If you’re reading this in DeKalb County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a community, and carve a path for their future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially suffered lasting harm in the name of “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in DeKalb County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague colleges and universities across America.

The story you are about to read isn’t an isolated incident, nor is it ancient history. It happened just weeks ago, just a few hours’ drive from DeKalb County, in the vibrant city of Houston. It happened to a bright young man named Leonel Bermudez, at a major university, at the hands of a national fraternity with a history of deadly hazing. This wasn’t “boys being boys.” This was systematic abuse that landed a student in the hospital with organ damage.

We, the attorneys at Attorney 911, filed a $10 million lawsuit on his behalf. This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in November 2025, represents everything we stand for: aggressive, data-driven litigation, relentless pursuit of accountability, and unwavering support for hazing victims and their families. We are telling Leonel’s story not to scare you, but to inform you, to empower you, and to show you exactly what we do to fight back. The same Greek letters, the same dangerous traditions, and the same institutional failures exist at universities throughout Georgia, including those many DeKalb County students attend. We are ready to bring the full weight of our experience to bear for families in DeKalb County.

The Bermudez Case: The $10 Million Fight We’re Leading Right Now for Hazing Victims

The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not just a case study for us; it is a live battle being fought in Harris County Civil District Court right now. It is the clearest example of what modern hazing looks like, what devastating injuries it inflicts, and how seriously we take the fight for justice. For families in DeKalb County wondering if they have a case, or if justice is even possible, Leonel’s story is your answer.

DeKalb County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

The details of Leonel’s experience are horrifying, but they are crucial for parents in DeKalb County to understand. These aren’t isolated incidents. The same hazing practices occur at institutions throughout Georgia. The same national fraternities that have chapters in Atlanta, Athens, Statesboro, Milledgeville, and other college towns near DeKalb County. The same negligence exists at institutions that claim to protect their students. And we are ready to bring the same aggression and expertise to DeKalb County families that we’re committing to Leonel’s case.

A “Ghost Rush” Tortured: Not Even a Student Yet

A crucial, and frankly, infuriating detail in Leonel’s case is that he wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who was planning to transfer to UH for the spring 2026 semester. The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity subjected him to weeks of physical and psychological abuse, leading to his hospitalization, even though he wasn’t officially one of their students. This highlights the fraternity’s utter disregard for human decency and formal rules. They chose to inflict torture before he even had a student ID card.

The Systematic Abuse: Weeks of Torture, Not “Tradition”

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an unrelenting period of physical torture and psychological abuse that lasted for weeks. The lawsuit details a litany of horrific acts, including:

Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Pledges, including Leonel, were sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, simulating drowning. KHOU 11 reported this as “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” and Houston Public Media disturbingly noted, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then ordered to continue running sprints across vomit-soaked grass while in physical distress.
Extreme Physical Punishment: Activities included “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Leonel was forced to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this relentless exercise.
Being Struck with Wooden Paddles: The Houston Chronicle reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.” This is not tradition; it is assault and battery.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with 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. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion for non-compliance were constant.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to their exhaustion.

The cumulative effect of these acts was designed to break down and dehumanize the pledges. It succeeded in breaking down Leonel’s body.

The Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Leonel was pushed past his physical limits with 100+ pushups, 500 squats, and other grueling exercises until he became so exhausted he could not stand without help. As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

At the hospital, Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis—a severe breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This condition led to acute kidney failure, requiring him to be hospitalized for three nights and four days. He now faces the risk of permanent kidney damage. This is the same life-threatening medical condition that Attorney 911 has successfully litigated before, demonstrating our specialized expertise in such cases.

Institutional Awareness and Cover-Up Attempts

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the University of Houston chapter. On November 14, 2025—just one week before we filed the lawsuit—they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter. In their public statement, Pi Kappa Phi admitted to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” and thanked the University of Houston for its “collaboration.”

This “collaboration” and swift closure of the chapter before the lawsuit was filed speaks volumes. It shows a clear consciousness of guilt and an attempt to control the narrative. KHOU 11 further reported that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”

The University of Houston, despite spokesperson statements calling the events “deeply disturbing” and acknowledging “potential criminal charges,” has its own history. In 2017, another UH student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing. The University knew this was a problem. They also owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing against Leonel took place, giving them direct responsibility for the conditions on their property.

Our Aggressive Pursuit of Accountability

Our $10 million lawsuit names multiple defendants:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (National Headquarters)
Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (Local Chapter)
Beta Nu Housing Corporation (Owned the property)
University of Houston
UH Board of Regents
The Fraternity President
The Pledgemaster
13 individual fraternity members, including current and former members, and a former member’s spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their residence.

This comprehensive list of defendants demonstrates our data-driven strategy to identify and pursue every single entity responsible for the harm inflicted. As Lupe Pena stated to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe that holding every culpable party accountable is the only way to send a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated.

For families in DeKalb County, this isn’t just a story about a distant university. It’s a stark warning. The same national fraternities, operating at colleges and universities just miles from your homes, engage in these same brutal practices. The same institutional failures exist. But it’s also a powerful testament to our firm’s commitment: when your child is affected by hazing, we will fight with this same level of aggression, no matter where you are.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in DeKalb County

For many parents and students in DeKalb County, the image of hazing might be outdated—perhaps a few harmless pranks or forced chores. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing today is overt abuse, psychological warfare, and often criminal activity. It is not about building character; it is about breaking spirits and bodies.

The True Face of Hazing: Torture, Not Tradition

Hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that frequently involves:

Extreme Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond a push-up. It includes forced, prolonged physical exertion to the point of collapse, beatings with objects like paddles, branding, and dangerous calisthenics. Our client was subjected to 500 squats and 100+ push-ups, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and even being struck with wooden paddles. This kind of exertion directly led to his life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Forced Consumption: This often targets alcohol, leading to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning, a tragically common cause of hazing deaths. However, as seen in Leonel’s case, it also involves forcing students to eat large quantities of certain foods—like milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns—until they vomit. Then, to heighten the humiliation, they are often forced to remain in their own vomit or continue physical activities.
Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This is not a prank; it is torture. The act of simulating drowning with a garden hose, as inflicted upon Leonel, is designed to instill terror and psychological submission, violating fundamental human rights and often constituting assault.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This can be just as damaging as physical abuse, causing lasting trauma. It ranges from verbal abuse and degradation to forced nudity, carrying demeaning objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual items), isolation, sleep deprivation, and threats. Witnessing or experiencing such humiliation leaves deep scars.
Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, or to perform duties at odd hours, disrupts their cognitive function, increases their vulnerability, and puts them at risk for accidents.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Hazing too often involves forced sexual acts, sexual assault, or sexually demeaning activities, which can lead to lifelong trauma and severe psychological distress.
Reckless Endangerment: Many hazing rituals involve activities where the likelihood of serious injury or even death is high, such as leaving intoxicated pledges in unsafe locations, or engaging in dangerous stunts.

The Statistics Are Terrifying: Hazing Is a Crisis

Parents in DeKalb County send their children to college expecting them to be safe. Yet, the statistics paint a grim picture of a widespread crisis:

Prevalence: Over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t rare; it’s alarmingly common. For student-athletes and ROTC members, the numbers can be even higher.
Underreporting: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The culture of fear, loyalty, and intimidation prevents many victims from speaking out. This means countless incidents go unpunished and perpetrators continue their abuse.
Deaths: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. These aren’t just statistics; they are beloved children, just like yours, whose lives were tragically cut short by senseless brutality.
Beyond Fraternities: While fraternities are often in the spotlight, hazing occurs across a wide spectrum of student organizations, including sororities, sports teams, marching bands, military organizations, and academic clubs.

The Institutional Failure: Silence and Complicity

The most frustrating aspect of this crisis, for us as attorneys and as human beings, is the institutional failure by universities and national organizations. They know hazing occurs. They draft anti-hazing policies. They install “risk management” protocols. Yet, time and again, they fail to prevent horrific incidents.

When a student is hospitalized or dies, their typical response is to “suspend” or “dissolve” the chapter, issue a public relations statement expressing shock and sadness, and claim they are cooperating with investigations. This is reactive damage control, not proactive prevention. Leonel’s case is a prime example: Pi Kappa Phi National closed the chapter after his hospitalization, and before our lawsuit was made public, indicating they knew what was coming. The University of Houston, despite a previous hazing hospitalization in 2017, still owned the fraternity house where Leonel was waterboarded.

This pattern of willful blindness, coupled with a delayed and often inadequate response, makes these institutions complicit in the enduring culture of hazing. For families in DeKalb County, whether your child attends Georgia Tech, Emory, Georgia State, or any university, near or far, they are exposed to these risks. We are here to ensure that when these institutions fail, they are held fully accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Hand Accountable in DeKalb County

When a hazing incident causes injury or death, it’s never just one person or one entity to blame. The culture of hazing is perpetuated through a web of individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and often, the very universities that are supposed to protect students. At Attorney 911, we employ a data-driven strategy to identify and pursue every single party responsible, ensuring no one escapes accountability. Our multi-faceted approach targets the entire chain of command and enabling bodies.

Local Chapter and Individual Perpetrators

The most direct perpetrators of hazing are often the members of the local chapter themselves. In Leonel’s case, our lawsuit names:

Chapter Officers: The fraternity president and pledgemaster, who are directly responsible for overseeing chapter activities and often orchestrating the hazing. They hold positions of authority and actively direct the abuse.
Active Members: All individuals who participate in the hazing, either directly inflicting abuse or passively allowing it to occur. Their actions, or inactions, contribute to the harm.
Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, hazing even occurred at the residence of a former member and his spouse. This shows that the culture of hazing often extends beyond the active chapter, and anyone who facilitates or allows hazing on their property can be held responsible.

These individuals can be held personally liable for assault, battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. We understand that parents in DeKalb County may worry about holding individual young adults accountable, but many of these individuals are engaged in criminal behavior that must have consequences.

National Fraternity and Sorority Organizations

Beyond the local chapter, the national organization plays a critical role. For example, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant in Leonel’s lawsuit. These national bodies:

Set Policies: They establish anti-hazing rules, risk management guidelines, and codes of conduct.
Provide Oversight: They are responsible for monitoring their chapters, conducting inspections, and enforcing their policies.
Have Deep Pockets: National fraternities and sororities are multi-million dollar corporations with substantial assets, endowments, and liability insurance policies. These are the “deep pockets” necessary to provide meaningful compensation for victims.

Our investigation often reveals a pattern of negligence by national organizations, where they either fail to adequately enforce their own rules, ignore warnings of dangerous chapter behavior, or have a documented history of hazing incidents across their network—just like Pi Kappa Phi, which had a student die in 2017 due to hazing. These patterns demonstrate a conscious indifference to the safety of their members.

Universities and Colleges

Universities are often surprisingly complicit in hazing. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents are key defendants. Their liability stems from:

Duty to Protect: Universities have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe environment for their students.
Control Over Greek Life: They regulate Greek organizations, approve their charters, and often provide housing or meeting spaces.
Knowledge of Risk: Universities often have a history of hazing incidents on their campus, putting them on notice of the inherent dangers. The University of Houston, for example, had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017.
Premises Liability: Crucially, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of Leonel’s hazing occurred. This makes them directly liable for dangerous conditions on their property.

Whether your child attends the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory University, or any other institution, the university has a responsibility. When they fail in that duty, especially when they have prior knowledge of hazing, they will be held accountable.

Housing Corporations

Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate entities known as “housing corporations.” These corporations often own, manage, and maintain the chapter houses. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation is explicitly named as a defendant, alongside its national counterpart. Housing corporations can be held liable for:

Failing to ensure a safe environment on properties they own or control.
Ignoring reports of hazing occurring on their premises.
Negligent maintenance that contributes to unsafe conditions.

These entities provide another layer of responsibility and, often, another source of insurance coverage to ensure victims receive full compensation.

Insurance Carriers

The ultimate source of compensation in most hazing lawsuits is the insurance apparatus behind the various defendants. National fraternities and universities carry extensive liability insurance policies. Housing corporations also have their own coverage, and individual perpetrators may be covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate. We know their tactics, their valuation methods, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. This unique insight allows us to anticipate their strategies and aggressively pursue maximum recovery for our clients. We dismantle their defenses, because we’ve seen their playbook from the inside.

For DeKalb County families, understanding who is responsible—the local members, the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and their insurance carriers—is the first step toward achieving justice. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of accountability.

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

For families in DeKalb County, understanding the stakes of a hazing lawsuit is critical. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the suffering caused by hazing, or the loss of a child, multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements send a powerful message. They force institutions to confront their negligence, change their policies, and ultimately, save lives. We are not just seeking justice for our clients; we are fighting to create a safer future for all students. The precedents are clear: hazing costs millions.

The Message to DeKalb County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations:

Hazing costs MILLIONS. We have the receipts. These same results are possible for DeKalb County victims.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: They Will Pay

These cases, from across the country, demonstrate the scale of financial and legal consequences when hazing results in severe injury or death.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
The Payout: The Foltz family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and its members, totaling over $10.1 million. In December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay the family an additional $6.5 million personally.
Relevance for DeKalb County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that universities, national fraternities, and even individual members are held financially accountable for their negligence and actions in significant amounts. The fact that the university alone paid nearly $3 million highlights institutional liability.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol during a fraternity “Bible Study” where he was peppered with questions and punished with forced drinking for wrong answers.
The Payout & Impact: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Max’s death also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
Relevance for DeKalb County: A jury unequivocally found the fraternity and its members responsible for millions in damages. This verdict sends a powerful message that juries despise hazing and will hold those responsible accountable. It further proves that families can drive legislative change, making hazing a felony in many states.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total: $110+ Million (Multiple Settlements)

What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs multiple times following an alcohol-fueled hazing “gauntlet” at Beta Theta Pi. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
The Payout & Impact: The Piazza family’s civil litigation resulted in confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million, a staggering sum. His death led to new felony hazing laws in Pennsylvania (the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law) and sweeping reforms at Penn State.
Relevance for DeKalb County: This case demonstrates that with compelling evidence (which we thoroughly gather), settlements can reach astronomical figures. It underscores the profound responsibility of universities and national organizations and the severe financial penalties for their gross negligence.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Same Fraternity as Bermudez!

What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night.”
The Payout & Impact: The chapter was permanently closed, and nine fraternity members faced criminal charges. A civil lawsuit filed by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
Relevance for DeKalb County: This is the smoking gun for Leonel Bermudez’s case. Andrew Coffey’s death from hazing just eight years prior, in the same national fraternity, proves Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization had actual notice of deadly hazing and failed to make adequate changes. This strengthens our claims of gross negligence and supports the need for punitive damages.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Total: $4+ Million Settlement

What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old VCU freshman, died of alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi fraternity hazing event where he was required to drink a liter of Jameson Irish whiskey.
The Payout & Impact: His family settled for over $4 million, including a cash settlement and a donation to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which successfully lobbied for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, requiring hazing prevention training.
Relevance for DeKalb County: The original lawsuit sought $28 million, again showing ambitious demands are justified. The significant settlement, even without a trial, proves that these cases compel universities and fraternities to pay large sums to avoid negative publicity and further legal battles.

The Combined Impact of These Cases for DeKalb County Victims:

Our $10 Million Demand is Realistic: The settlements and verdicts above provide a clear precedent for the damages we are seeking for Leonel Bermudez and for any similar hazing victim in DeKalb County.
Universities Are Accountable: Cases like Stone Foltz and Timothy Piazza prove that institutions cannot hide behind student conduct codes. When they enable a dangerous environment, they will pay.
National Fraternities Face Severe Penalties: Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Pi Kappa Phi have all paid millions. They know the price of hazing. Our intelligence database tracks them all and their history.
Juries Hate Hazing: The Gruver verdict demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial compensation to victims and their families. This applies wherever a jury is selected, including in Georgia.
Legislative Change: Many of these tragedies have spurred new anti-hazing laws. A successful lawsuit from DeKalb County could do the same for Georgia, forcing greater transparency and stricter penalties.

These multi-million dollar outcomes are not just abstract legal victories; they are proof that real justice can be achieved. For DeKalb County parents, these cases show that the fight is worth it, and that a dedicated, experienced legal team can secure the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

Texas Law Protects You: A Framework for Justice (and How it Applies to DeKalb County)

While our firm is rooted in Texas and the Bermudez case is unfolding here, it’s crucial for DeKalb County families to understand that the fundamental legal principles and protections against hazing are shared across most states. Furthermore, our firm’s federal court admissions and dual Texas and New York bar licenses mean we are uniquely positioned to pursue justice for victims in DeKalb County and anywhere in the United States.

Understanding Hazing Laws: Texas and Beyond

The clear, actionable laws that underpin a hazing lawsuit provide a bedrock for accountability. In Texas, the Education Code offers a robust framework:

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Definition of Hazing
This statute broadly defines “hazing” as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The categories of hazing explicitly listed in the law include:

Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity. Leonel was struck with wooden paddles.
Endangerment Activities: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities causing “unreasonable risk of harm” or adversely affecting mental/physical health. Leonel was subjected to sleep deprivation, exposed to cold in his underwear while being sprayed with a hose, and forced into extreme calisthenics resulting in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Forced Consumption: Forcing the consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.
Criminal Acts: Activities that violate the Penal Code. Many hazing activities constitute assault, battery, or other crimes.
Coerced Alcohol/Drug Use: Coercing a student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

DeKalb County Application: While the specific statute numbers may differ, most states, including Georgia, have anti-hazing laws that mirror these definitions, making acts like waterboarding, forced extreme exercise, and forced consumption illegal. The hazing your child experienced in DeKalb County almost certainly falls under these prohibitions.

Texas Education Code § 37.152: Criminal Penalties
Texas law imposes severe criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from Class B Misdemeanors for participating in hazing to Class A Misdemeanors if serious bodily injury occurs (like Leonel Bermudez’s kidney failure), and even a State Jail Felony if hazing causes death. The University of Houston spokesperson even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case. These criminal proceedings often run parallel to civil lawsuits, bolstering the case for civil damages.

Texas Education Code § 37.153: Organizational Liability
This crucial section states that an organization (like a fraternity chapter or national body) commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers or members participate in hazing. This brings the full weight of the law against the deep pockets of national fraternities and universities.

Texas Education Code § 37.155: University Reporting Requirements
Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This ensures transparency and helps hold institutions accountable for their knowledge of such events.

Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.154

This is perhaps the most critical legal point for DeKalb County families to understand: “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 that victims “voluntarily participated” or “knew what they were signing up for.” The law recognizes that true consent is impossible under duress, peer pressure, and the power imbalances inherent in hazing. A student cannot legally consent to being tortured, beaten, or endangered in the name of joining an organization. This principle is not unique to Texas; states nationwide increasingly adopt this legal stance.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, civil lawsuits can still proceed, allowing victims to recover substantial compensation. We build cases based on multiple civil liability theories, all of which are applicable to hazing incidents in any state:

Negligence: This is the most common claim. It alleges that the defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty by allowing or participating in hazing, and this breach directly caused the injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as was the case with the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to properly oversee Greek life activities, leading to hazing.
Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that apply directly to physical acts of hazing, such as beatings, paddling, forced physical exertion, or waterboarding.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When the hazing conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress, victims can pursue IIED claims. This is increasingly relevant given the psychological torture common in hazing.
Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one’s life, future earnings, and companionship.

For DeKalb County families, these civil claims provide a powerful avenue for justice and compensation, independent of any criminal proceedings. Our firm’s expertise in these complex legal theories ensures that every available avenue for accountability is pursued.

Why Attorney 911: Your DeKalb County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, who isn’t afraid to take on powerful institutions, and who has a proven track record. At Attorney 911, we are uniquely positioned to serve as your DeKalb County hazing litigation experts, bringing the full force of our firm’s capabilities to your family.

25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Battle-Tested for Your Case

Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of intensive courtroom experience to every case. He is not just a desk lawyer; he’s a trial attorney who thrives in litigation. This means that when universities or national fraternities try to drag out a case or offer inadequate settlements, they know they’re dealing with a firm ready and willing to go to trial. This battle-tested experience is crucial for hazing cases, which often involve aggressive defenses from well-resourced institutions. For DeKalb County families, this means you have a powerful legal ally who won’t back down.

Former Insurance Defense Insight: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, our talented associate attorney, are former insurance defense lawyers. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. They both spent years working on the other side, defending insurance companies and large corporations. This means:

They know how insurance companies think: They understand the strategies insurance adjusters use to minimize claims and avoid payouts.
They know how defense attorneys strategize: They’ve seen the internal playbooks, the arguments, and the tactics employed by the very lawyers who will be defending fraternities, universities, and their insurance providers.
They anticipate every move: This insider knowledge allows us to predict and dismantle the defense’s arguments, giving our DeKalb County clients a significant edge.

Lupe Peña’s experience at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, is particularly relevant. He handled complex litigation across multiple practice areas for insurance companies and corporate defendants. He now uses every strategy they taught him to use against victims to maximize recovery for our clients. This is intelligence from inside the enemy’s war room, and we bring it to bear on every hazing case.

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

Hazing often involves national organizations and can cross state lines. Our firm is prepared for this:

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas Admission: This federal court authority allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations. This means we can represent DeKalb County hazing victims in federal courts across the country if necessary.
Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This gives us a strategic advantage in litigation against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in states beyond their chapter locations. This broadens our ability to pursue justice for DeKalb County families, wherever the national organization may reside.

Mass Tort & High-Stakes Litigation Experience: Taking on Giants

Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion Litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort case against a massive corporate defendant, demonstrates our firm’s capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against powerful adversaries. Hazing cases against national fraternities and universities require this level of experience and aggression, and we bring it to every case involving DeKalb County families. We are built to take on giants.

Hazing-Specific Expertise: Fighting This Fight Right Now

We aren’t just personal injury lawyers who might take a hazing case. We are actively litigating Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This isn’t theoretical; we are in the fight, proving our strategies, and making headlines. This firsthand, current experience means we:

Understand the evolving tactics of fraternities and universities.
Are intimately familiar with the medical consequences of hazing, such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Have a deep network of hazing experts, including Greek life consultants and medical specialists.

Data-Driven Approach: Knowing Who to Sue

We don’t guess who is responsible. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS data, EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. This allows us to identify every entity behind the Greek letters, so we know exactly who to sue when hazing happens. For DeKalb County families, this means we can quickly and accurately identify all liable parties, dramatically strengthening your case from day one.

Compassionate, Bilingual, and Client-Focused

We understand that you are going through one of the most difficult times of your life. We offer:

Empathetic Approach: We treat every DeKalb County family like our own. You are not just a case number, but a person who deserves justice. Our client testimonials repeatedly highlight that we “treat you like family.”
Se Habla Español: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual, ensuring that language barriers never stand in the way of justice for Hispanic families in DeKalb County.
Contingency Fees: We take hazing cases on contingency. This means families in DeKalb County pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This removes the financial burden and risk from your shoulders.

Proactive and Relentless Advocacy

When a legal emergency hits, we move first, fast, and decisively. For DeKalb County hazing victims, this means:

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We guide you on how to secure critical evidence like texts, photos, and medical records before they disappear.
Aggressive Negotiation: We negotiate from a position of strength, armed with precedents and insider knowledge.
Willingness to Travel: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we travel to DeKalb County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
Remote Consultations: DeKalb County families can easily connect with us through video consultations from the comfort of their home.

Our firm’s 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews speaks to our commitment to client satisfaction and aggressive results. When facing the aftermath of hazing, DeKalb County families deserve a firm that brings unparalleled expertise, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication to their fight. That firm is Attorney 911.

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

If you’re a parent in DeKalb County and your child has been a victim of hazing, or if you’re a student who has experienced or witnessed hazing, the immediate aftermath can be confusing, frightening, and overwhelming. You might be scared, angry, and unsure of what steps to take. It’s crucial to act quickly and strategically to protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

This isn’t an internal lawyer’s checklist; this is direct, actionable advice for you, the parent searching for help in the middle of the night.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

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

Remove Your Child from Harm’s Way: If hazing is ongoing or your child is still in a dangerous environment, get them out immediately. Safety comes first.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, a medical evaluation is critical. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, may not manifest fully for days.
- Go to the ER: For significant injuries, persistent pain, changes in urine color (like brown urine in rhabdomyolysis), difficulty moving, or any concern for internal damage, head to the emergency room. For families in DeKalb County, nearby significant medical facilities such as Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, or Northside Hospital in Atlanta are critical resources.
- Follow-Up with a Doctor: Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Delays in treatment can be used by the defense to argue your injuries weren’t serious.
- Document Everything: Ensure medical providers meticulously document all injuries, symptoms, and the circumstances of how they occurred.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence—Everything Is Important

Hazing incidents often involve a vast amount of digital and physical evidence that can disappear quickly. The moment you decide to pursue legal action, assume everything could be relevant.

Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), discharge papers, and bills directly related to the hazing incident. Keep a separate folder for this.
Photos and Videos:
- Injuries: Take clear, high-resolution photos of all visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as soon as possible, and continue to photograph them as they heal. These visual records are powerful.
- Hazing Environment: If safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred—fraternity houses, parks, basements, or other venues. Photos of bottles, strange setups, or anything out of place can be critical.
- The Perpetrators: If you have photos or videos that include the individuals involved, preserve them.
Digital Communications: This is CRITICAL.
- DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing must be preserved. Screenshots are your best friend. Even seemingly innocuous messages can provide context or prove coordination.
- Collect Usernames: Get the usernames, handles, and phone numbers of everyone involved, even if they have blocked you.
Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have knowledge of the fraternity’s activities. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Documents: Collect any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or paperwork provided by the organization. These can reveal the official narrative versus the true hazing activities.
Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing: medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages from missed work, tuition/fees for any disrupted academic periods, and travel costs for treatment.
Academic Records: If hazing impacted your child’s grades, caused them to withdraw from school, or resulted in lost scholarships, preserve these records.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

In your distress, it’s easy to make missteps that can jeopardize your ability to seek justice.

NEVER DO THESE THINGS WITHOUT LEGAL COUNSEL:

DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers: They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their institution and minimize their liability. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters and university representatives may try to get you to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and state that you will provide one once you have legal counsel.
DO NOT Post on Social Media About the Incident: The defense will scrutinize every social media post. Anything that suggests you are “fine,” having fun, or downplaying your injuries can be used against you. It’s best to stay completely silent about the incident online.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without a lawyer reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
DO NOT Delete Anything: Deleting digital evidence can be seen as spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case. Even if you think it’s irrelevant, save it.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately—Your Legal Emergency HotLine

Time is of the essence in hazing cases. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Our Legal Emergency HotLine: We are available 24/7. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Email Us: You can also reach Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.
Remote Consultations: If you’re in DeKalb County and can’t travel to our Texas offices, we offer convenient and secure video consultations. We can discuss your case, review your evidence, and begin building your strategy without you leaving your home.
We Come To You: For critical depositions, client meetings, or trials, our team is prepared to travel to DeKalb County. Distance is not a barrier to justice for hazing victims.

Why immediate action is crucial:

Statute of Limitations: In most states, including Georgia, personal injury lawsuits have a strict 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s 2 years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
Evidence Disappears: Digital evidence like messages and social media posts can be deleted. Physical evidence can be cleaned up or destroyed. Witnesses’ memories fade.
Organizations Close Ranks: Fraternities and universities will begin to cover their tracks and coordinate their defense the moment an incident is known.

We know how overwhelming this can be, DeKalb County families. But you don’t have to face this alone. We’ve been through this fight, and we’re ready to stand with you. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

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

If your child has been subjected to hazing, the nightmare your family is living is one no parent should ever endure. They were promised friendship and community, but instead, they encountered abuse and negligence. We understand the profound fear, anger, and betrayal you feel. We are here to tell you: you are not alone, and you have powerful legal rights. We are fighting this battle right now, and we are ready to fight for families in DeKalb County with the same dedication and aggressive pursuit of justice.

DeKalb County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. This isn’t just talk; it’s active, ongoing litigation that demonstrates our commitment and expertise. We know how to build these cases from the ground up, how to dissect institutional negligence, and how to hold powerful fraternities and universities accountable. For residents of DeKalb County, whether your child attends a local institution in Georgia or a university across the country, you deserve the same aggressive representation.

Call Now for a Free Consultation: Your First Step Towards Justice

The time to act is now. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases means that crucial evidence can disappear and your legal rights can expire if you wait. Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking the justice your family deserves.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7: Our legal emergency hotline is always open, because a legal emergency doesn’t keep business hours.
Email Us: You can also reach us directly at ralph@atty911.com.
Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to discuss your situation, understand your legal options, and get expert advice.

We Work on Contingency: Zero Upfront Costs for DeKalb County Families

We understand that the financial stress of medical bills, missed work, and potential legal fees can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

You pay $0 upfront. You won’t pay us a dime out of your pocket to hire our firm.
We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

This model allows families in DeKalb County, regardless of their financial situation, to access top-tier legal representation against well-funded adversaries.

We Serve DeKalb County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national crisis that affects communities like DeKalb County and students across America. We are equipped and ready to represent victims regardless of where the incident occurred, demonstrating our commitment to nationwide coverage through:

Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, giving us the ability to pursue cases in federal courts across the country.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities headquartered in various states.
Video Consultations: DeKalb County families can easily meet with us remotely via secure video conferencing, allowing us to evaluate your case and begin building your strategy without the need for travel.
Commitment to Travel: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trials, our dedicated attorneys are prepared to travel to DeKalb County to fiercely advocate for your family. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities in DeKalb County. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at institutions like Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and other colleges and universities often attended by DeKalb County students.
Sports teams at high schools or colleges in and around DeKalb County.
Marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations.
Any group that uses abuse, degradation, or endangerment as a rite of passage.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know There Are More of You.

Leonel Bermudez was not the only one targeted. The lawsuit details other pledges being hog-tied and one even collapsing and losing consciousness. If you were part of the Pi Kappa Phi pledge class at the University of Houston in Fall 2025, or any other hazing incident, we want you to know:

You have rights.
We can represent you.
Your bravery can lead to justice.

As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe that collectively, we can achieve more profound accountability and prevent future tragedies.

Don’t remain silent. Don’t let fear dictate your future. Let us stand with you. Let us use our expertise, our insider knowledge, and our unwavering commitment to justice to fight for your child.

Call Attorney 911 now. Your legal emergency is our call to action.

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