If you’re reading this in King George County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a network, and gain an education. Instead, they were tortured, humiliated, and left seriously injured by a fraternity that promised brotherhood. We understand what you’re going through, the anger, the fear, and the desperate need for answers. Our firm, Attorney911, is here to help families in King George County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our colleges and universities.

We are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. Less than a month ago, in November 2025, our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical case study; this is a live, ongoing battle that exemplifies everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims and their families. What happened in Houston can, and does, happen at institutions across our nation, including those near King George County. We are here to bring that same fierce advocacy to your family.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

The story of Leonel Bermudez is a stark warning to every family in King George County. His experience with Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston reveals the brutal reality of hazing today, and it shows exactly what we do about it. The events that led to Leonel’s hospitalization are deeply disturbing, but they are not unique. Hazing rituals like these are often hidden behind a veil of secrecy, loyalty oaths, and threats of retaliation. Our mission is to tear down that veil and expose the truth.

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled student at the University of Houston. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who planned to transfer to UH for the spring 2026 semester. He was looking for camaraderie, a sense of belonging, and a head start on his college experience. What he found instead was systematic abuse that landed him in the hospital for four days with life-threatening injuries. The mere fact that they did this to someone who wasn’t even their student speaks volumes about the fraternity’s and the university’s reckless disregard for human safety.

We believe that institutions, from national fraternities to universities, have a fundamental duty to protect students. When they fail in that duty, and when that failure results in severe injury or death, they must be held fully accountable. Our lawsuit seeks to do just that by holding Pi Kappa Phi National, the Beta Nu Chapter, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and multiple individual members responsible for their actions and omissions.

This is what happened in Houston, and it could happen to your child at any university or college near King George County.

The media coverage of our lawsuit has been extensive, revealing the shocking details of Leonel’s ordeal. ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media have all reported on the case, bringing much-needed attention to the hazing crisis. Pi Kappa Phi National even issued a statement announcing the closure of their Beta Nu chapter, an act we interpret as a clear admission of guilt and an attempt to mitigate the fallout.

What Happened: The Horrifying Timeline

The hazing of Leonel Bermudez began almost immediately after he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long campaign of psychological torture and physical abuse.

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Leonel and other pledges endure systematic hazing. This included being forced to adhere to an enforced dress code, complete study hours, and participate in weekly interviews, all under threat of punishment or expulsion.
• October 13, 2025: In a particularly disturbing incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This illustrates the depravity of the hazing culture within the chapter.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges were instructed to elevate his legs until he recovered, highlighting a blatant disregard for medical safety.
• Throughout the period: Pledges were forced to perform various forms of servitude, including driving fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.
• November 3, 2025 (The Incident): Leonel was subjected to extreme physical punishment after reportedly missing an event. He was forced to do over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, and numerous other grueling exercises like high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He was forced to continue until he was so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled home that night, unable to walk.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened dramatically. He was incredibly sore and could barely move.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to be passing brown urine, a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days, undergoing intensive medical treatment.
• November 14, 2025: Facing mounting evidence and our impending lawsuit, Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.
• November 21, 2025: Our firm, Attorney911, filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court, making national headlines.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The hazing Leonel endured was not simply “pranks.” It was calculated psychological and physical torture designed to break him down.

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where water was sprayed in his face while he performed calisthenics. This is a form of torture, classified as a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. Yet, members of Pi Kappa Phi inflicted it upon their prospective “brother.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. This was then followed by physical exertion, forcing him to continue sprints “while clearly in physical distress” and even to “lie in vomit-soaked grass.”
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other exercises pushed Leonel’s body beyond its limits, leading directly to his kidney failure. The lawsuit also details pledges being struck with wooden paddles, a clear act of physical assault.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather. The incident where another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth further illustrates the degrading and dehumanizing tactics employed. These acts inflict deep trauma, fear, and lasting psychological scars.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced early morning and late-night duties, like driving fraternity members, meant Leonel was constantly denied adequate rest, further weakening his body and mind, making him more susceptible to injury and psychological manipulation.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure

The severe physical hazing Leonel endured led to rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous medical condition. This is the breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases a harmful protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. This myoglobin can then clog and damage the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure.

Leonel’s hospitalization was critical:

• He passed brown urine, a classic symptom indicating myoglobin in his urine.
• Blood tests confirmed very high creatine kinase levels, further proof of severe muscle damage.
• He suffered acute kidney failure, a life-threatening complication that can cause permanent damage or even death.
• He was in the hospital for four intensive days, demonstrating the severity of his medical emergency.
• He remained at risk of long-term kidney damage.

These are the same types of severe, life-altering injuries that our firm has successfully litigated in the past. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in handling hazing cases involving rhabdomyolysis. This is not our first time fighting for victims of this horrific medical condition caused by hazing.

Institutional Responses: A Blatant Effort to Minimize Fallout

Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National quickly released statements once the hazing was exposed, statements that reveal more about their calculated attempts to limit liability than any genuine remorse.

The University of Houston spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” The spokesperson confirmed the university was “conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement” and threatened “disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” While appearing stern, this is a calculated response aimed at deflecting blame and minimizing the university’s liability. It’s an admission that they failed to uphold their own standards and are now scrambling to assert control.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters announced on their website, just days before our lawsuit, that they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” They claim this reflects their “commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values” and “prioritizing the well-being of our members.” However, their statement concludes with a telling line: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.” This demonstrates a profound lack of remorse, a clear intention to return once the public outrage subsides, and an admission that they prioritize their organizational presence over genuine change. They closed the chapter a week before our lawsuit was filed – they knew what was coming.

The cold truth for King George County families is this: These institutions prioritize their reputation, their financial stability, and their “traditions” over the safety and well-being of your children. They will offer carefully worded statements, conduct “internal investigations,” and close chapters only when forced to do so by public scrutiny or impending legal action. That’s why aggressive legal representation is crucial.

Why This Case Matters to King George County Families

This case, happening right here in Texas, is not an isolated incident.

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: This isn’t just “boys being boys.” This is systematic torture and abuse. The exact same types of hazing occur at colleges and universities near King George County.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred, making them directly liable under premises liability laws. Universities near King George County have the same power and obligation to prevent hazing, and they bear the same liability when they fail.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National acted swiftly to close the chapter, showing they knew the conduct was wrong and violated their own rules. The same national fraternities that operate near King George County have deep pockets and a responsibility to oversee their local chapters.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez fears retribution, a common and terrifying reality for hazing victims. We protect our clients from such threats, ensuring their voices are heard safely.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect King George County Students: As Lupe Peña 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 King George County case can send a powerful message and save future lives.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The $10 million lawsuit is not just about financial compensation; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable and sending a clear message that this type of behavior will cost them dearly. King George County families deserve the same justice and can use legal action to prevent future tragedies.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in King George County may harbor outdated notions of hazing—harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the truth is far more sinister. Hazing today is rarely innocent; it is often brutal, criminal, and life-threatening. The incidents uncovered in Leonel Bermudez’s case perfectly illustrate this grim reality.

It is not “pranks.” This is waterboarding. This is torture.

The Reality of Hazing in America: The Crisis Continues

Hazing is a deep-seated problem that extends far beyond fraternities and sororities, into sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations. It thrives in cultures of secrecy and misplaced loyalty.

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report hazing.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to their peers.

Common Types of Hazing Incidents

Based on our extensive experience and documented cases like Leonel’s, hazing manifests in various horrific ways:

• Physical Abuse: This is the most direct form of violence, including beatings, paddling (explicitly mentioned in Leonel’s case with wooden paddles), branding, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and extreme physical exertion to the point of collapse, like the hundreds of push-ups and squats Leonel was forced to perform.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves excessive alcohol consumption, leading to binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and death, as seen in many tragic cases. But it also includes forced eating of disgusting or excessive substances until vomiting (as Leonel experienced with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns) or consumption of non-food items.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often denied normal sleep patterns, forced to perform tasks late into the night or early in the morning, leading to exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased susceptibility to injury. Leonel’s forced early morning drives are a clear example.
• Psychological Torture: This category includes humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and explicit threats. The fanny pack with sexual objects, hog-tying, and forced stripping Leonel endured are prime examples designed to break a person’s will and instill compliance through fear and shame.
• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel’s case shows, this horrific tactic is a reality. Simulated drowning with a garden hose is not a “prank”; it is an act of torture that causes intense fear and physical distress.
• Exposure: This can involve forced exposure to cold or heat, confinement in small, dark spaces, or being abandoned in unfamiliar locations.
• Servitude: Pledges are often forced to act as personal servants to older members, performing chores, errands, or driving duties, further cementing their subordinate status and exhausting them.

Devastating Medical and Psychological Consequences

The purpose of hazing is to exert power and control, often resulting in severe medical and psychological trauma:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly seen in Leonel’s case, this can be fatal or lead to lifelong medical complications.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from beatings, falls, or other physical assaults.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or prolonged stress.
• Organ Damage: From forced consumption or direct trauma.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological damage is almost universal among hazing survivors. Leonel’s fear of retribution is a clear sign of lasting trauma.
• DEATH: The ultimate, tragic consequence that parents in King George County must grapple with far too often.

This is not the “tradition” that builds character; this is abuse that destroys lives. King George County families need to know that what happened to Leonel Bermudez is happening now, and that they have legal recourse against the individuals and institutions responsible.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying every single entity that bears responsibility, from the individual students who commit the acts to the national organizations and universities that enable the culture. In hazing cases arising from King George County, we meticulously investigate to ensure no stone is left unturned. Our approach to the Bermudez case demonstrates how comprehensive our strategy is.

We go after everyone, because everyone who participated in or allowed this abuse to happen must be held accountable.

The Defendants in Our Lawsuit — A Blueprint for Your King George County Case

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston names a broad array of defendants, illustrating the multiple layers of responsibility in hazing incidents. This multi-layered approach is exactly what we bring to King George County cases.

1. The Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter): This is the direct perpetrator. The chapter organized and conducted the hazing activities. Their group actions, whether initiated by leadership or perpetuated by members, make them fully liable.
2. Chapter Officers (Fraternity President, Pledgemaster): These individuals hold leadership positions and are directly responsible for directing, approving, or failing to stop hazing activities. They are typically named as individual defendants due to their direct involvement and oversight roles.
3. Individual Members: Any active member who participated in the hazing, assisted in it, or stood by and allowed it to happen without intervention can be held individually liable for assault, battery, and negligence. Our lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.
4. Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, hazing occurred at the residence of a former member and his spouse. This expands liability to individuals who provide the venue, making them responsible under premises liability theories for allowing dangerous activities to occur on their property.
5. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity): National fraternities have overarching responsibility for their chapters. Our lawsuit alleges Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.” The fact that Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 highlights a clear pattern of organizational negligence and a failure to learn from past tragedies. National organizations have significant financial assets and robust insurance policies, making them a primary target for accountability.
6. The University (University of Houston): Universities have an undeniable duty to protect their students from harm, especially when that harm occurs on campus or involves recognized student organizations. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This makes them directly liable under premises liability laws. Furthermore, the university’s failure to adequately supervise Greek life, especially given a prior hazing hospitalization at UH in 2017, demonstrates institutional negligence. The UH Board of Regents is also named to ensure institutional accountability.
7. Insurance Carriers: Behind every individual and institution are insurance policies. These can include general liability policies for the national fraternity and university, homeowner’s policies for individual members, and umbrella policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge, enabling them to navigate these complex insurance structures to maximize recovery for our clients.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle

It’s important for King George County families to understand that pursuing hazing litigation is not about financially ruining individual college students (though individuals who commit crimes and cause harm certainly can and should be held personally liable). It’s about targeting the “deep pockets”—the institutions with millions in assets, endowments, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These are often multi-million dollar corporations with robust insurance policies designed to cover these types of liabilities.
• Universities: Major universities, whether public or private, have significant financial resources and institutional insurance to cover claims of negligence and premises liability.

This ensures that victims receive meaningful compensation for their lifelong injuries, and it sends a clear, undeniable message to these powerful entities: if you allow hazing to occur, you will pay. And we will make sure you do.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For King George County families struggling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for significant compensation is critical. These aren’t just theoretical monetary amounts; these are real verdicts and settlements that have provided justice and financial stability to families devastated by hazing. These multi-million dollar figures are not merely punitive; they reflect the immense and lifelong costs of hazing injuries and deaths. They also send a resounding message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that hazing will carry a severe financial penalty.

Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. The same aggressive legal strategies that achieved these outcomes are available for King George County victims.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements — They Will Pay

Here are some of the most significant hazing settlements and verdicts in America, showing that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is well-supported by precedent:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

• Total Payout: Over $10.1 Million
  • Bowling Green State University: Paid $2.9 Million.
  • Pi Kappa Alpha National + Individual Members: Paid over $7.2 Million.
  • Daylen Dunson (Chapter President): A recent judgment in December 2024 ordered him to pay an additional $6.5 million personally.
• What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation. He died from alcohol poisoning. The tragic case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a permanent expulsion of the fraternity.
• Relevance to King George County: This directly supports our $10 million demand. It illustrates that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability. It also shows that individual members, like chapter presidents, can be held personally responsible for millions.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Total Payout: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
• What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event, where pledges were forced to drink for incorrect answers.
• Relevance to King George County: This proves that juries are willing to award substantial amounts—millions—for hazing deaths. The outrage of a jury can translate into massive accountability, a factor we rely on heavily if cases proceed to trial. This case also led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating that hazing litigation drives legislative change.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

• Total Payout: Estimated $110 Million+ (Multiple Settlements)
• What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a Penn State pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. He subsequently fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a catastrophic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and he later died. Security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
• Relevance to King George County: This case shows the immense financial consequences of hazing, especially when evidence is strong and the conduct is so egregious. The clear institutional failures and the delay in seeking medical help led to massive payouts, and this case also spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

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

• Total Payout: Confidential Settlement
• What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at FSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” This is the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case.
• Relevance to King George County: This is a smoking gun for our Leonel Bermudez case. Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within their organization eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization. Their failure to implement effective changes demonstrates a pattern of negligence and a willful disregard for student safety, which significantly strengthens our case against them and supports demands for punitive damages. This also establishes foreseeability—they knew this could happen again.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

• Total Payout: Over $4 Million Settlement
• What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old VCU freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family had originally sued for $28 million.
• Relevance to King George County: This is another recent case showing substantial multi-million dollar settlements for hazing deaths, further affirming the potential value of hazing litigation.

Why These Precedents Matter For Our Case in King George County

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported: The Stone Foltz case directly validates our $10 million demand. While Leonel survived, his injuries (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) are severe, life-altering, and carry significant long-term costs that justify similar compensation.
2. Pi Kappa Phi Has a Deadly History: The Andrew Coffey case is critical. It proves Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. This demonstrates a pattern of negligence and a failure to address systemic issues within their organization for eight years.
3. University of Houston Has Prior Hazing Incidents: A 2017 hazing incident at UH involving Pi Kappa Alpha resulted in a student’s hospitalization (lacerated spleen) and a $1 million lawsuit. UH knew hazing was a problem on its campus and failed to prevent it from happening again. This establishes institutional knowledge and negligence.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case, and the massive settlements in Piazza and Foltz, show that juries and institutions are willing to pay millions when confronted with egregious hazing conduct. When confronted with waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, and 500 squats, juries in King George County will be similarly outraged.
5. Criminal Charges May Follow: Just as in the Gruver and Piazza cases, the Texas hazing statutes allow for serious criminal charges (up to a State Jail Felony for hazing causing death). The UH spokesperson already mentioned “potential criminal charges,” further highlighting the severity of the conduct.

These precedents underscore Attorney911’s strategic approach: we leverage documented cases nationwide to demonstrate the foreseeability of hazing injuries and the financial liability of the responsible parties. For families in King George County, this means the path to justice is well-trodden, and the potential for meaningful recovery is very real.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in King George County

For families in King George County, navigating the legal complexities surrounding hazing can be daunting. However, it’s crucial to understand that robust legal frameworks exist to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. While our firm is based in Texas, and we are intimately familiar with Texas law, most states have similar anti-hazing statutes, and federal civil rights claims apply nationwide. This means that even if the hazing occurred outside of Texas, we can still represent King George County families.

Under Texas law, consent is NOT a defense. Your child cannot legally consent to being hazed.

Texas Hazing Laws (Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

Texas has clear, comprehensive anti-hazing laws designed to prevent these abuses and punish those responsible. These laws are a critical tool in our fight for justice for King George County victims.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging… if the act: (1) is any type of physical brutality… (2) involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm… (3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage… (4) is any activity that involves a violation of the Penal Code…”
  • King George County Application: Leonel Bermudez’s case fits multiple elements of this definition, including physical brutality (wooden paddles, extreme exercise), sleep deprivation, exposure (forced stripping, hose spraying), and forced consumption. Most states have similar definitions, ensuring broad protection for King George County students.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas with severe penalties:
  • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or failing to report it (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure undeniably constitute serious bodily injury.
  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).
  • King George County Application: This means individual perpetrators in King George County can face criminal charges in addition to civil lawsuits. The UH spokesperson’s mention of “potential criminal charges” confirms this parallel legal pathway.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves can be held liable, facing fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property.
  • King George County Application: This law directly targets organizations like Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter, as well as any other Greek organization or student group operating near King George County, making them legally responsible as entities.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical provision. Texas law 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.”
  • King George County Application: This utterly dismantles the common defense used by hazers—that the victim “willingly participated” or “knew what they were getting into.” Under Texas law, your child cannot legally consent to be hazed, period. This provision is a powerful tool in civil litigation, allowing us to focus on the perpetrators’ actions rather than the victim’s perceived choices under duress.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor.
  • King George County Application: This provides an avenue for accountability for institutional cover-ups or failures to address hazing promptly.

Civil Liability for Hazing — What King George County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow King George County victims to seek monetary compensation for their injuries and suffering. Our firm leverages multiple legal theories to maximize recovery:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common civil claim. We argue that institutions and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they breached this duty through their actions or inactions (like allowing hazing), and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages. This applies in King George County and all other states.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university property, or in a fraternity house owned by the university (as in Leonel’s case with UH), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This also extends to private residences where hazing is hosted.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory holds national organizations and universities responsible for failing to adequately supervise their chapters or student groups, allowing hazing to flourish.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual hazers can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact. Waterboarding, paddling, and extreme forced exercise all fall under this category.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing often involves “extreme and outrageous” conduct that causes “severe emotional distress,” supporting claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). The psychological trauma Leonel endured certainly qualifies.
6. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one’s life, future earnings, companionship, and funeral expenses.
7. Dram Shop Liability: If forced alcohol consumption occurred at a commercial establishment (like a bar or restaurant) that negligently served to minors or obviously intoxicated individuals, that establishment can also be held liable due to Texas Dram Shop laws.

For King George County families, these diverse legal pathways ensure that accountability can be sought from every angle, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Our commitment is to explore every available legal option to secure justice and maximum compensation for your child.

Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in King George County

When your child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the complex legal landscape and has a proven track record against powerful institutions. Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, brings a unique blend of experience, insight, and dedication that sets us apart. We are prepared to bring our fight for hazing victims to King George County, ensuring families there receive the same aggressive and compassionate representation we provide across Texas and nationwide.

We are not theoretical. We are fighting hazing in court right now, and we will fight for King George County families too.

What Sets Attorney911 Apart for King George County Hazing Victims:

1. Currently Litigating a $10M Hazing Lawsuit: This is our strongest differentiator. We are not just talking about hazing; we are actively engaged in demanding accountability from Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in Harris County Civil District Court. This real-time, high-stakes litigation demonstrates our profound expertise and aggressive approach. King George County families can rest assured they are hiring a firm that walks the talk.
   • Our Bermudez case directly involves rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, meaning Ralph Manginello has specific recent expertise in litigating the exact medical conditions suffered by Leonel.
2. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. He’s a seasoned trial attorney who isn’t afraid to take on formidable opponents. Lupe Peña adds over 12 years of his own litigation expertise. This combined experience is critical when facing the well-funded legal teams of national fraternities and universities.
3. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies. This invaluable “insider knowledge” means we understand precisely how the opposition strategizes, values claims, and attempts to minimize payouts. We know their playbook because we helped write it. This “unfair advantage” significantly benefits our hazing victims in King George County.
4. Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission allows us to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often advantageous when dealing with national organizations or multi-state incidents. This ensures we can represent King George County victims regardless of where their child attends college nationwide.
5. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in the Northeast. It allows us to pursue claims across state lines efficiently.
6. Mass Tort & Catastrophic Injury Experience: Ralph’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates his capacity to manage complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants. The organizational negligence and catastrophic injuries involved in hazing cases require this same level of sophisticated representation. Lupe Peña’s experience with wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases further strengthens our ability to handle the most severe hazing outcomes.
7. “Se Habla Español”: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that Spanish-speaking families in King George County receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultation to court proceedings.
8. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We operate with immediate, aggressive, and professional intervention. We prioritize preserving evidence, obtaining expert witness testimony, and negotiating from a position of strength. We understand the trauma involved in hazing and treat every King George County family with the utmost care and respect. As our client testimonials attest, we treat you like family.
   • “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client.
9. Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost: We understand that King George County families facing a hazing crisis are also dealing with immense financial strain. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This levels the playing field, making expert legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
10. Dedication to Community and Youth: Ralph Manginello’s background as a youth coach and his involvement with organizations like Crime Stoppers of Houston reflect a deep commitment to community safety and protecting young people. As a father of three, he deeply understands what’s at stake when a child is harmed by hazing.

We Come To King George County

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in King George County and across America. For cases in King George County, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via video, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to King George County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Our reach is national, and our commitment to every client is unwavering.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just getting legal representation; you’re getting a team that is emotionally invested in stopping hazing, a team that has the battlefield intelligence to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the opposition, and a team that will relentlessly pursue justice for your family in King George County.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for King George County Families

If your child in King George County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While fear, confusion, and anger are natural, taking swift, decisive action can profoundly impact the success of your legal case. Do not delay. Every hour that passes can mean lost evidence and weakened claims.

If you are reading this in King George County, scared and searching for help at 2 AM, this is your immediate action plan.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Everything

• Seek Immediate Medical Care: The very first step is to ensure your child’s physical and mental well-being. Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is the primary concern, seek professional medical attention immediately. Go to an emergency room, a doctor, or a mental health professional.
  • Why it’s critical: This creates an official medical record linking the hazing incident to the injuries. As Attorney Manginello emphasizes, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.” Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms.
• Document Everything on Your Phone: Utilize your cellphone to capture every detail. As we constantly advise, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
  • Injuries: Photograph bruises, cuts, scrapes, swelling, or any visible signs of injury at all stages of healing. Show the progress or worsening of the injury over time. For Leonel, his brown urine was a key indicator, and visual documentation of such things, if possible, is invaluable.
  • Hazing Environment/Location: If safe to do so, photograph or video relevant locations (fraternity house, off-campus residence, fields).
  • Physical Evidence: Capture images of any items used in hazing activities (bottles, paddles, fanny packs).
• Medical Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and bills. This includes hospital records, ER reports, doctor’s notes, and therapy records for psychological trauma.
• Psychological Impact: Document all signs of emotional distress, anxiety, fear, changes in behavior, or any symptoms of PTSD. If engaging with a therapist or counselor, ensure their notes reflect the hazing as the causal factor.

2. Preserve All Communications and Digital Evidence

Hazing often occurs and is discussed through digital channels. These are goldmines of evidence.

• Text Messages & Messaging Apps: Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp conversations, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. Take screenshots, and if possible, back up entire chat histories.
  • Why it’s critical: These communications can reveal instructions, threats, coercion, descriptions of hazing, and even admissions of guilt from perpetrators.
• Social Media: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. But also, DO NOT POST ANYTHING about the hazing incident. Assume everything you post or that is posted about you or your child will be used by the defense. This is a critical mistake that can ruin your case. Any photos, videos, or posts from the time leading up to the hazing can be used by the defense to argue your child was “willingly participating” or “having fun.”
• Emails: Preserve all emails from fraternity members, university officials, or anyone else related to the incident.
• Documents: Collect any physical documents provided by the fraternity or university, such as pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct.

3. Identify and Secure Witness Information

Other pledges, bystanders, or even former members might have witnessed the hazing or been victims themselves. Their testimony can be invaluable.

• Names and Contact Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who might have information.
• Other Victims: If you know of other students who were also hazed by the same group, encourage them to come forward. Their statements can establish a pattern of abuse. In Leonel’s case, other pledges collapsed or were hog-tied, showing he was not the only victim.

4. Critical Warnings: What NOT to Do

These actions can severely jeopardize your case:

• DO NOT Talk to Perpetrators or Organizational Leadership: Do not confront or discuss the incident with fraternity/sorority members, their leadership, or alumni. They will coordinate their stories and destroy evidence.
• DO NOT Give Statements to University Administrators Alone: University administrators are primarily concerned with protecting the institution. Any statements you or your child give can be used against you in civil litigation. If you must speak with them, have legal counsel present.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity, the university, or their legal representatives without consulting with an attorney. You could unwittingly waive your rights or compromise your case.
• DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of injury or death. While two years seems like a long time, evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities are lost. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized on November 6 and we filed suit by November 21—acting swiftly is crucial. Early intervention allows us to send preservation letters to defendants, demanding they retain all evidence, preventing them from “losing” critical documents or communications.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Your next step, after ensuring safety and preserving evidence, should be to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney. We offer free, confidential consultations for King George County families.

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911: Our legal emergency hotline is available 24/7.
• Email ralph@atty911.com: We pride ourselves on rapid response.
• Video Consultations: For King George County families, we offer convenient video consultations to discuss your case remotely. Distance will not be a barrier to justice.

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear of social retaliation, loyalty to the organization, or outright intimidation. This delay can severely impact your legal rights. We understand these human factors, but we urge you to overcome them and seek legal guidance. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your right to sue and hold those responsible accountable.

We are ready to listen, advise, and fight for you. Let us turn your family’s pain into powerful action against the perpetrators of hazing.

Contact Us: Your First Responders for Hazing in King George County

If your child in King George County has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you are facing a legal emergency. The fear, the anger, the confusion—we understand. We are Attorney911, and we are your first responders. Our commitment is to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional help to families like yours, bringing the full force of our experience and resources to bear against those responsible.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. This isn’t just a claim of expertise; it’s a real fight we’re engaged in right now. We know how to build these complex cases, how to navigate the intricate web of institutional liability, and how to hold powerful organizations accountable. We will bring that same relentless advocacy to your family in King George County.

King George County Families — Call Now for a Free Consultation

Waiting will only hurt your case. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and crucial deadlines approach. Protect your child’s rights and secure their future by acting decisibly today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This is our dedicated legal emergency hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak directly with someone who understands the urgency of your situation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com
We respond quickly to all inquiries, providing a direct access point to our legal team.

Website: attorney911.com
Visit our website to learn more about our firm and our commitment to fighting for hazing victims.

We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Cost for King George County Families

We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident, coupled with concerns about legal fees, can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

• $0 Upfront: You owe us absolutely nothing out of pocket to begin your case.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
  This arrangement levels the playing field, ensuring that families in King George County can take on multi-million dollar institutions without financial risk.

We Serve King George County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond Texas. We represent hazing victims wherever they are because hazing is a national crisis that respects no state lines or university boundaries.

For King George County families, this means:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction. This is often essential when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across states.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing additional strategic advantages when pursuing national organizations with significant presences in multiple states.
• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing King George County families to connect with our legal team from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
• Travel Commitment: We are committed to justice wherever it leads. Our attorneys will travel to King George County for depositions, important client meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring you receive personalized and dedicated representation.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in a wide range of organizations operating near King George County and nationwide, including:

• Fraternities and Sororities
• University Sports Teams
• Marching Bands
• ROTC Programs
• Student Clubs and Organizations
• Military Academies

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

If you or your child were one of the many other pledges subjected to the horrific abuse at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter—if you collapsed, were hog-tied, or endured the waterboarding and forced exercises—we know you are out there. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only victim.

You have rights too. We can represent you.

As Lupe Peña courageously 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.” Call us. Let us help you to bring every single responsible party to justice, create real change, and ensure that no other student in King George County or anywhere else has to suffer the same fate.

King George County Hazing Victims —Immediate Help. Aggressive Representation. Results.

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

Your path to justice starts here. Contact us today.