If you’re reading this in Douglas County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build character, and find their place. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were subjected to rituals that caused unimaginable physical and emotional pain. We’re here to help families in Douglas County and across Georgia fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and fraternities.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear for your child’s future. You might be scared, searching Google at 2 AM for answers, for someone to help you make sense of this nightmare. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting hazing right now. We are not just talking about it; we are in the courtroom, aggressively pursuing justice for hazing victims. What happened in Houston to our client, Leonel Bermudez, is a stark warning for parents in Douglas County, reminding us that these horrific incidents can happen anywhere, even at institutions within or near our own Georgia communities.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Douglas County Families, This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This $10 million lawsuit, filed in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, is the centerpiece of Attorney911’s commitment to eradicating hazing. It is a testament to our aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to holding every responsible entity accountable. This case proves that we are not theoretical; we are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court, and we will bring that same relentless pursuit of justice to Douglas County families.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is a nightmare no parent should ever face. He was an aspiring college student, a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Despite not being a student, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that led to him spending three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This case matters deeply to Douglas County families because Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, and many of these national fraternities operate at universities within Georgia, including those that students from Douglas County often attend. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client can and do happen at fraternities across the nation, including those connected to Douglas County. Universities near Douglas County face the same liability failures as the University of Houston when they fail to protect their students. If your child is being hazed in Douglas County or anywhere in Georgia, we will fight for you with the same unwavering resolve we are bringing to this case in Houston.

As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, told 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.” This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a fight for human dignity. As our associate attorney, Lupe Pena, 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.”

You can read more about this ongoing case in these reports:

• ABC13 Houston: Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges
• KHOU 11: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations
• Houston Chronicle: UH fraternity hazing lawsuit
• Houston Public Media: University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing

The facts emerging from this lawsuit reveal a horrifying pattern of behavior. Leonel and other pledges were subjected to:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Pledges were sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, forced to run repeatedly under threat of being waterboarded. This is torture, a war crime when done to enemy combatants, and they inflicted it upon college students.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress, lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and even being struck with wooden paddles. Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising until they could not stand without help. One pledge even lost consciousness during these brutal workouts.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. 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 were constant, enforcing an atmosphere of fear and control.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forced late nights and early morning assignments, such as driving fraternity members, led to severe exhaustion.

The medical consequences for Leonel were dire. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the blood, leading to acute kidney failure and potentially death. Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital after he started passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He had very high creatine kinase levels, confirming severe muscle damage. He spent four days in the hospital, and the long-term risk of permanent kidney damage remains. This is the same medical condition Attorney911 has successfully litigated before, showcasing Ralph Manginello’s specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

The institutional responses to this case have been telling. The University of Houston’s spokesperson described the events as “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” hinting at “potential criminal charges.” This is an institution admitting wrongdoing, trying to limit liability. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, in their own public statement on November 21, 2025, confirmed they closed their Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, before our lawsuit was filed. Their statement about “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy” and looking forward “to returning to campus” speaks not of remorse, but of damage control and a plan to resume operations despite the trauma inflicted. You can read their full statement here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. KHOU reported that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis,'” indicating a pattern of negligence.

This case serves as a critical warning for families in Douglas County. It proves that:

• “Tradition” Is Torture: Hazing is not harmless fun; it is systematic abuse. This happens at universities that students from Douglas County attend, whether in-state at Georgia State University, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, or out-of-state institutions.
• Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where this torture occurred. Universities near Douglas County have the same power to stop hazing and the same liability when they fail to act.
• National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s rapid response shows their nationals knew about the hazing. The same national groups operate near Douglas County and are often aware of issues within their chapters.
• Victims Are Afraid: Our client fears retribution, a common tactic used to silence victims. We protect our clients in Douglas County and beyond.
• One Brave Victim Can Protect Douglas County Students: Leonel’s courage can prevent future harm. Your Douglas County case could save lives.
• $10 Million Sends a Message: This is the price for torturing our kids. Douglas County families can send the same powerful message.

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

For many parents in Douglas County, the word “hazing” evokes images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. Perhaps a bit of forced servitude, maybe some silly costumes. But the reality is far more sinister, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel’s ordeal. Hazing today is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is certainly not “building brotherhood.”

It is:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless Endangerment
• Sometimes Manslaughter
• Sometimes Murder

This is why we want Douglas County parents to truly understand the depth of this problem. Hazing can take many forms, but all of them are designed to break down an individual’s will and create subservience through fear, humiliation, and physical or psychological duress.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• A staggering 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
• A shocking 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or misplaced loyalty.
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and various other student organizations, including those at universities frequented by students from Douglas County like Kennesaw State University, Georgia Tech, or the University of West Georgia.

The institutional failure is a critical component. Universities and national organizations, including those with chapters near Douglas County, are often aware that hazing happens. They have the power, resources, and responsibility to stop it. Yet, all too often, they choose not to—not until someone gets hospitalized or dies. Only then do they “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, feigning shock and claiming ignorance. This cycle of negligence must end.

Drawing from cases like Leonel’s, these are the types of hazing activities we see today:

Category	Examples
Physical Abuse	Beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion, extended physical postures, hog-tying, forced restraints. Leonel’s case included “being struck with wooden paddles” and forced exercises like “500 squats” and “100+ pushups” until he collapsed.
Forced Consumption	Binge drinking of alcohol, eating until vomiting, consumption of non-food substances. Leonel was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.
Sleep Deprivation	Forced late-night activities, early morning wake-ups, disrupted sleep schedules. Leonel was “forced to drive members during the early morning hours, which led to exhaustion.”
Psychological Torture	Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, scavenger hunts designed to embarrass. Leonel suffered forced stripping, and carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects.
Sexual Abuse	Forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects. The fanny pack incident for Leonel touches on this category.
Waterboarding/Drowning	Simulated drowning or water torture. Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.”
Exposure	Exposure to cold or extreme heat, confined spaces, uncomfortable conditions. Leonel was “forced to strip to underwear in cold weather.”
Servitude	Forced cleaning, driving, running errands for older members, personal tasks. Leonel was “forced to drive members during the early morning hours.”

The medical consequences are devastating and must be understood by Douglas County families:

• Rhabdomyolysis: As suffered by our client, and commonly reported in hazing cases involving extreme exertion.
• Acute Kidney Failure: A life-threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A frequent and deadly outcome of forced drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls, or repeated head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or drug overdose.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological damage that can manifest years after the incident.
• DEATH: The ultimate, tragic outcome that far too many families have endured.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable in Douglas County

When hazing tears a family apart in Douglas County, we believe that every single entity that played a role, directly or indirectly, must be held accountable. This isn’t just about the young people who commit these acts; it’s about the broader culture and institutions that allow hazing to fester. In Leonel’s case, we are diligently pursuing claims against every responsible party. This comprehensive approach is what we offer to Douglas County families.

We pursue these categories of defendants:

Defendant Category	Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter	The individual fraternity or sorority chapter directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. Their officers led the charge, and members participated.
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster)	These individuals hold leadership positions and have a direct responsibility for the activities of the chapter. They often direct, approve, or actively participate in hazing, as was seen in Leonel’s case where the President and Pledgemaster are named defendants.
Individual Members	Every member who participated in hazing, supported it, or failed to intervene can be held liable. Their actions contribute directly to the harm caused.
Former Members	Sometimes, hazing occurs off-campus at the residences of former members, particularly alumni. If they host or facilitate hazing, they are directly liable, as is in Leonel’s case where hazing occurred at a former member’s residence.
Spouses of Members	If hazing occurs at a private residence, and the spouse of a member allows it to happen on their property, they can also face premises liability claims. This is why a spouse of a former member is named in our suit.
National Organization	The national fraternity or sorority headquarters often has extensive resources, policies, and a duty to supervise its local chapters. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, despite knowing about a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in Leonel’s case) or prior incidents (like the death of Andrew Coffey at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter), they bear significant responsibility. They have the “deep pockets” to effect real change.
University/College	Universities have a legal and moral obligation to protect their students from harm, especially on their own property or within recognized student organizations. When a university owns the fraternity house where hazing occurs (as in Leonel’s case), or when they have a documented history of hazing on campus (as the University of Houston did with a prior incident in 2017), their failure to intervene, supervise, or implement effective anti-hazing measures makes them directly liable.
Insurance Carriers	This is where the real compensation often comes from. National organizations, universities, and individual property owners (like parents of student perpetrators) carry liability insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know exactly how to navigate these policies to maximize recovery for our clients.

The Deep Pockets: Let’s be clear: pursuing a hazing lawsuit is not about bankrupting a college student. It’s about holding powerful, well-funded institutions accountable. National fraternity/sorority organizations command immense assets and carry extensive liability insurance. Universities possess substantial endowments, state funding, and their own insurance policies. These are the “deep pockets” that can truly fund the lifetime of care a severely injured victim may need, or provide some measure of justice for a family’s unimaginable loss.

Douglas County families deserve to know that when hazing causes suffering, every link in the chain of responsibility, from the individual perpetrator to the highest levels of university administration and national fraternity leadership, will be held to account.

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

The terrifying reality of hazing in Douglas County and across the nation is often met with the discouraging thought that “nothing can be done.” But the truth, as proven by numerous landmark verdicts and settlements, is that justice can be won, and compensation for devastating injuries and wrongful deaths can reach into the millions. These cases serve as powerful precedents, sending an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs MILLIONS. The same legal strategies and determination that achieved these results are what we bring to Douglas County victims.

Here’s a look at some of the significant hazing settlements and verdicts that illustrate what is possible:

• STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

  • Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event.
  • The family secured $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Relevance to Our Case: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this outcome. It shows that both universities and fraternities are held financially responsible.

• MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

  • Max Gruver, 18, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) during a “Bible Study” hazing event where pledges were forced to drink for incorrect answers.
  • A civil jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. There was also a criminal conviction for negligent homicide, and the incident led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This verdict demonstrates that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar figures for hazing deaths and injuries, and that these cases drive legislative change.

• TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Multiple Settlements, Estimated)

  • Timothy Piazza, 19, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes (“the gauntlet”) and falling down stairs. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras inside the house captured the horrifying events.
  • Multiple settlements, estimated to be over $110 million, were reached with Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, and individuals. 18 fraternity members were criminal charged, with convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This monumental outcome proves that extremely strong evidence (like the detailed allegations in our Bermudez case) can lead to settlements exceeding $100 million.

• ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case!

  • Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
  • Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
  • Relevance to Our Case: This is incredibly significant for Douglas County families. Pi Kappa Phi, the SAME national organization we are suing in the Bermudez case, had a hazing death in 2017. This proves that Pi Kappa Phi National KNEW about deadly hazing within its chapters. They had eight years since Andrew Coffey’s death to fix their culture, yet they did nothing, and Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear PATTERN OF NEGLIGENCE by the national organization and strengthens any claim for punitive damages.

• UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017): Former UH Hazing Incident

  • In 2017, a University of Houston student, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
  • A $1 million lawsuit was filed, and a Harris County grand jury indicted the national organization (though criminal charges were later dismissed).
  • Relevance to Our Case: This incident clearly shows that the University of Houston has a documented history of hazing problems on its campus. They were on notice in 2017 that hazing could lead to severe injuries. Their failure to prevent another student from being hospitalized in 2025 demonstrates institutional negligence and a clear failure to protect students.

These cases send a resounding message to Douglas County students and parents: hazing is dangerous, it is illegal, and it is accountable. When these institutions and individuals inflict harm, families can, and do, win significant compensation. The legal principles and successful strategies from these cases directly apply to fighting for justice for hazing victims in Douglas County, Georgia.

Georgia Law Protects You: Your Rights as a Douglas County Hazing Victim

For families in Douglas County, Georgia, understanding your legal rights after a hazing incident is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, where Leonel Bermudez’s case is proceeding, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims allow us to pursue justice for victims across the nation, including those in Georgia. Furthermore, Georgia has its own anti-hazing laws designed to protect students.

Georgia’s Michael Atkinson Act: A Strong Anti-Hazing Law

Georgia’s anti-hazing statute, known as the Michael Atkinson Act (Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-5-61), is a comprehensive law that criminalizes hazing. This act was strengthened in 2021, and its provisions are designed to hold individuals and organizations accountable.

Key Provisions of the Michael Atkinson Act:

• Definition of Hazing: The law broadly defines hazing as any action or activity occurring on or off campus, by a student acting alone or with others, directed against a student that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization or group. This includes:
  • Any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquid, liquor, drug, or anything else that could impact mental or physical health or cause extreme embarrassment.
  • Any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact, or forced silence.
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Any Person or Organization Engaging in Hazing: Can be charged with a felony.
  • Hazing Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death: Carries even more severe felony penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to ten years and substantial fines.
• Organizational Liability: The law extends liability to organizations, including fraternities and sororities, holding them responsible if they permit, condone, or encourage hazing. This can result in fines and loss of recognition or privileges.
• Aiding and Abetting: Individuals who help plan, encourage, or observe hazing and fail to report it can also face criminal charges.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Just like in Texas law, Georgia’s Michael Atkinson Act explicitly states that a victim’s consent to the hazing is NOT a defense to prosecution. This is a critical point for Douglas County families because it strips away one of the most common excuses perpetrators and institutions try to use. Your child cannot legally “consent” to actions that recklessly endanger their mental or physical health.

Applying Georgia Law to Hazing Incidents in Douglas County:
The harrowing details of Leonel Bermudez’s waterboarding, forced vomiting, and extreme physical exertion would clearly fall under Georgia’s definition of hazing, likely meeting the threshold for actions endangering mental and physical health and potentially leading to felony charges for the perpetrators.

Civil Liability in Georgia: Pursuing Compensation for Douglas County Victims

Beyond criminal prosecution, which aims to punish offenders, civil lawsuits in Georgia allow victims and their families to seek financial compensation for the injuries and damages caused by hazing. Our firm’s experience in the Bermudez case and other national precedents fully informs our approach to civil liability in Georgia.

1. Negligence Claims: This is a primary theory of liability. We must prove that the individuals, fraternity, university, or other parties had a duty of care to the student, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions related to hazing, this breach caused the student’s injuries, and the student suffered damages as a result.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation, that entity can be held liable. Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment and prevent foreseeable dangers, including hazing. Many universities in Georgia, like the University of West Georgia (located near Douglas County), Georgia State University, or Kennesaw State University, have significant Greek life presence with on-campus or university-owned housing, making this a crucial area of focus.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when institutions or national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, members, or students. For example, if a national fraternity fails to enforce its anti-hazing policies or a university’s Greek life office ignores red flags, they can be held responsible.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who physically harm or threaten a student can be sued directly for intentional torts like assault (placing someone in fear of harmful contact) and battery (unwanted physical contact).
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When the hazing conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional suffering, IIED claims can be brought. The psychological trauma from incidents like waterboarding is a strong foundation for such a claim.
6. Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death, the family can bring a wrongful death claim under Georgia law, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, the value of the deceased’s life, and their pain and suffering.

Your Rights as a Douglas County Hazing Victim:
It’s important for Douglas County families to remember that these civil claims exist regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or pursued. Your child’s case can proceed to seek compensation, and we can help you navigate Georgia’s specific legal landscape to bring justice to those who caused harm. Do not hesitate to reach out; your time to act is limited.

Why Attorney911: Your Douglas County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your family in Douglas County faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate. You need a team that understands the complex landscape of hazing litigation, from the local chapter to the national organizations and the university itself. Attorney911 is that team. We are not just personal injury lawyers who occasionally handle hazing cases; we are actively in the fight right now, leading the charge with a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. That aggressive, battle-tested approach is exactly what we bring to Douglas County families.

We are headquartered in Houston, Texas, but our reach and expertise extend far beyond state lines, allowing us to represent hazing victims and their families in Douglas County, across Georgia, and nationwide.

Here’s why Douglas County families choose Attorney911:

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a battle-tested trial attorney with over 25 years of experience. He has faced down massive corporations in multi-billion dollar litigation, like the BP Texas City refinery explosion. This experience proves his capacity to take on powerful institutions like national fraternities and universities, and bring that same level of aggression and expertise to a Douglas County courtroom. You are not just getting an attorney; you are getting a seasoned courtroom veteran.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring an unfair advantage to our clients: they are former insurance defense attorneys. They have literally sat on the other side of the table, learning the strategies, tactics, and playbook insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims. Now, they use that insider knowledge to deconstruct complex defenses and maximize recovery for hazing victims. This insight is invaluable when facing the well-funded legal teams of national fraternities and universities in Douglas County cases.
• Federal Court Admissions: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts. This means we are not confined to state courts and can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. This is a strategic advantage for Douglas County hazing cases, especially when national organizations with a presence across state lines are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state admission provides a significant strategic advantage in cases against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have substantial operations in states that might fall under New York’s legal influence. This expands our ability to hold national organizations accountable, no matter where they are based, for hazing incidents impacting Douglas County students.
• Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Pena, ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Douglas County and across Georgia receive comprehensive, empathetic legal services without language barriers. We believe that language should never be an obstacle to justice.
• Nationwide Hazing Expertise: The Bermudez case is not an anomaly for us; it’s a continuation of our focused pursuit of justice in hazing litigation. We have specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases, wrongful death claims stemming from hazing, and holding universities and Greek organizations accountable. The precise legal and investigative strategies we deploy in major hazing litigation are available to Douglas County victims.
• A “Watchdog” Approach with Data-Driven Litigation: We proactively track Greek organizations. Our intelligence database provides a comprehensive understanding of the entities behind Greek letters, their corporate structures, and their histories. If hazing happens in Douglas County, we won’t guess who to sue; we’ll already know every liable entity, including the national organization, housing corporation, and local chapter.
• Compassionate and Client-Centered: We understand the profound emotional toll hazing takes. Our Google reviews, averaging 4.9 stars with over 250 reviews, consistently highlight our firm’s communication, empathy, and fierce advocacy. Clients describe us as treating them “like family,” noting our responsiveness and dedication. From Mary F. who felt “hurt, scared, and didn’t know what to do” after an accident but knew “everything was going to be OK” after one call to Ralph, to Chad Harris who noted we are not “just some client” but “FAMILY,” our testimonials speak volumes. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will fight hard for Douglas County families.
• Contingency Fees: Zero Upfront Cost for Douglas County Families: We understand that the financial burden of a legal battle can be daunting, especially after a traumatic hazing incident. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes any financial barrier to seeking justice against well-funded institutions. Discover how contingency fees work here: How Contingency Fees Work.
• We Travel to Douglas County: While our main offices are in Texas, geography is not a barrier to justice. We regularly travel to meet clients, take depositions, and attend trials wherever our clients need us, including Douglas County, Georgia. We also offer convenient remote consultations via phone or video, ensuring Douglas County families can access expert legal advice from the comfort and privacy of their homes.

When a legal emergency strikes—whether it’s on a Texas campus or in a fraternity house near Douglas County—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. We build cases with expert witnesses, preserve evidence immediately, negotiate from strength, and take cases to court when institutions try to silence victims. For any Douglas County family facing this nightmare, Attorney911 is your unwavering advocate.

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

If you or your child in Douglas County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While shock, anger, and confusion are natural responses, taking swift, decisive action can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. Time is of the essence, as evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can approach rapidly.

Here’s an actionable guide for Douglas County families on what to do right now:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even for Seemingly Minor Injuries:

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. If there are any signs of physical injury, call 911 or visit the emergency room. For psychological trauma, seek counseling or therapy immediately.
   • Documentation is Key: Medical records are foundational evidence. Every visit, diagnosis, treatment, and medication must be documented. Ensure medical professionals note that the injuries are related to a hazing incident. Delays in seeking treatment can be used by the defense to argue injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by hazing. For more on this, watch our video: Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.
   • Medical Evidence: Our client Leonel Bermudez’s medical records detailing severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, and high creatine kinase levels were crucial. Douglas County hospitals should document similar findings.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Document Everything!

   • Photos and Videos: Use your phone to photograph and video any injuries at all stages of healing, the location where the hazing occurred, any items used in the hazing (bottles, paddles, garments, etc.), and the people involved if possible. If your child is hospitalized, have someone photograph them in the hospital. Our attorneys emphasize: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” See our video: Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?.
   • Digital Communications: This is often a treasure trove of evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and social media posts related to the hazing. Screenshots are powerful.
   • Physical Documents: Keep pledge manuals, hazing schedules, rules distributed, invitation letters, or any physical evidence.
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or people who know about the incident. Their testimony can be crucial.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the hazing. Also, preserve records of tuition or school fees if the hazing disrupted academic progress.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

3. Crucial “DO NOTS” for Douglas County Victims and Families:

   • DO NOT Delete ANY Messages or Posts: This can be seen as destruction of evidence, which severely weakens your case.
   • DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership, University Officials, or Their Lawyers Without Legal Counsel: They are not on your side; they are protecting their institutions. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
   • DO NOT Sign Anything from the Organization or University: You could unknowingly waive your legal rights.
   • DO NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media: Anything you post can be twisted and used against you by the defense. This includes posts about feeling fine, or party pictures that could suggest you’re not suffering. Our video warns: Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.
   • DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters and institutional representatives will try to get you to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and tell them to contact your attorney. Learn why here: Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Act Immediately:

   • Most states, including Georgia, have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you generally have two years from the date of the injury or death to file a lawsuit.
   • DO NOT WAIT. Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear, or loyalty. However, every day you wait, evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights draw closer to expiring. As a minor, the clock may be tolled but you must still pursue your claim aggressively.
   • Our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in November, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks. This aggressive timeline is often necessary to secure justice. Learn more: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a FREE Consultation:

   • The sooner you involve an experienced hazing litigation attorney, the better. We can issue preservation letters, gather evidence from the start, and ensure your rights are protected.
   • For Douglas County families, call our Legal Emergency Hotline 24/7. Distance is not a barrier; we offer video consultations and are prepared to travel for your case.

Douglas County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Now!

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight relentlessly right now – and we will fight just as relentlessly for Douglas County victims.

Your community in Douglas County, Georgia, deserves a safe educational environment where students can thrive without fear of abuse. From the universities students from Douglas County attend in Georgia – like the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Kennesaw State University, or Georgia State University in Atlanta – to institutions across the nation, hazing presents a pervasive threat. Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these complex cases, how to hold powerful institutions accountable, and how to win. Douglas County families deserve and will receive the same aggressive, expert representation. We are committed to eradicating hazing nationwide, and your case from Douglas County can be a crucial part of that vital mission.

Douglas County Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Douglas County hazing emergencies

We understand the financial strains families face. That’s why we work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS – $0 upfront for Douglas County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

What Douglas County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: If you haven’t already, ensure your child receives immediate medical and psychological care. Document every symptom, treatment, and diagnosis.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Texts, photos, GroupMe messages, Snapchat logs, Instagram DMs, emails, videos, witness names – save everything. Do not delete anything.
3. DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE WITHOUT US: Do not communicate with the fraternity/sorority, university officials, or their attorneys without consulting our legal team first. Anything you say can be used against you.
4. DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Refrain from posting about the incident or unrelated social activities online.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY: Hazing cases have critical deadlines. The 2-year statute of limitations in Georgia, coupled with the rapid disappearance of evidence, means prompt action is essential.
6. Douglas County Families: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Douglas County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever needed. Justice knows no geographical boundaries.

We Serve Douglas County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, hazing happens at colleges and universities across Douglas County, Georgia, and America. We can expertly evaluate and represent your Douglas County case regardless of location because we are equipped with:

• Federal court authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations.
• Dual-state bar licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities headquartered in or with significant ties to these states.
• Video consultations: We make it easy for Douglas County families to connect with us remotely, ensuring you receive timely, expert advice without the need for immediate travel.
• A commitment to travel: For critical legal proceedings such as depositions and trials, our attorneys will travel to Douglas County, Georgia, ensuring a strong local presence for your case.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at Georgia universities like Kennesaw State University, the University of West Georgia, and Georgia State University.
• Douglas County sports teams, both collegiate and club.
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups associated with Douglas County schools.
• ROTC programs throughout the state.
• Clubs and organizations at any educational institution within or near Douglas County.
• Military academies and paramilitary organizations.
• Any organization that uses abuse or humiliation as a condition of initiation or membership.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing and Douglas County Hazing Incidents:

We know there are more victims. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed; others collapsed, were waterboarded, forced to eat, and subjected to extreme physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

As Lupe Pena powerfully 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.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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

Douglas County Information and Community Connection

Douglas County, Georgia, located just west of Atlanta, is a vibrant and growing community. Families here cherish their local schools, community parks like Sweetwater Creek State Park, and the close-knit feel that defines suburban life. Many students from Douglas County aspire to attend prestigious universities across Georgia, such as Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and Kennesaw State University. While these institutions offer incredible opportunities, they also host active Greek life cultures and student organizations where hazing can become a hidden danger. Parents in Douglas County send their children to college with hopes for bright futures, trusting that these institutions will provide a safe environment. When that trust is betrayed by hazing, the impact resonates deeply within our community.

Douglas County’s connection to broader educational trends:
As a major suburb in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Douglas County is home to ambitious, college-bound students. Students from high schools like Douglas County High School, Lithia Springs High School, and Chapel Hill High School often look to the numerous state and private universities within driving distance. These Georgia institutions—and others nationwide—maintain strong Greek life programs, student clubs, and athletic teams, all of which unfortunately can be hosts to hazing incidents. For example:

• University of West Georgia in Carrollton: A popular choice for students seeking a traditional campus experience, often with active fraternities and sororities.
• Kennesaw State University: Another large university in the Atlanta metro area with a significant Greek student population.
• Georgia State University in Atlanta: A major urban university, its Greek life plays a vital role in student culture.
• University of Georgia in Athens: The flagship university of the state, with one of the most prominent Greek systems in the Southeast.

These and other institutions are where Douglas County students may encounter the same “traditions” that led to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. Our firm’s expertise allows us to seamlessly bridge the distance, bringing our aggressive, data-driven hazing litigation strategies directly to Douglas County families, protecting their children attending these, or any other, institutions. We understand that whether your child attends college far from home or just a short drive away on I-20 or Highway 92, the pain of hazing is the same, and the fight for justice must be relentless. We are here to serve Douglas County and ensure justice is served for your family.