Houston 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, 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. Here in Houston County, Georgia, families send their children off to universities across the state and beyond, expecting them to learn, grow, and build their futures safely. When that trust is shattered by the horrific reality of hazing, the fear, anger, and confusion can be overwhelming. We’re here to help families in your area fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now. We understand what you’re going through. Your child did not deserve this. What happened to them was not “tradition”; it was abuse, and it may have been criminal. We are committed to holding the individuals and institutions responsible for hazing accountable, ensuring justice for victims and working to prevent future tragedies.

Your Nightmare Just Became Real: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For families in Houston County, Georgia, and across the nation, the idea of college hazing might still conjure images of innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. But the reality is far more brutal and psychologically damaging. Hazing today is not about “building character” or “strengthening brotherhood”; it’s about systematic abuse, torture, psychological torment, and often, life-threatening physical harm. We know this because we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of a student who endured weeks of horrific hazing that resulted in severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in November 2025, isn’t just another legal proceeding; it is the centerpiece of everything Attorney911 stands for. It’s a stark warning of what hazing looks like today and undeniable proof of our aggressive, data-driven approach to obtaining justice. What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston could happen at any university that your child from Houston County, Georgia, might attend, whether it’s the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, or any institution with Greek life. The same national fraternities operate there, and the same negligence exists.

The Story That Demands Justice: Leonel Bermudez’s Ordeal

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member of the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He wasn’t even enrolled as a student at the university yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, for weeks, Pi Kappa Phi subjected him to a systematic campaign of abuse.

As his attorney, 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.”

Leonel was hospitalized for four days, battling severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign that his muscles were breaking down and releasing damaging proteins into his bloodstream. His creatine kinase levels, a key indicator of muscle damage, were dangerously high. This wasn’t a hazing prank; this was physical devastation.

What terrifies us, and what should terrify every parent in Houston County, Georgia, is the sheer barbarity of the hazing activities Leonel endured:

• Waterboarding: As reported by KHOU 11, Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This wasn’t a “tradition”; it was a war crime.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling exercises, often until he reached a point where he couldn’t stand without help. The Houston Chronicle also reported that he was “being struck with wooden paddles.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. He was then forced to continue running sprints through his own vomit, demonstrating a complete disregard for human dignity and safety.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and subjected to hose spray. He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. The lawsuit also detailed how on October 13, 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 a constant.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.

This nightmare occurred just weeks before we filed our lawsuit. Less than two weeks after Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National closed its Beta Nu Chapter, publicly acknowledging “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” The University of Houston, which owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse reportedly took place, also responded, with a spokesperson calling the events “deeply disturbing” and mentioning “potential criminal charges.”

The brutal incidents Leonel endured highlight that hazing is not confined to any single university or state. Similar events, equally devastating, are a very real threat to students from Houston County, Georgia, who pursue higher education. We refuse to let these institutions and individuals hide behind “tradition” or corporate statements. We will fight for Houston County families with the same fury and dedication we are bringing to this $10 million lawsuit.

The Broader Hazing Crisis Affecting Houston County Families

The truth is, hazing is a pervasive and dangerous problem across America, often hidden behind walls of secrecy and fear. For parents in Houston County, Georgia, sending a child off to Athens, Atlanta, Statesboro, or even local institutions, the thought that they could be subjected to this kind of abuse is unbearable. But it’s essential to understand the scope of the crisis:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t a rare occurrence; it’s a systemic aspect of Greek life for many.
• 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This silence, driven by fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty, allows the abuse to continue unchecked.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. This horrific statistic underscores the deadly reality of “tradition.”
• Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities; it occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations.

The institutions—universities and national Greek organizations—are often well aware of these dangers. They have policies in place, yet they consistently fail to enforce them effectively until a student is hospitalized or dies. Then, they scramble to “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, issue statements expressing “shock,” and minimize their culpability. This pattern of institutional failure is precisely what we are fighting.

Types of Hazing Not Seen on TV

Beyond the physical brutality, hazing encompasses a wide range of abuses designed to break down individuals and enforce conformity. Based on our deep experience and cases like Leonel’s, we know hazing takes many forms:

• Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, burning, forced exercise to exhaustion (leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis), sleep deprivation, forced standing, exposure to the elements.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking of alcohol (often leading to alcohol poisoning), eating until vomiting (as in Leonel’s case), or consuming non-food substances.
• Psychological & Emotional Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, forced servitude, public ridicule, demanding secrecy. This includes acts like being stripped, carrying degrading objects, or being subjected to simulated waterboarding, which induces extreme fear.
• Sexual Harassment & Abuse: Forced nudity, sexually explicit acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault. These are often deeply hidden and devastating.
• Financial Exploitation: Forcing pledges to spend excessive money on members or events.

The medical ramifications of such abuse are severe and long-lasting. Beyond the acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis seen in Leonel’s case, victims can suffer traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and tragically, death. The psychological scars are equally profound, often leading to PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse.

This isn’t just theory for us. Our work on the Bermudez case directly involves the very real and devastating consequences of modern hazing. We know that these experiences are not unique to Houston; they are happening in fraternity houses and on campuses near Houston County, Georgia, every semester. We are prepared to bring our aggressive, informed approach to defend your child and seek justice for your family in Houston County, Georgia.

Who is Responsible When Hazing Strikes in Houston County, Georgia? We Sue Everyone Involved.

When a student from Houston County, Georgia, is subjected to hazing, the immediate thought might be to blame the individuals who inflicted the harm. While those individuals are absolutely accountable, our strategy goes much further. We believe that hazing is rarely just the fault of a few “bad apples” but is enabled by systemic failures across multiple layers of responsibility. Our aggressive approach, exemplified in the Bermudez case, targets every entity that had a hand in permitting the abuse to occur.

In Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit, we are pursuing an extensive list of defendants:

• The Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. Their officers, such as the fraternity president and pledgemaster, were leaders in this torture, directing the abuse. We are naming these individuals as defendants, along with other current members who participated in or failed to stop the hazing.
• National Fraternity Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant. They are the “deep pockets” with significant assets and liability insurance. Our argument is that the national organization knew or should have known about the dangerous hazing culture within its chapters. The tragic death of Andrew Coffey in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 provided ample notice; their failure to act effectively led directly to Leonel’s hospitalization eight years later. As KHOU 11 reported, the national organization and housing corporation allegedly “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
• The University: The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are also named defendants. The university owned and directly controlled the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They had the power to regulate, inspect, suspend, or remove the organization, yet they failed to protect students on their property. This institutional negligence is particularly stark when considering the University of Houston also had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. Universities, like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, have a duty to protect their students, and when they own the property where hazing occurs, their liability is clear.
• Housing Corporation: The Beta Nu Housing Corporation, an entity often separate from the local or national chapter, is responsible for the fraternity property. If hazing occurs on their premises, they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Individual Perpetrators and Facilitators: This includes not just the active members who participated, but also former members and even their spouses who allowed hazing activities to take place at their off-campus residences. If you host, condone, or enable hazing, you are part of the problem and will be held accountable.

The “Deep Pockets” Strategy:
It’s important for Houston County families to understand that we are not solely focused on suing “broke college kids.” While individual perpetrators are held accountable, our primary targets are the entities with the resources to compensate victims and, more importantly, the power to enact change:

• National fraternity/sorority organizations have multi-million dollar endowments and comprehensive liability insurance policies.
• Universities possess vast endowments, significant operating budgets, and institutional liability insurance that covers negligence.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insight into how these large organizations and their insurance carriers operate. We know their tactics, their vulnerabilities, and exactly how to maximize leverage to ensure full and fair compensation for our clients. We dismantle their defenses because we’ve seen their playbook from the inside.

Our $10 million lawsuit is a clear signal: when hazing occurs, we will pursue justice relentlessly, targeting every responsible party, from the individual pledgemaster to the university president, to ensure real accountability and meaningful consequences.

When Hazing Happens in Houston County, Georgia: What These Cases Win

For families in Houston County, Georgia, who are grappling with the trauma of hazing, the question of “what comes next” often includes whether justice is even possible. The answer is a resounding yes. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the pain and suffering caused by hazing, multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the nation prove that victims can and do win substantial compensation. These cases send a powerful message that hazing will not be tolerated and that institutions and individuals will pay a heavy price for their negligence and abuse. These same legal strategies and precedents apply to hazing incidents affecting students from Houston County, Georgia, regardless of where they occur.

Consider these landmark cases, which demonstrate the financial and legal consequences of hazing:

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 alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event. The lawsuit resulted in:

• $2.9 Million from Bowling Green State University.
• $7.2 Million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals.
• $6.5 Million judgment against the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, in December 2024, demonstrating individual accountability.

Relevance: Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries is firmly supported by this precedent for hazing deaths. This case proves that both universities and national fraternities face significant financial liability.

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

Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event aptly named “Bible Study.” Based on incorrect answers, he was forced to drink more, leading to a fatal BAC of 0.495.

• A jury awarded his family $6.1 Million.
• This case also led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.

Relevance: This jury verdict unequivocally shows that when hazing cases go to trial, juries are willing to award millions to victims and their families. It underscores the severity with which the legal system views these incidents.

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

Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated in Settlements)
Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night, then fell down stairs multiple times, suffering catastrophic brain injuries and internal bleeding. Fraternity members notoriously waited 12 hours before calling 911.

• While confidential, settlements are estimated to exceed $110 Million.
• 18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter.
• This tragedy spurred Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.

Relevance: The sheer scale of the Piazza settlement highlights that when evidence is strong and institutional negligence is apparent, the financial consequences can be astronomical. Our case includes similarly egregious conduct and clear institutional negligence.

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

Warning: Same National Fraternity as Our Lawsuit
Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon on “Big Brother Night” at a Pi Kappa Phi pledge event.

• 9 fraternity members were charged with hazing.
• The chapter was permanently closed.
• The family reached a confidential settlement.

Relevance: This case is a critical piece of pattern evidence in Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit. It shows that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of a deadly hazing culture within its chapters eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization. Their failure to act decisively after Andrew’s death constitutes willful blindness and deliberate indifference.

Why These Precedents Matter for Houston County, Georgia

These significant awards (totaling well over $130 million) are not just numbers; they are proof points. They tell a story of accountability and justice that every family in Houston County, Georgia, deserves to hear:

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Realistic: The recovery sought in the Bermudez case is well within the range of previous hazing settlements and verdicts, particularly given the egregious nature of the waterboarding and severe medical injuries.
2. Institutional Responsibility: Universities and national fraternities are consistently held liable and compelled to pay millions, underscoring their legal duty to ensure student safety.
3. Hazing Costs Millions: These figures send an undeniable message to current and aspiring Greek organizations and university administrators in Georgia: hazing is not just immoral or illegal; it is financially ruinous.
4. Legislative Impact: These cases have led directly to stronger anti-hazing laws, like the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana and the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, reflecting a growing societal intolerance for such abuses.

These are not isolated incidents but a pattern that crosses state lines and university campuses. Whether your child attends a university in Georgia or elsewhere, the same national fraternities operate there, and the same institutional failures can occur. Attorney911 brings this national expertise and proven track record to every family we represent, including those in Houston County, Georgia. We ensure that our clients benefit from these hard-won precedents, empowering them to pursue maximum compensation and true justice.

Texas Law Protects You, Houston County: Consent is NOT a Defense to Hazing

For families in Houston County, Georgia, facing a hazing crisis, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, many of the legal principles we leverage, particularly concerning civil liability, apply across state lines. Furthermore, Texas’s strong anti-hazing laws provide a powerful blueprint for how states can protect students, and they offer critical insights into common defenses employed by fraternities and universities—defenses that fail under the law.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Shield for Victims

Here in Texas, the law is clear and unambiguous in its condemnation of hazing. The Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157, defines hazing broadly and imposes serious penalties. This matters to Houston County families because similar legal frameworks exist or are being developed in Georgia, and the clarity of Texas law underscores the severe nature of hazing.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining an organization, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality (like whipping, beating, striking, branding).
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other similar activity that risks harm or adversely affects health. Our client Leonel Bermudez suffered waterboarding, extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100+ pushups) and exposure to the elements that caused severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—clearly violating this definition.
• Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that risk harm (like Leonel being forced to eat until he vomited).
• Involves coercing a student to consume drugs or excessive alcohol.

Organizational Penalties (§ 37.153): Organizations that condone or encourage hazing, or whose members commit hazing, face severe penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and the denial of permission to operate. This provides a clear path to holding local chapters and national organizations accountable.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the state. Failure to do so is a criminal offense, demonstrating a statutory recognition of institutional responsibility.

The Critical Truth: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This particular aspect of Texas law is paramount and directly confronts the most common defense utilized by those who inflict hazing. Section 37.154 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.”

Think about this deeply, Houston County parents. When a fraternity or sorority tries to defend its actions by claiming, “He agreed to participate,” or “She knew what she was signing up for,” Texas law shuts that argument down instantly. The fact that a student may have felt pressured, coerced, or even voluntarily endured a portion of the hazing does not absolve the perpetrators or the enabling institutions of their responsibility. Our legislature understood that true consent is impossible in an environment of intimidation, power imbalance, and psychological manipulation.

Civil Liability: Going Beyond Criminal Charges

While Texas hazing laws provide for criminal prosecution (ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony if death occurs), our focus for victims from Houston County, Georgia, extends to robust civil claims. These allow us to seek comprehensive compensation for all damages suffered.

1. Negligence Claims: This is the foundation of many hazing lawsuits. We argue that universities, national organizations, and individual members had a duty of care to protect students, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university property, as it did in the University of Houston case where the fraternity house was university-owned, the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision: National fraternities and universities have a duty to supervise their chapters and Greek life. When they fail to do so, allowing hazing to flourish, they are negligent.
4. Assault and Battery: For any physical contact, such as striking with paddles, forced physical exertion, or waterboarding, individual perpetrators can be sued for assault and battery.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often results in severe emotional and psychological trauma, forming the basis for this claim. Leonel’s waterboarding and humiliation tactics are clear examples of conduct that meets this high standard.

These civil claims ensure that families from Houston County, Georgia, can pursue justice and compensation, even if criminal charges are not pursued or are difficult to obtain. Our deep understanding of these legal theories allows us to build powerful cases that maximize the potential for recovery. We tirelessly fight for victims’ rights, whether they are based on state hazing statutes, common law liability, or federal civil rights protections.

Why Attorney911 is the Obvious Choice for Houston County, Georgia, Hazing Victims

When your child from Houston County, Georgia, becomes a victim of hazing, you need relentless, experienced legal representation that understands the unique complexities of these cases. You need a law firm that isn’t afraid to take on powerful university systems and multi-million dollar national fraternities. Attorney911 is that firm. We bring a unique combination of legal prowess, insider knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to victims that makes us the premier choice for hazing litigation, regardless of your location in Houston County, Georgia, or anywhere else in the country.

Battle-Tested Expertise: Ralph P. Manginello

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is not just an attorney; he’s a seasoned litigator with over 25 years of experience in high-stakes cases. For Houston County families, choosing Ralph means benefiting from:

1. Former Insurance Defense Insight: Ralph began his career working for insurance companies. This invaluable experience means he knows exactly how the defense strategizes, what their weaknesses are, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. He’s seen their playbook from the inside and now uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses for our clients.
2. Mass Tort & High-Profile Litigation Experience: Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, a colossal case against a massive corporate defendant. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases involving institutional negligence by large universities and national organizations with vast resources.
3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Ralph can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities that operate across state lines. His dual bar admissions (Texas and New York) further enhance our strategic advantage, especially when confronting national organizations headquartered in states beyond Texas.
4. Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph possesses a keen investigative mind. He is trained to uncover facts, expose hidden truths, and build compelling narratives—skills essential in hazing cases where institutions strive to conceal information.
5. Hazing-Specific Focus: Ralph has direct experience in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases and litigation against fraternities. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez exemplifies his aggressive approach to combating hazing head-on.
6. Father of Three: Beyond his legal credentials, Ralph is a father. This personal connection fuels his passion for protecting young people and holding accountable those who harm them.

Insider Advantage: Lupe Eleno Peña

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, provides an additional layer of strategic advantage. Let there be no mistake: Lupe is male, and his insider perspective is critical for Houston County families:

1. Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm that represented corporate defendants and insurance companies. He gained firsthand knowledge of how these entities value claims, strategize defenses, and often attempt to lowball victims. Now, he uses that “battlefield intelligence” to fight for our clients.
2. Wrongful Death & Dram Shop Expertise: Lupe’s experience in wrongful death cases and dram shop liability (holding establishments accountable for over-serving alcohol) is directly applicable to hazing cases, particularly those involving fatal alcohol poisoning or instances where individuals were forced to consume excessive alcohol.
3. Finance Background and Business Acumen: With a B.B.A. in International Business and prior experience in finance, Lupe possesses a deep understanding of economic damages, future earnings calculations, and corporate structures—critical in dissecting the financial impact of hazing and pursuing complex corporate defendants.
4. Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families from Houston County, Georgia, can access comprehensive legal services without language barriers. He provides initial consultations, ongoing communication, and explains complex legal processes in their native language.
5. Aggressive Philosophy: Lupe’s approach is to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.” This relentless advocacy is precisely what is needed to stand up against powerful fraternities, universities, and their legal teams.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form an “insurance counter-intelligence system.” With a combined 37+ years of legal experience, their deep insider knowledge turns what would typically be a disadvantage for victims into an “unfair advantage” on our side.

Why Choose Us, Even from Houston County, Georgia?

1. Active Hazing Litigation: We aren’t theoretical; we’re in the fight right now. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our commitment and our capability.
2. Nationwide Reach: While we are headquartered in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer remote consultations via video, and our attorneys will travel to Houston County, Georgia, for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
3. Contingency Fees: $0 Upfront: We understand that the financial burden of a lawsuit can be daunting, especially after medical bills. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay us absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing any family from Houston County, Georgia, access to top-tier legal representation.
4. 24/7 Availability: Legal emergencies don’t adhere to business hours. Our hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available 24/7 for free consultations.
5. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: Our Google reviews speak volumes: “They treat you like family.” “Consistent communication.” “Fought for maximum settlement.” We know that Houston County families are facing immense emotional distress, and we are here to provide empathetic support alongside aggressive legal action.
6. Proven Results: From multi-million dollar settlements in car accidents to securing dismissals in complex criminal cases, our track record of success is clear. We bring the same dedication and strategic intensity to every hazing case.

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you don’t just need a lawyer; you need advocates who are as outraged as you are, and as determined to win. Attorney911 is ready to be that advocate for your family in Houston County, Georgia.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Houston County, Georgia, Hazing Victims

If you or your child in Houston County, Georgia, has been affected by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, scared, or even ashamed, taking swift and decisive action can dramatically impact the strength of your legal case. Time is of the essence. We are here to guide you, just as we did for Leonel Bermudez and his family.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s well-being is paramount.

• Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If they are still in a situation where hazing is occurring, get them out immediately.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, consult with a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. For psychological trauma, seeking therapy or counseling right away creates a clear record.
  • Crucial Documentation: Make sure the medical providers document everything, including how the injury occurred (mentioning it was due to hazing) and all symptoms. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence—Everything!

This is perhaps the most vital step. Hazing organizations are adept at destroying evidence. Your proactive preservation can make all the difference.

• Medical Records: Collect all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, and therapy records. Keep track of all medical bills and receipts.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Photograph any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If you have photos of your child shortly after the incident, preserve them. If they have internal injuries like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as Leonel Bermudez did, medical imaging and lab results serve the same purpose.
  • Hazing Activities: If any photos or videos of the hazing itself exist (taken by members, other pledges, or even bystanders), secure them.
  • Location: Document the hazing location, whether it’s a fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, or other area.
• Communications: This is often the “smoking gun” in hazing cases.
  • Text Messages: Preserve all text messages, especially group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram DMs) that discuss hazing activities, pressure to participate, threats, or any communication related to the organization. Screenshots are essential.
  • Emails: Save any relevant emails from the organization, university, or individual members.
  • Social Media: Take screenshots of any relevant social media posts (even if they seem innocent) by the organization or its members that might imply hazing culture or event details.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or individuals who might have overheard discussions.
• Documents & Items: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents given to your child. Save any clothing or items related to the hazing, no matter how insignificant they might seem.
• Financial Records: Document any lost wages due to injury or recovery, and any academic costs (tuition, fees) if the hazing disrupted academic performance.

CRITICAL WARNINGS: DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:

• DO NOT Delete ANYTHING: Do not delete any messages, photos, videos, or social media posts related to the hazing. This is destruction of evidence, which can severely harm your case.
• DO NOT Communicate with the Organization: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, other members, university representatives, or their attorneys without legal counsel present and specifically advising you. They are not on your side and will try to minimize their liability.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident or even general social activities on social media. Anything you post can be twisted and used against you by the defense.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents from the university, the fraternity, or any insurance company without first consulting an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights.

Step 3: Call Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation

Time is absolutely critical in hazing cases.

• Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years from the date of death for a wrongful death claim. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your right to seek justice.
• Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will be destroyed, witnesses will forget details, or perpetrators will coordinate their stories.
• Act Now: Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized on November 6, and we filed his $10 million lawsuit within weeks. This swift action is the gold standard for protecting victims’ rights.

Houston County, Georgia, families, call us now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7 to provide a FREE, confidential consultation. There is no upfront cost, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. We pride ourselves on clear communication and will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand your options and your rights. We will travel to Houston County, Georgia, for depositions, meetings, or trial if needed, or conduct consultations via video, making it easy for you to access expert legal help. Your child’s future, and the safety of other students, depends on taking action now.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Houston County, Georgia

If you’re a parent in Houston County, Georgia, or a student who has endured the horrors of hazing, you’re experiencing a legal emergency. The fear, pain, and uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we are your first responders to this crisis, ready to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help. We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we bring that same unwavering commitment and expertise to every family we represent, including yours in Houston County, Georgia.

Houston County, Georgia Families: Your Call to Action

🚨 HAVE YOU OR YOUR CHILD BEEN HAZED? CALL US NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We understand the urgency of your situation. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to take your call.

Here’s why Houston County, Georgia, families choose Attorney911:

• $0 Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes financial barriers, ensuring access to top-tier legal representation.
• Unrivaled Expertise: From Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of litigation experience and his background as a former insurance defense attorney, to Lupe Pena’s insider knowledge from defending national insurance firms, we know how the other side thinks and how to effectively dismantle their defenses.
• Aggressive Representation: We are currently battling Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit. This isn’t theoretical; we’re in the trenches fighting this fight right now. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies we use in our high-profile cases will be applied to your child’s case.
• Nationwide Reach: Though headquartered in Houston, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice for hazing victims across America, including those in Houston County, Georgia. We offer remote video consultations for your convenience and are prepared to travel to you for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed.
• Empathetic & Bilingual Support: We treat families from Houston County, Georgia, like our own. Our staff is bilingual, enthusiastic, and passionate about helping. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers will stand in the way of justice for Hispanic families in Houston County.
• Proven Track Record: We have a history of securing multi-million dollar recoveries and major legal victories for our clients. We know what it takes to win against powerful institutions.

Your Next Steps with Attorney911:

1. Call Our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: Don’t delay. The statute of limitations (typically two years in Georgia) means time is running out to protect your rights. Our immediate response is critical.
2. Free & Confidential Consultation: We will listen to your story with compassion and provide a professional, informed assessment of your case without any obligation.
3. No Pressure, Just Information: We will explain your legal options clearly, empowering you to make the best decision for your family.
4. We Handle Everything: If you choose us, we will take on the burden of dealing with insurance companies, universities, fraternities, and legal processes, allowing your family to focus on healing.

Hazing is a scourge that preys on young aspirations and leaves lasting scars. But as Lupe Peña powerfully 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 decision to seek justice can not only heal your family but also protect countless others from enduring similar nightmares.

Don’t let the perpetrators of hazing get away with it. Contact Attorney911 today. We are ready to fight for you and deliver the justice your family deserves in Houston County, Georgia.