If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Henry County, Georgia fight back. We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear – it’s all overwhelming. While our firm, Attorney 911, is based in Texas, we extend our aggressive, data-driven representation to hazing victims and their families nationwide, including those in Henry County, Georgia. We come to you, offering video consultations and traveling for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed.

Our recent $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university in Houston isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to holding every responsible entity accountable for the horrors of hazing. This isn’t theoretical – we are actively fighting for justice right now, just as we will fight for your family in Henry County.

The Unspeakable Truth: What Happened in Houston – And What Could Happen in Henry County

Three weeks ago, in Houston, Texas, a young man named Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, and subjected to psychological torture. He endured sleep deprivation and forced physical exertion until his muscles broke down, causing his kidneys to fail. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition. The perpetrators? Members of a fraternity that he was hoping to join, a fraternity that existed at a university he wasn’t even enrolled in yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student.

This is not an isolated incident. The same destructive “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez can, and do, occur at universities not only across Texas but in Georgia and throughout America. The very same national fraternities operate chapters near Henry County, Georgia. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to thrive at the University of Houston could exist at institutions your children attend in and around Henry County.

The story of Leonel Bermudez is not ancient history; it began in September 2025 and is ongoing in Harris County Civil District Court right now. We are fighting for Leonel, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Henry County, Georgia for your child.

The Hazing Timeline: A System of Abuse Unveiled

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was an almost two-month-long ordeal of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation.

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts the bid. His nightmare begins.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of constant hazing rituals. Leonel and other pledges were forced to conform to an enforced dress code, complete endless hours of “study,” and undergo weekly interviews with fraternity members. If they failed to comply, physical punishment or expulsion from the fraternity awaited them.
• October 13, 2025: In a chilling incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This wasn’t a prank; it was an act of deliberate dehumanization.
• October 15, 2025: The brutality escalated. A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout session. Other pledges were instructed to elevate his legs until he revived – no medical professionals, no concern for his well-being.
• Throughout the period: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while doing physically demanding exercises. This is a tactic considered torture when used against enemy combatants, yet it was inflicted upon young men seeking camaraderie.
• Throughout the period: Pledges were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, in a further act of degradation, they were forced to continue running sprints, often lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Throughout the period: Extreme physical punishment was routine, including over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprint drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-your-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were made to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this physical abuse.
• Throughout the period: Members were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and were struck with wooden paddles. Adding to the psychological torment, Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times.
• Throughout the period: Sleep deprivation was rampant, as pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion.
• November 3, 2025: The breaking point for Leonel. Punished for missing an event, he was forced into an extreme workout regimen until he could no longer stand. As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical treatment to save his kidneys.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, clearly realizing the severity of the situation. This occurred seven days before our lawsuit was filed.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members in Harris County Civil District Court. The news broke rapidly, with ABC13, KHOU 11, and other major outlets covering the story.

This fresh, ongoing case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is the prime example of how Attorney 911 approaches hazing litigation: aggressively, thoroughly, and relentlessly. This is not just a fight for one student; it’s a fight to send a clear message that such brutality will not be tolerated in Henry County, Georgia, or anywhere else.

The Medical Truth: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel Bermudez’s medical condition, rhabdomyolysis, is a severe and potentially fatal consequence of extreme physical exertion and trauma. It is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This myoglobin, when filtered by the kidneys, can clog and damage them, leading to acute kidney failure.

The symptoms Leonel experienced – passing brown urine, severe muscle pain, difficulty moving, and ultimately, kidney failure – are classic indicators of this dangerous condition. He needed urgent medical intervention, including extensive intravenous fluid hydration, to prevent permanent kidney damage or worse. This is the same medical condition our attorneys have successfully litigated before, demonstrating our specialized expertise in protecting hazing victims.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”

The stories from Henry County families often echo themes of betrayal, confusion, and fear. Many parents, and even students, struggle to define hazing, often dismissing dangerous activities as mere “traditions” or “initiation rites.” We need to be clear: hazing is not harmless fun. It is abuse, and it can leave lasting physical and psychological scars, or even steal a life.

For families in Henry County, it is crucial to understand that hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” depicted in movies. Today, it encompasses a wide range of dangerous and illegal acts, methods refined over generations to break down individuals and instill unquestioning loyalty through fear and humiliation.

It is not “bonding.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is not “tradition.”

IT IS:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Emotional abuse
• Psychological manipulation
• And, tragically, sometimes manslaughter or murder.

The Disturbing Reality of Hazing Tactics

Based on countless cases across the nation, including our recent one in Houston, here are the real faces of hazing:

• Physical Abuse: This includes forced, extreme exercise meant to break down the body, such as the 100+ pushups and 500 squats Leonel endured until his muscles failed. It also includes beatings, paddling, branding, or being forced to hold painful positions for extended durations. The “save-you-brother” drills and repeated 100-yard crawls exposed in the Bermudez case are designed to inflict pain and exhaustion.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking and potentially fatal alcohol poisoning, as we’ve seen in tragic cases nationwide. But it also includes forcing pledges to consume repugnant or excessive amounts of food until they vomit, as Leonel Bermudez was made to do with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns, then made to lie in his own vomit.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, disrupting their sleep patterns with late-night “rides” or early morning activities, leading to extreme exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This is designed to degrade and demoralize. Examples include forced nudity, verbal abuse, extreme isolation, making individuals carry demeaning or sexually explicit objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack), and threats of physical harm or social ostracism if rules are not followed. The hog-tying incident in the Bermudez case is a clear example of this dehumanizing aspect.
• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: A particularly vile form of hazing, this simulates the sensation of drowning and is a recognized form of torture. Leonel Bermudez was subjected to this with a garden hose – an act our legal system often equates to a war crime.
• Exposure: Forcing individuals to endure harsh environmental conditions, such as stripping to underwear in cold weather or being sprayed with cold water, risking hypothermia or other health crises.

The Devastating Consequences

The physical and psychological toll of hazing is immense:

• Physical Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure (as in Leonel’s case), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, burns, hypothermia, severe dehydration, and even cardiac arrest from extreme exertion.
• Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, lifelong trust issues, academic decline, social withdrawal, and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Leonel’s fear of retribution, as noted by his attorneys, is a direct consequence of this psychological abuse.
• Death: Tragically, hazing claims lives every year. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death annually in the United States, leaving families in Henry County and elsewhere shattered.

This is not a game children play. This is institutionalized abuse, and it demands accountability from every individual and entity involved.

Accountability: Who Is Truly Responsible When Hazing Occurs in Henry County?

When your child is subjected to hazing, the instinct may be to blame only the immediate perpetrators. However, our extensive experience in hazing litigation, including the ongoing Bermudez case, teaches us that responsibility often extends far beyond the individual students directly involved. We pursue every possible avenue to ensure justice for Henry County families.

We don’t just stop at the students who inflicted the abuse. We cast a wide net, holding every negligent party accountable, from the individual students to the sprawling national organizations and the universities themselves. This strategy is critical because these institutions often have significant resources and insurance policies that can provide the compensation your family deserves.

The Interconnected Web of Responsibility:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter:

   • Direct Perpetrators: The student members who plan, organize, and execute hazing activities are directly liable for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. This includes the students who sprayed Leonel Bermudez with a hose, forced him to eat, or paddled him.
   • Chapter Leadership: The chapter president, pledgemaster, and other executive board members hold a heightened responsibility. They oversee the chapter’s activities and are often directly involved in approving or even participating in hazing. In a separate Bowling Green State University case, a former chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment.
   • Why they are sued: They are directly responsible for the illegal acts, and their conduct violates university policies and state laws.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization:

   • The “Deep Pockets”: National Greek organizations are multi-million dollar corporations with vast assets and substantial liability insurance. Pi Kappa Phi, the national organization involved in the Bermudez case, has over 150 chapters nationwide.
   • Failure to Supervise: These national bodies have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce its own rules despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.” This mirrors the situation from 2017 when Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident.
   • Pattern of Negligence: When a national organization has a history of hazing incidents across its chapters, it demonstrates a pattern of negligence and a failure to address systemic issues. This makes them a prime target for significant damages, including punitive damages.
   • Why they are sued: Their institutional failures to prevent hazing, enforce policies, and supervise their chapters make them complicit.

3. The University or College:

   • Institutional Failure: Universities, whether public or private, have a fundamental duty to protect their students, especially from foreseeable dangers like hazing. This duty extends to regulating student organizations, providing a safe campus environment, and investigating reports of misconduct.
   • Knowledge and Inaction: The University of Houston, for instance, knew about a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (involving a different fraternity on its campus) yet failed to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent a recurrence eight years later.
   • Premises Liability: In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where significant hazing occurred. This makes them directly liable for conditions on their property. Universities near Henry County often own or lease property to Greek organizations, taking on similar liability.
   • Why they are sued: Their failure to protect students, enforce policies, provide adequate oversight, and maintain safe premises (when applicable) makes them a key defendant.

4. Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards:

   • Financial and Oversight Roles: Behind many Greek chapters are housing corporations (which own or manage fraternity houses) and alumni advisory boards. These entities often have significant financial resources and direct influence over chapter operations.
   • Failure to Act: They have a responsibility to address unsafe conditions on property they manage and to ensure the conduct of the chapter they advise adheres to legal and ethical standards. Leonel Bermudez’s hazing included incidents at a former member’s residence, bringing in the former member and his spouse as defendants due to premises liability.
   • Why they are sued: They provide infrastructure and oversight that, when negligent, contributes to hazing.

5. Individual Members Beyond the Direct Perpetrators:

   • Aiding and Abetting: Students who witness hazing and fail to report it or actively cover it up can also be held liable.
   • Conspiracy: If a group of individuals conspires to commit hazing, every member of that conspiracy can be held responsible for the actions of the others.
   • Property Owners: As seen in the Bermudez case, individuals who allow hazing to occur on their private property (including their spouses) can be held liable under premises liability laws.

We understand that Henry County families are seeking justice for an immense wrong. Our expertise lies in meticulously uncovering every layer of responsibility, ensuring that our pursuit of justice is as comprehensive as the harm inflicted upon your child.

Precedent-Setting Victories: Holding Hazers Accountable for Millions

When a family in Henry County faces the aftermath of a hazing incident, a common question arises: “Can we really fight back against such powerful institutions?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Our aggressive litigation, exemplified by the $10 million lawsuit we’ve filed in the Bermudez case, is backed by a solid foundation of precedent-setting victories across the nation. Families have won multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, forcing fraternities, universities, and national organizations to pay for their negligence.

These cases are not just about financial compensation; they are about sending an undeniable message: hazing costs millions, and families in Henry County have the right to demand accountability.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements That Demand Attention:

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

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity, along with individuals, paid an additional $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury ordered Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, to personally pay an additional $6.5 million for his role in Foltz’s death. This case led to Ohio’s Collin’s Law, strengthening anti-hazing legislation.
   • Relevance to Henry County Families: This case shows that both universities and national fraternities are financially liable, and individual perpetrators can face massive personal judgments. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez aligns directly with this precedent, proving that such sums are not only justifiable but achievable.

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

   • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, over six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. Pledges were forced to answer questions about the fraternity, and any incorrect answer resulted in forced drinking.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded Gruver’s family $6.1 million. The case also led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.
   • Relevance to Henry County Families: This verdict powerfully demonstrates that juries will not tolerate hazing and are willing to award substantial compensation, even driving legislative change. It underlines that when defendants refuse to settle, accountability can be found in a courtroom.

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

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge at Penn State, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. He died two days later. Security cameras inside the chapter house documented the entire horrific incident and the subsequent cover-up.
   • The Outcome: Timothy Piazza’s family reached a confidential settlement estimated to be over $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
   • Relevance to Henry County Families: This massive settlement underscores that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, the financial consequences for negligent institutions can be staggering. It also highlights the power of compelling evidence, such as the footage that documented Piazza’s abuse and the delay in seeking aid.

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

   • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at FSU, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
   • Relevance to Henry County Families: This case is particularly critical. It demonstrates that Pi Kappa Phi, the very national fraternity we are suing in the Bermudez case, had a student die in 2017 from a hazing incident. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a failure to address deadly hazing culture by the national organization, making Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization entirely foreseeable. They knew, yet they failed to act.

5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement

   • What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi big-little hazing event where he was forced to consume a large bottle of whiskey.
   • The Outcome: The family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which settled for over $4 million in October 2024. Six fraternity members faced criminal charges, and Virginia passed “Adam’s Law” to combat hazing.
   • Relevance to Henry County Families: This recent settlement further illustrates the significant financial recoveries possible and the commitment of our legal system to hold accountable those who facilitate hazing deaths.

The Message is Clear to Henry County Institutions: Hazing is Costly

The accumulation of these cases sends an unequivocal message to fraternities, sororities, universities, and other organizations in and around Henry County, Georgia: the era of minimizing hazing is over. Our firm’s $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez case is not an outlier; it is fully aligned with the increasing trend of multi-million dollar accountability for hazing-related injuries and deaths.

These landmark cases prove that:

• Universities and national organizations are not immune. They have a duty of care, and their failures will be met with severe financial repercussions.
• Individual perpetrators face personal liability. The notion that students can hide behind a chapter’s shield has been shattered.
• Hazing litigation fuels legislative change. Each major case has contributed to stronger anti-hazing laws, including felony charges and increased penalties.
• Juries are outraged by hazing. They consistently award significant damages, including punitive damages, to punish egregious conduct and deter future abuses.

For Henry County families, this means that justice is attainable, and the path to holding negligent parties accountable is well-established.

Your Rights Under the Law: Protecting Henry County Families from Hazing

If your child has suffered from hazing in Henry County, Georgia, or while attending college elsewhere, understanding your legal rights is paramount. While our firm is rooted in Texas, hazing laws and civil liability theories are largely consistent nationwide, and our federal court authority enables us to pursue justice for you regardless of location. The core principle remains: consent is never a defense for criminal acts, and institutions have a duty to keep students safe.

Understanding the Legal Framework:

1. Hazing Laws (Georgia and Beyond):
Most states, including Georgia, have specific anti-hazing statutes that define hazing and establish criminal penalties. These laws typically define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in an organization.

• Georgia’s Policy on Hazing (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-16.1): Similar to Texas law, Georgia’s statute prohibits hazing and imposes criminal penalties. It broadly covers physical brutality, forced consumption, and any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical harm or causes mental or physical discomfort.
• Criminal Penalties: Individuals who engage in hazing can face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the injury or if death occurs. Organizations can also face penalties, including loss of recognition. In our Bermudez case, Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure constitute “serious bodily injury,” which in many states, including Texas, can elevate hazing to a felony charge. The University of Houston spokesperson has already mentioned “potential criminal charges” in connection with our lawsuit.

2. Consent is NEVER a Defense for Hazing:
This is a critical point that can be difficult for parents and victims to grasp. Many hazing defendants argue that the victim “consented” to participate or “knew what they were getting into.” However, the law is clear: you cannot consent to a crime.

• Texas Education Code § 37.154: Explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This powerful legal principle applies across most states, including Georgia.
• Application to Henry County Families: This means that no matter what psychological pressure or perceived “voluntary” participation your child experienced, the perpetrators and negligent institutions cannot use consent as a shield against liability. When activities cross the line into physical abuse, psychological torture, or reckless endangerment, consent becomes irrelevant.

Civil Liability: Seeking Justice Through Lawsuits

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek monetary compensation for the immense damages caused by hazing. These are the claims we pursue aggressively for Henry County families:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. It argues that a defendant (the fraternity, the national organization, the university, or individuals) had a duty to protect your child, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., allowing hazing to occur), and this breach directly caused your child’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or fraternity (as in the Bermudez case where UH owned the fraternity house), the property owner can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment and allowing dangerous conditions to exist. This is particularly relevant for chapter houses or university-sanctioned spaces near Henry County.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when an entity, such as a national fraternity or a university, has a duty to supervise individuals or organizations (like a local chapter or student group) but fails to do so, leading to harm. Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to supervise its chapter despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.”
• Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators. Assault involves placing someone in fear of immediate harm, while battery involves actual harmful or offensive physical contact (e.g., striking with paddles, forced eating, waterboarding).
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe psychological harm. It applies when a defendant’s conduct is so outrageous and extreme that it intentionally or recklessly causes severe emotional distress, such as the PTSD and severe anxiety many hazing victims experience. The extreme nature of the waterboarding Leonel endured clearly falls under IIED.
• Wrongful Death: If hazing tragically leads to the death of a student, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and invaluable loss of companionship.

For Henry County victims, these civil claims are vital. They allow your family to recover financially for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, and they serve to punish the perpetrators and institutions for their egregious conduct, preventing future tragedies. Our attorneys, armed with experience in federal courts and licensed in multiple states, can leverage these legal frameworks to secure justice for your family, regardless of where the hazing incident took place.

Why Attorney 911 is the Clear Choice for Henry County Hazing Victims

When a hazing emergency strikes, Henry County families need more than just a lawyer; they need relentless advocates, strategic thinkers, and proven litigators who understand the nuanced complexities of hazing law. At Attorney 911, we are the legal emergency lawyers dedicated to representing victims like your child, fighting back against powerful institutions, and securing the justice and compensation your family deserves. While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to hazing victims extend nationwide, including Henry County, Georgia.

Our Unmatched Advantages, Tailored for Henry County Families:

1. Currently Fighting for a Hazing Victim in a $10 Million Lawsuit: This is our most significant differentiator. We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are actively litigating a major case against a national fraternity and a university right now. This means we are battle-tested, our strategies are fresh, and our commitment to this fight is undeniable. Henry County families receive the benefit of our real-time, aggressive courtroom experience.
2. Specialized Hazing Expertise: Our lead attorney, Ralph Manginello, has specific expertise in hazing cases, including those involving rhabdomyolysis – the exact condition Leonel Bermudez suffered. This deep understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of hazing is invaluable in building a strong case for your Henry County family.
3. Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Your Side: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, previously worked for insurance defense firms, including a national defense firm for Mr. Peña. This unique background provides us with an unparalleled “insider” perspective. We know the tactics that universities, fraternities, and their insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims in Henry County. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
4. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licensure: Our admission to the U.S. District Court and licenses in both Texas and New York give us a strategic advantage. This grants us the authority to pursue complex hazing cases in federal courts across the nation and against national fraternities headquartered in other states, if necessary. This nationwide reach means Henry County families can access top-tier legal representation regardless of geographic location.
5. Proven Track Record Against Massive Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity and fearlessness in taking on massive corporate defendants. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities, universities, and their vast resources. We are not intimidated by the size or influence of the institutions involved in your Henry County hazing case.
6. “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight”: The Peña Approach: Attorney Lupe Peña’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.” His meticulous preparation, strategic thinking honed from years of defense work, and relentless advocacy mean that every aspect of your Henry County hazing case will be pursued with maximum effort and intelligence.
7. Journalism Background: Uncovering the Truth and Telling Your Story: Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism means he is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories. Hazing cases often involve cover-ups and a desire by institutions to suppress the truth. We excel at exposing what they want to hide, ensuring the full narrative of your child’s suffering is heard by a jury or in settlement negotiations.
8. Compassionate and Empathetic Approach for Henry County Families: We understand that you are going through an unimaginable trauma. Our firm provides a warm, empathetic approach, treating Henry County families like our own. We offer bilingual services (Se Habla Español) and ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the entire process. Your story matters to us, and we fight for you not just as clients, but as individuals harmed by injustice.
9. No Upfront Fees: We Work on Contingency: The last thing Henry County families need to worry about is legal fees. We take hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees come directly from any settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. This levels the playing field, allowing every Henry County family to afford top-tier legal representation against even the wealthiest institutions.
10. Committed to Henry County, Georgia: Although our offices are in Texas, we offer video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Henry County, Georgia for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will never be a barrier to securing justice for your child.

When you choose Attorney 911, you’re choosing a team that merges nationwide expertise with a deeply personal commitment. We are fighting this fight right now, and we are ready to bring that dedication and proven strategy to Henry County, Georgia.

Immediate Action: What Henry County Families Should Do Right Now

The moment you discover your child has been subjected to hazing in Henry County, Georgia, or while away at college, your world can be turned upside down. The next steps you take are critical, not just for your child’s well-being but also for preserving their legal rights. Hazing victims often feel shame, fear retribution, or loyalty to their organization, which can delay reporting and destroy crucial evidence. As legal emergency lawyers, we are here 24/7 to guide Henry County families through this difficult period.

Your Essential Steps Immediately Following a Hazing Incident:

1. PRIORITIZE MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY:

   • Seek Care: Even if your child insists they are “fine” or seems only slightly injured, get them professional medical attention right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed but severe symptoms. Document everything with a medical professional.
   • Emergency Room: If there are signs of physical injury (bruising, pain, difficulty moving, unusual urine color), or if your child is disoriented, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in Henry County or wherever they are located.
   • Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek help from a qualified therapist or counselor. Mental health records are crucial evidence of emotional distress and trauma.

2. PRESERVE EVERY PIECE OF EVIDENCE – THOROUGHLY:

   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, psychological evaluations, and bills. These are factual accounts of the harm inflicted.
   • Photos and Videos: Take high-quality photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) at all stages of healing. Document the hazing location if possible, and any objects or materials used during the hazing. Attorney Ralph Manginello advises: “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
   • Digital Communications: This is often the smoking gun. Preserve all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communication related to the hazing. These often contain explicit instructions, threats, or discussions about the activities.
   • Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and any identifying details of other pledges, active members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Organizational Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications your child received from the fraternity/sorority or university.
   • Financial and Academic Records: Document any medical bills, tuition payments, lost wages if your child missed work, or any impact on their academic performance (e.g., dropped classes, lost scholarships).

3. DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE ORGANIZATION OR UNIVERSITY WITHOUT LEGAL COUNSEL:

   • Silence is Golden: Do not allow your child to speak to fraternity or sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without our team present. They are not on your side; their priority is protecting the institution, not your child.
   • No Recorded Statements: Never give a recorded statement to any insurance company or university official. Anything said can be twisted and used against your child’s case.
   • Sign Nothing: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements from the organization or university without having us review them first.
   • Social Media Blackout: It is critical for your child to suspend all social media activity related to the hazing incident and even general social activity. Anything posted can be used by the defense to discredit their injuries or claims.

4. CONTACT ATTORNEY 911 IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION:

   • Time is Critical: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years. Similar deadlines exist in Georgia and other states. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and the window for legal action can close. Do not wait. This is why our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted within weeks of his hospitalization.
   • We Come to You: While based in Texas, we serve Henry County and nationwide. We offer confidential video consultations, and our team will travel to Henry County for depositions, client meetings, and trial, ensuring distance is not a barrier to justice.
   • No Cost to You: Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers for Henry County families seeking justice.

When fear, shame, or confusion set in, it’s easy to feel isolated. We want Henry County families to know that they are not alone. Our team is ready to step in, provide clarity, protect your child’s rights, and aggressively pursue every avenue for justice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid That Can Ruin Your Case:

• Deleting Digital Evidence: Never delete text messages, photos, or social media posts, even if they seem irrelevant or embarrassing. This could be considered destruction of evidence.
• Waiting Too Long: Delaying action allows the defense to argue your injuries weren’t serious or that the incident was too long ago to properly investigate.
• Self-Diagnosing or Minimizing Injuries: Always let medical professionals determine the extent of injuries.
• Trusting the Institution: Remember, universities and fraternities have their own legal teams; they are not your child’s advocates.

Your child’s future, and the safety of other students in Henry County and beyond, depend on taking decisive action now.

Henry County Families: Take Back Control. Contact Attorney 911 Today.

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Henry County, Georgia, or while away at college, you are experiencing a legal emergency. The shock, betrayal, and anger can be consuming, but you don’t have to face this alone. We are Attorney 911, and we are legal emergency lawyers who will stand with your family, fight tirelessly, and demand accountability from every responsible party.

We are not just attorneys; we are advocates. And when it comes to hazing, we are currently fighting this very battle with a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t theoretical; it’s our reality, and it can be yours in Henry County.

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Here to Defend Them.

What your child endured was not a rite of passage. It was abuse. It was assault. It was potentially criminal. And in the face of such egregious wrongdoing, you have the right to seek justice, to demand compensation for their injuries, and to ensure that this never happens to another student. We will fight for Henry County victims with the same fury and dedication we are bringing to our ongoing case in Houston.

Henry County Families – Call Now for Your FREE, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Henry County hazing emergencies. You are not charged a single penny upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid. This ensures that every Henry County family, regardless of financial means, has access to aggressive, top-tier legal representation.

We Serve Henry County, Georgia – And Hazing Victims Nationwide:

While our main offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims knows no geographical bounds. We represent families across America, including Henry County, Georgia, by leveraging:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when national organizations are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in both Texas and New York, we gain significant strategic advantages in litigating against national fraternities headquartered in other states.
• Video Consultations: Henry County families can easily meet with us remotely from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys will travel to Henry County, Georgia, for critical depositions, client meetings, and trial proceedings as needed.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Henry County (e.g., University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University, Clayton State University).
• Henry County sports teams, high school or college.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and student organizations in Henry County schools and higher education.
• Any organization nationwide that uses abuse, degradation, or dangerous actions as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of Hazing, Including Those from the UH Pi Kappa Phi Incident:

If you or someone you know was also subjected to the horrors inflicted by the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, or any other institution, please know that you are not alone. Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim; other pledges collapsed, were hog-tied, and endured unspeakable abuse.

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

Your voice can be the one that stops this cycle of abuse. Your case can be the one that saves another student’s life.

Do not suffer in silence. Do not fear retribution. Do not let them get away with it.

Call us. Let’s shine a light on the truth and bring every responsible party to justice.

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