If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new horizons, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with physical and emotional scars that may last a lifetime. In Evans County, Georgia, families send their children off to universities across the state and the nation with hopes for their safety and success, never imagining they could become victims of senseless hazing.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the overwhelming sense of helplessness – these are emotions no parent should ever have to experience. But you are not alone. We are Attorney911, and we are here to help families in Evans County, Georgia, and across the country fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses.

We are not just a law firm that talks about handling hazing cases; we are actively fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, recently filed a $10 million lawsuit in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, for the horrifying hazing of Leonel Bermudez. This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it demonstrates exactly what kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims. What happened to Leonel in Houston could happen to a student from Evans County, Georgia, at any university where hazing is allowed to fester. We are here to ensure that when it does, victims and their families have the powerful, experienced legal representation they need.

The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning for Every Evans County Family

The story of Leonel Bermudez is a chilling wake-up call, precisely what we are fighting against. While it unfolded hundreds of miles away in Houston, the kind of senseless violence and disregard for human life showcased by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity could easily occur at any institution, even those where students from Evans County, Georgia, pursue their education. What happened to Leonel is not an isolated incident; it is a stark illustration of the extreme dangers lurking in some Greek life organizations across America.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who was not even a University of Houston student yet. He was planning to transfer there for the upcoming semester, eager to start a new chapter in his academic and social life. He accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025, hoping to find camaraderie and brotherhood. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

His story is horrific and sadly, not unique. Here is a glimpse into the abuse Leonel endured, actions that show the sheer depravity of modern hazing:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while performing calisthenics. This particular act is a form of torture, dehumanizing and terrifying. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even after vomiting, he was made to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and lie in his vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: On November 3, 2025, during a single incident, Leonel was forced to endure over 100 pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was required to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling exercises, all under the threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. This relentless exertion pushed his body past its limits, leaving him so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
• Physical Beatings: The lawsuit also alleges Leonel was “struck with wooden paddles.” This explicit act of physical violence highlights the criminal nature of the hazing.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. In another disturbing incident on October 13, 2025, another pledge was “hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.” These acts are designed to degrade, humiliate, and mentally break pledges.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his overall exhaustion.

The physical toll of this abuse was devastating. On November 6, 2025, just days after the November 3rd incident, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis – the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of intensive inpatient care. The long-term consequences of such an injury can include chronic kidney disease, a need for dialysis, or even kidney transplant.

This is what hazing looks like today. It’s not the harmless “pranks” some might remember from movies. It’s violent, it’s dangerous, and it’s happening in plain sight. For parents in Evans County, Georgia, who send their children to universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, or any institution with Greek life, Leonel’s story is a stark reminder that this extreme behavior is a reality anywhere Greek organizations operate.

Within mere days of reports surfacing and before our lawsuit was even filed, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization suspended its University of Houston chapter. By November 14, 2025, the chapter was “permanently closed,” with members even voting to surrender their charter. The University of Houston spokesperson called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and initiated criminal referrals. This rapid response from the fraternity and university, coming just days after Leonel’s hospitalization, speaks volumes: they knew the conduct was indefensible. Yet, they acted only when faced with severe consequences.

Our lawsuit, filed on November 21, 2025, seeks $10 million in damages from Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the local chapter, their housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing at their residence.

This case, actively unfolding in Harris County Civil District Court, is why Attorney911 exists. It is the proof that we are not theoretical; we are on the front lines, aggressively fighting for justice for hazing victims. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is tragic, but his bravery in coming forward, supported by our firm, serves as a crucial warning and a path to accountability for families in Evans County, Georgia, and beyond.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Evans County, Georgia, may harbor outdated notions of hazing, viewing it as harmless pranks or a rite of passage. However, the reality, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing today is rarely about friendly competition; it is often about power, control, and inflicting physical and psychological pain.

It’s crucial to understand that hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not a “tradition” that “builds character” or “brotherhood.” In truth, hazing often crosses the line into:

• Assault and Battery: Physical violence, beatings, paddling.
• Torture: Waterboarding, extreme physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation.
• Reckless Endangerment: Forcing alcohol consumption, exposure to extreme elements.
• Sometimes Manslaughter. Sometimes Murder. The tragic deaths of students like Stone Foltz, Maxwell Gruver, and Timothy Piazza are grim reminders of the ultimate cost.

The statistics paint a sobering picture for students from Evans County, Georgia, considering Greek life or other student organizations. Studies show that over half of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and nearly 40% of student athletes report being hazed. Perhaps most alarmingly, while there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States since 2000, 95% of students who are hazed never report it. This silence is often born of fear, shame, or a misguided sense of loyalty encouraged by the very organizations inflicting the abuse.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities; it occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and various other student groups. The common thread is the systematic use of abuse, intimidation, and control to initiate or maintain membership.

Common Hazing Activities We See

Based on cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and countless others across the nation, hazing manifests in many terrifying forms:

• Physical Abuse: This includes explicit violence like beatings, paddling (as suffered by Leonel), striking, branding, and forced extreme physical exertion leading to collapse. The goal is often to break down individuals physically.
• Forced Consumption: This is a tragically common element, often involving massive amounts of alcohol leading to alcohol poisoning, or as in Leonel’s case, forcing students to eat repulsive substances until they vomit. This can include non-food items, illegal drugs, or excessive unhealthy foods.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, conduct late-night tasks, or endure early-morning demands that interfere with sleep, leading to exhaustion and impaired judgment, as Leonel experienced by being forced to drive members during early morning hours.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This category is designed to degrade and control. This can involve verbal abuse, forced isolation, demeaning rituals (like carrying sexual objects or hog-tying), and threats. The psychological scars can be as severe, if not more severe, than the physical ones.
• Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: This is among the most egregious forms, involving forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects (something Leonel was forced to do). These acts are illegal, traumatic, and often result in criminal charges.
• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel’s case shows, this horrific act is now part of some hazing rituals. It mimics drowning and is internationally recognized as torture.
• Exposure: Forcing students to endure extreme cold or heat, or confining them in small, uncomfortable spaces.
• Servitude: Pledges are often forced to act as personal servants to older members, running errands, cleaning, or driving members around, all of which contribute to their exhaustion and dehumanization.

The True Costs: Medical Consequences Beyond Physical Harm

The medical repercussions of hazing are severe and often life-threatening. Beyond the immediate injuries, such as broken bones or internal trauma, students can suffer:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This is exactly what happened to Leonel after extreme physical exertion. It’s a severe condition that can lead to permanent kidney damage or even death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, often resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or impacts during physical hazing.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Cardiac Arrest: Resulting from extreme physical exertion, especially when combined with dehydration or pre-existing conditions.
• Long-term Psychological Damage: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trust issues are common after hazing. These mental health impacts can affect a victim for years, potentially leading to academic failure, social withdrawal, or substance abuse.

The institutions involved—universities and national Greek organizations—know hazing happens. They often possess policies designed to prevent it, yet time and again, they fail to enforce them. They only truly act when a student is hospitalized or, tragically, dies. Then, they issue statements, suspend chapters, and claim “shock.” For families in Evans County, Georgia, this pattern of institutional failure puts their children at unacceptable risk. This is why aggressive legal action is so critical—to force these institutions to prioritize student safety over their reputation.

Who Is Responsible for Hazing Injuries: Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

When a student from Evans County, Georgia, is harmed by hazing, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, wondering who could possibly be held accountable. The truth is, responsibility extends far beyond just the immediate perpetrators. Our legal strategy, exemplified by the Bermudez case, targets every entity that fostered, permitted, or directly participated in the abuse. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that justice is served and to hit the “deep pockets” necessary to send a clear message.

Here are the categories of defendants we pursue and why they are liable:

1. Local Greek Life Chapters

The most direct perpetrators are the local chapters themselves. In Leonel’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.

• Chapter Officers: Individuals like the president and pledgemaster (who directly organized the pledge activities), are typically at the forefront of orchestrating hazing. They have leadership responsibility and direct influence over the chapter’s actions.
• Individual Members: Any active member who participated in the hazing, whether by inflicting abuse, encouraging it, or even failing to intervene when another student was being harmed, can be held personally liable.
• Former Members: In the Bermudez case, former members and their spouses who hosted hazing sessions at their private residences are also named defendants. This expands responsibility to those who facilitate hazing outside of official chapter property.
• Spouses of Former Members: If a hazing incident occurs on private property, owners (including a spouse) who allow or condone the activity can be held responsible under premises liability laws.

Basis for Liability: Direct participation, vicarious liability for member conduct, negligent supervision, and premises liability (if hazing occurs on chapter-controlled property).

2. National Fraternity or Sorority Organizations

These are powerful, well-funded entities with chapters on hundreds of campuses, potentially including those where students from Evans County, Georgia, may enroll. The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a prime defendant in Leonel’s case.

• Failure to Supervise: National organizations often fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, allowing dangerous cultures to persist. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and dissolved the UH chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization demonstrates that they knew the conduct was wrong once exposed.
• Failure to Enforce Policies: Most national organizations have anti-hazing policies, but they frequently fail to enforce them, despite clear evidence or prior incidents. For Pi Kappa Phi, the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017 provided clear notice that deadly hazing was occurring in their chapters. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This blatant disregard for human life shows a pattern of negligence.
• Knowledge of Systemic Problems: As alleged in the Bermudez lawsuit, the national organization and housing corporation enabled the harmful environment “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This indicates a widespread, known issue they chose to ignore.

Basis for Liability: Condoning hazing, negligent supervision, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, and vicarious liability for the actions of their chapters. National organizations typically have millions in assets and insurance, making them crucial targets for significant settlements.

3. Universities and Colleges

Universities have a profound responsibility to protect their students, a duty that extends to oversight of their recognized student organizations like Greek life. The University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents are named defendants in Leonel’s lawsuit.

• Ownership and Control of Property: In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This establishes clear premises liability – they owned the property where extreme abuse occurred.
• Failure to Supervise Greek Life: Universities often have a Greek Life office responsible for overseeing fraternities and sororities. A failure to adequately monitor these organizations, inspect their premises for safety, or respond to prior hazing allegations constitutes negligence.
• Prior Incidents: The University of Houston had a documented hazing incident in 2017 where another student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen. This prior event put the university on actual notice of hazing dangers on its campus. Allowing hazing to reoccur eight years later demonstrates a profound institutional failure.
• Duty to Protect Students: Universities have a non-delegable duty to provide a safe educational environment. When they fail in this duty, particularly concerning recognized student organizations that operate on their property or under their auspices, they are liable.

Basis for Liability: Negligence, negligent supervision, premises liability (if they own the property), and failure to protect students. Universities generally have substantial endowments and robust insurance policies.

4. Insurance Carriers

Behind every organization and many individuals are insurance policies designed to cover liabilities.

• National Organization’s Liability Insurance: These policies are critical for covering substantial multi-million dollar claims.
• University’s Institutional Insurance: Universities carry extensive insurance to protect against various liabilities, including those arising from student harm.
• Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: For hazing that occurs off-campus at a private residence, these policies may provide coverage for the individual defendants who hosted or participated.
• Personal Liability Coverage: Some individuals may have additional personal liability umbrella policies.

Basis for Liability: Contractual obligation to cover incidents outlined in their policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. They have seen the defense playbook from the inside and use that experience to dismantle their strategies and maximize recovery for victims, ensuring that every possible source of compensation is pursued.

By targeting all these responsible parties, Attorney911 ensures that the full weight of the legal system is brought to bear, not just on the students who inflict the harm, but on the powerful organizations and institutions that allow it to continue. This comprehensive approach is how we secure the significant settlements and verdicts necessary to achieve justice and force meaningful change.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Evans County, Georgia, dealing with the unthinkable trauma of hazing, understanding the potential financial recovery may seem secondary. However, securing substantial compensation is crucial. It covers devastating medical bills, lost educational opportunities, and addresses the profound pain and suffering endured. More importantly, large verdicts and settlements send an unmistakable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing will cost you millions, and you will be held accountable.

Our $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case is not a random number; it is firmly rooted in a solid body of legal precedent where hazing victims and their families have received multi-million dollar payouts. These funds are not just about monetary recovery; they are about forcing institutional change and honoring the victims by ensuring their suffering was not in vain.

Here are some landmark hazing verdicts and settlements that prove such recovery is possible and that underscore the severity with which the legal system views these cases:

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

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

On March 4, 2021, Stone Foltz, a student at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died of alcohol poisoning three days later.

• Settlement with Bowling Green State University: Stone’s family received $2.9 million from the university. This was the largest payout by a public university in Ohio history for a hazing case.
• Settlement with Pi Kappa Alpha National and Individuals: The family also settled with the national fraternity and several individuals for approximately $7.2 million.
• Individual Judgment: In December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay $6.5 million personally. This recent judgment highlights that even individual perpetrators face massive financial liability.

The combined recovery of over $10.1 million in the Stone Foltz case provides direct precedent for our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit. It demonstrates that when hazing causes severe injury, even if not death, the responsible parties are expected to pay millions, and that universities share significant liability.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit—during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event at Louisiana State University. He was forced to play a drinking game where incorrect answers led to more alcohol consumption.

• Jury Verdict: A civil jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This verdict explicitly shows that juries are willing to hold fraternities accountable with multi-million dollar judgments.
• Criminal Conviction: The case also led to criminal charges, including a conviction for negligent homicide against one fraternity member who received prison time.
• Legislative Change: In response to Max’s death, Louisiana passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony and increasing penalties.

The Gruver case is a powerful indicator that juries take hazing seriously, especially when it results in death. The egregious facts in the Bermudez case (waterboarding, physical abuse) are likely to elicit similar outrage from a jury.

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

Estimated Recovery: $110 Million+

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. He was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He fell multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and the entire incident was captured on security cameras.

• Settlements: While confidential, the combined settlements from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi were estimated to be over $110 million. This makes it one of the largest hazing-related payouts in U.S. history.
• Criminal Charges & Convictions: 18 fraternity members were charged, with multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and assault.
• Legislative Change: Pennsylvania enacted the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” a comprehensive anti-hazing statute with felony charges for severe hazing.

The Piazza case demonstrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, recoveries can be astronomical. The meticulous documentation in the Bermudez case, combined with the extreme nature of the abuse, gives it similar potential.

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

Same Fraternity As Our Case

On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University.

• Criminal Charges: Nine fraternity members faced charges.
• Civil Suit: His family settled their civil suit (amount confidential).
• Chapter Closure: The FSU chapter was permanently closed.

This case is particularly damning for Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident exactly eight years to the day before Leonel Bermudez collapsed from hazing at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a national organization that failed to learn from tragedy, despite having ample time to do so. This pattern evidence is critical for securing punitive damages in the Bermudez case.

Other Significant Cases:

• Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi, 2021): A $4 million+ settlement (filed for $28 million) was reached in October 2024 after Adam died from forced drinking.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Texas A&M, 2021): A multi-million dollar settlement was reached following a hazing incident that caused chemical burns to a pledge.
• Kappa Sigma (University of Miami, 2001): A jury awarded a $12.6 million verdict after Chad Meredith died from forced drinking.

These precedent cases show that families from Evans County, Georgia, and across the nation can and do win substantial compensation for hazing-related injuries and deaths. Our legal team leverages these victories to demonstrate to defendants, insurance companies, and if necessary, juries, that the price of hazing is steep. The $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is a justified and necessary step to hold all responsible parties accountable and prevent future tragedies.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights

For families in Evans County, Georgia, seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. While this information focuses primarily on Texas law, where our firm is based and the Bermudez case is filed, similar anti-hazing statutes exist in most states, and critical civil liability theories apply everywhere. Our federal court authority means we can pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.

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

Texas has some of the most robust anti-hazing laws in the nation, which provide a strong foundation for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.

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

• Involves physical brutality: Such as striking, beating, whipping, or branding. Leonel Bermudez’s experience with wooden paddles falls directly into this category.
• Endangers mental or physical health: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities posing an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel’s forced 500 squats, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and subsequent rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure exemplify this provision.
• Involves forced consumption: Forcing food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting is a clear violation.
• Requires violation of the Penal Code: Any activity that induces or forces a student to commit a crime.
• Coerces consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol: Forcing consumption to the point of intoxication.

The specificity of this definition is a powerful tool. The egregious acts suffered by Leonel Bermudez fit multiple categories, clearly demonstrating that hazing is not just against university policy, but against the law.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law provides for serious criminal penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or even failing to report firsthand knowledge of hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, perpetrators face up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure definitely constitute serious bodily injury.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, perpetrators can face 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. This is a critical provision that can apply to cases like Maxwell Gruver’s or Andrew Coffey’s if they occurred in Texas.

The University of Houston spokesperson explicitly mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement regarding Leonel’s case, confirming the criminal implications of this type of hazing.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also explicitly states that organizations can be held liable. An organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus. This provision targets entities like the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and the national organization.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is one of the most crucial aspects of Texas anti-hazing law: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This directly disarms the common defense argument: “he agreed to participate,” or “he knew what he was getting into.” The Texas legislature recognized the power dynamics and coercive nature of hazing, explicitly stating that consent simply doesn’t matter when hazing is involved. This is a game-changer for victims and their families from Evans County, Georgia, and beyond, ensuring that perpetrators cannot hide behind a victim’s coerced participation.

Civil Liability: Your Right to Sue for Damages

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits offer victims and their families the opportunity to recover significant compensation for the harm they suffered. The theories of civil liability allow us to pursue every responsible party:

1. Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental theory applicable in all states. It asserts that the defendants (fraternity, university, individuals) had a duty of care to protect Leonel, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, this breach caused his injuries, and these injuries resulted in damages.
2. Premises Liability: This applies when hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a defendant. The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred. They had a duty to maintain a safe environment, and allowing torture on their property constitutes a breach of this duty.
3. Negligent Supervision: This involves the failure of a higher authority to properly oversee those under their charge. The national fraternity failed to adequately supervise its local chapter, and the university failed to properly supervise Greek life organizations on its campus, especially given a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators. Wooden paddles, waterboarding, and forced physical exertion all constitute assault and battery.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim targets conduct that is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress. Waterboarding, hog-tying, and forced humiliation are textbook examples of such conduct, leading to severe psychological harm like PTSD.
6. Vicarious Liability: This doctrine holds one party responsible for the actions of another due to their relationship. For example, a national fraternity can be held vicariously liable for the actions of its local chapter, and a university may be vicariously liable for the actions of its recognized student organizations and staff.

These civil claims ensure that families like yours in Evans County, Georgia, have powerful legal avenues to seek justice. While we are based in Texas, the same types of claims apply across the United States, allowing us to represent hazing victims nationwide in state or federal courts, leveraging our dual-state bar admissions and federal court authority. The fight for justice for hazing victims is a national one, and we are equipped to lead that fight wherever it takes us.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Evans County Families

If your child from Evans County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most critical decisions you will make. This is not a typical personal injury case. It demands a specialized, aggressive, and data-driven approach – precisely what Attorney911 offers. We are not just lawyers; we are relentless advocates who believe every single hazing incident is a betrayal of trust that demands accountability.

Unparalleled Expertise and Experience

Our firm is led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, two seasoned litigators with a combined 37+ years of legal experience. What truly sets them apart, especially in hazing litigation, is their unique background:

• Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers working for insurance companies, including national defense giant Litchfield Cavo LLP. This means they have seen the defense playbook from the inside. They know exactly how insurance companies and corporate defendants (like national fraternities and universities) think, strategize, and try to minimize or deny claims. That insider knowledge is now an unfair advantage for our clients. As Lupe Peña puts it, he knows exactly how to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.”
• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience (Ralph Manginello): Ralph has decades of experience fighting in courtrooms across Texas and in federal courts. He knows what it takes to win at trial against powerful opponents, a crucial skill when corporations and institutions refuse to settle fairly.
• Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Experience: Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort against a massive corporate defendant, demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases involving institutional negligence and catastrophic harm—experience directly applicable to taking on entrenched universities and national fraternities.
• Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Ralph also has appellate experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal authority means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or incidents that cross state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph’s licensure in both Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage, allowing Attorney911 to navigate legal landscapes in states critical to national fraternity litigation and headquarters.
• Specialized Hazing Expertise: We specifically focus on hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis injuries (like Leonel Bermudez’s case), wrongful death, and cases against national fraternities and universities. We are not generalists; we are hazing litigation experts.

The Bermudez Case: Active, Aggressive Representation

Our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez is the strongest possible testament to our commitment and capabilities. We aren’t just theoretically prepared to handle such cases; we are doing it right now. This means:

• Real-time Experience: We are constantly refining our strategies, uncovering new evidence, and adapting to the evolving tactics of defense teams in hazing cases.
• Proven Aggression: The size and scope of the Bermudez lawsuit demonstrate our willingness to pursue maximum accountability, naming every responsible party from individual students to the highest echelons of the university and national fraternity.
• Data-Driven Litigation: Our firm maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, tracking federal tax IDs, legal names, housing corporations, and insurance structures. When hazing happens, we don’t guess who to sue; we know. This intelligence database was instrumental in identifying the numerous defendants in the Bermudez case, including the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation with EIN 462267515. For major metro areas, like the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area with its 188 Greek organizations, or the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro with 510, our data allows us to pinpoint responsible entities quickly. For parents in Evans County, we can assure you that we track the national organizations and their chapters at universities across the country, just as we tracked Pi Kappa Phi.

A Focus on Evans County Families

While our headquarters are in Houston, our commitment to justice extends to hazing victims nationwide, including families in Evans County, Georgia.

• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations, making it easy for families in Evans County to discuss their case with us without travel.
• Willingness to Travel: Our attorneys will travel to Evans County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials as necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• Understanding Local Context: We recognize that families from Evans County send their children to a variety of institutions, from major state universities to smaller colleges. We understand Greek life operates similarly across these campuses, and risks are universal.
• Bilingual Services: Mr. Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Evans County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. Se habla español.
• Compassionate but Fierce Advocacy: We approach every case with empathy for the victim and their family, combined with aggressive, no-holds-barred advocacy against those who caused harm. We treat clients like family, fighting for them as fiercely as we would for our own children.

No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees

We understand that legal fees can be a prohibitive concern, especially when families are already grappling with medical expenses and emotional distress. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

• $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
• We Only Get Paid if You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, aligning our interests perfectly with yours. We take on all the financial risk of litigation.

This commitment ensures that every family in Evans County, Georgia, regardless of their financial situation, has access to expert legal counsel against powerful institutions.

Social Proof and Client Endorsements

Our dedication is reflected in our client testimonials and our outstanding reputation:

• 4.9 Stars on Google with 250+ Reviews: Our clients consistently praise our communication, aggression, and compassionate approach. Testimonials speak of being treated “like family” and securing “very nice settlements.”
• Media Recognition: Our involvement in high-profile cases, including the Ryan Mitchell Smith case covered by ABC13, demonstrates our capability to handle sensitive and complex litigation under public scrutiny.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team that is emotionally invested in your case, equipped with insider knowledge, proven aggression, and the deep expertise required to win. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re fighting it right now, and we’re ready to fight for Evans County, Georgia, families too.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Evans County Families

If your child from Evans County, Georgia, has been hazed, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotions run high, taking specific, deliberate steps can significantly strengthen any potential legal claim and protect your child’s rights. Remember, “Attorney911” means we are your first responders in a legal emergency. Time is of the essence; evidence can disappear, and the statute of limitations is always ticking.

Here’s an actionable guide for Evans County families:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute top priority.

• Remove from Harm: If the hazing is ongoing or your child is still in a dangerous environment, get them to a safe place immediately.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor or your child is reluctant, get immediate medical attention.
  • Call 911 if there are any signs of severe injury, medical distress (like Leonel’s kidney failure), or if your child has consumed excessive alcohol or drugs.
  • Go to the Emergency Room or urgent care. Document everything; tell medical staff explicitly that injuries were sustained during a hazing incident.
  • Follow Doctor’s Orders: Adhere to all medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and pursue any recommended treatments (physical therapy, counseling). Delays in treatment can be used by the defense to claim injuries weren’t severe.
• Document Everything Medical: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, diagnoses (like rhabdomyolysis), prescriptions, and medical bills. These are crucial pieces of evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing organizations and universities will often try to hide or destroy evidence. You must act quickly to secure anything that could prove your case.

• Texts and Digital Communications:
  • DO NOT delete ANYTHING: This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, emails, or any other digital communication relevant to the hazing.
  • Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of all relevant messages showing instructions, threats, dates, times, and participants. Ensure dates and names are visible.
  • Save Contact Information: Collect phone numbers and usernames for all participants in group chats.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear photos of all injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, swelling—as soon as possible and at various stages of healing. If your child was hospitalized, try to get photos of them in the hospital. If you can’t, ask family or friends.
  • Hazing Activities (if any exist): If your child or others captured any photos or videos of hazing activities, secure them immediately.
  • Locations: Take photos of the location where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, outdoor area), noting conditions that might be relevant.
• Witness Information:
  • Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or any bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents:
  • Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the organization. These often detail the obligations that led to hazing.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing: medical bills, counseling costs, lost wages from missed work, or academic fees if your child had to withdraw.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs”

These actions can severely jeopardize your case:

• DO NOT Delete Anything: As Attorney911 regularly warns, deleting messages or social media posts can be seen as destruction of evidence, which can ruin your case.
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Officials Alone: They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their institution, not your child. Any statements your child gives can be used against them. Refer them to your attorney.
• DO NOT Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters and university representatives may try to get your child to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and state that all communication should go through your attorney.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without consulting with an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Attorney911 explicitly advises against this. Anything your child (or you) posts online about the incident, their recovery, or even unrelated activities can be twisted and used by the defense to undermine your claim.
• DO NOT Confront the Perpetrators: While understandable, direct confrontation can escalate the situation and compromise potential legal action.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately — Free Consultation

The single most important step after ensuring safety and preserving evidence is to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney. The statute of limitations (typically two years for personal injury cases in most states, including Georgia) means your time to act is limited. More importantly, evidence disappears quickly.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7): We are available around the clock for legal emergencies.
• Email: You can reach Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.
• Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your child’s case.
• Contingency Fees: You pay nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
• Remote & Travel Options: For families in Evans County, Georgia, we offer convenient video consultations. If necessary, our attorneys will travel to Evans County for depositions, client meetings, or trial. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Act now. Speaking with an attorney immediately allows us to send preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally requiring them to save all relevant evidence. It allows us to begin our thorough investigation while memories are fresh and evidence is available.

Your child’s hazing experience was a terrifying betrayal. By taking these immediate, decisive steps and partnering with Attorney911, you can turn that trauma into a powerful fight for justice, accountability, and prevention, not just for your family but for countless others.

If you’re a parent in Evans County, Georgia, and your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, do not hesitate. Your call to 1-888-ATTY-911 can be the first step towards healing and justice.

Contact Us: Your Evans County Hazing Litigation Advocates Are Ready

If you are a parent in Evans County, Georgia, grappling with the devastating reality that your child has been a victim of hazing, please know that you do not have to face this nightmare alone. We are Attorney911, and we are here to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that grips families in these moments, and we are ready to fight for you and your child.

Our experience, demonstrated by our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez, proves that we are not just talking about hazing litigation – we are in the trenches, aggressively holding institutions and individuals accountable. What happened in Houston is a warning for every family in Evans County, Georgia, and we are equipped to bring the same level of dedication and expertise to your case, no matter where it occurred.

Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Evans County Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. When you call, you will speak with a member of our dedicated team who can begin evaluating your situation immediately.

Connect Directly with Our Attorneys:

• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Email Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com
• Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

We Make Justice Accessible for Evans County Families:

• Free Consultation: Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options without any financial obligation.
• Contingency Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all the costs of litigation, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. There is no financial risk to you.
• Remote Consultations: For your convenience, especially for families in Evans County, Georgia, we offer secure video consultations. You can meet with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• Ready to Travel: While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we are committed to serving hazing victims nationwide. Our attorneys will travel to Evans County, Georgia, for critical depositions, client meetings, and trial, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice.

We Serve Hazing Victims Everywhere:

Hazing is a national crisis, and its impact is felt in communities like Evans County, Georgia, just as it is in major metropolitan areas. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges across Georgia and the United States, including at institutions such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, and Georgia Tech, which students from Evans County may attend.
• Sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations.
• Any group that uses abuse, humiliation, or forced activities for initiation or membership.

To other victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi hazing: We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Others suffered alongside him. Another pledge lost consciousness. Others were waterboarded and forced to endure the same abuse. If you were a victim or witnessed this hazing, you have rights. Your courage can contribute to ending this cycle of violence. “Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Call us; we can represent you.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Collecting crucial evidence and meeting legal deadlines requires immediate action. Every day that passes can make your case more challenging. Let us be your steadfast advocates. Let us bring your fight to light.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We are here to help you get the justice and accountability your child deserves.