If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life in Lowndes County. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and prepare for their future. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Lowndes County fight back against the insidious cancer of hazing.

We are Attorney911, and we are on the front lines, actively fighting this battle in courts across America. The horrifying reality is that hazing is not just harmless pranks; it is systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment that destroys lives. It’s a crisis that has swept across campuses nationwide, including those where students from Lowndes County pursue their education. We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the profound betrayal. We are here to tell you that you are not alone, and you have powerful legal options.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Lowndes County Families Need to Understand the Danger

The notion of hazing being a harmless rite of passage is a dangerous myth. For too long, families in communities like Lowndes County have sent their children off to college, trusting that institutions of higher learning, and the fraternities and sororities that operate within them, would create a safe environment. Tragically, this trust is often shattered by a culture of abuse that thrives in the shadows.

Hazing is endemic, and it is not limited to one type of organization or one part of the country. Whether it’s a fraternity, a sorority, a sports team, a marching band, or any other student group, the patterns of abuse are chillingly similar. In the quiet communities across Lowndes County, parents send their children to colleges and universities both within Georgia and across the nation, hoping they will thrive. But the harsh truth is that many of these revered academic institutions harbor a dark secret: a pervasive hazing culture that systematically endangers students.

We speak directly to you, the parents in Lowndes County, because you deserve to know the truth. Hazing is a national crisis that has claimed far too many lives and left countless others with lifelong physical and psychological scars. The statistics bear this out:

• Over half of students (55%) involved in fraternities and sororities experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or pressure from their peers and the organization.

These are not just numbers; they represent children from homes just like yours in Lowndes County, whose lives have been irrevocably altered by senseless violence and humiliation. The victims are your sons and daughters, and the perpetrators are often the very organizations promising them brotherhood and sisterhood.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Forget the cinematic portrayals of harmless pranks or comical antics. Modern hazing, as revealed in cases we handle, is far darker and more dangerous. It is systematic, often escalating in severity, and designed to break down an individual’s will through a combination of physical and psychological torment.

As we see in our current fight against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, hazing today involves brutal acts that leave lasting trauma:

• Physical Abuse: This is not just a slap on the back. It includes forced, extreme physical exertion until collapse, sometimes resulting in muscle breakdown so severe it causes organ failure. It can involve beatings, paddlings, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, and even simulated drowning.
• Forced Consumption: This often means binge drinking to the point of alcohol poisoning or forced eating of unhealthy, disgusting, or excessive amounts of food until vomiting. This is not about building camaraderie; it’s about pushing limits to dangerous extremes.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, constant verbal abuse, sleep deprivation, and isolation are routine. Pledges are forced to carry humiliating objects, endure public shaming, and are threatened with social ostracism or physical violence if they don’t comply.
• Sexual Exploitation: While less talked about, forced nudity, sexually suggestive acts, or even sexual assault are documented forms of hazing that leave survivors with profound, lifelong trauma.

These acts are not “tradition”; they are assault, battery, torture, and often criminal acts. For families in Lowndes County, understanding this stark reality is the first step toward protecting your children and seeking justice if they become victims.

The Chilling Impact: Real-World Consequences

The consequences of hazing go far beyond visible injuries. Victims often suffer:

• Severe Physical Injuries: Such as rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns, and alcohol poisoning.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and difficulty forming trusting relationships.
• Academic and Career Derailment: Students may miss significant academic time, drop out of school, lose scholarships, and find their reputations damaged, affecting future career prospects.
• Death: The ultimate, heartbreaking consequence, leaving families shattered and irrevocably changed.

The institutions—the fraternities, the sororities, and the universities themselves—often respond with denial, deflection, and attempts to protect their reputation rather than the well-being of their students. This is why aggressive legal representation is crucial.

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

This isn’t theory. This isn’t hypothetical. We are currently engaged in a $10 million lawsuit that perfectly illustrates the brutality of modern hazing and our relentless commitment to justice. This case is not just a Texas case; it’s a national warning, and its lessons are directly relevant to families in Lowndes County.

Breaking: Our Attorneys Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Lowndes County.

Lowndes County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

This case happened in Houston, but the same hazing happens at universities across Georgia and nationwide where students from Lowndes County attend. The same fraternities operate in college towns near Lowndes County. The same institutional negligence exists at numerous educational institutions. And we will fight for Lowndes County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

📰 Media Coverge — Multiple Outlets Confirm Our Fight:

• ABC13 Houston: Published November 21-22, 2025. “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges“
• KHOU 11: Published November 21, 2025. “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations“
• Houston Chronicle: Published November 22, 2025. “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit“
• Houston Public Media: Published November 24, 2025. “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing“

🎯 Primary Source — Defendant’s Own Admissions:

• Pi Kappa Phi National (Defendant): Published November 21, 2025. “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston“

The Case That Shows Lowndes County Families Why We Fight

Our lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., was filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025. It names the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, its local chapter, its housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. The damages sought are $10,000,000. Our firm, Attorney911, with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena at the helm, is leading this charge.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who planned to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that culminated in his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled as their student.

Why this matters to Lowndes County families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including many at universities where students from Lowndes County might attend.
• The exact same “traditions” that led to Leonel’s hospitalization are likely occurring at fraternities near Lowndes County.
• Many universities, including those near Lowndes County, face the same patterns of liability and oversight failures as the University of Houston.
• If your child is being hazed, injured, or worse, at a college in Georgia or any other state, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston.

As Ralph Manginello told 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.”

And Lupe Pena emphasized:

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

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit: A Catalog of Torture

The allegations in the Bermudez lawsuit paint a chilling picture of modern hazing:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face with water during calisthenics. This is a recognized form of torture.
• Forced Consumption Until Vomiting: Pledges were forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to resume physical activity in their own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured over 100 pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother drills,” and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. On November 3, 2025, after missing an event, he was forced to perform these exercises until he literally could not stand without help, causing his muscles to break down and his kidneys to fail.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

These acts went beyond initiation rituals; they were intentional, knowing, and reckless acts designed to endanger mental and physical health.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical toll on Leonel was catastrophic. He suffered:

• Rhabdomyolysis: A severe and potentially fatal breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing harmful proteins into the bloodstream.
• Acute Kidney Failure: His kidneys, overwhelmed by the damaging proteins, began to shut down. This is a life-threatening condition that required immediate and aggressive medical intervention.
• Hospitalization: He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, receiving intensive treatment, including aggressive IV fluid hydration to prevent further organ damage. The presence of “brown urine” a classic sign of muscle breakdown, was a terrifying indicator of the severity of his condition.

This is not a theoretical injury; it is a real, documented medical emergency that Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in litigating in hazing cases.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters after Leonel’s hospitalization were revealing:

• University of Houston: A spokesperson acknowledged the “deeply disturbing” events and “clear violation of our community standards,” mentioning potential criminal charges. This admission shows they knew the severity of the conduct.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Their website announced the Beta Nu Chapter was closed effective November 14, 2025, seven days before our lawsuit was filed. They thanked UH for “collaboration” and stated they “look forward to returning to campus.” This clearly demonstrates an attempt to manage liability and a shocking lack of remorse. They knew litigation was coming, and they acted to protect themselves rather than express genuine concern for Leonel. We found this especially disturbing giving Pi Kappa Phi’s own history.

Why This Case Matters to Lowndes County Families: A Call to Action

1. Proof That “Tradition” Is Torture: The dehumanizing acts committed against Leonel Bermudez are not isolated pranks. This is systematic abuse. And it happens at universities where children from Lowndes County attend, both in Georgia and in other states.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. This establishes clear premises liability. Universities near Lowndes County have the same power to stop hazing—and the same liability when they fail to do so.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter. This instant action proves they knew the conduct was wrong. Every national Greek organization, like those with chapters near Lowndes County, knows what happens within its ranks.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel, like many victims, fears retribution. We protect our clients and provide a safe path to justice. Lowndes County victims face the same fear, and we stand ready to protect them.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Lowndes County Students: As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your child’s case could be the one that saves countless others in Lowndes County.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial demand is the price for torturing our kids. Families from Lowndes County can send the same powerful financial message that will force real change.

Who Is Responsible: Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

Hazing cases are complex, involving multiple layers of responsibility. Our aggressive approach ensures that everyone accountable for the abuse faces justice. For families in Lowndes County, understanding these liable parties is crucial:

• Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing. Their members participated, enforced, and witnessed the abuse.
• Chapter Officers and Individuals: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other active members who directed or participated in the hazing are directly responsible. This also extends to former members and even their spouses who allowed hazing to occur on their private property.
• National Fraternity Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national body, is liable for failing to adequately supervise the local chapter, failing to enforce anti-hazing policies, and for a pattern of negligence that allowed this culture to persist, despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.” National organizations have deep pockets and extensive liability insurance that we will pursue.
• The University: The University of Houston is liable both as the owner and controller of the fraternity house where the hazing occurred (premises liability), and for negligently supervising Greek life on its campus. Universities have an undeniable duty to protect their students, and when they fail, they must be held accountable. The UH Board of Regents, as the governing body, is also named as a defendant for institutional oversight failure.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every entity, there are insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know exactly how to target these policies, navigate complex commercial insurance structures, and maximize recovery from all available coverage. We are not just suing individuals; we are holding accountable the financial mechanisms that enable these organizations to operate with impunity.

This is not about suing broke college kids. This is about holding powerful institutions, and the individuals within them, fully accountable for horrific injuries stemming from their negligence and deliberate indifference.

Legal Framework: Lowndes County Victims’ Rights

For families in Lowndes County, understanding the legal landscape is empowering. While this section details Texas hazing laws (where our firm is based and where Leonel Bermudez was hazed), similar anti-hazing statutes exist in many states. Crucially, federal civil rights claims and negligence claims apply regardless of your specific location in Lowndes County or anywhere in the country. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.

Understanding Hazing Laws

Many states, including Georgia, have anti-hazing laws that often make hazing a criminal offense. These laws typically define hazing broadly to include any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in an organization. The hazing your child experienced in Lowndes County or at a university your child attends likely violates both state criminal law AND gives rise to civil liability.

The Texas anti-hazing statute (Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157) is a strong model for understanding victim’s rights:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): It covers any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining an organization. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics creating unreasonable risk, and forced consumption of substances. The actions against Leonel Bermudez, including waterboarding, forced extreme exercise, and physical striking with paddles, squarely fit this definition.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing that causes serious bodily injury can face up to a year in jail and thousands in fines (a Class A Misdemeanor in Texas). If hazing leads to death, it can be a State Jail Felony. The physical injuries to Leonel Bermudez (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) constitute serious bodily injury.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations that condone or encourage hazing, or whose members commit hazing, can face fines and be denied the right to operate on campus. This means both local chapters and national organizations can be penalized.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are often legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can carry criminal penalties.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most critical aspects of anti-hazing laws. As the Texas statute states, “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This explicitly shuts down the common defense that the victim “agreed to participate” or “knew what they were signing up for.” When fraternities or universities try to claim the victim consented, the law unequivocally states that consent is not a shield for illegal and dangerous conduct.

Civil Liability for Hazing: What Lowndes County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges (which are pursued by the state), civil lawsuits allow victims and their families from Lowndes County to pursue compensation for their suffering. These civil claims exist in every state, meaning your child’s hazing case can proceed regardless of local criminal prosecution decisions. We build claims based on:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim, asserting that the defendants (university, national fraternity, individuals) failed in their duty to protect the student, resulting in injury.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in the Bermudez case with UH owning the fraternity house), they can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise local chapters, or when universities fail to monitor Greek life activities on campus.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional physical harm or offensive contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim addresses the severe psychological and emotional harm caused by outrageous conduct, such as torture or extreme humiliation. Our legal team is adept at navigating these complex claims and connecting them to the specific hazing acts endured by your child.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements & Verdicts

The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations in Lowndes County, throughout Georgia, and across the nation is clear: Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. These same results are possible for Lowndes County victims. These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win, and the same legal strategies apply to cases involving students from Lowndes County.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: They Will Pay

• 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 “Big/Little” event. The University of Bowling Green State paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha and individuals paid $7.2 million, making it the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Relevance to our case: This shows a clear precedent for multi-million dollar payouts from both universities and national fraternities. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this outcome.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) 💰 Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
  • Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. Criminal convictions for negligent homicide and a subsequent felony hazing law (“Max Gruver Act”) followed.
  • Relevance: This jury verdict demonstrates that the public and courts are outraged by hazing and are willing to award substantial sums to victims.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) 💰 Total: $110+ Million (Multiple Settlements)
  • Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911 despite his obvious distress, all captured on security cameras. The confidential settlements are estimated to be over $110 million, leading to the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
  • Relevance: This catastrophic payout highlights the immense financial and reputational risk institutions face, especially when there is clear evidence of egregious conduct and delayed medical attention.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) ⚠️ Same Fraternity as Our Case!
  • Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a whole bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night.” Pi Kappa Phi, the same national organization as in the Bermudez case, eventually closed its FSU chapter, and nine members faced criminal charges. A civil suit was settled confidentially.
  • Relevance: This is a smoking gun for the Bermudez case. It explicitly shows that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters in 2017. Their failure to prevent a repeat incident with Leonel Bermudez eight years later demonstrates a profound and unforgivable pattern of negligence, directly supporting our claims for punitive damages.
• University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017):
  • Before Leonel Bermudez, the University of Houston already had a hazing crisis. In 2017, a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge, Jared Munoz, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing. A $1 million lawsuit was filed, and the national organization was indicted.
  • Relevance: This demonstrates that the University of Houston itself had prior notice of severe hazing on its campus, and yet failed to implement effective safeguards that could have prevented what happened to Leonel Bermudez.

Why These Precedents Matter for Your Lowndes County Hazing Case

1. Our $10 Million Demand Is Supported by History: Cases like Stone Foltz show that our demands for Leonel Bermudez, who survived but now faces lifelong health challenges due to kidney damage and emotional trauma, are entirely justified.
2. Pi Kappa Phi’s Documented History: The death of Andrew Coffey proves Pi Kappa Phi National has a severe, long-standing hazing problem they have failed to address. They knew what hazing could do, and they let it happen again.
3. Universities Are Accountable: The University of Houston’s prior hazing incident shows it failed its duty to protect students. Universities near Lowndes County that turn a blind eye to hazing face the same accountability.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The egregious nature of hazing and the immense suffering it causes is deeply offensive to juries, leading to substantial verdicts that often include punitive damages.
5. Hazing Leads to Criminal Charges: Hazing activity is not just a civil wrong—it can be a criminal offense. The criminal process can run parallel to a civil lawsuit, and convictions further strengthen victims’ claims.

Texas Law Protects You: The Framework for Accountability

For families in Lowndes County, it’s essential to understand that strong legal protections exist. Texas law provides a robust framework for holding hazers and negligent institutions accountable. This framework, mirrored by similar laws in many other states, ensures that your child cannot truly “consent” to criminal acts and that those who inflict harm can face severe consequences.

The Core Principle: Consent is NOT a Defense

One of the most vital aspects of Texas hazing law, and a principle echoed in many anti-hazing statutes across the country, is that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.

• Texas Education Code § 37.154 states unequivocally: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is critical because fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators often try to deflect blame by claiming the victim “agreed to participate” or “knew what they were signing up for.” The law rejects this argument entirely. When someone is subjected to actions that endanger their mental or physical health for the purpose of joining an organization, any perceived “consent” is invalid. Coercion, peer pressure, threats of exclusion, and the power dynamic inherent in hazing negate true consent.

This means that if your child from Lowndes County was hazed, no matter what they might have said or felt during the process, the law recognizes that their participation was not truly voluntary in a legal sense when it comes to defending against hazing charges or civil liability.

Who Can Be Held Responsible Under the Law?

• Individuals: Any person who engages in hazing, or encourages, aids, or fails to report it, can face criminal charges and civil lawsuits. This includes current members, chapter officers, and alumni.
• Organizations: The local chapter, and often the national organization it affiliates with, can be found liable if they condone, encourage, or fail to prevent hazing. This can lead to fines, suspension, or permanent closure.
• Educational Institutions (Universities): Universities have a duty to keep their students safe. If they negligently supervise campus organizations, fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, overlook warning signs, or fail to act on reports, they can be held liable. This is particularly true if the hazing occurs on university-owned property, as was the case for Leonel Bermudez.

Civil Laws That Protect Hazing Victims

Beyond hazing statutes, victims can also pursue claims under general civil law:

• Negligence: This is the foundation of many personal injury cases. It argues that defendants (fraternity, university, individuals) had a duty to protect the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries.
• Gross Negligence: When actions demonstrate an extreme disregard for the safety of others, it can lead to higher damages, including punitive damages. This applies to situations where institutions were aware of hazing risks (like the Andrew Coffey death or the 2017 UH incident) but consciously failed to act.
• Intentional Torts: Actions like assault, battery, false imprisonment, or intentional infliction of emotional distress are direct harms that can be pursued against individual perpetrators and the organizations that condoned them.
• Wrongful Death: If hazing results in a student’s death, the family can bring a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, lost financial contributions, and loss of companionship.

The legal framework is designed to hold responsible parties accountable and provide a path to justice for hazing victims and their families in Lowndes County and beyond. We, as your legal team, use every tool within this framework to aggressively pursue the compensation and accountability your family deserves.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Lowndes County Families

When hazing strikes, the choice of legal representation can define the future for your child and your family. In Lowndes County, you need a law firm that not only understands the nuances of hazing litigation but also possesses the aggressive, data-driven approach necessary to challenge powerful institutions. Attorney911 offers unmatched advantages that directly benefit hazing victims across America, including your community in Lowndes County.

Our Unmatched Credentials and Strategic Advantages:

1. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: We are not just negotiators; we are battle-tested trial attorneys. Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades fighting in courtrooms, proving our ability to win complex, high-stakes cases. This means whether your case is in a Georgia state court or a federal court, we have the experience it takes.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge. They both previously represented insurance companies and corporate defendants (Lupe with the national defense firm Litchfield Cavo LLP). They know the insurance companies’ playbooks, their tactics to deny claims, and how they undervalue victims. This gives us an “unfair advantage” in anticipating their strategies and dismantling their defenses, ensuring maximum leverage for your child’s case.
3. Federal Court Admissions: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court, which is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. Your Lowndes County case can be pursued in a federal forum if advantageous.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This dual-state capability provides a strategic advantage for hazing cases involving national fraternities or sororities often headquartered in states like New York or with significant operations there, allowing us to directly pursue national organizations wherever they are most vulnerable.
5. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity and experience in taking on massive corporate defendants in highly complex, multi-victim scenarios. This same aggressive approach is directly applicable to hazing cases against large universities and national organizations with deep pockets.
6. Hazing-Specific Expertise: We are not just general personal injury lawyers. We have a specialized focus on hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel Bermudez’s injury), Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M hazing cases (from past experience), and cases involving institutional negligence leading to student hospitalization or death. We are actively litigating the $10 million UH hazing case right now.
7. Journalism Background: Ralph’s Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin provides a unique edge. He is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories—a critical skill in exposing the truth in hazing cases where institutions attempt to hide wrongdoing.
8. Fluent in Spanish (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fully bilingual. This allows us to provide comprehensive legal services, including consultations and ongoing communication, to Spanish-speaking families in Lowndes County, ensuring no language barrier stands in the way of justice.
9. Relentless Pursuit of Justice: We are aggressive, thorough, and data-driven. We don’t just talk about hazing; we actively fight it. We leverage cutting-edge intelligence, including our comprehensive database of Greek organizations, to identify every responsible entity and hold them accountable.
10. Proud Father, Concerned Citizen: Ralph Manginello, as a father of three children, personally understands the profound fear and devastation a parent experiences when their child is harmed. This deep empathy fuels our commitment to fighting for every family.

How We Serve Lowndes County Hazing Victims:

• Immediate Response: When a legal emergency arises, we move first, fast, and decisively, gathering crucial evidence often overlooked in the initial chaos.
• Aggressive Case Building: We work with a network of expert witnesses (medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, institutional negligence specialists) to build unassailable cases.
• State-of-the-Art Evidence Preservation: We guide families to preserve vital evidence like text messages, photos, social media posts, and medical records, using modern legal tools and insights from our YouTube video library.
• Nationwide Reach with Local Impact: While headquartered in Houston, our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions, and willingness to travel ensure that we can represent hazing victims anywhere in the country, including Lowndes County. We conduct remote consultations and will travel to Lowndes County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
• Contingency Fee Representation: We understand the financial strain that comes with medical crises and legal battles. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This removes financial barriers and aligns our interests directly with yours.

Lowndes County families deserve the best possible representation. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates, deeply invested in protecting your child and preventing future harm. We see your child as a person, not a case number, and we will fight just as vigorously for your family as we are for Leonel Bermudez.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Lowndes County Families

If your child in Lowndes County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic, confusion, and fear are natural responses, but delay can severely harm your ability to seek justice. We provide clear, actionable steps to guide you through this terrifying time.

Immediate Steps for Lowndes County Hazing Victims and Families:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention:

   • Seek immediate medical care. This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, some hazing-related conditions like rhabdomyolysis or internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
   • DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Ensure all symptoms, complaints, and details of the hazing are accurately recorded by medical professionals. Keep copies of all medical records, hospital bills, and any therapist’s notes related to physical or psychological recovery.
   • Why this matters: Medical records are the foundation of your case, proving the extent of the harm suffered. Delays in seeking treatment can be used by defense attorneys to argue that injuries were not severe or not caused by hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence IMMEDIATELY:

   • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram direct messages, emails, photos, and videos related to the hazing or the fraternity/organization. Even seemingly innocuous messages or photos can be crucial.
   • Take screenshots or back up digital communications. If possible, save messages to a secure cloud server or external drive.
   • Photograph and video record injuries. Document any bruises, cuts, burns, or physical signs of abuse as soon as they are visible, and continue to do so throughout the healing process.
   • Document the scene (if safe and possible). If the hazing occurred in a specific location, and it’s safe to do so, discreetly take photos or videos of the surroundings, any relevant objects, or conditions.
   • Identify witnesses. Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges who were present, or individuals who can corroborate your child’s story.
   • Save any physical items. This could include clothing damaged during hazing, items forced upon your child, or any other tangible evidence.
   • Why this matters: Digital evidence disappears quickly under the control of the fraternities or individuals. Memories fade. Physical evidence can be cleaned up or destroyed. The sooner you preserve it, the stronger your case. Refer to our video on “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” for guidance.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Counsel:

   • DO NOT speak to fraternity/sorority leadership, chapter advisors, or members. They are not on your side; their priority is protecting the organization and themselves.
   • DO NOT give statements to university administrators, Greek life offices, or Title IX investigators without consulting with an attorney first. While reporting is important, any statements given without legal guidance can inadvertently harm your civil case. Universities often protect the institution above the student.
   • DO NOT sign any documents from the organization or university. You could be waiving your rights without realizing it.
   • DO NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything posted can and will be used against you by defense attorneys. Even if you delete it, it may still be discoverable. See our video on “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” and “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”
   • Why this matters: Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your claim, shift blame, or discredit your child’s story. Defense teams are expert at obtaining damaging statements.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY:

   • The Texas Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases (including hazing) is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. While this may sound like ample time, cases like these are complex and require extensive investigation.
   • Reaching out to an attorney early allows us to issue preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally requiring them to save evidence.
   • An attorney can immediately begin the investigation, securing evidence and witness statements while they are fresh.
   • We will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their legal teams, protecting you and your child from further intimidation or missteps.
   • Listen to our video on “Texas Statutes of Limitations” for more detail on this critical timeline.
   • Why this matters: Time is your enemy. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. The sooner you act, the stronger your position.

Lowndes County Families: Distance is NOT a Barrier to Justice

Even though our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Lowndes County, throughout Georgia, and nationwide.

• Video Consultations: We offer convenient, confidential video consultations so you can discuss your case with us from the comfort of your home in Lowndes County.
• Travel Commitment: We will travel to Lowndes County for essential meetings, depositions, or trial proceedings as required.
• Federal Court Authority: Our attorney’s admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often crucial when dealing with national organizations or incidents across state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph’s Texas and New York bar licenses offer a strategic advantage, particularly against national fraternities often headquartered in key states.

Your child’s safety and well-being are paramount. Do not suffer in silence. Do not let fear or confusion prevent you from seeking justice. We are here to help you navigate this nightmare and hold those responsible fully accountable.

Contact Us: Your Lowndes County Hazing Emergency Is Our Priority

🚨 LOWNDES COUNTY FAMILIES: HAVE YOU OR YOUR CHILD BEEN HAZED?

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Lowndes County Victims Too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to WIN. Lowndes County families deservethe same aggressive representation.

LOWNDES COUNTY FAMILIES — CALL NOW — FREE CONSULTATION

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Lowndes County hazing emergencies.

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Lowndes County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. For more information on how this works, watch our video on “How Contingency Fees Work”.

What Lowndes County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already. Document everything with a doctor.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE. This includes texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names, and any physical items related to the hazing.
3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, the university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident. Anything can be used against you.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY. The 2-year statute of limitations can pass quickly, and evidence disappears fast.
6. LOWNDES COUNTY FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and will travel to you as needed for your case.

We Serve Lowndes County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, hazing happens at colleges and universities near Lowndes County and across America. We represent victims of hazing from all types of organizations:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions like Valdosta State University, or other colleges across Georgia and the US.
• Sports teams in NCAA Division I, II, or III programs.
• Marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and organizations at any collegiate level.
• Military academies and other student groups that engage in abusive initiations.

If your child attends college and experiences hazing, we can evaluate your case regardless of location through:

• Our federal court authority, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, often crucial for national organizations.
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) for strategic advantage against national entities.
• Remote video consultations, making it easy for Lowndes County families to connect with us.
• A commitment to travel to Lowndes County or any necessary location for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one hazed. Other pledges collapsed and lost consciousness, others were hog-tied, and many endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you. As Lupe Pena emphasized:

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

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. Your local Lowndes County high schools, like Lowndes High School and Valdosta High School, send students to campuses across the state and country. If those students are harmed, we are there to protect them. The sense of community and family values in Lowndes County makes hazing incidents particularly devastating. We are here to fight for that community.

The time to act is now. Protect your child. Protect other students. Hold them accountable.

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