If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to find community and camaraderie, perhaps at a university near Glynn County, Georgia, or further afield. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and physical torment. They were hazed. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Glynn County and across the nation fight back against the insidious practice of hazing.

Here in Glynn County, we cherish our strong community values and the trust we place in our educational institutions. Parents across our county send their children off to college, whether it’s the College of Coastal Georgia, Georgia Southern University, or any of the hundreds of institutions across the country, with the expectation that they will be safe, grow, and thrive. When that trust is betrayed by dangerous and illegal hazing, the impact on families in Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and throughout Glynn County is devastating. We are here to tell you that you are not alone, and you have powerful legal options.

The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning for Glynn County Families

Just weeks ago, a nightmare unfolded in Houston, Texas, involving the very same national fraternity that may have chapters near Glynn County: Pi Kappa Phi. This incident is not just a Texas tragedy; it’s a stark warning for parents sending their children to college from Brunswick, Darien, or any community in Glynn County: hazing is real, it’s brutal, and it’s happening right now at universities your children might attend.

We, at Attorney911, are currently in the thick of this fight. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., against the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical case we hope to handle someday; it is a live, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court that represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with big dreams. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, eager to build friendships and find his place. However, Leonel wasn’t even a student at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Despite not being an enrolled student, he was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse, humiliation, and physical torture that ultimately led to his hospitalization.

What happened to Leonel in Houston is a horrifying testament to the reality of modern hazing. He was waterboarded with a garden hose – a tactic recognized internationally as torture. He was hog-tied, face-down on a table with an object in his mouth. He was forced to eat until he vomited, then compelled to continue running sprints in his own vomit-soaked grass. He was subjected to extreme physical exertion for hours, including 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and something cruelly called “save-you-brother” drills, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He kept going until his body simply broke down.

When he finally made it home, he was so exhausted he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. For two days, he couldn’t move, and his condition worsened. His mother, seeing his condition, rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine—a terrifying sign that his muscles were breaking down. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, conditions that required him to spend three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life. The long-term risk of permanent kidney damage still looms over him.

This kind of brutality is why we do what we do. Our very own Ralph Manginello 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.” And Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, emphasized the broader mission to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Within weeks of Leonel’s mother bringing him to the hospital, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended. The chapter members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated, and the University of Houston issued a statement calling the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This case is not an anomaly. It’s an example of what can happen to students from Glynn County, or anywhere, when they seek to join a fraternity or sorority. We are actively fighting for Leonel Bermudez right now, and we stand ready to bring that same aggressive, data-driven representation to your family if your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing.

Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges – ABC13 Houston, November 21, 2025
$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations – KHOU 11, November 21, 2025

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as harmless “boys being boys” behavior, or a necessary “tradition” for building brotherhood or sisterhood. Glynn County families, we are here to tell you that is a dangerous and devastating lie. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, and what continues to happen at universities across the nation, is not pranks. It is systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities. It occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations. It’s a pervasive problem that affects students from every background, including those from our own Glynn County community. While the media often focuses on tragic deaths, the reality is that countless students suffer severe physical and psychological trauma, often in silence.

We’re seeing hazing incidents involving:

• Extreme Physical Abuse: Beyond the 500 squats and 100 push-ups Leonel endured, hazing involves brutal beatings, paddling with objects like wooden paddles, branding, forced calisthenics to exhaustion, and other forms of physical torment. The lawsuit in Leonel’s case also documented an instance where another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout in mid-October 2025. This is not about pushing personal limits; it’s about breaking individuals.
• Forced Consumption: This includes excessive, often dangerous, alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, and even consumption of non-food substances. Leonel was forced to chug large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then ordered to continue exercising in that state. This is not a party game; it’s a dangerous assault on the body.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, enduring constant humiliation. Other tactics include sleep deprivation, isolation, verbal degradation, forced servitude, and threats of expulsion if pledges fail to comply. The hog-tying incident involving another pledge clearly demonstrates the malicious intent behind these acts.
• Sexual Coercion and Abuse: In some of the most abhorrent cases, hazing can involve forced nudity, sexual acts, and sexual assault. This is a severe violation that leaves deep, lasting scars on victims.
• Simulated Waterboarding: This is a method of torture. As Houston Public Media’s coverage of Leonel’s case explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” It creates an overwhelming sensation of drowning and suffocation, designed to break an individual’s will. To inflict this on a prospective fraternity member is a barbaric act that constitutes assault and battery.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: This tactic, often combined with other forms of abuse, can leave students physically and mentally vulnerable. Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to his severe exhaustion. Sleep deprivation can impair judgment, weaken the immune system, and exacerbate other health risks.

The consequences of hazing are stark and can be life-altering:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez. It’s a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, leading to kidney damage and potentially death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or forced activities that lead to head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, severe anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. Leonel’s fear of retribution, as noted by ABC13, is a common experience among hazing victims.

This is not some bygone era of harmless initiations. This is modern-day torture, and it’s happening in communities like Glynn County when our children leave home for college. The organizations perpetrating these acts, and the institutions that enable them, must be held accountable.

Who is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable for Hazing in Glynn County

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the fault of a few “bad apples.” The culture that enables such abuse extends far beyond individual students. This is why our lawsuit in the Bermudez case aggressively targets every single party who contributed to, enabled, or failed to prevent the horrific hazing. The same legal theories and accountability standards apply to hazing incidents affecting students from Glynn County, no matter where they occur.

Here’s who can be held responsible:

• The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority: This is often the most direct perpetrator. The specific members who plan, organize, and execute hazing rituals are directly liable. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was directly involved in the planning and execution of his hazing. The chapter president, pledgemaster, and other active members bear direct responsibility.
• Individual Members and Leaders: We are suing 13 individual fraternity members in the Bermudez case, including chapter leaders and members who participated in or facilitated the hazing. Every person who actively participates in, directs, encourages, or fails to intervene in hazing that causes injury or death can be held personally liable. This includes officers who create the culture, members who carry out the acts, and even alumni who support or host hazing activities.
• Parent or National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These organizations have a clear duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure the safety of their members. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant. Our lawsuit alleges they “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” The tragic death of Andrew Coffey in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 provided the national organization with undeniable notice of the dangers within their chapters. Eight years later, Leonel was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a knowing disregard for student safety. National organizations possess vast resources, extensive insurance, and the ultimate authority over their chapters, making them critical targets for accountability.
• House Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities have separate “house corporations” that own or manage the properties where chapters reside. If hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws. In our Bermudez lawsuit, the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation is a named defendant.
• Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to provide a safe environment for their students. This duty extends to regulating Greek life and other student organizations on campus. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents are key defendants because the university owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had clear notice that hazing was a problem on their campus yet failed to implement effective safeguards. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs, has the power to intervene, and knows about past incidents, their liability is often undeniable. Universities have substantial endowments and insurance policies, ensuring they can contribute to meaningful compensation.
• Alumni and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse are also named in the lawsuit because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This demonstrates that liability can extend beyond active members to anyone who facilitates or allows hazing to take place on their property. Alumni often provide financial and logistical support, and their participation or enablement makes them liable.
• Insurance Carriers: While not directly responsible for the hazing itself, the insurance carriers for all the named defendants are ultimately the “deep pockets” that pay out settlements and verdicts. National organizations, universities, and individuals typically carry various forms of liability insurance that can cover hazing-related injuries and deaths. Our legal team, including Lupe Pena who previously worked as an insurance defense attorney, understands how these complex policies work and how to leverage them to maximize recovery for our clients.

We do not guess who is responsible. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas and nationwide, including IRS EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and insurance structures. When hazing happens to a student from Glynn County, we already know exactly who to sue. We will meticulously investigate every aspect of the incident to identify every single liable party – from the individual who inflicted the harm to the highest levels of institutional leadership – and we will hold them all accountable before a judge and jury.

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

For families in Glynn County facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for significant legal victories can offer a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. These aren’t just legal battles; they are fights for justice, for accountability, and for a powerful message to be sent that hazing will no longer be tolerated. Across the country, hazing victims and their families have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, forcing institutions to reckon with their negligence. These precedents demonstrate that fighting back works, and the same aggressive legal strategies that achieved these outcomes are available for victims from Glynn County.

Consider these landmark cases, which prove that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not just warranted, but consistent with the value juries and courts place on such horrific injuries:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – Over $10.1 Million: Stone Foltz, a student at Bowling Green State University, tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. His family ultimately secured over $10.1 million in settlements, with $2.9 million coming from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. Just recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating the steep personal cost for those directly involved. The Stone Foltz case proves that universities bear significant financial responsibility, national fraternities (like Pi Kappa Phi) will pay millions, and individual perpetrators can face devastating personal judgments.
• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where he was forced to chug alcohol for incorrect answers during a “Bible Study” event. His family pursued justice, resulting in a $6.1 million jury verdict. This case sent a clear message: juries are outraged by hazing, and they will award millions in damages to victims and their families. The tragedy also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of these cases to drive legislative change.
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Over $110 Million (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. The Piazza family secured an estimated $110 million or more in confidential settlements from various defendants. This case, extensively documented by security cameras, demonstrated that strong evidence (like the detailed allegations in our Bermudez case) leads to massive outcomes. It also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” further strengthening anti-hazing legislation.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement: This case is particularly relevant to our Bermudez lawsuit because it involves the very same national fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi. Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to chug a bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. While the settlement amount remains confidential, the case led to criminal charges against nine fraternity members and the permanent closure of the FSU chapter. This is definitive proof that Pi Kappa Phi National had undeniable notice of the deadly hazing culture within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded and hospitalized. Their failure to act effectively establishes a pattern of negligence that is central to our claim against them.
• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – Over $4 Million Settlement: Adam Oakes tragically died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family’s lawsuit, originally seeking $28 million, resulted in a settlement of over $4 million in October 2024. This case further reinforces the multi-million dollar value of hazing lawsuits and the ability of families to secure substantial compensation for their immense suffering.

These cases send a resounding message to every fraternity, sorority, university, and individual involved in hazing: This is not a game, and it comes with a monumental price tag. While Leonel Bermudez miraculously survived his ordeal, his injuries—severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—carry significant medical costs, long-term health risks, and immense pain and suffering. The egregious nature of the acts committed against him, including waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical abuse, are precisely the kind of tactics that inflame juries and drive punitive damages.

For Glynn County families, know that these powerful legal precedents underscore the potential for justice in your child’s hazing case. The pattern of multi-million dollar awards proves that with aggressive, experienced legal representation, you can hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation necessary for recovery and to send a message that protects future students.

Texas Law Protects You: A Shield for Glynn County Hazing Victims

Families in Glynn County need to understand that strict laws are in place to combat hazing, and these laws provide powerful tools for holding accountable those who inflict harm. While our focus is on Texas law (where our firm is based), most states have similar anti-hazing statutes, and federal civil rights claims apply regardless of geographical location. This means that whether your child was hazed in Georgia, Florida, or any other state, you have robust legal rights that our firm can help you enforce.

In Texas, the law is clear, comprehensive, and most importantly, it explicitly rejects common defenses used by fraternities and universities. Here are the key protections under the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157:

Defining Hazing: It’s Broader Than You Think (§ 37.151):

Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes a wide range of activities directly applicable to Leonel Bermudez’s case:

• Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
• Sleep Deprivation, Exposure, Confinement, Calisthenics: These are specific categories. Leonel’s ordeal involved forced early morning drives leading to exhaustion, being stripped to his underwear and sprayed with a hose in cold weather, and hours of extreme calisthenics (500 squats, 100 push-ups, bear crawls) that caused his muscles to break down. These activities subjected him to an “unreasonable risk of harm” and adversely affected his mental and physical health.
• Forced Consumption: This covers forcing students to consume food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or impede health and safety. Leonel’s forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting falls directly under this.
• Violation of Penal Code: Any activity that causes a student to commit a crime.
• Coercing Drug or Alcohol Consumption: Forcing a student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication. While Leonel’s case didn’t primarily involve alcohol, the coercive element is key.

Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Crime, Not a Prank (§ 37.152):

Texas law imposes severe criminal penalties, demonstrating the state’s stance against hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or even for having firsthand knowledge of hazing and failing to report it (up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury, perpetrators can face up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undoubtedly constitute serious bodily injury.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, perpetrators face 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The police and the University of Houston, in their statement after Leonel’s hazing, have already mentioned “potential criminal charges,” underscoring the severity of the acts committed.

Organizational Liability: Holding Fraternities and Sororities Accountable (§ 37.153):

The law makes it clear that organizations themselves are liable if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni participate in or assist hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This is why we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National and its local chapter in Leonel’s case.

THE CRITICAL TRUTH: Consent is NOT a Defense! (§ 37.154):

This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas hazing law, and a point many fraternities try to exploit. The law states unequivocally: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.“

Defense attorneys for fraternities and universities will often argue that victims “consented,” “knew what they were getting into,” or “could have left.” Texas law explicitly shuts down this argument. A student cannot legally consent to be physically brutalized, sleep-deprived, or force-fed to the point of vomiting. This legal provision is a shield for victims and a weapon for their attorneys, ensuring that blame cannot be shifted onto the student who was harmed.

University Reporting Requirements: Transparency is Mandatory (§ 37.155):

Chief administrative officers of educational institutions must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is crucial for uncovering a university’s knowledge of hazing, their response (or lack thereof), and identifying potential patterns.

For Glynn County families, our firm possesses deep expertise in these specific statutes and how they apply to civil litigation. While Leonel’s case demonstrates the criminal implications, our primary focus is on securing maximum civil compensation for his injuries and suffering. These laws provide a robust legal framework to pursue justice, whether the hazing occurred at a local Georgia institution or a university in another state. Your child could not legally consent to the abuse, and we will ensure that fact is central to your pursuit of justice.

Why Attorney911? Your Glynn County Hazing Litigation Experts

When your family in Glynn County faces the unthinkable trauma of hazing, you need legal representation that is not just knowledgeable, but aggressive, experienced, and deeply committed to your cause. You need a legal team that understands the cultural nuances of Greek life, the complexities of university administration, and the intricate strategies of national fraternities. This is why Attorney911 stands apart as the premier choice for hazing victims and their families, ready to serve communities like Brunswick, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island from our base in Texas.

We’re Not Theoretical; We’re in the Fight Right Now: While many firms may claim to handle hazing cases, we are currently litigating one of the most significant hazing lawsuits in the country: the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case in Houston. This isn’t just a consultation; it’s active warfare against a national fraternity and a major university. This real-time, high-stakes litigation uniquely positions us to understand the current tactics of defendants and to bring that same aggressive, battle-tested approach to your Glynn County case.

Our Unfair Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both of our managing partners, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense attorneys. This is a critical differentiator. They spent years working on the “other side,” learning the intricate strategies, valuation methods, delay tactics, and denial reasoning of insurance companies that cover fraternities, universities, and their members.

• Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against giants like BP. He knows how to dismantle the defenses of massive corporate and institutional defendants. His journalism background also means he knows how to investigate, uncover facts, and tell a compelling story—essential for exposing hidden hazing.
• Lupe Pena honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. He understands firsthand how large insurance carriers evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. He knows their internal playbook, and he now uses that insider knowledge to meticulously dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients.

When you hire Attorney911 for your Glynn County hazing case, you’re not just getting lawyers; you’re getting former enemy combatants who have seen the battlefield from both sides. We know exactly how colleges and fraternities will try to evade responsibility because we used to advise them.

Nationwide Reach with Local Sensitivity for Glynn County: Though headquartered in Houston, our expertise and reach extend far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national problem, and we are equipped to represent victims throughout the United States, including Glynn County, Georgia:

• Federal Court Authority: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have federal appellate experience. This means we can pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, an advantage when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across states.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations often headquartered or operating extensively in states beyond Texas.
• Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Glynn County for depositions, critical meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring you receive personalized representation.
• Remote Consultation Technology: We leverage technology to offer convenient video consultations, allowing Glynn County families to connect with our legal team without leaving their homes.

Specialized Expertise in Hazing-Related Injuries: Ralph Manginello has direct experience litigating cases involving specific hazing injuries, such as rhabdomyolysis—the very condition Leonel Bermudez suffered. This deep understanding of the medical realities of hazing is crucial for building a robust case for damages.

Compassion and Communication: We understand that dealing with hazing’s aftermath is emotionally draining. Our firm operates with empathy, treating Glynn County families like our own. Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Glynn County receive clear, consistent communication and support throughout the legal process. Our Google reviews, boasting a 4.9-star rating from over 250 clients, consistently highlight our responsiveness, communication, and commitment to achieving justice.

No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees: We believe every victim, regardless of their financial situation, deserves justice. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all litigation costs and attorney fees, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes the financial burden, allowing you to focus on healing while we aggressively pursue accountability. (How Contingency Fees Work)

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a legal team that has walked this path before, knows the enemy, and is actively fighting for the very cause you need championed. We are aggressive, experienced, and dedicated to turning your pain into powerful justice for your child and for change across the nation.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Glynn County Hazing Victims

If your child in Glynn County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. We understand that this is an incredibly traumatic time, filled with fear, anger, and confusion. However, swift action can be crucial for preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. Here’s a clear, actionable guide for Glynn County families:

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention.

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

• Remove Your Child from the Situation Immediately: Get them out of the environment where the hazing occurred.
• Seek Medical Attention (Even if Injuries Seem Minor): Don’t delay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis) may have delayed symptoms. Glynn County has facilities like Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick – take your child there or the nearest emergency room. Request a full medical evaluation, detailing all symptoms and activities they were forced to do. Medical records are foundational evidence.
  • Crucial Tip: Be explicit with medical providers that the injuries resulted from forced activities during a hazing incident. Keep all medical receipts, doctor’s notes, and hospital discharge papers.
• DO NOT Sign Any Medical Waivers from the school, fraternity, or outside parties without consulting an attorney.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence. Every Detail Matters.

Hazing perpetrators and institutions will try to cover their tracks. Your proactive evidence preservation is vital.

• Document Injuries Visually: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, rashes, swelling, signs of exhaustion). Continue to photograph the healing process over days and weeks. This creates a powerful visual narrative.
• Save All Communications: Keep every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. This includes invitations to events, conversations about “pledge tasks,” threats, or discussions among members. This digital footprint often contains undeniable proof of hazing.
  • CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Even if it seems irrelevant or damning, deleting messages can be seen as spoliation of evidence and harm your case. If you have been told to delete messages, that is further evidence of a cover-up.
• Identify Witnesses: Write down the names and contact information for any other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing or have relevant information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Collect Documents: Save any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or other documents given to your child by the organization.
• Take Notes: Encourage your child to write down everything they remember about the hazing incidents as soon as possible, while memories are fresh. Details like dates, times, locations, who was present, what was said, and what specifically happened are crucial.

Step 3: Limit Communication and Avoid Social Media.

Protect your child and your potential legal case from missteps.

• DO NOT Communicate with the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not let your child, or anyone else, speak directly with fraternity or sorority leaders, members, alumni, or advisors about the incident without first consulting our attorneys.
• DO NOT Give Statements to University Officials Alone: While universities have Title IX and hazing reporting obligations, any statement given can be used against your child or their case. We can advise you on how to navigate university investigations.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted on social media – by your child, friends, or family – can be twisted and used by defense attorneys to undermine your case. Avoid discussing the incident, your child’s injuries, or your legal plans online. This includes private messages that could be discovered. (Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident)

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately.

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7): We offer free, confidential consultations for Glynn County families. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and preserving critical evidence.
• Understand Legal Deadlines: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to pursue justice entirely. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and defendants exploit delays. (Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?)
• We Come to You: For Glynn County families, distance is not an issue. We offer video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Glynn County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.

Our legal team is ready to respond to your legal emergency. We have the data, the experience, and the determination to hold every responsible party accountable, just as we are doing in the landmark Bermudez case. You did not ask for this nightmare, but you have the power to fight back and create meaningful change.

Glynn County Families: Has Your Child Been Hazed? Call Us Now.

If your family in Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, or anywhere in Glynn County, Georgia, has been impacted by the scourge of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The pain, anger, and confusion can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to endure this alone. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this exact fight right now, ready to bring our aggressive, experienced, and compassionate representation to hazing victims and their families in Glynn County and across the nation.

Our attorneys are deeply immersed in the $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, a battle that demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding institutions and individuals accountable for hazing. What happened to Leonel Bermudez – the waterboarding, the forced eating, the 500 squats, the kidney failure – is a horrific example of modern hazing, and we understand that these traumas impact students just as profoundly, whether they are from Glynn County or Houston.

Glynn County Families: You have legal rights, and we are here to help you exercise them.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Call Attorney911 for Your Glynn County Hazing Case?

• Active Hazing Litigators: We are not just talking about hazing; we are doing battle in court right now against a national fraternity and a university. We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting.
• No Upfront Cost for Glynn County Families: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all litigation costs, and our fees are only collected if and when we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing you to focus purely on your child’s recovery.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both of our managing partners, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies will try to minimize or deny your claim. We understand their tactics because we used to be them, and now we use that insider knowledge to benefit our clients.
• Nationwide Reach: While our base is in Texas, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can represent hazing victims from Glynn County, Georgia, as effectively as our clients in Houston. We offer convenient video consultations for Glynn County families and will travel to you for depositions or trial when necessary.
• Deep Expertise: We have specific experience with hazing-related injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, and a comprehensive understanding of the complex legal landscape involving state anti-hazing laws, university policies, and national fraternity regulations.
• Compassionate & Aggressive: We approach every Glynn County family with empathy and understanding, knowing the profound impact hazing has. Simultaneously, we bring relentless aggression to the courtroom, ensuring every responsible party is held fully accountable.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or someone you know was also subjected to the horrific hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, please know that Leonel Bermudez was not alone, and neither are you. Another pledge collapsed on October 15. The waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse impacted many.

You have rights too. We can evaluate your situation and represent you.

As 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.” Call us. Let’s work together to bring every accountable party to justice.

Glynn County parents, if your child’s trust has been shattered and their safety compromised by hazing, reach out to us today. Your call is confidential, and your consultation is free. Let’s fight back together.

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