If you’re reading this in Dodge County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, expecting to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially left with life-altering injuries by an organization that promised them brotherhood or sisterhood. Here in Dodge County, and across America, the nightmare of hazing is real, and it shatters families. We are here to help families like yours fight back, turning pain and anger into powerful action for accountability.

We understand what you’re going through. The shame, the confusion, the fear, and the overwhelming desire to protect your child. You might be searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could have happened and what your options are. We want you to know that you are not alone, and you have significant legal rights. Our firm, Attorney911, is actively fighting this battle right now, leading the charge in hazing litigation against powerful fraternities and negligent universities. While our roots are in Texas, our reach extends nationwide, and we are ready to bring the same aggressive, data-driven strategy to your case in Dodge County, Georgia.

Our expertise spans all business sectors, at all levels of production, distribution, and consumption, for both consumers and businesses alike. We have deep knowledge of global markets, regulatory landscapes, cultural nuances, and consumer behavior specific to Georgia, allowing us to understand the unique context of hazing incidents in your community. We know that institutions in Georgia have a duty to keep students safe, and when they fail, we hold them accountable.

The Landmark Case That Proves We Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This isn’t theory. This isn’t hypothetical. This is happening right now. Our attorneys are currently litigating a cutting-edge $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is the case that represents everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

This case is not just an example; it’s a stark warning to parents in Dodge County, Georgia. What happened in Houston could easily happen at a university near you, whether it’s the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, or a local college in your community. The same national fraternities operate there. The same negligent oversight occurs there. And we will fight for Dodge County families with the same fury and dedication we are bringing to this pivotal case.

What the Media is Saying About Our Fight

This isn’t a secret lawsuit hidden in the court dockets. The media is paying attention, because the details are horrifying, and the implications are monumental. Just weeks ago, news outlets like Click2Houston (KPRC 2), ABC13 (KTRK), and Hoodline reported on the public filing of this lawsuit:

• ABC13 (KTRK): “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” Published November 21-22, 2025. You can read their coverage here: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Click2Houston (KPRC 2): “Only on 2: Lawsuit alleges severe hazing at University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter fraternity.” Reported November 21, 2025. Find their report here: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• Hoodline: “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse.” Covered November 22, 2025. Read more: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Leonel Bermudez: He Wasn’t Even a Student Yet

The victim in our current lawsuit, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush.” This means he wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. He was planning to transfer for the upcoming spring semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student, demonstrating a shocking level of reckless disregard.

Leonel accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing. This horror culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As our managing partner, 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.”

Mr. Manginello further emphasized, “His mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Associate attorney Lupe Peña highlighted the broader impact of this fight, stating, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The Hazing Timeline: Weeks of Torture

The abuse Leonel endured wasn’t a one-off event. It was a calculated, sustained campaign of physical and psychological torment:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately.
• Throughout the pledge period: Leonel was forced to adhere to an enforced dress code, complete extensive study hours, and conduct weekly interviews with members and other pledges. He was made to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Failure to comply brought threats of physical punishment or expulsion.
• Ongoing through the pledge period: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.
• October 13, 2025: In a separate incident showing the pattern of abuse, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: Just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization, another pledge at the same fraternity lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workouts. The other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. These brothers continued hazing, ignoring the warning signs.
• November 3, 2025: The Breaking Point: Leonel was subjected to extreme physical punishments, including over 100 pushups, over 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. While performing these exercises, he was forced to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
• Additional Torture: He was “waterboarded” with a garden hose, sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, and forced to consume massive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even after vomiting, he was made to run sprints while in distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass. He was also allegedly struck with wooden paddles and forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather.
• November 6, 2025: After days of worsening condition, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter (as confirmed by their own website).
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s kidney failure wasn’t a minor injury. It was life-threatening. Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a damaging protein called myoglobin into the blood. This myoglobin can clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and, if untreated, death. Our client’s symptoms, including passing brown urine and extreme muscle pain, were classic indicators. He could not stand or walk for days.

Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely positioned to handle the complex medical and legal aspects of these devastating injuries. The risk of permanent kidney damage for Leonel is a grave concern, underscoring the severe and lasting impact of hazing.

Institutional Responses: Guilt and Damage Control

The responses from the defendants only solidify their culpability:

• University of Houston Spokesperson: Publicly stated that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is an admission that egregious actions took place and that the university recognizes the potential for criminal conduct.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: On their own website, they announced the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, before our lawsuit was filed. They cited “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This pre-emptive action is a clear admission of guilt and an attempt at damage control. They also brazenly stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” showing a shocking lack of remorse.

These thinly veiled statements reveal that both the university and the national fraternity knew exactly what was happening and are now attempting to minimize their liability. We believe these actions prove a deep-seated institutional failure that left students like Leonel vulnerable to life-threatening abuse.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Not Just Pranks, But Torture

For families in Dodge County, Georgia, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing goes far beyond innocent pranks or harmless initiation rituals. As seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, it is often systematic, brutal, and psychologically damaging—a form of torture, not brotherhood.

Hazing exists across various organizations in Georgia, from fraternities and sororities at institutions like Mercer University or Georgia College & State University, to sports teams in local high schools and colleges, military organizations, and even clubs and professional associations. This problem is pervasive in Dodge County and beyond.

The Many Forms of Hazing We See:

• Physical Abuse: This includes beatings with instruments like the wooden paddles used against Leonel, forced extreme exercise leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis (as in our case), branding, burning, and other acts of physical violence.
• Forced Consumption: Making pledges consume excessive alcohol (a common cause of hazing deaths nationwide), eating until vomiting, or ingesting bizarre or harmful substances. Leonel’s forced milk, hot dog, and peppercorn ingestion is a prime example.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, forced isolation, threats, and manipulative tactics designed to break down a person’s will. The fanny pack with sexual objects is just one instance of the psychological torment Leonel endured.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, disrupting their sleep cycles, and forcing them to perform tasks like driving members at all hours, leading to exhaustion and impaired judgment.
• Waterboarding or Simulated Drowning: Leonel’s experience with a garden hose is a chilling reminder that hazing can involve tactics used to torture prisoners of war. This is not a “prank”; it is an act of extreme cruelty.
• Exposure: Forcing individuals to endure extreme temperatures, such as stripping in cold weather or leaving them in isolated, dangerous locations.
• Sexual Hazing: Requiring individuals to engage in, simulate, or witness sexual acts, often involving nudity, sexualized objects, or deeply humiliating situations.
• Servitude and Humiliation: Being treated as personal servants, forced to perform demeaning tasks, or subjected to public embarrassment.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences:

The consequences of hazing are severe and often long-lasting:

• Physical Injuries: Injuries can range from bruises, broken bones, and torn muscles to life-threatening conditions like rhabdomyolysis, organ damage (like Leonel’s kidney failure), alcohol poisoning, and concussions.
• Psychological Trauma: Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and acute emotional distress. These invisible wounds can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being for years. Leonel’s “fear of retribution” for speaking out is itself evidence of profound psychological harm.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, dozens of students across the country have died from hazing, primarily due to alcohol poisoning, but also from falls, physical trauma, and exposure.

These are not isolated incidents but a systemic crisis demanding immediate, aggressive legal action. For every family in Dodge County, Georgia, whose child has suffered, we are here to ensure that accountability is delivered.

Who Is Responsible? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

Hazing incidents, especially those causing serious injury or death, rarely involve just one individual. These are complex failures, often spanning multiple layers of individuals and institutions. Our strategy at Attorney911 is to pursue accountability from every possible liable party, creating a network of defendants based on their direct actions, their negligence, or their failure to intervene.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, our lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants, reflecting our commitment to leaving no stone unturned:

1. The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is where the hazing physically occurred. The chapter directly organized, facilitated, and executed the abusive activities.
2. Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster): These individuals hold positions of leadership and directly oversaw or participated in the hazing. They are often the orchestrators and decision-makers, bearing significant personal responsibility.
3. Individual Members: Every member who actively participated in, condoned, or witnessed the hazing and failed to report or intervene can be held liable. This extends to former members who may have hosted these events, like the former member and his spouse in our current case.
4. The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.): National organizations have a legal duty to adequately supervise their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing from previous incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017) and allegedly failed to act, creating a pattern of negligence. Their “hazing crisis” knowledge, as alleged in the lawsuit. makes their culpability even clearer.
5. The Housing Corporation (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation): This entity often owns or manages the fraternity house. If hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws for failing to maintain a safe environment. In our specific case, the fact that the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place adds an additional layer of premises liability for the university itself.
6. The University (University of Houston and UH Board of Regents): Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, which includes regulating Greek life, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and providing a safe campus environment. Our lawsuit alleges that the University of Houston failed in these duties, particularly given their direct ownership of the fraternity house and their prior knowledge of a severe hazing incident involving another fraternity in 2017. Their admission that student conduct was “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards” confirms their awareness of the serious wrongdoing occurring on their watch.
7. Insurance Carriers: While not direct perpetrators, insurance companies for the national fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and even individuals (through homeowner’s policies) are often the “deep pockets” from which compensation is ultimately secured.

Focusing on Accountability, Not Just Payouts

The goal of this multi-pronged approach is not simply to chase money. It is to enforce accountability across the board. By targeting every culpable party—from the highest levels of national leadership to individual students, and from university administrators to property owners—we send an unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those who enable it will face severe consequences.

For families in Dodge County, Georgia, this means that even if a local chapter or individual members lack significant assets, the national organization and the university itself often possess substantial resources and insurance coverage to provide the necessary compensation for injuries, lost wages, and long-term care. Our firm excels at identifying and pursuing these “deep pockets” to ensure justice is served.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For families considering legal action in Dodge County, Georgia, after a hazing incident, it’s natural to wonder what results are truly possible. The answer is clear: hazing cases, especially those involving serious injury or wrongful death, result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These precedents are not mere statistics; they represent families who fought back and achieved justice, changing lives and driving legislative reform.

We want every parent in Dodge County, Georgia, to understand: we are not asking for an unprecedented amount with our $10 million lawsuit. We are building on a clear, established pattern of significant legal outcomes. The same fight we’re waging in Houston is the one we are prepared to bring to any hazing event that impacts students from Dodge County, Georgia.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements That Send a Message:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total over $10.1 Million

   • Context: Stone Foltz, a pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event and died from alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million. Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals settled for an additional $7.2 million. The chapter was permanently expelled. In a recent development in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability.
   • Significance for Dodge County, Georgia: This case directly demonstrates that a $10 million demand is firmly rooted in similar, successful litigation against both universities and fraternities, even for non-fatal incidents.

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

   • Context: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a hazing event called “Bible Study.”
   • Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Criminal charges led to a negligent homicide conviction and prison time for a fraternity member. The tragedy also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Significance for Dodge County, Georgia: A jury clearly stated through its verdict that hazing carries a multi-million dollar price tag, and often leads to real legislative change that protects future students.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Over $110 Million (Estimated Settlements)

   • Context: Timothy Piazza, a pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He then suffered a traumatic brain injury from multiple falls down a flight of stairs. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
   • Outcome: Multiple confidential settlements, estimated to be over $110 million. Eighteen fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case resulted in Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
   • Significance for Dodge County, Georgia: The sheer scale of these recoveries underlines the potential, especially when evidence of egregious conduct and institutional cover-up is strong, as it is in our Bermudez case.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

   • Context: Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
   • Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
   • Significance for Dodge County, Georgia: This case is particularly crucial because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that is a defendant in our current lawsuit. It proves Pi Kappa Phi had direct knowledge of the deadly consequences of their hazing culture eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and conscious indifference crucial for our case.

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

   • Context: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi bid acceptance ceremony, reportedly being forced to consume a liter of Jack Daniel’s.
   • Outcome: His family secured a $4+ million settlement (including a $425,000 donation to their “Love Like Adam” foundation). This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
   • Significance for Dodge County, Georgia: This recent settlement reinforces the multi-million dollar value of hazing cases and the power of families to drive legislative change.

The Message to Georgia Institutions and Fraternities

These cases send a resounding message to every university, every national fraternity, and every chapter operating near Dodge County, Georgia: Hazing is not just a campus issue; it’s a legal liability that can cost millions. When you allow abuse to fester, when you prioritize tradition over safety, you open yourself up to massive financial consequences.

Our success in the Bermudez case, whether through settlement or verdict, will become another precedent, showing that Attorney911 is at the forefront of this fight. We will apply the same strategies and leverage these precedents for any family in Dodge County, Georgia, seeking justice for their child.

Texas Hazing Law Protects You: Consent is Not a Defense

For parents in Dodge County, Georgia, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward reclaiming justice. While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles and the spirit of anti-hazing laws are remarkably similar across most states, including Georgia. Crucially, our ability to practice in federal courts and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) give us a nationwide reach and strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and universities.

In Texas, the law is unequivocally clear: your child cannot consent to being hazed. This crucial distinction demolishes one of the most common defenses used by fraternities and universities.

Texas Education Code: Hazing is Criminal

Texas law, under Education Code sections 37.151 through 37.157, explicitly defines hazing and assigns severe penalties:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

  • Involves physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding).
  • Subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm or affects their mental or physical health (sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics, confinement).
  • Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs, causing unreasonable risk of harm.

  This definition perfectly encapsulates the abuse Leonel Bermudez endured: the wooden paddles, the 500 squats that led to kidney failure, the sleep deprivation, the forced eating, and the waterboarding.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Engaging in hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). If it causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony (up to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would qualify for serious bodily injury, opening the door for criminal charges against the responsible individuals. The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges.”

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations that condone or encourage hazing, or whose officers or members commit hazing, face fines up to $10,000 and can be denied the right to operate on campus. This directly applies to both the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas law and a powerful tool in dispelling the myth that victims “agreed to it.” The statute 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 means that even if a student “agrees” to participate, the act is still illegal, and the victim retains their legal rights. For families in Dodge County, Georgia, understand that peer pressure and coercion negate true consent.

Civil Liability: Holding Everyone Accountable

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits provide victims and their families in Dodge County, Georgia, the ability to seek substantial financial compensation for devastating injuries and losses. We pursue every possible avenue of civil liability:

1. Negligence: This is typically the primary legal theory. We argue that the university, the national fraternity, and individual members owed a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in our Bermudez case with UH owning the fraternity house), these entities are responsible for maintaining safe premises and can be held liable for dangerous conditions.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when an institution (university, national fraternity) fails to properly supervise its members, chapters, or Greek life programs, leading to foreseeable harm.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, covering acts of physical violence, forced consumption, and simulated drowning.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when extreme and outrageous conduct causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological trauma often experienced by hazing victims.
6. Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost future earnings.

Protecting Your Family in Dodge County, Georgia

These robust legal frameworks are why Attorney911 can aggressively pursue justice for hazing victims. For families in Dodge County, Georgia, it’s vital to recognize that your state likely has similar anti-hazing laws. Even if local laws differ, our strategies built on negligence, premises liability, and intentional torts are broadly applicable across all jurisdictions. Moreover, our admission to federal courts provides a powerful avenue to pursue national organizations, regardless of where they are headquartered.

The most important takeaway: if your child has been hazed, the law is on your side. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage Against Hazing

When your family in Dodge County, Georgia, is grappling with the aftermath of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal emergency team that understands the cultural nuances of Greek life, the complexities of university administration, and the aggressive tactics of national fraternities. You need a firm that isn’t afraid to take on powerful institutions and win. That firm is Attorney911.

We are not just reading about hazing cases; we are actively litigating one of the most high-profile hazing lawsuits in the country right now. This isn’t theoretical knowledge; it’s proven, real-world application of aggressive, data-driven legal strategy.

Our Battle-Tested Credentials and Unique Advantages:

1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over two decades of intense courtroom experience. He is a battle-tested trial attorney who has navigated complex, high-stakes litigation, including multi-billion dollar mass tort cases like the BP Texas City explosion. His ability to stand against massive corporate defendants directly translates to taking on national fraternities and large universities.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” They spent years working for the insurance companies and corporations, learning their strategies, their weaknesses, and their negotiation tactics from the inside. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle the defense’s arguments and maximize recovery for our clients. For Dodge County families, this means we anticipate every move the opposition will make.
3. Federal Court Admissions: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal appellate courts. This is critical for hazing cases, as many national fraternities and universities operate across state lines, making federal litigation a powerful tool to ensure a broader reach and higher stakes.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual admission provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or with significant operations in diverse jurisdictions.
5. “Se Habla Español”: Bilingual Staff: We proudly serve the diverse communities of Georgia, including Spanish-speaking families in Dodge County. Our bilingual staff ensures that language barriers never stand in the way of justice. Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan with deep roots, is fluent in Spanish, allowing direct and empathetic communication with all our clients.
6. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit is a testament to this specialized focus. We understand the specific medical, psychological, and institutional dynamics involved in hazing.
7. Data-Driven Litigation: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. We don’t guess; we know exactly who the liable entities are, from local chapters to national parent organizations and their housing corporations. This intelligence is crucial for building airtight cases.
8. Comprehensive Client Support: We handle every aspect of your hazing claim, from preserving critical evidence like text messages and social media posts, to negotiating with aggressive insurance companies, and if necessary, taking your case to trial. We work with a network of expert witnesses, including medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, and institutional negligence specialists.
9. Contingency Fee: No Upfront Cost for Dodge County Families: We understand that dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma can be financially draining. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes financial barriers and ensures that every family in Dodge County, Georgia, no matter their economic situation, can access aggressive, top-tier legal representation.
10. A Father’s Dedication: Ralph Manginello is a father of three. He knows firsthand what’s at stake when a family’s child is harmed. This personal connection fuel his zealous advocacy for hazing victims. He approaches every case as if it were his own child, ensuring genuine emotional investment alongside aggressive legal action.
11. Willingness to Travel: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. We are fully prepared to travel to Dodge County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. We also offer convenient video consultations for families who cannot travel.

What Makes Us Different for Dodge County Families:

We know families in Dodge County, Georgia, have choices. What sets us apart is our profound emotional investment in hazing victims. We’ve seen the devastation these senseless acts cause. We are actively fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person—not a case number—and we will fight fiercely for Dodge County families because we truly care. Our track record, our insider knowledge, and our unwavering commitment to justice make us the clear choice for any family whose child has been hazed.

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

If you or your child in Dodge County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Taking the right steps can make all the difference in preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and building a strong legal case. We know this is an overwhelming time, but acting quickly and deliberately is paramount.

Attorney911’s First Response Protocol for Hazing Victims:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get thoroughly checked by a doctor or emergency room immediately. Some hazing-related injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries, may have delayed symptoms. Medical records are crucial evidence of your injuries. This applies whether the hazing occurred in Dodge County, Georgia, or while your child was away at college.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence: This cannot be emphasized enough.
   • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) as they develop and heal. Photograph the hazing location if possible, and any objects used.
   • Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Do not delete anything. These often contain direct evidence of the hazing, threats, and coercion.
   • Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or agreements given to you by the organization or university.
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have relevant information.
   • Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, therapy records, and medical bills.
   • Financial Records: Document any lost wages, tuition, or fees paid, and any other financial losses you incurred.
   • Academic Records: Note any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
3. DO NOT Communicate with Defendants Without Legal Counsel:
   • Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority leadership, individual members, or university administrators about the incident. They are not on your side and will use your words against you.
   • Do NOT give any statements to the university’s Title IX office, student conduct board, or Greek life office without consulting with us first.
   • Do NOT sign any documents presented by the organization, the university, or their representatives. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
4. STAY OFF Social Media: Do not post anything about the incident on any social media platform. Do not delete old posts. Assume anything you post will be seen and used against you by the defense.
5. Contact an Attorney IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence. In most states, including Georgia, there is a statute of limitations (typically two years) for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.
   • Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized on November 6, and we filed the lawsuit within weeks. This aggressive, rapid response is how strong cases are built.

For Dodge County Families: Distance is Not a Barrier

While Attorney911 is based in Texas, please understand that we represent hazing victims across the United States, including those in Georgia. We leverage modern technology for video consultations, allowing you to meet with our experienced attorneys from the comfort of your home in Dodge County. For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Georgia to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.

We have the federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions necessary to pursue national fraternities and universities, regardless of their location. Don’t let geographic distance deter you from seeking justice.

You Are Not Alone. Your Story Matters.

Hazing thrives in silence. By coming forward, you not only seek justice for yourself or your child but also contribute to preventing future incidents. 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 bravery can save lives in Dodge County, Georgia, and beyond.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here

If you’re a parent in Dodge County, Georgia, whose child has been hazed, or if you yourself have suffered from such abuse, you are in a legal emergency. The clock is ticking, and powerful institutions are already strategizing against you. You do not have to face this alone.

Our team at Attorney911 is actively fighting this battle right now. We are leading the charge in hazing litigation against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases from the ground up, how to hold every responsible institution accountable, and most importantly, how to win. We offer the same aggressive, relentless representation to families in Dodge County, Georgia.

Dodge County Families: Call Now for a FREE Consultation

There is no cost to talk to us. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. We are available 24/7 because we know legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website: attorney911.com

We work on a contingency fee basis: This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that every family, regardless of their financial situation, can access the highest quality legal representation.

We Are Here For You, Dodge County

From students attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College or Middle Georgia State University to those pledging at larger institutions like the University of Georgia, hazing is a pervasive threat that impacts families across Georgia. Whether your child was hazed in Dodge County, Georgia, on a campus across the state, or at a university hundreds of miles away, our firm is equipped to represent you.

We represent victims of hazing in all forms, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at Georgia universities and colleges
• Sports teams, from high school to collegiate levels
• Marching bands and other student organizations
• ROTC programs and military academies

If you are an immigrant student or come from a Spanish-speaking family in Dodge County, Georgia, please know that your immigration status does not affect your right to seek justice. We are fluent in Spanish (Se Habla Español) and are deeply committed to protecting your rights and privacy throughout the legal process.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Other pledges endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and humiliation. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization.

If you are a victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or if you witnessed the abuse, please come forward. You have rights, and we can represent you. Let’s unite to bring every responsible party to justice and ensure this never happens again.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us be your first responder in this legal emergency.