Habersham County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’re reading this in Habersham County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new interests, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured. We’re here to help families in Habersham County fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing that plagues our college campuses, both here in Georgia and across the nation.

We are Attorney911, and we understand what you’re going through. When your child leaves home for college, whether it’s to a university across the state or one of the many fine institutions around Georgia, you expect them to be safe. You trust the university to protect them. You trust Greek organizations to foster growth and leadership. But sometimes, that trust is betrayed. When it is, we are the firm Habersham County families turn to, because we don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now, from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, on behalf of victims nationwide.

We know hazing isn’t a “rite of passage” or “boys being boys.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It can be deadly. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is dedicated to aggressively representing victims of fraternity and sorority hazing, and holding every responsible entity—from individual students to national organizations and universities—accountable. We bring decades of courtroom experience, insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate, and a relentless commitment to justice to every case we take, including those originating from or affecting families in Habersham County.

We are actively involved in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that left a young man hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t a theoretical fight for us; it’s happening right now in Harris County Civil District Court. We pursue these cases with data-driven strategy, uncovering every corporate structure, every insurance policy, and every individual who contributed to the harm. The same aggressive, thorough approach we’re bringing to this current fight is precisely what we offer to families in Habersham County.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Habersham County Families Need Us

Hazing is a dark secret lurking beneath the surface of college life, from the largest state universities to smaller regional colleges whose graduates often return to Habersham County. It infiltrates fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations, turning promises of brotherhood and sisterhood into experiences of trauma and abuse. For families in Habersham County, sending a child off to college is a moment of pride and hope, certainly not one where they anticipate an emergency call about severe injury or death due to hazing.

Here in Georgia, and across the South, college culture often emphasizes traditions, including those within Greek life. Many young people from Habersham County attend institutions like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, or private colleges like Emory or Agnes Scott. At these institutions, national fraternities and sororities, including some with documented histories of hazing, maintain active chapters. Parents throughout Habersham County need to understand that the same patterns of abuse that inflict harm in other states can, and sometimes do, affect students right here in Georgia.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over half of students involved in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States, yet many more incidents go unreported or unpunished.

This isn’t about isolated incidents; it’s about a systemic failure of institutions, both Greek organizations and universities, to protect their students. They often know hazing is happening, or they should know. They have policies in place, but enforcement is tragically lax until a student is severely injured or dies. It’s a pattern of willful blindness and deliberate indifference that we at Attorney911 refuse to tolerate.

Our fight is to break this cycle, to advocate for the injured, and to honor the memories of those lost. We want Habersham County parents to know that if their child has been caught in the grip of hazing, they are not alone. We are here to help you navigate this nightmare, to bring what happened to light, and to hold every single responsible party accountable.

The Landmark Case: The $10M Fight We’re Waging Right Now

Habersham County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

We want to share the details of a case that embodies everything Attorney911 stands for. It’s a case we are actively litigating right now, and it demonstrates the aggressive, data-driven approach we bring to every hazing victim we represent. What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston could happen to a student from Habersham County attending a major university anywhere in the country. The same fraternities operate. The same traditions exist. The same institutional failures allow this abuse to continue.

On November 21, 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the University of Houston Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case has garnered significant media attention from outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media.

You can read some of the original news coverage for details:

• 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 the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, released their own statement: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.” This is a critical piece of evidence, as it acknowledges violations and tacitly admits wrongdoing.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. He was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer to UH for the spring semester. This means the fraternity subjected someone who wasn’t even formally affiliated with the university to weeks of systematic abuse.

What Happened: The Hazing Timeline

What Leonel endured was not harmless fun; it was calculated torture. For weeks, he was subjected to brutal physical and psychological abuse, culminating in a severe medical emergency.

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing begin. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects, endure an enforced dress code, and complete hours of study while facing weekly interviews with members. Non-compliance often resulted in threats of physical punishment or expulsion.
• October 13, 2025: In a separate but related incident proving the chapter’s culture, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced physical exertion, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs. This shows a pattern of extreme, dangerous workouts.
• The November 3, 2025 Incident: After missing an event, Leonel was brutally punished. He was forced to endure an intense regimen of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. He was “exercised past the point of physical exhaustion,” eventually becoming so depleted that he couldn’t stand without help.
• Other Horrors: Leonel was also subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and then made to continue running sprints through his own vomit. He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and struck with wooden paddles.
• November 6, 2025: Days after the November 3 incident, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine—a critical sign of muscle breakdown. He spent four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, just days before our lawsuit was filed. This hasty closure, as detailed in their own statement, speaks volumes about their knowledge of the severity of the situation and their attempt to mitigate public relations damage.
• November 21, 2025: We filed the $10 million lawsuit.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, leading to acute kidney failure, is a grave condition. Rhabdomyolysis is caused by severe muscle breakdown, releasing toxins into the bloodstream that can overwhelm and damage the kidneys. It can lead to permanent kidney damage or even death. The forced, extreme physical exertion he was forced to endure caused his muscles to literally shut down. This is the same medical condition that Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating, having handled similar rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

Institutional Responses: A Cover-Up Before a Lawsuit

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters speak volumes:

• University of Houston Spokesperson: Publicly stated the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting “potential criminal charges.” This is an admission that the university agrees severe wrongdoing occurred.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Their statement, released on their website before our lawsuit was widely reported, confirmed the chapter’s closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Crucially, they ended with, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This isn’t remorse; it’s a strategic move to plan their future while Leonel fights for his health.

Why This Case Matters to Habersham County Families:

This case, happening in our home state, is a stark warning:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t pranks; they are systematic, dangerous assaults. Young people from Habersham County attending colleges across Georgia or elsewhere face these same dangers.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where some of these horrors took place. Universities near Habersham County share the same responsibility—and liability—to protect their students from hazing on their property or under their watch.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s quick action to close the chapter shows they knew the severity of the acts. The same national organizations operate chapters at universities attended by students from Habersham County; they know the dangers, yet often fail to prevent them.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel fears retribution. Students from Habersham County who are hazed face similar fears. We are here to protect victims and ensure their voices are heard without fear.
5. Your Case Can Save Lives: As Lupe Peña said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” A lawsuit from a Habersham County family can send a powerful message, preventing future tragedies.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This financial demand is not just for Leonel’s suffering; it’s a statement that such abuse carries a heavy price. Habersham County families can send the same message when they seek justice.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

Hazing is far more sinister than the harmless “pranks” often portrayed in movies. It is a systematic process designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and create a false sense of loyalty through shared trauma. For parents in Habersham County, understanding the true nature of hazing is crucial. It’s not about light-hearted antics; it’s about power, control, and often, life-threatening abuse.

Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston details a chilling array of hazing activities that Leonel Bermudez was forced to endure, revealing the true depravity of modern hazing:

1. Physical Abuse and Extreme Punishment:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Simulated drowning is not a prank; it is a recognized form of torture. Forcing young men to endure this is an act of pure cruelty, risking psychological trauma and even death.
• Forced Exercise to the Point of Collapse: Rhabdomyolysis, or severe muscle breakdown, is a direct result of forcing pledges to perform hundreds of squats, pushups, “suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This is not about pushing limits; it’s about pushing bodies past their breaking point, risking kidney failure and permanent damage as Leonel experienced.
• Wooden Paddles: Being struck with wooden paddles is simple assault, a battery that inflicts physical pain and psychological terror.
• Cold Exposure: Forcing someone to strip to their underwear and be sprayed with a hose in cold weather is dangerous, risks hypothermia, and is deeply humiliating.

2. Forced Consumption:

• Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, and then forced to continue physical exertions through their own vomit. This is designed to break down dignity and cause extreme physical distress.

3. Psychological and Emotional Torture:

• Humiliation and Degradation: Carrying a fanny pack with sexually explicit objects, stripping, and lying in vomit-soaked grass are tactics designed to degrade individuals and strip them of their self-worth.
• Hog-Tying: The incident where another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour demonstrates extreme psychological and physical control.
• Threats and Intimidation: Constantly threatening physical punishment or expulsion creates an environment of fear, making pledges less likely to report abuse.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members during early morning hours results in exhaustion, impairing judgment and increasing vulnerability.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing are Real and Severe:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: As suffered by Leonel Bermudez, this is a life-threatening condition resulting from extreme physical overexertion.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A common outcome of forced binge drinking, leading to permanent brain damage, coma, or death, as in many tragic hazing cases.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From falls, beatings, or impacts, leading to long-term cognitive and neurological damage.
• Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme weather.
• Internal Injuries: From physical assaults or forced consumption.
• Severe Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can linger for years and profoundly impact a victim’s life.

This is not a historical issue. This is happening today. This is what hazing looks like. It is not about building character; it is about destroying it. And for any student from Habersham County considering Greek life or any student organization, it is a danger they must be aware of. We are here to help those who have suffered from this devastating reality.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a hazing incident occurs, it’s rarely just one person or one group that’s to blame. At Attorney911, our data-driven approach to litigation, informed by our deep intelligence on Greek organizations, means we know exactly who is responsible and how to pursue accountability from every liable party. This is not about targeting individual college students, but rather dismantling the entire system that enables hazing.

In our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, we’ve cast a wide net, holding every responsible entity accountable:

1. The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is where the hazing physically took place. The chapter directly organized, planned, and executed the abusive “activities.” From leadership like the Fraternity President and Pledgemaster to the members who actively participated or allowed it to happen, the local chapter is directly liable for assault, battery, and hazing. They are the initial perpetrators.

2. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): National fraternities are not just advisory bodies; they are powerful corporations with bylaws, policies, and vast financial resources. They have a duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate training. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National’s quick closure of the Beta Nu chapter confirms their knowledge of severe wrongdoing and their failure to prevent it despite, as KHOU 11 reported, “knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” They have a documented history of this failure, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017. Their pattern of negligence makes them a primary target for substantial damages.

3. The Housing Corporation (Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation): Often a separate legal entity, housing corporations own and manage fraternity houses. These entities have a responsibility to ensure premises are safe. If hazing occurs in a house they own or manage, they face premises liability claims for allowing dangerous conditions to exist. They are often a crucial “deep pocket” with assets and insurance.

4. The University (University of Houston & UH Board of Regents): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and provide a safe learning environment. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is particularly culpable because it owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. This establishes a clear premises liability claim against the university. Furthermore, universities like UH have the power to regulate, suspend, or even ban Greek organizations. When they fail to act, especially after prior hazing incidents like the one involving Jared Munoz in 2017, they are negligent. The University of Houston Board of Regents, as the governing body, shares in this institutional oversight failure.

5. Individual Fraternity Members: This includes the specific individuals who planned, directed, and participated in the hazing. The President and Pledgemaster, named as defendants in Leonel’s lawsuit, bear specific responsibility for their leadership roles. Other members who actively engaged in or stood by while hazing occurred can also be held personally liable for assault, battery, and other intentional torts. We also named former members who hosted hazing at their private residence, and even the spouse of one of those former members for allowing their property to be used for illegal activities. There is no hiding behind the group when engaging in criminal acts.

6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often individuals, there are insurance policies. These can include general liability, D&O (Directors and Officers) liability, homeowner’s, and commercial policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, how they value claims, and how to compel them to pay the maximum possible settlement or verdict. This is often where the substantial compensation for victims is found.

For families in Habersham County, it’s vital to recognize that when your child is hazed at a university in Georgia or elsewhere, the potentially liable parties are extensive. We will meticulously investigate and identify every single entity and individual with even a remote connection to the incident, ensuring that no one escapes accountability.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families facing the devastation of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is, “Can we really win against these powerful organizations?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. We don’t just aspire to win; we have a proven track record, and we’ve seen countless precedent cases from across the nation that show these cases can secure multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These are not theoretical victories; they are tangible proof that justice can be served for hazing victims and their families.

These landmark cases resonate deeply with our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez and provide a clear roadmap for the compensation Habersham County families can expect to recover:

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

• What Happened: Stone Foltz, a pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event and died from alcohol poisoning.
• The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individual defendants settled for $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay an additional $6.5 million in personal liability.
• Relevance to Habersham County: This case sets a benchmark. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, a living victim with devastating injuries, is directly aligned with what families have successfully recovered. It also shows personal accountability, as an individual leader was hit with a multi-million dollar judgment.

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

• What Happened: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The incident also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and inspired the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Relevance to Habersham County: This verdict demonstrates that juries are outraged by hazing and will award millions for these tragedies. The cultural outrage often extends beyond compensation, leading to critical legislative changes that impact how hazing is treated legally.

3. Timothy Piazza at Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)

• What Happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and died after fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. The horrific events were captured on security cameras.
• The Outcome: The family secured estimated settlements exceeding $110 million from various defendants. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several serving jail time. Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Relevance to Habersham County: This case shows the immense value of strong, undeniable evidence and the potential for astronomical settlements when institutions and individuals exhibit extreme negligence. Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi, with its detailed allegations and corroborated events, has similarly powerful evidence.

4. Andrew Coffey at Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

• What Happened: Another Pi Kappa Phi pledge, Andrew Coffey, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon, exactly eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s severe hazing incident.
• The Outcome: Criminal charges were filed against nine members, the chapter was permanently closed, and a confidential civil settlement was reached.
• Relevance to Habersham County: This is a smoking gun for our current lawsuit. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence strengthens our arguments for institutional liability and punitive damages, providing a compelling narrative that demands justice for Leonel and for students from Habersham County.

5. Other Significant Cases:

• Adam Oakes (VCU / Delta Chi, 2021): A recent $4 million+ settlement underscores ongoing accountability in hazing deaths.
• University of Alabama (SAE, 2023): A lawsuit filed for a traumatic brain injury, demonstrating that severe non-fatal injuries also command significant legal action and compensation.
• University of Houston (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2017): A previous $1 million lawsuit filed after a student suffered a lacerated spleen from hazing, proving that UH was on notice about hazing on its campus well before Leonel’s incident.

These multi-million dollar precedents send a clear message to all institutions and Greek organizations, especially those with chapters near Habersham County: hazing is not just morally wrong; it is financially ruinous. Our willingness to pursue every liable party, backed by this history of massive payouts, empowers us to fight for the justice and maximum compensation that your Habersham County family deserves.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is NOT a Defense

For families in Habersham County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is essential. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of law—and often the specific statutes—are very similar across state lines, including here in Georgia. More importantly, our federal court admissions mean we can pursue justice in federal courts regardless of where the hazing occurred, including for students from Habersham County attending colleges anywhere.

Texas has robust anti-hazing laws, primarily laid out in the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These statutes form a powerful foundation for civil lawsuits, and they emphatically declare that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):

Texas law defines hazing broadly, encompassing virtually all the abusive acts perpetrated against Leonel Bermudez. It’s “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act” against a student related to joining an organization if the act:

1. Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel endured), or placing harmful substances on the body.
2. Endangers mental or physical health: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping in cold weather and being sprayed with a hose), confinement, or calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups leading to rhabdomyolysis) that create an “unreasonable risk of harm.”
3. Involves forced consumption: Covering food, liquid, or alcohol to an extent that risks harm (such as Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting).
4. Requires illegal acts: Any activity that forces a student to violate the Penal Code.

Leonel Bermudez’s experience directly violates multiple subsections of this definition, making it unequivocally illegal hazing under Texas law.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

Texas hazing laws carry serious criminal penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing, or even failing to report it if you have knowledge.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (which Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure certainly constitute), perpetrators can face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, perpetrators can face state jail time and a $10,000 fine.
  The University of Houston spokesperson even highlighted “potential criminal charges” in their statement following our lawsuit, indicating the severity of the alleged conduct.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

The law also holds organizations accountable. A group commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members commit hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating privileges on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means both the local chapter and national organization of Pi Kappa Phi face legal repercussions.

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

This is where Texas law fundamentally protects victims and destroys the common defense used by fraternities. The statute explicitly states:

“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.”

This crucial provision is often overlooked but is central to holding hazers accountable. When a university or fraternity claims that “he knew what he signed up for” or “everyone agreed to participate,” Texas law firmly rejects this argument. You cannot legally consent to be assaulted, tortured, or recklessly endangered. This legal principle ensures that the focus remains on the illegal and harmful acts, not on the victim’s coerced “participation.”

Civil Liability for Hazing:

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow Habersham County victims to pursue compensation for their suffering. We can leverage several legal theories:

• Negligence: Did the university or national fraternity owe a duty of care to its students, breach that duty by allowing hazing, and thereby cause injuries? Most certainly.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the University of Houston’s fraternity house in Leonel’s case) or any other entity, that entity can be held responsible for maintaining an unsafe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: When national organizations fail to adequately oversee their chapters, or universities fail to monitor Greek life, they can be found liable for negligent supervision.
• Assault and Battery: Individual hazers who physically harm a student are directly liable for assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual physical contact).
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing that includes waterboarding, forced humiliation, and psychological abuse clearly constitutes “outrageous conduct” designed to cause “severe emotional distress.”

These strong legal frameworks, particularly the clear stance on consent, mean that hazing victims from Habersham County have powerful avenues for justice. We understand these laws intimately and deploy them aggressively to build an unassailable case for our clients.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in the Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions a Habersham County family will make. This isn’t a typical personal injury case; it requires specialized knowledge, relentless investigation, and the courage to take on powerful institutions. At Attorney911, we offer a unique blend of experience, strategy, and empathy that makes us the definitive choice for hazing victims in Habersham County and across the nation.

Here’s why Attorney911 is uniquely positioned to fight for your child:

1. Unparalleled Hazing Litigation Expertise – We’re Fighting RIGHT NOW:
We aren’t just reading about hazing cases; we are making headlines with them. Our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing demonstrates our deep, current expertise. This isn’t theoretical; we are in the trenches right now, using this same aggressive approach to expose abuse and secure justice. Habersham County families benefit directly from our ongoing, real-world experience in this complex area of law. We know the tactics, the defendants, and the strategies that win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook:
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unfair advantage for our clients. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for a national insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, representing the very defendants we now sue. We know precisely how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for victims from Habersham County.

3. Extensive Trial Experience – We Don’t Back Down:
Our attorneys boast over 37 combined years of courtroom experience. We are not afraid to take a case to trial if the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation. Ralph Manginello has a robust track record of successful litigation, including high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants like those involved in the BP Texas City Explosion. This battle-tested experience means we are always prepared to fight for justice, no matter how tough the opposition.

4. Data-Driven Litigation – We Know Who to Sue:
We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS data, EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters. We don’t guess; we know exactly who is behind the Greek letters. For example, our database shows there are 188 Greek organizations in the Houston metro alone, and 1,423 across 25 Texas metro areas. We use this intelligence to identify every entity responsible, ensuring we pursue accountability from all angles. For Habersham County families, this means we can meticulously map out the corporate structures of national fraternities with chapters here in Georgia, leaving no stone unturned.

5. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses:
Our admission to the U.S. District Court means we can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdictions, providing a powerful avenue for justice regardless of state lines. Additionally, Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities often headquartered outside of our primary operating states. This nationwide reach ensures that students from Habersham County who are hazed at any college across America can receive aggressive representation.

6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach – Habersham County Families Are Family:
We understand that Hazing victims and their families are often traumatized, angry, and scared. Our process is designed to be empathetic, transparent, and responsive. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to helping clients navigate this difficult time. As shown by our 4.9-star rating and over 250 Google reviews, clients consistently praise our communication and empathetic support. We treat Habersham County families like our own, ensuring they are informed and supported at every step.

7. Contingency Fees – Zero Upfront Cost, Zero Risk:
We believe that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This eliminates any financial barrier for Habersham County families who want to pursue justice against well-funded institutions. We invest our resources, time, and expertise into your case, aligning our success directly with yours. For more information on how this works, we encourage you to watch our video: “How Contingency Fees Work.”

8. Strategic Advantage: Ralph Manginello’s Background: Ralph’s journalism background trains him to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories – essential skills for hazing cases where organizations attempt to conceal the truth. His experience in youth sports also provides unique insight into team dynamics and the environments where hazing can thrive. As a father himself, he deeply empathizes with parents fearing for their child’s safety.

At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are advocates, investigators, and strategists dedicated to fighting for the injured. For Habersham County families seeking justice after a devastating hazing incident, we are the firm with the proven expertise, the insider knowledge, and the unwavering commitment to hold every responsible party accountable.

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

If your child in Habersham County, or attending college away from home, has been the victim of hazing, the immediate aftermath can feel overwhelming. You might be scared, angry, confused, and unsure where to turn. We are here to help. Taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact the strength and success of your legal case. Time is often of the essence.

Here is what you and your family in Habersham County should do right now:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

• Remove Your Child From the Situation: If hazing is ongoing, ensure your child is immediately removed from the dangerous environment. Their physical and psychological safety is paramount.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological distress is the primary concern, consult a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or concussions) may not be immediately apparent.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all symptoms, injuries, and conversations with medical staff are thoroughly documented in medical records. These records are critical evidence. Watch our video: “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.”

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – Absolutely Critical!

The organizations involved will move quickly to cover their tracks. You must gather and preserve every piece of potential evidence:

• Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, etc.: Hazing communications, instructions, threats, or discussions among members are often exchanged via messaging apps. DO NOT DELETE ANY MESSAGES. Screenshot everything immediately, and back up copies.
• Photos and Videos: Are there any photos or videos of the hazing incidents, injuries, or locations? Even seemingly innocuous photos can be crucial. If your child has visible injuries, photograph them at all stages of healing. Watch our video: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?.”
• Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written communications given to pledges.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact details for other pledges, witnesses, or anyone who might have observed the hazing or its aftermath.
• Social Media: THIS IS CRITICAL: Instruct your child to immediately cease ALL social media activity related to the incident or their recovery. Anything they post—even if it seems harmless—can be taken out of context and used against them by the defense. This includes photos, status updates, and comments. Also, do not delete any existing social media content, as this could be seen as destruction of evidence. Watch our video: “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”
• Journaling: Encourage your child to keep a detailed, private journal of everything they remember: dates, times, people involved, specific activities, and their physical and emotional responses. Do not share this journal with anyone except your attorney.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Organizations or Their Lawyers

• Silence is Golden: Do not speak to any fraternity or sorority leaders, members, alumni, advisors, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they are trying to protect their organization and minimize liability.
• Do Not Give Recorded Statements: You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement to anyone without your attorney’s guidance. Watch our video: “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident.”
• Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives until you have reviewed them with your attorney.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney911 Now: Our lines are open 24/7. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Georgia, is typically two years from the date of injury or death. However, evidence disappears quickly, memories fade, and defendants strategize. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Watch our video: “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?.”
• Free Consultation: Your initial consultation with us is completely free and confidential. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and discuss your legal options without any obligation.
• Distance is Not a Barrier: Although our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We utilize remote video consultations for Habersham County families who cannot travel, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Habersham County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary.

Your child didn’t deserve this. What happened was not their fault. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them. Don’t wait. Protect your child’s future and hold those responsible accountable.

Habersham County Families: Call now for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here

Habersham County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for Habersham County victims too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold powerful institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Habersham County families get the same aggressive representation, backed by over 37 years of combined experience.

Habersham County Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Habersham County hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak directly with our team, not an answering service. We understand the urgency and sensitivity of these situations.

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Habersham County families. We invest in your case, and we don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible, eliminating financial barriers to justice.

What Habersham County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. Get Medical Attention: If you haven’t already, seek medical help for any physical injuries or psychological distress. Document everything, as medical records are crucial evidence.
2. Preserve All Evidence: Do not delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, emails, photos, or videos related to the hazing. Screenshot or save copies immediately.
3. Do Not Speak to Anyone: Avoid talking to the fraternity/sorority, university officials, or their lawyers without legal counsel. Do not give any recorded statements or sign any documents.
4. Do Not Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident or your recovery on any social media platform. Anything you post can be used against your case.
5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: The statute of limitations imposes strict deadlines. The sooner we are involved, the better we can preserve evidence and build a strong case.
6. Habersham County Families: Distance is not a barrier. We offer convenient video consultations, and our attorneys will travel to Habersham County for depositions, client meetings, or trials when necessary.

We Serve Habersham County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, hazing knows no geographical boundaries. It happens at colleges and universities across the nation, including those attended by students from Habersham County. We can evaluate and represent your case regardless of where the hazing occurred, leveraging our:

• Federal court authority: Admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions.
• Dual-state bar licenses: Attorney Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing strategic flexibility against national organizations.
• Video consultations: Enabling Habersham County families to meet remotely with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Travel commitment: We are prepared to travel to Habersham County to meet with clients, gather evidence, conduct depositions, and attend court proceedings.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Habersham County
• Sports teams at Georgia high schools and colleges
• Marching bands and other student clubs at institutions attended by Habersham County students
• ROTC programs and military academies
• Any organization that uses abuse or humiliation as a condition for membership or initiation.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one hazed. Other pledges collapsed, were hog-tied, and endured the same torture. If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or any other hazing incident, you have rights too.

As Lupe Peña said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. Habersham County deserves to know that its students will be protected, and those who dare to inflict harm will be held accountable.

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