If you’re reading this in Gordon County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a future, and gain experiences that would shape their life for the better. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and potentially suffered life-altering injuries or worse. Perhaps you’re reeling from a phone call at 2 AM, or maybe you’ve been searching the internet frantically, looking for answers and a way to fight back. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: we’re here to help families in Gordon County fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing.

The nightmare of hazing is not confined to distant campuses or abstract news reports. It happens at universities and colleges across America, including institutions where students from Gordon County attend. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate on campuses in major cities also have chapters at schools throughout Georgia and the Southeast. The risks your child faces are real, and the consequences can be devastating. We are currently leading the fight against hazing in a landmark $10 million lawsuit in Texas, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to hazing victims and their families in Gordon County.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened at the University of Houston, and Why It Matters to Gordon County Families

This is not a hypothetical scenario. This is what hazing looks like today, and it happened recently in Texas, in a case we are actively litigating. Parents in Gordon County need to understand that incidents like this are not isolated; they are a chilling reflection of what can happen at institutions your children might attend.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who was not even their student.

What Leonel endured was not simply “horseplay” or “tradition.” It was systematic torture that resulted in him spending three nights and four days in the hospital, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood, capable of causing acute kidney failure and death. Leonel’s urine turned brown, a stark sign of his muscles breaking down, and he faced the terrifying reality of his kidneys failing. He suffered immense muscle pain and difficulty walking, barely able to crawl up the stairs to his home after the most brutal session.

The hazing activities Leonel was subjected to read like a roster of abuses:

Waterboarding: He was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics, a form of torture typically reserved for enemy combatants.
Forced Consumption: Pledges, including Leonel, were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then ordered to continue running sprints while in physical distress, often lying in vomit-soaked grass.
Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform 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 even struck with wooden paddles.
Psychological Torture: He was made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times and forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Sleep Deprivation: Leonel was made to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.

Within weeks of this egregious hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended. Its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. The university, which owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place, called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” and criminal referrals were initiated.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, immediately recognized the gravity of this situation and filed the $10 million lawsuit to hold every responsible party accountable. This case has garnered significant media attention from outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to occur.

Why does Leonel’s story resonate so deeply for families in Gordon County?

National Reach: Pi Kappa Phi, like many other fraternities and sororities, boasts over 150 chapters across America, including at universities that students from Gordon County may attend. The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel are not unique, and similar abuses can occur anywhere.
Institutional Negligence: Universities near Gordon County face the same pressures and have similar oversight challenges as the University of Houston. If they fail to act, they bear the same liability.
Pattern of Abuse: This wasn’t Pi Kappa Phi’s first serious hazing incident. Andrew Coffey died in 2017 from forced alcohol consumption at an FSU Pi Kappa Phi event. This national organization had eight years to change its culture, and it failed. Similarly, the University of Houston faced a $1 million hazing lawsuit in 2017 involving another fraternity. Both entities had prior notice and failed to prevent history from repeating itself.
Vulnerability: Your child, like Leonel, goes to college looking for belonging. They are vulnerable to the pressures and manipulations of unscrupulous individuals and organizations.
Aggressive Representation: Leonel’s case proves that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively fighting hazing in court right now. We bring the same aggressive, thorough, and data-driven approach to hazing litigation for families in Gordon County.

If your child is attending or considering a university in Georgia or any other state, their safety is paramount. We are committed to exposing the truth and securing justice for hazing victims, ensuring that one brave victim can protect countless others in Gordon County and beyond. As Attorney Peña stated 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.”

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and Old Tales

When parents hear the word “hazing,” many still picture relatively harmless pranks or a few embarrassing tasks. Outdated notions of “boys being boys” or “character-building traditions” dangerously obscure the horrific reality of modern hazing. We want families in Gordon County to understand: hazing today is not a playful rite of passage. It is systematic abuse, emotional manipulation, and often, life-threatening torture.

It is critical for parents in Gordon County to recognize that hazing is not just about alcohol, though forced drinking remains a leading cause of injury and death. It encompasses a wide spectrum of psychological manipulation, sexual degradation, and extreme physical punishment designed to break down individuals, enforce conformity, and create a false sense of loyalty rooted in shared trauma.

Based on our cases, including the ongoing Bermudez litigation, here’s what hazing truly looks like:

Physical Abuse and Assault: This goes far beyond light jogging. It includes forced exercise to the point of collapse, hundreds of pushups and squats, brutal “suicides” and crawls, all while sleep-deprived and dehydrated. It involves being struck with wooden paddles, branded, or subjected to dangerous physical trauma from beatings or falls. For Leonel Bermudez, this meant his muscles breaking down and his kidneys failing.
Forced Consumption: This is a hallmark of hazing, often involving alcohol, but extending to other dangerous substances. Pledges are compelled to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, sometimes entire bottles of hard liquor, leading to alcohol poisoning. It can also involve eating noxious non-food items or consuming vast quantities of food and drink until vomiting, followed by continued exertion or humiliation.
Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: Perhaps one of the most shocking revelations from the Bermudez case is the use of simulated waterboarding with a garden hose. This is a severe form of psychological and physical torture, designed to induce fear and helplessness. It is a war crime when performed on enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted on a young student trying to join a fraternity.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing aims to strip individuals of their dignity and self-worth. This can involve verbal abuse, constant degradation, forcing pledges into humiliating dress codes or carrying sexually explicit items, as was done to Leonel. It includes isolating individuals, threatening them, or forcing them into demeaning situations. The hog-tying incident in Leonel’s case highlights the extreme lengths to which perpetrators will go.
Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges are often forced to stay awake for extended periods, participating in late-night activities and early-morning tasks. This exhaustion impacts their academic performance, mental clarity, and physical health, making them even more vulnerable to further abuse.
Sexual Harassment and Degradation: Hazing rituals frequently involve sexual themes, forced nudity, carrying sexually suggestive items, or even sexual assault. These acts are designed to humiliate and degrade, further breaking down the victim’s sense of self.
Exposure to Elements: This can include being forced into cold weather without adequate clothing, as Leonel was, or being left in isolated locations. Such exposure carries serious health risks, including hypothermia, heatstroke, or frostbite.
Servitude and Control: Pledges become forced servants to active members, running errands, cleaning, driving, and adhering to strict schedules and rules that strip away their autonomy.

The Medical Consequences are Severe:

Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As tragically experienced by Leonel Bermudez, extreme physical exertion can lead to muscle breakdown, releasing toxins that overwhelm the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure and potential long-term damage or death.
Alcohol Poisoning: The primary killer in hazing, often leading to immediate death or irreversible brain damage.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From falls, beatings, or violent shaking.
Internal Injuries: From forced impact, excessive exercise, or falls.
Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From environmental exposure.
Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or stress.
Profound Psychological Trauma: Hazing leaves deep scars, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and difficulty forming trusting relationships. Our client’s fear of retribution, reported by ABC13, is a testament to the lasting psychological impact.
Death: Tragically, hazing still claims lives every year. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death annually in the United States.

It is crucial for families in Gordon County to comprehend that hazing is not just an unfortunate part of college life; it is a serious violation of human dignity and often a criminal act. When we say “Enough is enough,” we mean it. We are committed to holding every individual and institution accountable for allowing such brutality to continue.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable in Gordon County Hazing Cases

When a child in Gordon County is harmed by hazing, it’s easy to focus solely on the individuals who inflicted the abuse. However, hazing is almost never an isolated act by a few bad apples. It is a systemic failure, often enabled by a chain of complicity and negligence that extends from the individual members to the highest levels of national organizations and universities. Our strategy is to identify and pursue every single entity that bears responsibility, because true accountability demands it. We do this for victims in Gordon County, just as we did for Leonel Bermudez.

Based on our successful litigation tactics and the precedent set by cases like Leonel’s, here are the parties we hold responsible:

1. Individual Perpetrators

The direct actors in hazing are the first line of responsibility. These include:

Active Chapter Members: Those who physically or psychologically abused the victim, coerced them, or encouraged hazing. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we named multiple current members.
Chapter Officers: The president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other leaders who often organize, direct, or knowingly permit hazing activities. These individuals bear a heightened level of responsibility. The Stone Foltz case shows that individual officers can be held personally liable for millions.
Former Members: Oftentimes, hazing continues or takes place at the residences of alumni or former members. In Leonel’s case, a former member and his spouse were named defendants because hazing occurred at their private residence. This shows that the network of liability extends beyond actively enrolled students.

Why They Are Liable: They directly participated in, facilitated, or failed to stop illegal and abusive acts. They can be sued for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.

2. Local Chapters of Fraternities and Sororities

The immediate source of the hazing. The local chapter, as an unincorporated association or recognized student organization, can be held responsible.

Why They Are Liable: The chapter directly organized and conducted the hazing activities. They often cultivate a culture where hazing is normalized or even expected.

3. National Fraternity or Sorority Organizations

These are the “deep pockets” that often have chapters nationwide, including at universities that students from Gordon County may attend. They have the corporate structure, assets, and insurance to pay significant judgments. Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity in Leonel’s case, operates on “more than 150 campuses across America.”

Why They Are Liable:
- Failure to Supervise: Nationals have a duty to supervise their local chapters and ensure compliance with anti-hazing policies.
- Failure to Enforce Policies: Despite having anti-hazing rules, many nationals fail to adequately enforce them or turn a blind eye to violations. KHOU 11 reported that Pi Kappa Phi National “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
- Pattern of Negligence: As proven by Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 at FSU under the same Pi Kappa Phi banner, coupled with Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later, a national organization’s documented history of hazing incidents establishes a pattern of negligence and foreseeability. This is why we argue Pi Kappa Phi “didn’t learn from Andrew Coffey.”
- Vicarious Liability: Nationals can be held responsible for the actions of their agents (local chapters and members) acting within the scope of their authority.

4. University or College Administration

The educational institutions themselves bear significant responsibility, especially when the hazing occurs on campus property or involves officially recognized student organizations. Cases like Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million) and Timothy Piazza (Penn State paid over $110 million) underscore university liability.

Why They Are Liable:
- Premises Liability: If the hazing occurs on university-owned property, such as a fraternity house like the one the University of Houston owned, the university has a duty to provide a safe environment. We contend the University of Houston “owned the torture chamber” where Leonel was abused.
- Negligent Supervision and Oversight: Universities have a duty to oversee student organizations and ensure compliance with their own anti-hazing policies and state laws. Leonel’s case follows a 2017 hazing hospitalization at UH involving another fraternity, showing the university had “prior notice” and “knew” about hazing on its campus, yet failed to act to prevent future incidents.
- Failure to Act: University administrators who are aware of hazing or similar dangerous conduct and fail to intervene can be held liable.
- Failure to Educate/Train: Universities have a responsibility to educate students about hazing risks and to train Greek life leadership effectively.
- Breach of Contract: Students enter into a contractual relationship with a university, which includes an expectation of safety and adherence to codes of conduct.

5. Fraternity/Sorority Housing Corporations

Separate entities often set up to own and manage the physical property of a fraternity or sorority house.

Why They Are Liable: As property owners, they have a duty to maintain a safe premises and can be held responsible for allowing dangerous activities (like hazing) to occur on their property. In Leonel’s case, the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc was named as a defendant.

6. Insurance Carriers

Beneath all these layers of individual and institutional liability are the insurance policies designed to cover such incidents.

Why They Are Liable: These policies are the “deepest pockets” and are ultimately where significant compensation for victims comes from. Our attorneys, particularly Lupe Peña, with his background as a former national insurance defense attorney, know exactly how to navigate these policies and ensure maximum recovery.

For families in Gordon County, understanding this web of responsibility is crucial. It means that even if individual perpetrators might seem to have limited assets, there are often powerful institutions with substantial resources and insurance that can be held accountable. We don’t just talk about hazing; we actively fight to hold everyone responsible, from the students who participate to the universities that enable it, to the national organizations that turn a blind eye.

When Justice Has a Price Tag: What These Cases Win for Gordon County Victims

For families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the question of “what can we do?” often includes “what can we recover?” While no amount of money can truly compensate for the physical and emotional devastation caused by hazing, multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements send a powerful message of accountability and can provide essential resources for a lifetime of care, lost opportunities, and profound suffering. For Gordon County families, these precedent-setting cases prove that justice is achievable, and the stakes are incredibly high.

These significant payouts are not isolated incidents; they represent a growing trend of courts and juries holding universities and national fraternities accountable like never before. Here are some of the landmark cases that provide a roadmap for the kind of justice we seek for Gordon County victims:

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

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died in March 2021 from alcohol poisoning after forced consumption at a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He was made to drink an entire bottle of alcohol and was found unresponsive the next morning.

The Outcome: Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals paid an additional $7.2 million, bringing the total public recovery to over $10.1 million. In December 2024, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a judgment, demonstrating that individual officers cannot hide from liability.
Significance for Gordon County: This case sets a direct precedent for our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It explicitly shows that universities and national fraternities will pay multi-million dollar sums for hazing injuries and deaths. The individual judgment against a chapter president also highlights the personal financial risk to those directly involved.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million
In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to participate in a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. Pledges were forced to chug alcohol for incorrect answers to fraternity questions.

The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Furthermore, the incident led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony and increasing penalties.
Significance for Gordon County: This verdict demonstrates that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar judgments in hazing cases, particularly when there is clear negligence and an egregious disregard for student safety. It also shows how these tragic cases can directly lead to legislative change, creating stronger protections for students.

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

Total Settlements: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes as part of a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members waited 12 hours to call for help. Security camera footage captured the horrific events.

The Outcome: While confidential, settlements in this complex case against Penn State and Beta Theta Pi are estimated to exceed $110 million. The tragedy also spurred the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
Significance for Gordon County: The Piazza case is a testament to the immense value hazing cases can reach when there is strong evidence of systematic abuse and institutional failure. If universities and national organizations refuse to settle, their financial exposure can be colossal.

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

Outcome: Confidential Settlement, Criminal Charges
In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. This was a Pi Kappa Phi chapter—the same national fraternity involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.

The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family also reached a confidential civil settlement.
Significance for Gordon County: This case is damning evidence against Pi Kappa Phi. The national organization had a student die in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded and hospitalized. This documented pattern of negligence and failure to act reinforces the need for substantial punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi, showing they had actual notice of deadly hazing within their organization and consciously failed to prevent it.

Other Notable Cases:

Adam Oakes (VCU / Delta Chi, 2021): A recent $4 million+ settlement from a case where Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing event. This shows that initial lawsuit demands in the tens of millions are often justified.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (University of Alabama, 2023): A lawsuit filed for a traumatic brain injury suffered during hazing, showing that non-death serious injury cases are actively pursued with major demands.
University of Texas at Austin / Sigma Chi (November 2025): Tragically, another Texas hazing death lawsuit was filed in the same week as Leonel Bermudez’s case, involving an 18-year-old freshman who died by suicide after “horrific abuse.” This underscores the ongoing, deadly nature of the hazing crisis and the widespread need for legal intervention across Texas campuses.

What does this mean for hazing victims in Gordon County?

Your Case Has Value: These precedents prove that significant financial recovery is possible for hazing injuries and deaths.
Accountability for All: Universities, national fraternities, local chapters, and individual perpetrators can all be held financially responsible.
Data-Driven Demands: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is carefully calculated and directly supported by what juries and courts have awarded in similar tragedies.
Send a Message: These multi-million dollar outcomes are critical not just for victim compensation but also for forcing systemic changes within Greek life and universities. A strong verdict in a Gordon County case can save lives.

We don’t just talk about hazing; we demand justice with a proven track record of fighting powerful institutions and achieving major results. Families in Gordon County deserve nothing less than the same relentless advocacy.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights as a Hazing Victim in Gordon County

When hazing occurs, it’s not merely a “fraternity gone wild” scenario or a private matter. In Texas, and many other states, hazing is a crime, and it opens the door to significant civil liability. For families in Gordon County, understanding the legal framework is crucial to comprehending the power you have to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.

While Attorney911 operates out of Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, serving hazing victims nationwide, we draw heavily on strong state laws, such as those in Texas, which provide a robust framework for prosecuting hazing and pursuing civil claims. Similar anti-hazing statutes exist in Georgia and most other states, and critically, federal civil rights claims and negligence claims apply regardless of the state, meaning our federal court authority allows us to pursue your case wherever the hazing occurred.

Texas Hazing Laws in Detail (Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

The State of Texas has clear and explicit laws against hazing, which are designed to protect students and penalize perpetrators and complicit organizations.

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Broad and Comprehensive
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

Physical Brutality: Includes whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body, or similar activity. (Think Leonel’s wooden paddles, extreme exercise, and cold exposure).
Endangers Health or Safety: Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health. (Leonel’s 500 squats, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and exposure to cold fall squarely here).
Forced Consumption: Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or other substances that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects health. (Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting).
Violates Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to perform a duty or task that violates the Penal Code.
Coerced Consumption: Involves coercing the student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Application to Leonel Bermudez’s Case: Every element of the cruel hazing Leonel endured fits multiple prongs of this definition, making it unequivocally illegal under Texas law. This same comprehensive definition empowers us to build strong cases for Gordon County victims, even if the specifics differ.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): The Law Protects Victims
This is perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of Texas hazing law:

“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.”

What this means for Gordon County families: When a fraternity or university tries to argue that “your child agreed to participate,” or “they could have left at any time,” the law explicitly states that consent is irrelevant. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim felt coerced into “consenting.” This provision is a direct shield against victim-blaming and ensures that perpetrators cannot evade responsibility by citing a victim’s forced participation.

3. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Jail Time is Possible
Hazing isn’t just a violation of school policy; it’s a crime with serious consequences:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or failing to report hazing with firsthand knowledge (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure constitute serious bodily injury.
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).

Application: In Leonel’s case, responsible individuals now face Class A Misdemeanor charges, and the University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges.” This underscores that our pursuit of civil justice often runs parallel to criminal investigations.

4. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Holding Chapters Accountable
An organization can be found liable if it “condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of campus operation, and forfeiture of property.
Application: This directly applies to the local Pi Kappa Phi chapter and, by extension, the national organization which “condoned” the hazing by failing to prevent it despite prior knowledge.

5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Transparency is Mandated
Chief administrative officers must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.
Application: This provides a mechanism for holding universities accountable for transparency and can reveal patterns of hazing across institutions.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution, Seeking Comprehensive Damages

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Gordon County can pursue civil lawsuits based on several legal theories:

Negligence: This is the most common claim. It argues that a party (individual, chapter, national, university) had a duty of care to protect the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or housing corporation, they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel was waterboarded; this is a clear case of premises liability.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when an organization (national fraternity or university) fails to adequately supervise its members or student groups, leading to harm.
Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individuals who physically or offensively touched the victim without consent (e.g., paddling, waterboarding, forced eating).
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For highly egregious and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, such as prolongs torture or humiliation.
Vicarious Liability: Holding an entity responsible for the actions of its agents (e.g., a national fraternity for the actions of its chapter, or a university for its recognized student organizations).

For Gordon County families, these legal principles mean you have a powerful recourse. Regardless of whether criminal charges are pursued, a civil lawsuit can secure the financial compensation needed for medical bills, therapy, lost educational opportunities, pain, suffering, and to punish the perpetrators severely enough to deter future hazing. Our expertise in these laws, coupled with our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), positions us to aggressively pursue justice for hazing victims in Gordon County and anywhere across the country.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Gordon County Families

When hazing strikes, the choice of legal representation can define the future for your child and your family. For parents in Gordon County reeling from such a devastating experience, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, the tactics of powerful institutions, and how to win. Attorney911 is built for this fight. We are the trusted firm for hazing victims nationwide, bringing unparalleled experience and a fierce dedication to justice.

Here’s why Gordon County families choose us for hazing cases:

1. Actively Litigating a Landmark $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We are not theoretical. We are not just talking about hazing. We are in the fight right now. Our firm is currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case against a national fraternity and the University of Houston. This active, high-stakes litigation proves:

Real-World Experience: We are navigating the complexities of discovery, depositions, and negotiations against a national fraternity and a major state university in real-time.
Proven Aggression: This case demonstrates our willingness to take on powerful defendants and demand substantial compensation.
Direct Application: The strategies, legal theories, and evidence required for Leonel’s case are directly applicable to hazing cases involving students from Gordon County, no matter where they attend college.

2. Deep Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Eleno Peña, previously worked as insurance defense attorneys. This is a strategic advantage that few plaintiff firms possess:

Knowing the Opponent’s Playbook: We have seen how insurance companies evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.
Anticipating Defenses: We can predict their arguments, uncover their weaknesses, and dismantle their tactics long before they are deployed.
Maximizing Settlements: This insider knowledge allows us to negotiate from a position of strength and secure the highest possible compensation for our clients, including Gordon County families. Lupe Peña’s experience at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, is particularly invaluable against national fraternities and universities.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions

Hazing cases often involve national fraternities and universities in different states. Our firm is uniquely positioned to handle these complex interstate cases:

U.S. District Court Admission: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing the authority to pursue federal claims and operate in the federal court system nationwide when jurisdiction allows.
Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas AND New York): Ralph’s New York bar admission provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations that may be headquartered or operate significantly in the Northeast or other parts of the country. This significantly broadens our reach and ability to pursue national fraternity defendants, regardless of their location.

4. Extensive Litigation Experience Against Major Defendants

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience includes involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort against a massive corporate defendant.

Capacity for Large-Scale Litigation: This experience proves our ability to handle high-stakes cases against well-funded institutional defendants—precisely what’s needed when taking on universities and national fraternities.
Complex Case Management: Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, intricate legal theories, and extensive evidence. Our team is adept at managing these complexities.

5. Proven Track Record of Major Results

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases. While hazing is a specialized area, our success in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and complex commercial litigation demonstrates our ability to secure substantial compensation for victims. The precedent-setting hazing cases, such as the $10.1 million in Stone Foltz’s case or the $110 million+ in Timothy Piazza’s case, inspire our demands and commitment to Gordon County families.

6. Compassionate and Client-Focused Approach for Gordon County Families

We understand that behind every hazing case is a family in crisis. Our approach is deeply empathetic, warm, and focused on empowering our clients.

Personalized Attention: We treat Gordon County families like family, not just another case number.
Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Gordon County receive comprehensive legal guidance without language barriers.
No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee Basis): We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning Gordon County families pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are paid only if we win your case. This removes financial barriers and aligns our success directly with yours.
Direct Communication: We pride ourselves on consistent communication, ensuring you are informed at every step, as evidenced by our numerous 5-star reviews.

7. Willingness to Travel and Utilize Technology for Gordon County Clients

While our physical offices are in Texas, justice knows no geographical bounds.

Remote Consultations: Gordon County families can easily connect with us for free, confidential video consultations.
Travel for Justice: We are prepared to travel to Gordon County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary to secure justice for your child.
Modern Tools: We leverage technology, including AI tools for evidence preservation, to build even stronger cases.

In Attorney911, Gordon County families find not just lawyers, but fierce advocates who operate with the “unfair advantage” of knowing the opponent’s tactics intimately. We are dedicated to turning your pain into powerful accountability.

What to Do Right Now for Hazing Victims in Gordon County: Your Immediate Action Plan

If your child has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses, but taking decisive action can significantly impact the success of any future legal claim. We provide this clear, actionable guidance to parents in Gordon County who are searching for help at 2 AM. Do not delay; every minute counts.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s health and safety are paramount.

Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If your child is still in a situation where hazing is occurring, remove them immediately. Their physical and psychological well-being is the top priority.
Seek Medical Attention WITHOUT DELAY: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child insists they are “fine,” get them to an emergency room or doctor as soon as possible.
- Document Everything Medically: Medical records are the backbone of any personal injury claim. Delays in seeking treatment will be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries were not severe or not caused by the hazing.
- Be Specific with Medical Providers: Ensure medical staff document exactly how the injuries occurred – specifically stating “hazing incident.” Describe all physical symptoms (pain, bruising, difficulty moving, changes in urine color, vomiting, etc.) and psychological symptoms (anxiety, panic attacks, severe fear, distress).
- Mental Health Support: Hazing often leaves deep psychological scars. Seek mental health counseling and therapy from qualified professionals immediately. These records are crucial evidence for non-economic damages.

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

Hazing perpetrators and complicit institutions will try to cover up or destroy evidence. You must act quickly to preserve it.

Take Photos and Videos:
- Injuries: Photograph all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If there is body shame or embarrassment, explain that these photos are vital for justice.
- Environment: If safe to do so, document the location where hazing occurred (fraternity house, basement, park, off-campus residence) – look for anything that indicates hazing activities, symbols, or alcohol.
- Clothing/Items: Photograph any clothing, personal items, or “props” used during the hazing that show damage or degradation.
Preserve Digital Communications: This is often the most critical evidence.
- DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing or the fraternity/sorority is vital. Screenshots are key.
- Save ALL Relevant Accounts: This includes social media profiles, GroupMe conversations, etc.
- Identify Witnesses: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for fellow pledges, witnesses, or active members who may have information.
Document the Hazing Activities: Create a detailed, chronological written account of every hazing incident, including dates, times, locations, who was involved, what happened, and any injuries or emotional distress experienced. Be as specific as possible.
Financial and Academic Records: Keep records of any medical bills, lost wages from missed work, or academic setbacks (missed classes, failed assignments, lost scholarships) that resulted from the hazing.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs” for Gordon County Hazing Victims

Ignoring these warnings can severely jeopardize your case.

DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: Do not discuss the incident with active members, alumni, or national leadership without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will attempt to coordinate stories, minimize events, or intimidate you.
DO NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: University representatives have a primary duty to protect the institution. Any statement you give them can be used against you. Have legal counsel present for any conversations with university officials, including Title IX investigators.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, university, or their representatives without your attorney reviewing them first. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Any posts, photos, or comments about the incident (or even unrelated “happy” photos of you resuming normal activities) can be used by the defense to discredit your claims of injury or suffering.
DO NOT Delete Messages/Accounts: This is considered spoliation of evidence and can lead to severe penalties or weaken your case.
DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: Directly confronting those who hazed your child can inflame the situation, put your child at further risk, and potentially lead to criminal charges against your child.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY

Time is not on your side.

Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and similarly for wrongful death. Other states may have similar or different deadlines. Waiting too long means you lose your right to sue forever.
Evidence Disappears: Messages are deleted, memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost. The sooner legal counsel is involved, the better the chances of preserving crucial evidence.
Expert Guidance: An experienced attorney will guide you through this complex process, protect your rights, and ensure you make informed decisions.

We Are Here to Help Gordon County Families – Call 1-888-ATTY-911

We understand the fear and urgency you feel. This is precisely why we formed Attorney911—to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help in legal emergencies, including for hazing victims in Gordon County. As Attorney Manginello frequently reminds clients, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.” This advice is paramount in hazing cases.

If your child has been hazed, call us today. The initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We can conduct video consultations for Gordon County families, and we are prepared to travel to Gordon County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Your child’s future, and the safety of countless other students, depends on your courage to act. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims in Gordon County

If your family in Gordon County is grappling with the horrific reality of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The moment you discover that your child has been physically or psychologically abused, tortured, or injured by hazing, every second counts. Evidence can be lost, memories can fade, and the window for seeking justice can close. At Attorney911, we are your legal emergency hotline, ready to offer immediate, aggressive, and professional help for hazing victims and their families in Gordon County and across the nation.

Do not wait. Do not face this nightmare alone.

We are the firm actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not hypothetical experience; this is current, hard-won expertise that we bring to every hazing victim we represent, including those in Gordon County. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have the insider knowledge, federal court authority, and relentless drive to hold powerful institutions accountable.

Your Direct Line to Justice:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Gordon County Hazing Emergencies

Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello’s direct email)

Website: attorney911.com

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first call or email to us is completely free and confidential. We will listen to your story with empathy and understanding, without judgment, and provide an initial assessment of your legal options.
No Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee): We understand that the financial burden of hazing-related medical care and lost opportunities is immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no legal fees upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring that justice is accessible to every Gordon County family, regardless of their financial situation. For more details on how this works, you can watch our video, “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
Nationwide Reach, Local Focus: While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to practice in federal court and our dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to represent hazing victims across America, including Gordon County. We offer video consultations for your convenience and are prepared to travel to Gordon County for depositions, meetings, and trials as necessary.
Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Gordon County receive clear, compassionate, and effective legal representation without language barriers.

Why Every Moment Matters:

Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury and wrongful death cases have strict deadlines, often as short as two years. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to seek compensation. Our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c explains this critical timeframe.
Evidence Preservation: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather and preserve crucial evidence. Text messages are deleted, social media posts are removed, and memories fade. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs provides essential guidance.
Protect Your Rights: Universities and fraternities will immediately activate their legal and public relations teams. You need experienced advocates safeguarding your child’s rights from day one. Our video “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY highlights common pitfalls to avoid.

Hazing is a crisis that continues to plague campuses, stealing students’ health, their spirit, and sometimes, their lives. When universities and national fraternities value reputation over safety, and “tradition” over human dignity, we step in. We are Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, and we are ready to fight for your child.

For families in Gordon County who have been touched by hazing, reach out immediately. Let us be your first call in this legal emergency. We will turn your pain into powerful accountability. Enough is enough.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your pursuit of justice can not only help your family heal but can also prevent another student in Gordon County from suffering the same devastating fate.