If you’re reading this in Fayette County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to make lifelong friends and find a community. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and injured, all in the name of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” We understand what you’re going through, the fear, the anger, the confusion. We’re here to help families in Fayette County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses.

We are Attorney911, and while our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, including Fayette County. What happened to our client in Houston is a stark, recent reminder of the brutal reality of hazing today, and it could happen at any university where students from Fayette County pursue their education. We are currently embroiled in an active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members over severe hazing that led to a student’s hospitalization with kidney failure. We are in the fight right now, aggressively pursuing justice, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Fayette County, Georgia, for your family.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights for Hazing Victims – A Warning to Fayette County

The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not just another lawsuit; it’s a testament to our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing litigation. This happened in our backyard, less than three weeks ago. It shows exactly what hazing looks like today, and what kind of firm Attorney911 is. This case highlights the terrifying reality that hazing is not a relic of the past; it’s a present and dangerous threat, even at institutions where many students from Fayette County might attend college.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective fraternity member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He was a young man seeking community and connection, but what he got instead was weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They did this to someone who wasn’t even their student, demonstrating a shocking level of reckless disregard for human life.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are relentlessly pursuing this case in Harris County Civil District Court. As Ralph Manginello shared with 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.” Lupe Pena emphasized our mission: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The national media has picked up this story, with outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media detailing the horrific allegations:

• 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“

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement on their website, “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” acknowledging “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” and stating, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” Their lack of remorse, even as our client recovers from kidney failure caused by their chapter, is infuriating.

This case serves as a critical warning for families in Fayette County. The same national fraternities, the same dangerous “traditions,” and the same institutional failures that led to Leonel’s suffering can occur at universities where your children attend. Whether they stay local for college, perhaps at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton or Georgia Tech in Atlanta, or venture to larger out-of-state institutions, the risks of hazing are ever-present. Our fight is your fight, and we extend our aggressive representation to hazing victims and their families throughout Fayette County, Georgia.

The Grim Timeline of Hazing and Retribution in Our Case:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi, innocently believing he’s joining a brotherhood.
• September 16 – November 3: Weeks of systematic abuse begin.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during forced physical exertion.
• November 3, 2025: The incident occurs. Leonel is severely punished, forced to endure over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other extreme exercises until he collapses, unable to stand. He then crawls home.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital, where he’s passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of muscle breakdown. He’s diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life. Pi Kappa Phi National suspends the chapter.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter, aware of the egregious violations.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 files a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County. News breaks nationwide.

This aggressive timeline from injury to litigation demonstrates our firm’s commitment: when tragedy strikes, we move fast, decisively, and with an unwavering focus on justice. We understand the urgency that families in Fayette County feel when their child is harmed, and we respond without delay.

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

For many in Fayette County, the image of hazing might be a mischievous prank or a harmless rite of passage portrayed in movies. The reality is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic, calculated abuse designed to break down a person’s physical and psychological well-being. It is characterized by extreme acts that lead to serious injury, psychological trauma, and, in far too many cases, death.

The “traditions” Leonel Bermudez endured are not unique; they are hallmarks of modern hazing that could be happening at universities frequented by students from Peachtree City, Fayetteville, or Brooks.

• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics. This is a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon a young man seeking fraternity membership.
• Forced Consumption Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to run sprints while still in distress and lie in vomit-soaked grass. This is not harmless; it’s a dangerous act that can lead to choking, aspiration, and severe internal damage.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Our lawsuit details a grueling regimen including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and being struck with wooden paddles. This intense, forced exertion directly led to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, threatened with expulsion for non-compliance, and witnessed another pledge hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to humiliate, control, and break down a person mentally, leaving lasting scars.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion. Sleep deprivation undermines physical and mental health, making victims more vulnerable to the abuse.

These are not “boys being boys” activities. They are acts of assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment. They are designed to exert power and control over new members, often with devastating consequences. Unfortunately, statistics show this is not isolated:

• 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or misplaced loyalty.
• Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the United States.

Fayette County families need to know that this can happen in any organization, not just fraternities or sororities. Hazing occurs in college sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student groups. The institutional failures that allow it to continue are systemic, and they persist.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable in Fayette County Hazing Cases

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, as in the Leonel Bermudez case, the responsibility extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. At Attorney911, we believe in holding every liable party accountable, from the students directly involved to the national organizations and the universities themselves. This approach ensures maximum compensation for victims and sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

For families in Fayette County, understanding who can be held responsible is crucial for pursuing justice:

1. Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter): This is often the most direct line of responsibility. The local chapter organizes and facilitates the hazing activities. Its officers, especially the President and Pledgemaster (as named in our lawsuit), bear significant leadership responsibility for directing or allowing abuse. Individual members who participate in or fail to stop the hazing can also be held liable for their actions.

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): These are the deep pockets. National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi have the ultimate authority over their chapters. Their liability stems from:

   • Failure to Supervise: Negligently failing to adequately oversee local chapters’ activities.
   • Failure to Enforce Policies: Having anti-hazing policies but failing to enforce them effectively. KHOU 11 reported that Pi Kappa Phi National allegedly “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
   • Pattern of Negligence: Ignoring prior incidents or deaths. As seen with Pi Kappa Phi’s history, where Andrew Coffey died in a hazing incident in 2017, their failure to act led directly to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later. This shows a horrifying pattern.
   • National organizations possess substantial assets, endowments, and liability insurance, making them prime targets for significant damage awards.

3. Universities and Colleges (e.g., University of Houston and UH Board of Regents): Educational institutions have a paramount duty to protect their students. Their liability can arise from:

   • Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house owned by the University of Houston, the institution has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
   • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor or oversee Greek life and other student organizations. The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 with Pi Kappa Alpha, demonstrating clear institutional knowledge of the problem on its campus.
   • Failure to Act: Possessing the power to regulate, suspend, or remove organizations but failing to do so effectively to prevent harm.
   • Institutional Resources: Universities have significant financial resources and extensive insurance policies, making them a critical component of holding responsible parties accountable.

4. Individual Perpetrators: This includes not only the active chapter members and officers but also former members who might facilitate hazing, for example, by hosting illegal events at their residences. Our lawsuit even names a former member and his spouse because hazing occurred at their private home. Every person who actively participated in, directed, or enabled the abuse can be held personally and financially responsible. This includes those who failed to intervene or call for help when a student was clearly in distress.

5. Insurance Carriers: Each of the above entities typically carries extensive insurance policies – liability insurance for national organizations and universities, and homeowners’ insurance for individuals. These policies are often where significant financial recovery for victims is found. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both former insurance defense lawyers, possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate and how to maximize recovery from them.

When your child from Fayette County is a victim of hazing, our approach is comprehensive. We identify every single entity involved, from the college student who threw the punch to the multi-million-dollar national fraternity organization and the university administration. We do not rest until every responsible party, who either directly participated in the abuse or negligently allowed it to happen, is held fully accountable.

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

We understand that for families in Fayetteville, Peachtree City, or Sharpsburg, pursuing legal action after a hazing incident can feel daunting. But the truth is, families across the nation have successfully taken on powerful fraternities and universities, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that not only compensate for horrific injuries and deaths but also force institutions to change. These precedent-setting cases demonstrate that justice is possible, and the same aggressive legal strategies that achieved these results apply directly to Fayette County hazing cases.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements — They Will Pay

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

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was coerced into drinking an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: The Foltz family secured $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and various individuals, totaling over $10.1 million. This remains one of the largest public university hazing payouts in Ohio history. Critically, in December 2024, a jury ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in Foltz’s death.
   • Relevance to Bermudez & Fayette County: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case aligns perfectly with this precedent. It shows that both universities and national fraternities pay significant sums, and that individual perpetrators face massive personal liability. If we fight for you in Fayette County, we leverage these precedents.

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

   • What Happened: In September 2017, during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study,” 18-year-old Max Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol for answering fraternity trivia questions incorrectly. He died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495, six times the legal limit.
   • Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The tragedy led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Relevance: This verdict proves that juries will award millions for hazing-related deaths. The emotional impact of such a death on a jury, seeing a university student’s life cut short by senseless abuse, is profound. Similar jury outcomes could be argued for Fayette County victims.

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

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Beta Theta Pi, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” ritual. He fell down basement stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from his injuries.
   • Outcome: The Piazza family reportedly secured more than $110 million in settlements. His death led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, one of the toughest in the nation. The fact that security cameras captured everything was instrumental in proving liability.
   • Relevance: This case demonstrates the immense financial and legislative ramifications when hazing is exposed with irrefutable evidence. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, with its detailed allegations of waterboarding and extreme physical abuse, will evoke similar outrage.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE!

   • What Happened: In November 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” event.
   • Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement for the family.
   • Relevance: This is the most damning precedent for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves the national organization knew about deadly hazing within its chapters as far back as 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under similar circumstances but different methods. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and foreseeability, directly strengthening our case and any future Fayette County cases involving this fraternity.

These cases are clear proof that when a child is severely harmed or dies due to hazing, justice can be found in the civil courts. The millions of dollars awarded or settled are not merely compensation; they are a powerful deterrent. They force universities to re-evaluate their Greek life oversight and compel national fraternities to truly address their toxic cultures. For Fayette County families, these precedents mean that the aggressive fight we’re waging in Houston is a proven path to accountability and significant recovery.

Texas Law Protects You: A Framework for Fayette County Victims

While the tragic events involving Leonel Bermudez took place in Texas, many states, including Georgia, have robust anti-hazing laws. Furthermore, all victims, regardless of location, are protected by common law principles of negligence and personal injury. As your Fayette County hazing lawyer, we navigate these legal landscapes, ensuring that every avenue for justice is explored.

Understanding Hazing Laws and Your Rights as a Fayette County Victim

What is Hazing?
Many states broadly define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by one person or a group, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.
• Causes, induces, or requires a student to violate criminal or civil law.

The actions suffered by Leonel Bermudez – waterboarding, forced physical exertion, forced eating until vomiting, physical assault with paddles – undeniably fall under these definitions. These egregious acts are not isolated incidents but a systemic problem that can affect students from Fayette County anywhere in the country.

Crucial Legal Points for Fayette County Victims:

1. Consent is NOT a Defense: This is perhaps the most critical legal protection for hazing victims. The pervasive myth that “they chose to participate” or “they could have left” is legally invalid. Many state laws explicitly state that consent to hazing is NOT a a defense. The power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of social ostracism or retaliation inherent in hazing situations negate true consent. We will shut down any attempt by defendants to blame your child for their own abuse.

2. Criminal vs. Civil Liability: Hazing can lead to both criminal charges and civil lawsuits:

   • Criminal Charges: Individuals directly involved in hazing can face misdemeanor or even felony charges, depending on the severity of the act and the resulting injuries. For instance, hazing that causes serious bodily injury can lead to significant jail time.
   • Civil Lawsuits: A civil case, like our $10 million lawsuit, aims to compensate the victim and their family for their injuries and losses. This can include economic damages (medical bills, lost tuition, lost earning capacity) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life).

3. Multiple Avenues for Civil Claims: We pursue every legal avenue to secure justice for Fayette County victims:

   • Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national organization, and individual members had a duty of care to protect your child, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the injuries.
   • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity housing corporation (as in our UH case), these entities can be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment.
   • Negligent Supervision: Universities and national organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters and Greek life. Their failure to do so, especially when they have knowledge of prior hazing incidents, can be a strong basis for liability.
   • Assault and Battery: Individual members who inflict physical harm can be sued directly for assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual physical contact).
   • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, capable of causing severe emotional distress, can form the basis of this claim.
   • Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one, including lost future earnings, companionship, and funeral expenses.

4. Statute of Limitations: This is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In most states, including Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is usually two years from the date of the injury or death. However, this period can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the types of claims involved. It is critical to act quickly because evidence can disappear, memories fade, and delaying can jeopardize your legal rights. For Fayette County families, reaching out to an attorney immediately after a hazing incident is paramount.

We understand that sorting through complex legal statutes can be overwhelming, especially when your family is dealing with trauma. That’s why Attorney911 takes a personalized approach, explaining every step in clear, understandable language. We are committed to using every tool in the legal arsenal to protect your child and seek the comprehensive justice they deserve, whether the case falls under state-specific anti-hazing laws or broader civil liability principles.

Why Attorney911: Your Fayette County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your child has been subjected to brutal hazing, you need a law firm that understands the profound trauma, the complex legal landscape, and the tactics of powerful institutions that will try to deny responsibility. You need Attorney911. While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our capabilities and commitment to justice extend to Fayette County, Georgia, and nationwide. We don’t just talk about fighting hazing; we’re in the trenches right now, actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university.

Here’s why Fayette County families choose Attorney911 to fight for their hazing victims:

1. Active, Frontline Hazing Litigation Experience: We are not hypothetical. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof that we know how to build these cases, challenge powerful defendants, and demand accountability. This current fight gives us unparalleled real-time insight into the latest defense strategies and how to dismantle them. We bring this proven, aggressive approach to every hazing case, including yours in Fayette County.

2. Insider Knowledge from Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.” We have literally sat on the other side of the table. We know how insurance companies, national fraternities’ legal teams, and university risk management departments think. We know their playbook for minimizing claims, delaying payments, and denying responsibility. We use that intimate knowledge to anticipate their moves, expose their weaknesses, and build an airtight case for your child in Fayette County.

3. Federal Court Admissions for Nationwide Reach: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority means we are equipped to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdictions across the country, providing significant leverage when national fraternities or universities are involved, regardless of their location relative to Fayette County.

4. Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello’s admission to both the Texas and New York State Bars provides a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities. Many national Greek organizations are headquartered or registered in states with strict corporate laws or where significant legal precedent exists. Our dual licensure enhances our ability to navigate these complex legal frameworks, wherever the national organization operates.

5. Experience Against Massive Corporate Entities (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion demonstrates our capability to take on the largest corporate defendants with vast resources. Hazing cases often involve confronting equally powerful university systems and national organizations. This experience proves we are not intimidated.

6. Hazing-Specific Expertise and Rhabdomyolysis Litigation: Our current case involves severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understanding the medical intricacies and long-term implications of these devastating injuries. This specialized knowledge is crucial for accurately valuing your child’s injuries and securing comprehensive compensation.

7. Deep-Dive Intelligence & Database of Greek Organizations: We don’t guess who to sue. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, EINs, legal names, and insurance structures. This intelligence allows us to identify every liable entity behind the Greek letters, from house corporations to national headquarters. When hazing touches Fayette County, we apply this same rigorous, data-driven approach to ensure no responsible party escapes accountability.

8. Compassionate, Parent-Facing Approach: We are keenly aware that behind every hazing case is a family in crisis. We speak directly to you, the worried parent, not in legal jargon, but with empathy and clarity. Testimonials like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” speak to our commitment. We treat your Fayette County family like our own.

9. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Cost for Fayette County Families: We understand that the financial stress of dealing with a hazing incident is immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal fight.

10. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and our staff is bilingual. This ensures that Hispanic families in Fayette County feel comfortable and fully understand every aspect of their case without language barriers.

11. Willingness to Travel to Fayette County: Although headquartered in Houston, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer remote consultations via video conference, and we are prepared to travel to Fayette County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. For us, distance is never a barrier to justice.

Hazing is a battle, and Attorney911 is built for that fight. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates, strategists, and relentless pursuers of justice for victims like your child in Fayette County.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Fayette County Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in Fayette County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do – and don’t do – can significantly impact the success of your legal claim. Hazing victims often feel shame, fear retribution, or harbor loyalty to the organization, leading to delays in reporting. However, acting quickly is paramount. Here are the crucial, actionable steps for Fayette County families:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

1. Remove Your Child from the Situation: Ensure your child is physically safe and away from any ongoing hazing environment. This might mean bringing them home to Fayette County, Georgia, immediately.
2. Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child is hesitant, get them to a doctor, emergency room, or urgent care clinic right away.
   • Document Everything: Tell the medical staff exactly what happened and how the injuries occurred. This creates a crucial initial medical record.
   • Comprehensive Assessment: Hazing injuries can be internal (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), physical (broken bones, burns, lacerations), or psychological (trauma, anxiety, PTSD). A full medical evaluation is essential.
   • Follow Doctor’s Orders: Adhere to all recommended treatments, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals. Skipping appointments can be used by the defense to argue injuries weren’t severe.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – “Document Everything!”

As Ralph Manginello often advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”

1. Medical Records: Obtain copies of ALL medical records, including hospital charts, doctor’s notes, test results (like blood work showing creatine kinase levels), discharge summaries, and bills.
2. Photographs and Videos:
   • Injuries: Take clear photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling, rashes, signs of dehydration or exhaustion) immediately and throughout the healing process. Document changes over time.
   • Hazing Environment: If safe to do so, photograph the locations where hazing occurred – fraternity house, specific rooms, outdoor areas.
   • Hazing Paraphernalia: Pictures of any items used in hazing (bottles, paddles, fanny packs, clothes).
3. Digital Communications (CRITICAL!): Hazing often happens through digital channels.
   • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, emails, photos, or videos related to the hazing or the organization.
   • Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of all relevant messages and social media posts, saving them to multiple devices or cloud storage. This includes official communications, veiled threats, or conversations that seem innocent but relate to activities.
4. Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, including other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
5. Organizational Documents: Keep copies of any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the fraternity/sorority or university related to the pledge process.
6. Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing incident, including medical bills, lost wages from missed work, or tuition/fees for any semester disrupted.
7. Academic Records: Document any academic impact, such as missed classes, failing grades, or loss of scholarships due to the hazing trauma.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs”

1. DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority, University, or Their Lawyers Without Legal Counsel: They are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect themselves and minimize liability. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications.
2. DO NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media: Anything you post, no matter how innocuous, can be twisted and used by the defense to undermine your case. Stay off social media, or at the very least, do not post about the hazing incident, your injuries, or your legal actions.
3. DO NOT Delete ANY Messages or Posts: Deleting digital evidence can lead to accusations of spoliation (destroying evidence), which can severely harm your case.
4. DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without your attorney reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your rights or jeopardize your claim.
5. DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: This can escalate the situation and compromise your safety or the legal process.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately

The most important step you can take for your child in Fayette County is to call us immediately.

1. The Statute of Limitations is Running: In most states, including Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit. This window can close quickly, and if you miss it, you lose your right to pursue justice forever.
2. Evidence Disappears Rapidly: Digital evidence can be deleted, memories fade, and physical evidence can be tampered with. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can secure critical evidence.
3. Free Consultation, No Obligation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to all Fayette County families. This means you can discuss your case, understand your legal options, and get expert advice without any financial commitment.
4. We Come To You (Remotely and In-Person): Whether you’re in Peachtree City, Fayetteville, or any part of Fayette County, we can conduct initial consultations remotely via phone or video conference. If necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trial, our attorneys will travel to you.

Your child’s future, their physical health, and their emotional well-being are paramount. Don’t let fear, shame, or the tactics of powerful institutions silence your family. Call Attorney911. We are here to fight for you.

Contact Us: Your Fayette County Hazing Justice Hotline

If your child in Fayette County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, your family is in a legal emergency. You need immediate, aggressive, and experienced legal help. We are Attorney911, and we are fighting this battle every day, right now, as evidenced by our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We bring that same fierce dedication and expertise to families in Fayette County.

You have legal rights. Your child deserves justice. We are here to help.

Fayette County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24/7. Day or night, when you need help, we are here to answer. There’s no cost to speak with us about your child’s hazing incident.

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Our Commitment to Fayette County Families:

• $0 Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront to hire our firm. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This allows your family in Fayette County to focus on healing, not legal bills.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Service: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court admissions and willingness to travel ensure we can effectively represent hazing victims in Fayette County, Georgia, and across the United States. We will conduct remote consultations via video conference, making it easy for you to connect with us from your home in Fayette County. For critical legal proceedings, we come to you.
• A Legal Team That Understands: We are more than just lawyers; we are advocates who truly understand the profound impact hazing has on victims and their families. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys means we speak the language of the opposition and know how to dismantle their defenses.
• Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): With attorneys like Lupe Pena, who is fluent in Spanish, and a bilingual staff, we ensure that Hispanic families in Fayette County receive clear, comprehensive legal support in their preferred language.

What Happens When You Call Us:

1. Immediate & Confidential Consultation: You’ll speak directly with an experienced legal professional who will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment. Your consultation is entirely confidential.
2. Case Evaluation: We will assess the details of your child’s hazing experience, discuss the potential legal claims, and identify the responsible parties.
3. Evidence Guidance: We will provide immediate, actionable advice on preserving crucial evidence, ensuring your case is built on a strong foundation from day one.
4. No Pressure, Clear Options: We will clearly explain your legal options, the potential outcomes, and how we can help, allowing you to make informed decisions for your family without pressure.

We Represent All Hazing Victims, Regardless of Organization or Location:

Hazing is unfortunately not confined to one type of organization or one geographic area. Whether the hazing occurred at a university in Athens, Georgia, in Florida, or across the country, we can help. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at any college or university your child from Fayette County might attend.
• Sports teams, from high school to NCAA Division I programs.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, and other campus organizations.
• Military academies and professional training programs.
• Any group that uses abuse, humiliation, or forced activities as an initiation ritual.

To Other Victims of the Pi Kappa Phi Hazing in Houston:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Our lawsuit explicitly details how another pledge was hog-tied, and yet another collapsed during forced exercise. There are other victims of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter’s egregious hazing. You have rights too. You may be scared, but you are not alone. Lupe Pena’s words resonate: “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 us help you bring the full truth to light and hold every responsible party accountable.

Don’t let fear or intimidation silence you. The institutions responsible for your child’s suffering are powerful, but we are more tenacious. Let Attorney911 be your advocate. Call us now. Your fight is our fight.

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