • Document hazing locations. Take photos or videos (if safe to do so) of the fraternity house, off-campus residences, parks, or any other location where hazing activities occurred. Note addresses and dates.
  • Keep all documents. This includes any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications given to you by the organization.
  • Log everything. Keep a detailed journal of what happened, when, where, who was involved, and how you felt. Even small details can become crucial evidence.

Step 3: Avoid Communication with the Organization (and Their Insurers)

The fraternity, university, and their insurance companies are not on your side. Their primary goal will be to minimize their liability and protect their image.

  • DO NOT speak to fraternity/sorority leadership or members about the incident without consulting with an attorney first. They may try to coerce you into silence, convince you to recant, or persuade you to accept an unfair settlement.
  • DO NOT talk to university administrators or compliance officers alone. Universities have a legal obligation to investigate in some cases (e.g., Title IX), but your statements can be used against you. Have legal counsel present.
  • DO NOT accept or sign anything. You may be offered money, sympathy, or a “resolution.” Signing any document, especially a release or waiver, without legal review can forfeit your rights to compensation forever.
  • DO NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post—even seemingly innocuous updates—can be twisted by the defense to undermine your credibility or claim of injury. As our firm warns: “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.” Just stay silent until advised by your legal team.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step. Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

  • The Statute of Limitations: Most states, including Georgia, have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you generally have only two years from the date of the injury (or death) to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and the defense ramps up its efforts to cover its tracks, making it vital to act quickly. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” highlights this urgency.
  • Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations for Crawford County families. There is no cost, and no obligation, to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
  • Contingency Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to challenging powerful institutions. As our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” explains, our success is directly tied to yours.
  • Remote & Accessible: If you are in Crawford County, you can reach us for a video consultation from your home. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice, and we are prepared to travel to Crawford County as needed for your case.

“If you’re making a mistake that can ruin your case,” our firm often warns, it’s often delaying legal consultation or failing to protect evidence. By taking these immediate, proactive steps, you significantly strengthen your position and give us the best chance to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency is Our Priority in Crawford County

If you are reading this, it’s likely you are experiencing a legal emergency. A hazing incident has thrown your world, or your child’s world, into chaos. You may be scared, angry, and uncertain of the path forward. We want Crawford County families to know that help is immediately available.

We are Attorney911. We are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. Our commitment is to aggressive, professional, and compassionate representation for hazing victims. We are actively fighting this battle right now in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Crawford County for you.

Crawford County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

Don’t wait. Every moment that passes can compromise evidence, blur memories, and strengthen the defense’s ability to evade responsibility. Our consultation is free, confidential, and available 24/7. There’s no obligation, just answers and a clear path forward.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney911:

  • Immediate Response: Our hotline is staffed 24/7. We understand that hazing emergencies don’t adhere to business hours.
  • Compassionate Listening: We know this is a traumatic experience. Our team will listen to your story with empathy and respect.
  • Expert Case Evaluation: With our extensive experience in hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis and wrongful death cases, we can quickly assess the strength of your claim against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
  • No Upfront Cost: As mentioned, we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no legal fees out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. Our goal is aligned with yours: to win.
  • Remote Consultations: Even though our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Crawford County families through secure video consultations, ensuring you can connect with us from the comfort and privacy of your home.
  • Travel Commitment: For critical legal proceedings, depositions, or client meetings, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Crawford County, Georgia, ensuring you have face-to-face representation when it matters most.

We Represent Crawford County Hazing Victims Nationwide

Hazing knows no geographical boundaries. Whether your child was hazed at a university in Georgia (such as the University of Georgia, Mercer University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Southern University, or Kennesaw State University), or at an institution across the United States, we can help. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide us with the flexibility and power to litigate against national organizations wherever they operate.

We represent victims of hazing in many contexts, not just fraternities and sororities:

  • Fraternities and sororities in Crawford County and beyond
  • Sports teams, from high school to college level
  • Marching bands and performing arts groups
  • ROTC and military organizations
  • Any club or organization that uses abusive initiations

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, and psychological abuse.

You have rights too, and we can represent you.

As Lupe Peña powerfully expressed, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s ensure that every individual and institution responsible for the abuse at Pi Kappa Phi is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. You can join the fight for justice and help ensure this never happens to another student.

Don’t remain silent. Don’t let them get away with it. Contact Attorney911 today.

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