If you’re reading this in Decatur County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find community and build lifelong friendships. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were subjected to rituals that endangered their very life, all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “tradition.” We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to help families in Decatur County fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not just “boys being boys.” As we have seen firsthand in a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit we just filed in Houston, hazing is systematic abuse, emotional manipulation, and often, severe physical and psychological torture. It’s a crisis that has infected college campuses across the nation, including those where students from Decatur County attend.

Our firm, Attorney911, is aggressively representing a young man named Leonel Bermudez against a national fraternity, a major university, and thirteen individuals for hazing that left him hospitalized with kidney failure. This is not some abstract legal battle; this is a live, active fight for justice happening right now in Texas. We bring this same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of accountability to every hazing victim and family we represent, no matter if you’re in Decatur County or anywhere else in America.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning to Decatur County Parents

Only weeks ago, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members for the horrific hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. This case is new, it is ongoing in Harris County Civil District Court, and it is a stark example of exactly what kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez was not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, this fraternity subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse that culminated in a horrifying incident that left him hospitalized for four days.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is what modern hazing looks like, and it could happen to your child at any university or college that students from Decatur County attend.

We spoke to ABC13 Houston shortly after filing the lawsuit, and our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recounted the terrifying aftermath: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

The details of Leonel’s ordeal, as uncovered in our lawsuit and reported by news media outlets like Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, are truly disturbing. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, and forced to eat until he vomited. He endured psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion until his muscles broke down, leading to severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The tell-tale sign of his critical condition was “passing brown urine,” a classic symptom of muscle breakdown. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital, and now faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Just weeks after the hazing was reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. The members, facing the weight of our lawsuit and a university investigation, voted to surrender their charter, leading to the permanent closure of the chapter. Criminal referrals were initiated, demonstrating the severe nature of the abuse.

Our co-counsel, Lupe Peña, eloquently summarized our firm’s motivation in speaking with 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.”

This case is the proof that Attorney911 is not theoretical. We are not a firm that merely “hopes to handle hazing cases.” We are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court, ensuring that perpetrators and the institutions that enable them are held accountable. Decatur County parents need to understand that this level of brutality is happening today, at universities their children might attend, and Attorney911 is the firm that fights back.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Decatur County, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks, late-night chores, or perhaps some embarrassing but ultimately harmless rituals. The reality, however, is far more sinister and dangerous. The truth is that hazing today is often about systematic abuse, degradation, and intentional harm designed to break down a person’s will and instill absolute submission. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not a rare anomaly; it represents the extreme end of a widespread, dangerous culture.

It is critical for families in Decatur County to understand that current hazing practices are not about “building character” or “team bonding.” They are about power, control, and often, outright violence.

We draw on the detailed allegations from the Bermudez case and countless others nationwide to paint a clear picture of this horrifying reality:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel Bermudez was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating waterboarding. This is not a prank; it is a recognized form of torture, a violation of human rights.
• Extreme Physical Punishment to the Point of Organ Failure: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this, under threat of expulsion. This relentless exertion led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition. Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout less than a month before Leonel’s incident.
• Forced Consumption to Cause 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 while in physical distress, and even made to lie in their own vomit-soaked grass.
• Physical Beatings: The Houston Chronicle reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.” This is direct physical assault, not a harmless initiation.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were stripped to their underwear in cold weather. They faced constant verbal abuse, threats of physical punishment, and expulsion for non-compliance.
• Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his overall exhaustion.
• Servitude and Control: Beyond physical torment, hazing often involves an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and being forced to perform demeaning tasks for older members.

These are not isolated incidents that can be dismissed as horseplay. This is systematic, intentional abuse that often leads to severe physical injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, alcohol poisoning, and even death. The psychological scars can be just as profound, resulting in PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and a lifelong struggle with trust.

The Greek life system, whether at major state universities like the University of Houston or smaller private colleges, often creates an environment where these atrocities can occur. Many students from Decatur County aspire to attend these institutions, and it is our duty to expose this danger.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When a child from Decatur County is subjected to hazing, the trauma extends far beyond the victim. Families are left asking, “How could this happen? Who is to blame?” At Attorney911, we believe that accountability must extend to every individual and institution that enables or permits such abuse. Our approach, as demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is to identify and pursue every liable party with data-driven precision.

Here’s who can be held responsible when hazing occurs:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority: This is the most direct culprit. As seen in the Bermudez case with the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, the local chapter directly organizes, facilitates, and conducts the hazing activities. These chapters often have their own organizational structures, bank accounts, and operate as entities unto themselves, making them directly liable for the actions of their members.
2. Chapter Officers and Individual Members: The specific individuals who orchestrate and participate in hazing are personally responsible. In Leonel’s case, we named the fraternity president, the pledgemaster, and individual current and former members. These individuals can face criminal charges under state hazing laws (like the Texas Education Code), and they can be held civilly liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. The precedent of Daylen Dunson, the former Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president who was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in the Stone Foltz case, demonstrates that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity letters.
3. Former Members and Their Spouses: Hazing rarely happens in a vacuum. Sometimes, as in the Bermudez lawsuit, it occurs at the private residences of former members. If a former member or their spouse allows their property to be used to host hazing, they can be named in a lawsuit under theories of premises liability or negligent supervision. This is why we named a former Pi Kappa Phi member and his spouse in the Bermudez case.
4. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi National, claim to promote brotherhood and leadership, yet they frequently turn a blind eye to the dangerous activities of their chapters. We assert that national organizations have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and intervene when hazing occurs. When they fail, especially after knowing there’s a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi), they become deeply liable. These national entities possess substantial assets, endowments, and comprehensive liability insurance policies, making them significant financial targets for victims.
5. The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students, a duty that extends to activities within their recognized student organizations. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This makes the university directly liable under premises liability laws. Beyond property ownership, universities are responsible for supervising Greek life, investigating hazing reports, and enforcing their own anti-hazing policies. When they fail, especially after previous incidents (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing at UH that hospitalized another student), they demonstrate institutional negligence and a deliberate indifference to student safety. This liability often extends to the university’s governing bodies, such as the UH Board of Regents, which we also named in the lawsuit.
6. Insurance Carriers: While not directly responsible for the hazing, insurance companies ultimately pay the large settlements and verdicts. National fraternities, universities, and even individual homeowners carry liability insurance policies that are designed to cover such incidents. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, allowing us to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

We don’t guess who might be responsible. We know. At Attorney911, we maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we know exactly who to sue and how to navigate their complex corporate structures to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Decatur County dealing with the devastating aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential financial recovery can be a critical step toward rebuilding. The sad truth is that it often takes multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to compel fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators to take hazing seriously. We have a track record of securing significant compensation for our clients, and our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case is rooted in powerful legal precedents.

These landmark cases prove that justice, in the form of substantial financial accountability, is achievable:

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total $10.1 Million+
  • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. The national fraternity and individuals settled for $7.2 million, and Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to personally pay an additional $6.5 million. This case unequivocally shows that both universities and national fraternities, along with individual members, bear massive financial responsibility. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this precedent.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  • Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.” The jury awarded his family $6.1 million, sending a clear message that juries will not tolerate deadly hazing. This case also led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating that civil litigation often spurs legislative change. The egregious facts of the Bermudez case, involving waterboarding and organ failure, are similarly designed to outrage a jury.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110+ Million (Estimated Settlements)
  • Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured all of the horrifying events. The resulting confidential settlements are estimated to exceed $110 million, and 18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was also passed in Pennsylvania. The sheer scope of this settlement proves that strong evidence of egregious conduct and institutional failure can lead to monumental financial accountability.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Bermudez Case
  • Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning in 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The Coffey family reached a confidential civil settlement. This case is a “smoking gun” in our Bermudez lawsuit, as it proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of their chapters engaging in deadly hazing eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Their failure to act effectively between these two incidents demonstrates a pattern of deliberate indifference that will be devastating in court.
• University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017): Prior Hazing Incident at UH
  • Even before the Bermudez case, the University of Houston knew about severe hazing on its campus. In 2017, another student, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. A $1 million lawsuit was filed, and a grand jury even indicted the national organization. This incident proves that the University of Houston had actual notice of dangerous hazing practices at its fraternities and failed to implement adequate safeguards. This prior knowledge will be a critical factor in establishing the university’s institutional negligence in the Bermudez case.
• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement
  • Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently settled for over $4 million, which included a direct financial settlement and a substantial donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which successfully lobbied for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia. This case, like Max Gruver’s, illustrates that settlements often trigger legislative action, further signifying the impact of these personal injury claims.
• UT Austin Sigma Chi (November 2025): Ongoing Texas Hazing Death Lawsuit
  • Just as our Bermudez lawsuit was announced, another high-profile hazing death lawsuit was filed against Sigma Chi at the University of Texas at Austin, alleging an 18-year-old freshman died due to “horrific abuse.” This recent, tragic case in our home state further underscores the widespread nature of the hazing crisis at Texas universities and solidifies the pattern of institutional failure.

These cases send an undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. We have the receipts, and we will pursue the same aggressive representation for families in Decatur County. These precedents prove that hazing cases win, often with multi-million dollar results, because juries and courts are increasingly unwilling to tolerate this brutal practice.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is NOT a Defense

For families in Decatur County grappling with hazing, it’s crucial to understand the strong legal protections that exist. Hazing isn’t just morally wrong; it’s illegal, and the law explicitly rejects the excuses often used by fraternities and universities.

Under the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, hazing is clearly defined, prohibited, and carries serious criminal and civil penalties.

Let’s break down key aspects of this law and how it directly empowers victims and families in Decatur County:

• Broad Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring 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).
  • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics, or other activities risking harm.
  • Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol that risks harm.
  • Involves coercion into illegal acts.
  • Aims to cause intoxication through forced alcohol consumption.

  Application to Bermudez Case: Leonel’s ordeal, from the wooden paddles and simulated waterboarding to the 500 squats causing kidney failure and compelled consumption, squarely fits multiple criteria of this definition. The law is designed to cover the very activities he endured.

• Criminal Penalties for Perpetrators (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor (for general hazing) to a Class A Misdemeanor (if serious bodily injury occurs) and even a State Jail Felony (if death occurs). A Class A Misdemeanor can mean up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

  • Application to Bermudez Case: Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undoubtedly constitute “serious bodily injury,” meaning the individuals involved face felony-level charges. The University of Houston spokesperson even explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement to Houston Public Media.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The law holds organizations accountable too. An organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate on campus, and even forfeiture of property.

  • Application to Bermudez Case: Both the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization, by failing to prevent the hazing despite knowledge of issues, are liable under this section. Pi Kappa Phi’s own actions of closing the chapter demonstrate their implicit admission of guilt under this rule.

• CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of the law for families in Decatur County to understand. The statute unequivocally 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.”

  • Application to Bermudez Case: This provision immediately neutralizes one of the most common defenses employed by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to be there,” or “He knew what he was signing up for.” Texas law explicitly says that legal protection for hazing victims cannot be waived. Coercion, peer pressure, and the desire to belong negate true consent in these scenarios. We will use this law to dismantle any such defense in court.

• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): University administrative officers are required to report all hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for tracking these incidents.

Beyond Texas, similar anti-hazing laws exist in most U.S. states. Moreover, federal civil rights claims against discriminating or negligently supervised institutions can apply nationwide. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court admissions allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims from Decatur County wherever their hazing incident occurred.

Why Attorney911: Your Decatur County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your child is harmed by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape, the cultural nuances of Greek life, and the tactics powerful institutions use to evade responsibility. Attorney911 is uniquely positioned to be that advocate for families in Decatur County. We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are hazing litigation specialists with a proven track record.

Here’s why Decatur County families choose Attorney911:

1. Currently Litigating a $10M Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t theoretical. We are fighting a hazing case in court right now against a national fraternity and a major university. This means we have real-time experience, up-to-the-minute strategies, and an intimate understanding of how these cases unfold. Decatur County families get the benefit of this active, aggressive representation.
2. Expertise from Both Sides: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. Lupe Peña worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This unparalleled insider knowledge means we intimately understand how the other side strategizes, evaluates claims, and attempts to minimize payouts. We know their playbook because we helped write it, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
3. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: 25+ Years for Ralph Manginello: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. He’s a battle-tested trial attorney with a history of taking on massive corporate defendants, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This experience proves our capacity to face down any institution, no matter how powerful.
4. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and hold bar licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual-state and federal authority gives us a strategic advantage in cases against national fraternities, which often operate across state lines and may be headquartered outside of Texas. We can pursue justice for Decatur County victims in the most advantageous jurisdiction.
5. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: We don’t guess who’s responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS 501(c)(7) filings, EINs, legal names of house corporations, alumni chapters, and local chapter affiliations. This allows us to identify and target every entity behind the Greek letters with precision.
   • Our database includes over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas. For example, Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) in Frisco, Texas, the Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) in College Station, Texas, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427) in San Marcos, Texas, are just a few examples. These are not just “college kids” but corporations with assets and insurance.
   • Across 25 Texas metropolitan areas, our research covers 1,423 Greek-related organizations. For those in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro area, there are 510 organizations. The Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area, where the Bermudez case was filed, has 188 Greek organizations under our radar. The Austin–Round Rock metro area has 154 Greek organizations. We know these groups, their structures, and their histories.
6. Proven Track Record from Prior High-Profile Cases: From prosecuting multi-million dollar personal injury claims to securing case dismissals in hundreds of DUI/DWI and criminal defense matters, we have a concrete history of achieving favorable outcomes. Our aggressive evidence-challenging approach is directly applicable to hazing investigations where institutions attempt to hide, minimize, or destroy evidence.
7. Deep Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel’s. We also have a history with Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation and cases involving multiple universities. We understand the unique medical and psychological consequences of hazing.
8. Compassionate and Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español: We know that navigating legal challenges can be incredibly stressful, especially for Hispanic families in Decatur County. Our staff is bilingual,
   friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping our clients. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.
9. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost for Decatur County Families: We understand the financial strain that medical bills and lost school time can place on families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing any family in Decatur County to pursue justice against even the wealthiest institutions.
10. Willingness to Travel for Justice: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide, including those in Decatur County. We offer remote consultations via video and are fully prepared to travel to Decatur County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever the case demands it. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice.

When you entrust your hazing case to Attorney911, you’re not just getting a law firm; you’re gaining a team that is genuinely invested in your recovery and fiercely committed to holding those responsible accountable. As Ralph Manginello often says, “I started Attorney911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.” We are here for Decatur County families, fighting tough battles, and securing real justice.

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

If your child in Decatur County has experienced hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It can be overwhelming and frightening, but taking the right steps now can profoundly impact the success of any future legal action. We understand you’re scared, angry, and searching for help. Here’s clear, actionable guidance that a panicked parent can follow at 2 AM:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
* Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. If they’ve been injured, poisoned, or suffered psychological trauma, get them medical care immediately. Do not delay.
* Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, however minor they may seem, are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. This includes emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and any follow-up care. Medical records are crucial evidence.
* Connect to Hazing: Tell medical staff exactly how the injuries occurred and that they were a result of hazing. This connection needs to be in the medical record.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Immediately:
* Digital Communications (CRITICAL!): Hazing often happens through digital channels. Do NOT delete anything. Take screenshots of every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Save messages from both the victim and any perpetrators or witnesses. This includes threatening messages, schedules, instructions, photos, or videos.
* Photos and Videos: Take photos of any physical injuries at all stages of healing – bruises, cuts, burns, swelling. If your child has photos or videos of hazing activities, or knows where they exist (e.g., on someone else’s phone), secure that information.
* Documents: Collect all relevant documents: pledge manuals, fraternity rules, schedules of events, written instructions given to your child.
* Witness Information: Gather names and contact information for any other pledges, witnesses, or individuals who might have knowledge of the hazing. They may be scared to speak out, but having their contact information is a start.
* Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, any lost wages if your child missed work, and receipts for tuition or fees paid that might be lost due to withdrawal or academic impact.
* Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. Do NOT Communicate Alone with Anyone Involved:
* Fraternity/Sorority Members or Leadership: Do NOT speak to them. They will try to control the narrative, deny involvement, or pressure your child into silence. Anything said can be used against you.
* University Administration or Greek Life Advisors: Do NOT talk to them without legal counsel. While universities have a duty to investigate, their primary goal is often to protect the institution. Your child might be pressured into making statements that harm their case. Report the hazing, but let your attorney manage communications.
* Their Lawyers or Insurance Company: Absolutely do NOT give any statements, recorded or otherwise, to lawyers or insurance adjusters representing the fraternity, university, or individual members. They are not on your side and will use anything you say to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications.
* Sign Nothing: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their representatives without your own legal counsel reviewing them. You could unknowingly waive your rights.

4. Stay Off Social Media:
* Avoid Posting: Do NOT post about the hazing incident, your child’s injuries, or any legal action on social media. Anything you post can be used by the defense to discredit your child or claim their injuries aren’t severe.
* Maintain Privacy: Instruct your child to make their social media accounts private and to avoid posting anything that could be misinterpreted, such as photos appearing to show them healthy or engaging in activities that contradict their claims of injury or trauma.
* Do Not Delete Old Posts: Deleting past posts can be interpreted as spoliation of evidence, so avoid doing so.

5. Contact a Qualified Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately:
* Time is Critical: There is a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, but waiting jeopardizes your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations may destroy records.
* Free Consultation: We offer free, confidential consultations to families in Decatur County. You have nothing to lose by calling and discussing your situation.
* We Will Come To You: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we offer video consultations and are prepared to travel to Decatur County for depositions, meetings, and trial if needed.
* Contingency Fees: You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to seeking justice.

Remember Leonel Bermudez’s case: He was hospitalized on November 6th, and we filed his $10 million lawsuit within weeks. This immediate action preserves evidence, puts defendants on notice, and sends a clear message. Your family in Decatur County deserves the same aggressive, swift response. Call us. Let us help you navigate this nightmare.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Decatur County Hazing Victims

If you’re a parent in Decatur County whose child has been impacted by hazing, or if you are a student victim, you are in a legal emergency. The clock is ticking, and every moment counts. We understand the fear, the confusion, and the overwhelming desire for justice and accountability. At Attorney911, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

Our expertise, demonstrated through aggressive litigation like the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, is available to you. We are actively fighting for victims right now, and we will bring that same dedication, insight, and power to your case in Decatur County.

Decatur County families, do not face this crisis alone.

Your child was supposed to thrive in college, not become a victim of torture. The fraternities, the universities, and the individuals who allowed this to happen must be held accountable. Enough is enough.

Call our Legal Emergency Hotline now for a FREE, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We are available 24/7 for Decatur County hazing emergencies.

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

Visit our website for more information: attorney911.com

Here’s what you need to know about contacting us from Decatur County:

• No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This allows every family in Decatur County to access top-tier legal representation without financial stress.
• We Come to You: While our head offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we regularly serve clients nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations so you can speak with our attorneys from the comfort of your home in Decatur County. Furthermore, our team is prepared to travel to Decatur County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary.
• Comprehensive Support: We will guide you through every step of the legal process, from preserving evidence and managing communications with all parties to fighting for the maximum compensation your child deserves. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll hazing takes, and we are here to support your family.

Your case makes a difference. As Lupe Peña said regarding the Bermudez lawsuit, “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 fight for justice in Decatur County could be the catalyst that saves another student from enduring the same nightmare.

Don’t let shame, fear, or the intimidation tactics of powerful institutions silence you. Your child deserves justice. You deserve peace of mind. Let Attorney911 be your advocate.

Call now. We are ready to help families in Decatur County fight back.