If you are reading this in Hart County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, eager to make new friends, to grow, and to experience something new. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were subjected to rituals that belong in a horror film, not a college campus. We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the desperate search for answers late at night. We’re here to help families in Hart County fight back, just as we did for a young man in Houston who faced a similar nightmare.

When hazing strikes, it doesn’t just impact your child; it shatters your entire family. The dreams you had for their college experience are replaced with medical bills, psychological trauma, and a profound sense of betrayal. In Hart County, Georgia, we know parents send their children to institutions of higher learning, trusting those institutions to foster a safe and enriching environment. Yet, across America, and even in cities like Athens-Clarke County or around Lake Hartwell, the shadows of hazing loom large, often hidden until tragedy strikes. We are Attorney911, and we are legal first responders to these emergencies. We are here to tell you that you are not alone, and we have the expertise, the resources, and the relentless drive to fight for your child’s justice, no matter where they were hazed.

The Haunting Echoes: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

Hazing isn’t the harmless pranks or innocent rites of passage that many parents might remember from their own college days. The truth is far darker and more brutal. Modern hazing involves systematic torture, psychological manipulation, and extreme physical abuse that leaves victims scarred, traumatized, and sometimes, dead. It is not about “building brotherhood” or “tradition”—it is about power, control, and degradation.

Consider the harrowing story of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who, in the fall of 2025, sought camaraderie and belonging with the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. He wasn’t even a full-fledged student yet, merely a “ghost rush” planning to transfer in the spring. Yet, what he endured at the hands of those he sought to join was nothing short of horrific. He was waterboarded with a garden hose—a barbaric act that simulates drowning and is recognized internationally as torture. He was hog-tied, stuffed with food until he vomited, and then forced to run sprints in his own puke. He was subjected to psychological abuse, sleep deprivation, and physical exertion so extreme that his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. Leonel spent four days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition caused by the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. This happened in Texas, just weeks ago, and it’s a stark warning to parents in Hart County that hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a current and present danger on campuses nationwide.

For families in Hart County, Georgia, your children might attend institutions across the state, from the University of Georgia in Athens to Georgia Tech in Atlanta, or even regional colleges closer to home. These institutions are not immune to such incidents. The same national fraternities and sororities with documented histories of abuse operate chapters at campuses throughout Georgia. The same institutional negligence that allowed this to happen in Houston can exist at campuses where your children seek their education.

When we talk about hazing, we’re discussing acts that often fit the legal definitions of assault, battery, false imprisonment, and even torture. These are crimes, not harmless fun. Leonel’s story is the centerpiece of Attorney911’s commitment because it exemplifies everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every single entity responsible for a hazing injury.

His case is not merely a legal battle; it is a beacon of hope for every parent and victim in Hart County and across America who believes that justice is unattainable against powerful universities and national fraternities. We are actively fighting for Leonel in Harris County Civil District Court, seeking $10 million in damages from Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not theoretical; this is happening right now, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Hart County, Georgia.

The Grim Reality: Understanding Hazing Beyond the Myths

When your child leaves Hart County for college, you envision spirited football games, inspiring lectures, and lifelong friendships. You do not imagine them being subjected to dehumanizing rituals that leave them physically broken or psychologically scarred. The grim reality of hazing is often hidden behind closed doors and coded language, making it difficult for parents to recognize the signs until it’s too late.

Hazing is far more pervasive and dangerous than many realize. Statistics paint a disturbing picture: over half of all students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing, and nearly 40% of student athletes report being hazed. Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. Furthermore, a staggering 95% of hazing victims do not report the incidents, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misplaced loyalty to their organizations.

The hazing that Leonel Bermudez endured included activities that directly caused profound medical distress. Rhabdomyolysis, the condition that put him in the hospital for four days, is the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that attack the kidneys. His dark, brown urine was a classic sign of this severe condition, which can lead to acute kidney failure and even death. This is not “boys being boys”; this is a medical emergency, preventable and inflicted intentionally.

Beyond this egregious physical abuse, Leonel was subjected to various forms of torture:

• Waterboarding: As confirmed by KHOU 11 and Houston Public Media, he was sprayed in the face with a garden hose, simulating drowning. This is a tactic that the U.S. government considers torture.
• Forced Eating: He was compelled to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue physical exertions while lying in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and being struck with wooden paddles. Another pledge even lost consciousness during these grueling workouts on October 15, 2025 – yet the abuse continued.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constant.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and contributing to his overall exhaustion.

These are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic pattern of abuse. What happened to Leonel reflects a culture that prioritizes harmful “traditions” over human dignity and safety. This exact type of hazing can occur in social fraternities and sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations at colleges and universities that students from Hart County, Georgia, might attend, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or Clemson University, which is just across the state line.

Unmasking the Culprits: Who is Responsible When Hazing Occurs?

When hazing inflicts severe injury or death, the question of “who is responsible?” instantly arises. While the individual perpetrators may be the most obvious culprits, the web of liability often extends far wider, encompassing institutions and organizations that enabled, ignored, or failed to prevent the abuse. It is our firm’s mission at Attorney911 to identify every single entity that bears responsibility and hold them accountable. We don’t just sue the “college kids”; we go after the deep pockets and the institutions that allowed the horror to unfold.

In Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit, we have cast a wide net, ensuring that every link in the chain of responsibility is held accountable. For families in Hart County, Georgia, understanding who can be held liable provides a roadmap to justice for your child.

Here are the categories of defendants we target and why:

• The Local Chapter and Its Officers: This is the most immediate layer of responsibility. The local chapter of a fraternity or sorority, such as the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in Leonel’s case, directly organizes and carries out the hazing activities. The chapter officers, including the President, Pledgemaster, and Risk Manager, bear particular liability due to their leadership roles and direct involvement in planning and directing the abuse. They are often the ones who orchestrate the rituals, enforce the “rules,” and threaten non-compliance.
• Individual Members: Every current and former member who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to intervene in hazing incidents can be held personally liable. In Leonel’s case, we named 13 individual fraternity members. This includes members who hosted hazing at their residences. Remarkably, even the spouse of one former member was named as a defendant because they allowed hazing to occur on their property, creating premises liability. This underscores our commitment to pursuing justice against anyone who contributed to the harm.
• The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., provide charters and oversight for their local chapters. They are expected to enforce strict anti-hazing policies and ensure the safety of their members. When they fail to do so, they are directly liable. In Leonel’s case, the national organization immediately suspended and then dissolved the Beta Nu Chapter when the hazing came to light. This action, taken just seven days before we filed suit, is an admission of wrongdoing and a desperate attempt to distance themselves from a problem they knew existed. KHOU 11 reported that the national organization was alleged to have “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This demonstrates a pattern of negligence that we will vigorously expose.
• The University or College: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, especially when hazing takes place on campus property or is directly linked to an officially recognized student organization. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a key defendant because it owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where many of the most egregious acts of hazing occurred. This establishes clear premises liability. Furthermore, UH has a documented history of hazing incidents. In 2017, another student at UH was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing by a different fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. This means the university had eight years between the two incidents to implement effective preventative measures and failed to do so. This constitutes institutional negligence.
• The University’s Board of Regents: As the governing body, the Board of Regents for public universities like the University of Houston also bears ultimate responsibility for institutional oversight failures. They set policies or should ensure policies are in place to prevent hazing, and their failure to adequately supervise can lead to liability.
• Housing Corporations: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the properties where chapters reside. These entities, like the Beta Nu Housing Corporation in Leonel’s case, can be held liable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions on their premises.
• Insurance Carriers: This is where the real compensation often comes from. National organizations, universities, and sometimes even individual members (via homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) carry liability insurance policies designed to cover such incidents. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys, particularly Mr. Peña’s background at a national insurance defense firm, gives us invaluable insight into how these companies operate, how they value claims, and how to compel them to pay the maximum compensation due to victims. We know their playbook, and we use it to our clients’ advantage.

For every family in Hart County, Georgia, whose child has been subjected to hazing, it is crucial to understand that justice is not limited to the individual perpetrators. The institutions that create the environment, turn a blind eye, or fail to intervene are often the ones with the resources and legal obligation to compensate victims for their suffering. We are dedicated to ensuring that all responsible parties, from the freshman pledge to the national president of the fraternity and the university president, are held fully accountable.

Unlocking Justice: What These Cases Win for Hart County Families

When a child in Hart County, Georgia, is gravely injured or tragically loses their life due to hazing, families enter a world of unimaginable grief. They grapple not only with profound emotional trauma but also with mounting medical bills, lost educational opportunities, and the daunting prospect of fighting against powerful organizations. At Attorney911, we believe that holding these institutions accountable financially is a critical step towards justice and a powerful deterrent against future tragedies. We are here to tell Hart County families that these cases can, and do, result in multi-million dollar outcomes.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not an arbitrary number. It is grounded in a strong legal framework and supported by a clear pattern of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the country. These precedents are not just numbers; they are stories of families, just like yours, who fought back and won.

Precedent-Setting Victories Across America:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a “Big/Little” event. The Foltz family secured a settlement of $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals. This groundbreaking case, which set a record for a public university hazing payout in Ohio, directly influenced our demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are willing to pay significant sums to resolve hazing claims. In a truly remarkable recent development in December 2024, a jury also ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to pay an additional $6.5 million personally. This proves that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind their organization or its insurance.
  This outcome is directly relevant to families in Hart County because the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (often known as PIKE), has chapters at major Georgia universities like the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, and its practices have led to tragic consequences.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. In 2023, a jury awarded his family a staggering $6.1 million. This verdict sent a clear message: juries hate hazing, and they will hold fraternities accountable. The outrage also led to the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” which made hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of these cases to drive legislative change. For Hart County families, this case underscores that a local jury would likely be just as outraged by the kind of torture Leonel Bermudez endured.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza died after a horrific hazing incident where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a blood alcohol content of 0.36. He suffered multiple falls and traumatic injuries, and fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. The entire ordeal was captured on surveillance cameras. The civil lawsuits and settlements, though confidential, are estimated to exceed $110 million. This monumental case led to the passage of the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania, significantly increasing penalties for hazing. This case proves that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, the damages can be astronomical.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
  This case is particularly relevant because it involves the very same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that is a defendant in Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit. Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” His death, just like Leonel’s hospitalization, occurred on November 3, albeit eight years earlier. This undeniable pattern of behavior within the national organization demonstrates a profound failure to address a known, deadly problem. This foreknowledge is a critical factor in pursuing punitive damages against Pi Kappa Phi.

These multi-million dollar outcomes are not mere lucky strikes; they are the result of relentless, strategic litigation. They provide compensation for the immense medical costs, lost income, and unimaginable pain and suffering that hazing victims and their families endure. Beyond financial recovery, these cases are a powerful catalyst for change:

• Forcing Institutional Reform: Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements compel universities and national organizations to re-evaluate and strengthen their anti-hazing policies and enforcement.
• Driving Legislative Action: Cases like Max Gruver’s and Timothy Piazza’s have led directly to new state laws making hazing a felony and increasing penalties.
• Sending a Clear Message: The financial penalties imposed on fraternities and universities serve as a stark warning: hazing in Hart County or anywhere else costs millions, and families like yours will fight back.

When we tell Hart County families that we are seeking $10 million for Leonel, it is because his case involves egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse), significant medical trauma (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure), and a clear pattern of institutional negligence by both the fraternity and the university. We fight to secure not just what is fair, but what is necessary to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future harm. Your child’s case, if it involves similar patterns of abuse or severe injury, holds the same potential for justice and accountability.

Texas Law Protects You, and Hart County Families, Too

The legal landscape surrounding hazing is robust, particularly in states like Texas where we are fighting Leonel Bermudez’s case. It is vital for families in Hart County, Georgia, to understand that while state laws may vary, the fundamental principles of victim protection and institutional accountability are universal. Our firm’s ability to operate in federal courts and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims nationwide, applying the strongest legal arguments no matter where the hazing occurred.

One of the most critical aspects of Texas hazing law, and one that many defendants try to dismiss, is the clear stance on consent. Under the Texas Education Code § 37.154, it 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 means that when a fraternity argues, “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He could have left at any time,” the law unequivocally rejects that defense. You cannot legally consent to be a victim of a crime, and that includes hazing. This legal principle is crucial for any hazing victim, including those in Hart County, as it undermines the primary defense tactic of these organizations.

Key Aspects of Hazing Law and How They Apply:

• Definition of Hazing: The Texas Education Code § 37.151 provides a comprehensive definition that covers Leonel’s experience perfectly. It includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of affiliation. This includes:

  • Physical Brutality: Such as striking, beating, branding, or placing harmful substances on the body. Leonel was struck with wooden paddles.
  • Sleep Deprivation, Exposure, Calisthenics: Involving unreasonable risk of harm or adverse effects on health. Leonel suffered sleep deprivation, cold weather exposure, and extreme calisthenics leading to organ failure.
  • Forced Consumption: Involving food, liquid, or alcohol that subjects the student to unreasonable risk. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
  • Activities Violating the Penal Code: This covers acts like assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Waterboarding directly falls into this category.

• Criminal Penalties: Beyond civil lawsuits, hazing can lead to criminal charges. In Texas, engaging in hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor, carrying up to a year in jail. If death occurs, it’s a State Jail Felony, with up to two years in state jail and substantial fines. Given Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, this clearly constitutes “serious bodily injury,” meaning the individual perpetrators could face criminal charges. The University of Houston spokesperson even publicly acknowledged “potential criminal charges.” This concurrent criminal liability demonstrates the severity of the acts.

• Organizational Liability: The law also holds organizations accountable. Under Texas Education Code § 37.153, an organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing, or if an officer or any combination of members… commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means the local chapter, the national fraternity, and even the housing corporation can face fines and be denied permission to operate. This is why Pi Kappa Phi National closed their chapter at UH “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards” – they admitted to violations that the law punishes.

• University Reporting Requirements: Institutions are legally obligated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can itself be a Class B Misdemeanor. This mechanism offers a way to track universities’ awareness and response to hazing on their campuses.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits seek to compensate the victim and prevent future harm through financial penalties. For Hart County families, these are the avenues for true justice:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common civil theory. We argue that the defendants (university, national fraternity, individuals) had a duty of care to protect the student, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, this breach caused the injuries, and as a result, the victim suffered damages.
2. Premises Liability: Because the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing happened, they bear responsibility for allowing dangerous conditions on their property. This principle could apply to any property owner in Hart County, Georgia, that allows such activities to occur.
3. Negligent Supervision: Both the national fraternity and the university can be held liable for failing to adequately supervise the local chapter and its members, especially when they had knowledge of prior hazing incidents or a general “hazing crisis.”
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought directly against the individual perpetrators who inflicted physical harm, such as striking or waterboarding.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, particularly acts like waterboarding, can lead to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, covering severe psychological harm.
6. Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that hazing leads to a fatality, families can file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation not only for economic losses but also for loss of companionship, mental anguish, and punitive damages.

It is crucial for families in Hart County to act quickly. Most states, including Texas, have a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, typically two years from the date of the injury or death. This means waiting too long can extinguish your right to seek justice entirely. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and organizations can implement damage control strategies. Time is of the essence, and that’s why we urge you to contact us immediately. Whether your child was hazed in Athens, Atlanta, or anywhere in between, the legal framework is in place to protect them, and we are here to enforce it.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Hart County Hazing Victims

When your child in Hart County, Georgia, becomes a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal commando team that understands the nuanced, brutal reality of this crisis and knows how to dismantle the powerful institutions that allow it to continue. Attorney911 is built for this fight. We are not just another personal injury firm; we are legal first responders, ready to act decisively, aggressively, and with profound expertise. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for Leonel Bermudez is not just a case; it’s a testament to our ongoing fight for hazing victims nationwide, including those in Hart County.

Here’s why families across Hart County, Georgia, should choose Attorney911:

1. Battle-Tested Experience Against Giants

Our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. He has faced down massive corporations in high-stakes litigation, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience proves he has the strategic acumen and tenacity to take on the largest national fraternities, universities, and their deep-pocketed insurance carriers. For Hart County families, this means we are unafraid and fully capable of challenging institutions that believe they are too big to fail.

2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders

Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, our associate attorney, are former insurance defense lawyers. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a deliberate strategy. Mr. Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, where he learned firsthand how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts. They literally know the enemy’s playbook from the inside. This “insurance counter-intelligence system” is an unfair advantage for our clients in Hart County, allowing us to anticipate defense tactics, expose weaknesses in their arguments, and negotiate from a position of strength to maximize your compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions

While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide. We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing us with federal litigation authority that bypasses many state-specific jurisdictional hurdles. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello is dual-state barred in Texas AND New York. This dual-state admission is a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities, many of whom are headquartered in states other than Georgia or Texas. For Hart County families, this means we can pursue the national organizations responsible even if they are located far outside your state.

4. Direct, Data-Driven Hazing Expertise

We aren’t just generally aware of hazing; we actively specialize in it. Our landmark Bermudez case demonstrates our precise approach: identifying every liable entity, from the national headquarters to individual members, and building a case based on irrefutable facts. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified to understand and litigate the severe injuries Leonel Bermudez suffered. We meticulously track hazing incidents, precedents, and the corporate structures of Greek organizations across America. This data-driven approach means we don’t guess; we know who to sue and how to build an airtight case.

5. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach

We understand that families in Hart County are going through an emotional emergency. Our tone is always empathetic, warm, and parent-facing. We make it a priority to treat our clients like family, providing consistent communication and support. Our Google reviews, with a 4.9-star rating from over 250 clients, consistently praise our responsiveness and genuine care. As a father of three, Ralph Manginello deeply understands the stakes when a child is harmed by hazing. He founded Attorney911 to provide “immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone you could trust.”

6. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Representation

We know that the financial burden of a hazing incident can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates any financial barrier for Hart County families seeking justice, leveling the playing field against well-funded universities and national organizations. We invest our resources, time, and expertise into your case, aligning our success directly with yours.

7. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

For Spanish-speaking families in Hart County, Georgia, communication barriers can often prevent victims from seeking legal help. Our team at Attorney911 is fully bilingual, with Lupe Peña being fluent in Spanish. We provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families, ensuring that language is never an obstacle to justice.

8. We Come to You: Nationwide Reach for Hart County

While our headquarters are in Houston, we are committed to serving hazing victims across America, including Hart County, Georgia. We leverage video consultations for initial meetings, making it easy for you to connect with us from your home. For critical stages of litigation, such as depositions or trials, we are willing to travel to Hart County, ensuring that you have top-tier representation every step of the way. Distance is not a barrier to justice when your child’s future is at stake.

In Hart County, whether your family sends your child to the large state universities or smaller colleges, the risk of hazing remains. When that risk becomes a devastating reality, you need an attorney who fights with the force of a legal emergency, not a hesitant local firm. We are Attorney911. We are the attorneys currently fighting the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit. We are ready to bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to your Hart County family.

Immediate Action: What Hart County Families MUST Do Right Now

If your child in Hart County, Georgia, has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotional shock and confusion are natural, swift and strategic action is essential to preserve evidence, protect your legal rights, and ensure the best possible outcome for your case. We understand the fear and anger you’re feeling, but time is of the essence.

Here are the crucial steps Hart County families must take right now:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

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

• Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Situation: If they are still in an environment where hazing could continue, get them out immediately.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor or only psychological, consult a doctor or seek emergency medical attention without delay. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal trauma from forced alcohol consumption, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. A medical professional in Hart County or a nearby hospital in Lavonia or Toccoa can properly diagnose and document injuries. This creates an official record that is invaluable for your case. Ensure all symptoms, no matter how small, are documented. If your child is hospitalized, take photos of them in the hospital bed, of their injuries, and keep meticulous records of all medical bills and treatments.
• Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts profound psychological trauma. Seek counseling or therapy for your child. These records will be critical for documenting non-economic damages like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – Every Detail Matters

The success of a hazing case often hinges on the evidence collected. Assume that the perpetrators and institutions will try to destroy or hide anything incriminating.

• Digital Communications: This is often the smoking gun. Your child’s cell phone holds invaluable evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation (even screenshots of timed messages), Instagram direct message, email, or social media post related to the fraternity/sorority, the pledging process, and the hazing. This includes communications from other pledges, active members, and anyone associated with the organization.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing exist – even if taken by others – try to secure copies. Also, take photos of your child’s injuries throughout the healing process, no matter how minor. Document the environment where the hazing occurred if possible, including the fraternity house, specific locations (e.g., basement, isolated fields), or items used in hazing (e.g., paddles, alcohol bottles).
• Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone else who witnessed the hazing or was hazed alongside your child. Their testimony can be crucial.
• Documents: Collect any “pledge packets,” schedules, rules, manuals, or other documents given to your child by the organization or the university.
• Financial Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if your child missed work), and any academic expenses related to the hazing (e.g., tuition for dropped classes, lost scholarships).
• Clothing/Personal Items: If any items were damaged or soiled during the hazing (clothing, fanny packs, etc.), preserve them.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTS” to Protect Your Case

These defensive actions are just as important as gathering evidence.

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Erasing messages or posts can be seen as destruction of evidence, severely harming your case.
• DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with any current or former members, leadership, or alumni without legal counsel. They will try to get you to sign papers, make statements, or minimize the incident.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their insurance companies without consulting your attorney first. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you or your child posts on social media can and will be used against you by the defense. Even innocent posts showing your child smiling can be misrepresented as evidence that they weren’t truly distressed or injured. Stay completely silent about the incident online.
• DO NOT Give Statements Alone: Refuse to give recorded statements to insurance adjusters, university administrators, or fraternity representatives without your attorney present. They are not on your side and are trained to elicit information that can harm your claim.
• DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations (typically two years in most states, including Georgia, for personal injury) means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. Act now.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY

This is the most important step. We are available 24/7 because hazing is a legal emergency.

• Call Our Hotline: Reach us day or night at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free, confidential consultations for Hart County families.
• Email Us: Send an email to ralph@atty911.com.
• Video Consultation: We understand that traveling may be difficult. We offer secure video consultations so you can discuss your case with us from the comfort of your home in Hart County.
• We Travel to You: For critical depositions, client meetings, or trials, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Hart County, Georgia, or any necessary location. Distance is never a barrier to justice.

Why Act Now?

The immediacy of our response in the Bermudez case is a model for our approach to every hazing incident. Leonel was hospitalized on November 6, 2025 – and we filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21, just weeks later. This rapid, aggressive action ensures that evidence is preserved, defendants are put on notice, and the legal process begins before memories fade or cover-ups take hold.

For Hart County families, we are your legal first responders. While your child sought friendship, they found trauma. We are here to help them find justice. You are not alone in this fight, and we are ready to stand with you. Do not wait; call us today.

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

If your family in Hart County, Georgia, is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a hazing incident, you are facing a legal emergency. The fear, confusion, and anger can be overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate this crisis alone. Attorney911 is your dedicated legal emergency hotline, offering immediate, aggressive, and compassionate representation for hazing victims and their families, regardless of where the incident occurred. From our Texas headquarters, we extend our proven expertise and unwavering commitment to justice to Hart County, Georgia, and nationwide.

Our attorneys, Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, are actively fighting for Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not just a case study for us; it’s a live, ongoing battle that demonstrates our relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. This same unwavering dedication will be brought to your child’s case in Hart County.

Your child didn’t deserve this. You deserve justice.

Here’s how Hart County families can reach us immediately:

📞 Dedicated Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7: Hazing emergencies don’t adhere to business hours, and neither do we. Our line is open around the clock for families in Hart County facing this crisis.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free and completely confidential. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to understand your legal options and how we can help.
• Email Us: For direct inquiries, you can reach us at ralph@atty911.com.

Our Commitment to Hart County Families:

• No Upfront Costs (Contingency Fee): We understand the financial strain that medical bills and lost educational opportunities can place on families. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to focus on your child’s recovery, not legal fees.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Service: While we are headquartered in Houston, Texas, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims across Hart County, Georgia, and beyond. We offer convenient video consultations for initial discussions, and our team will travel to Hart County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
• Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): For Spanish-speaking families in Hart County, our fluent Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff eliminate language barriers, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive representation throughout the legal process.
• A Force to Be Reckoned With: We employ data-driven litigation strategies and leverage our insider knowledge as former insurance defense attorneys to dismantle the defenses of national fraternities, universities, and their insurance carriers. When they see Attorney911, they know they are in for a fight.

Do not wait. Do not let shame or fear silence you.

Every day that passes can make it harder to gather crucial evidence and bring perpetrators to justice. The statute of limitations imposes strict deadlines. Let us be your voice, your shield, and your sword against those who have harmed your child. The path to accountability starts with a single call.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us fight for your Hart County family, just as we are fighting for Leonel.

Visit our website for more information: attorney911.com

Your legal emergency is our call to action. We are Attorney911. We are here to help.