If you’re reading this, your family in Marion County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Marion County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are on the front lines, actively fighting hazing right now. While our offices are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends nationwide, including to families in Marion County. We understand the unique challenges that families in communities like Marion County face when their children go away to college, often to larger universities beyond their immediate area. The distance can make you feel helpless, but we want you to know that aggressive, expert legal help is available, no matter where your child attends school.

Marion County, Georgia, though a smaller, close-knit community, is not immune to the pervasive issue of hazing. Families here send their children to colleges and universities across the state and beyond, from major institutions like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech to smaller regional colleges. The hope is for intellectual growth and personal development, not for their children to become victims of abusive rituals disguised as tradition. The incidents we are fighting against are happening today, in Texas, at universities just like those your children might attend. We are the firm that fights back, and we bring that same relentless advocacy to Marion County families.

This isn’t just theory for us. We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not hypothetical; this is an active, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court. This flagship case embodies our commitment to aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and holding every responsible entity accountable for hazing injuries.

The Bermudez Case: A Warning to Marion County Families

This case happened in Houston, a major metropolitan area with diverse universities, much like where many students from Marion County may pursue higher education. But the same horrifying hazing tactics occur at universities near Marion County, and the same national fraternities with their dangerous “traditions” operate at campuses your children might choose. The same institutional negligence that we are exposing at the University of Houston can be found at institutions across Georgia and the nation. We will fight for Marion County families with the same aggression and dedication that we are bringing to this landmark case.

We want Marion County parents to understand what hazing looks like today. It’s not the harmless pranks of movies past. It’s torture. It’s life-altering abuse. It’s what happened to Leonel Bermudez.

Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” who was planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the upcoming semester, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled.

Attorney911 is fighting back. We filed a $10 million lawsuit naming the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (with EIN 462267515), and 13 individual fraternity members. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, other current members, former members who hosted hazing at their residence, and even a spouse of a former member for allowing this brutality on their property.

Our focus is clear: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. This case is proof that Attorney911 is actively fighting right now. We tell Leonel’s story so that Marion County families understand what hazing looks like today, and that we are the firm that fights back.

As Attorney Lupe Pena told ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” And as Attorney Ralph Manginello explained to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

The reality is grim, but the resolve of Attorney911 is strong. Marion County families deserve to know that when their child is harmed by hazing, there is powerful, experienced legal representation ready to stand with them.

What Happened: The Hazing Timeline

The horror Leonel endured unfolded over weeks.

September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The torturous “pledge process” begins.
Throughout the Fall 2025 period: Leonel and other pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to constant exhaustion. They were made to wear an enforced dress code, complete endless study hours, and conduct weekly interviews.
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, solely for fraternity members to prepare for a meeting. This level of degradation and control was a regular occurrence.
October 15, 2025: During a forced workout, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This near-tragedy should have halted everything, but the hazing continued unabated.
November 3, 2025: Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was subjected to a brutal regimen of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed during these activities, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. He pushed himself until he could not stand without help.
November 4-5, 2025: Leonel lay in agony. He “could not really move” and felt “really sore.” His condition worsened dramatically.
November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a tell-tale sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical care.
November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, effective this date. This was before our lawsuit was filed, a clear indication they knew what was coming.
November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County. News outlets like ABC13 and KHOU 11 immediately picked up the story.
November 22, 2025: The Houston Chronicle reported on the lawsuit, adding more details about the egregious hazing activities.
November 24, 2025: Houston Public Media confirmed the $10 million figure and revealed that Leonel was a “ghost rush” — not even a UH student yet.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The hazing Leonel endured was not harmless fun; it was systematic torture, designed to break him down physically and psychologically. This is what hazing looks like today:

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel and other pledges were subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while performing calisthenics. They were forced to run repeatedly under the constant threat of being waterboarded. This is a tactic considered torture in any other context.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. After vomiting, they were immediately “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and even compelled to “lie in vomit-soaked grass.”
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included forced regimens of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed during these exercises, continuing until physical collapse was imminent. Leonel himself was struck with wooden paddles. These brutal activities often took place at extreme early-morning or late-night hours.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times – a deeply humiliating mandate. The hog-tying incident involving another pledge illustrates the degradation and terror inflicted. Pledges were stripped to their underwear in cold weather and threatened with expulsion if they didn’t comply.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges were forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting their essential sleep and contributing to physical and mental exhaustion. This often meant they were dangerously fatigued during their academic days.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s body bore the brunt of this abuse, resulting in a severe and potentially life-threatening condition: rhabdomyolysis.

What is Rhabdomyolysis? This dangerous condition involves the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This myoglobin can clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and, if untreated, can be fatal.
Leonel’s Medical Evidence: His symptoms were classic indicators of severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He was “passing brown urine,” a clear sign of myoglobin in the urine. Blood tests revealed “very high creatine kinase levels,” confirming massive muscle damage. He suffered acute kidney failure, a critical complication that required his intensive hospitalization for three nights and four days. He was in such extreme pain and weakness that he “collapsed” and “could not stand or walk” for days after the incident.

This is the exact medical condition Attorney911 attorneys have successfully litigated before. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena have specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understanding the complex medical implications and how to effectively present them in court.

Institutional Responses: On the Record

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters reveal a pattern of behavior common when institutions are caught red-handed.

University of Houston: A UH spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They also mentioned that the University was coordinating with law enforcement, and that individuals found responsible would face “disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This statement, while condemning the acts, simultaneously demonstrates their awareness of the serious violations that occurred on their watch.
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: Their official statement on their website announced the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, citing “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Crucially, they also stated, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership,” and astonishingly, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This language, while attempting to appear proactive, thinly veils a lack of genuine remorse and a clear intent to re-establish their presence, despite the harm caused. KHOU also reported allegations in our lawsuit that the national organization “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”

Their actions speak volumes. They closed the chapter before our lawsuit was filed, a move to mitigate damage and assert control over the narrative. Their public relations strategy, attempting to spin a narrative of responsibility while already planning a “return,” underscores the systemic problem we are fighting.

Why This Case Matters to Marion County Families

Marion County parents, this incident is not isolated.

Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: What happened to Leonel are not “pranks.” This is systematic abuse. And it happens at universities your children might attend, including those in Georgia like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, or even smaller private colleges.
Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. This highlights a critical point: universities near Marion County have the same power and obligation to stop hazing on their campuses – and the same liability when they fail to do so.
National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter, proving they knew exactly what was wrong. The same national Greek organizations operate near Marion County, and they are fully aware of what is happening in their chapters.
Victims Are Afraid: Leonel “is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” as reported by ABC13. This fear is a powerful testament to the psychological hold hazing exerts, and it is a reality for Marion County victims as well. We protect our clients from such retaliation.
One Brave Victim Can Protect Marion County Students: Lupe Pena’s words resonate: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your Marion County case could save lives, just as Leonel Bermudez’s case aims to.
$10 Million Sends a Message: This substantial lawsuit sends an undeniable message: there is a severe price to pay for torturing students. Marion County families can send the same powerful message.

The Reality of Hazing in America

Hazing is far more sinister than most parents realize. It’s not a harmless rite of passage. It is:

Assault
Battery
Torture
Reckless endangerment
And, tragically, often manslaughter or even murder.

The Statistics are Alarming:

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 single year in the United States.
A chilling 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or misplaced loyalty.
Hazing occurs not only in fraternities and sororities but also in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and numerous other student organizations.

The Institutional Failure Continues:
Universities and national organizations know hazing is endemic. They have the power, resources, and responsibility to stop it. Yet, all too often, they choose not to – until a student is hospitalized, permanently injured, or dies. Only then do they scramble to “suspend” or “dissolve” chapters, claiming to be “shocked” by the “isolated incident.” This pattern of behavior is precisely what Attorney911 is fighting to end.

Types of Hazing Incidents

Drawing from the horrifying facts of our Pi Kappa Phi case and other documented hazing incidents across the nation, we see a disturbing array of abusive practices:

Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling (like the wooden paddles used on Leonel), branding, burning, and forced exercise well beyond safe limits, leading to exhaustion and severe injury.
Forced Consumption: Victims are made to consume excessive amounts of alcohol (leading to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning), food (until vomiting), and even non-food substances.
Sleep Deprivation: This involves forced late-night or early-morning activities, disrupting pledges’ sleep cycles and leading to dangerous levels of fatigue.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and degrading rituals designed to break down a victim’s self-esteem and exert absolute control.
Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexually explicit acts, carrying sexually suggestive objects, and even sexual assault.
Waterboarding/Drowning: As in Leonel’s case, this involves simulated drowning or other water tortures.
Exposure: Leaving pledges in cold weather, excessive heat, or confining them in small, uncomfortable spaces.
Servitude: Forced cleaning, driving, or running errands for older members, eroding personal boundaries and time.

The Medical Consequences extend far beyond broken bones. They include rhabdomyolysis (as Leonel suffered), acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, hypothermia or hyperthermia from exposure, cardiac arrest from extreme exertion, and profound long-term psychological damage such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. And tragically, often, death.

Who Is Responsible: Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It

Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates our comprehensive approach to identifying and suing every liable party. The responsibility for hazing extends far beyond the immediate perpetrators:

Local Chapter & Officers: The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH directly organized and conducted the hazing. Officers, including the president and pledgemaster, directly orchestrated these activities and held leadership responsibility.
Individual Members: Every member who participated in the hazing or failed to intervene can be held liable. This includes former members who hosted hazing at their residences, and even their spouses who allowed such acts on their property.
National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, despite knowing about deadly hazing from previous incidents like Andrew Coffey’s death, failed to adequately supervise their local chapter, failed to enforce anti-hazing policies, and failed to prevent violations. They carry immense financial resources and liability.
Universities & Colleges: The University of Houston owned and directly controlled the specific fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. They have a duty to protect their students, the power to regulate Greek life, and the responsibility to intervene when hazing occurs on their property or under their watch.
Insurance Carriers: These “deep pockets” ultimately provide the financial compensation. National fraternity/sorority organizations, universities, homeowners, and individuals all have various insurance policies that cover liability for such incidents. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know precisely how to identify these policies and maximize recovery.

This is not about suing broke college kids. This is about holding powerful institutions and their enablers accountable.

Legal Framework: Marion County Victims’ Rights

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Marion County families seeking justice. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of hazing law and civil liability apply nationwide. Most states have anti-hazing statutes similar to Texas’s robust laws, and federal civil rights claims and negligence claims apply regardless of the specific state. This means our federal court authority allows us to pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred, including within Georgia.

Texas Hazing Laws (Detailed Reference)

The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 sets a strong precedent for anti-hazing statutes across the country.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act… that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization…” This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics creating unreasonable risk of harm, forced consumption of food or alcohol that risks harm, and activities that violate the Penal Code. The hazing Leonel Bermudez endured clearly violates multiple provisions of this statute, illustrating the severity of the acts.
Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a criminal offense in Texas. It can range from a Class B Misdemeanor (for engaging in or failing to report hazing) to a Class A Misdemeanor (if serious bodily injury occurs) and even a State Jail Felony (if death results). The “serious bodily injury” Leonel suffered would likely qualify for a Class A Misdemeanor.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be directly penalized, facing fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property if they condone, encourage, or allow hazing. This is a crucial element in holding fraternities and their national bodies accountable.
Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical component of Texas hazing law: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This unequivocally rejects the common defense that victims willingly participated. What Leonel endured, and what your child may be enduring in Marion County, is illegal regardless of any “consent.”
University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents, with failure to do so being a Class B Misdemeanor.

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

Beyond potential criminal charges, civil lawsuits offer Marion County victims a powerful avenue to seek justice and compensation. These civil claims – for negligence, premises liability, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress – exist in every state, including Georgia.

Negligence Claims: This is a fundamental legal theory. We argue that institutions owed a duty of care to students, breached that duty through hazing or allowing it, and that this breach directly caused injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university property, as in Leonel’s case where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house, we can pursue premises liability claims against the property owner for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision: This holds national organizations accountable for failing to supervise their chapters and universities accountable for failing to monitor Greek life activities.
Assault and Battery: Individual hazing perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing often rises to the level of causing severe emotional distress, supporting this claim.

Marion County families, these civil claims can proceed whether or not criminal charges are pursued or successful. Our goal is to ensure your child receives full compensation for their suffering and future needs.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

We want every Marion County family to understand that hazing cases are winnable, and the awards can be substantial. These landmark verdicts and settlements serve as powerful precedents, demonstrating that institutions that allow hazing will be held financially accountable. The same legal strategies that secured these outcomes are available for Marion County victims. Hazing costs millions, and we have the receipts.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total: $10.1 Million+ in Settlements and Judgments. Stone Foltz tragically died in 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event at Bowling Green State University. The university paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (an organization similar to Pi Kappa Phi, Leonel’s fraternity) and individual members paid an astounding $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally, showing individual accountability.
Relevance to Bermudez: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent. It proves that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liabilities, even when a student survives, as Leonel did (albeit with severe injuries).

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

Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict. Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning in 2017 during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event at LSU. Pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. The jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity.
Relevance to Bermudez: This case powerfully demonstrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, underscoring the severe societal outrage against such practices. The state of Louisiana also passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.

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

Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Multiple Settlements). Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State, leading to a blood alcohol content of 0.36. He fell repeatedly down stairs, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911, and the entire horrific ordeal was captured on security cameras.
Relevance to Bermudez: This case, with its strong evidence (like Leonel’s documented medical and witness reports) resulted in an estimated $110 million in confidential settlements. It sets a powerful benchmark for high-value hazing cases and led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

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

Crucial Precedent: Same Fraternity as Bermudez Case. Andrew Coffey died in 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. This proves a documented history of deadly hazing within the very same national organization that harmed Leonel Bermudez.
Relevance to Bermudez: This is a devastating point for Pi Kappa Phi. They knew their chapters engaged in deadly hazing in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference by the national organization, which will significantly strengthen our demand for punitive damages in the Bermudez case.

University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017)

Crucial Precedent: Same University as Bermudez Case. Jared Munoz, a UH student, was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen in 2017 after hazing by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. A $1 million lawsuit was filed, and a grand jury even indicted the national organization.
Relevance to Bermudez: This establishes that the University of Houston had prior knowledge of severe hazing incidents on its campus. They had eight years between the Munoz incident and the Bermudez incident to implement sufficient safeguards. Their failure to protect Leonel Bermudez indicates a clear institutional negligence and foreseeability of harm.

Summary of Hazing Awards

The sheer scale of these awards sends an unambiguous message to national fraternities, universities, and Greek life organizations:

Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State): $110,000,000+
Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State): $10,100,000+
Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU): $6,100,000
Adam Oakes (Delta Chi, VCU): $4,000,000+ (settlement announced October 2024)

These documented payouts demonstrate that Attorney911’s pursuit of a $10 million settlement for Leonel Bermudez is not only justified but well within the range of established precedent for hazing cases in America. These cases also often lead to legislative change, creating laws like the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania and the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana.

The Marion County community deserves the assurance that if their child suffers a similar nightmare, whether in Georgia or elsewhere, the same aggressive and effective legal strategies are available.

Why Attorney911: Your Marion County Hazing Litigation Experts

Marion County families need a law firm that understands the unique complexities of hazing litigation and possesses the resources and experience to take on powerful institutions. Attorney911 brings a unique blend of empathy, legal prowess, and insider knowledge that positions us as the definitive choice for hazing victims nationwide, including those in Marion County.

Unparalleled Expertise and Experience

Current Hazing Litigation: We are not theoretical. We are actively litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case right now. This means Marion County families benefit directly from our real-time experience, strategies, and insights gained from an ongoing, high-stakes hazing fight.
25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of experience as a battle-tested trial attorney. This extensive courtroom background equips us to confidently pursue your case, whether through negotiation or trial.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant parts of their careers working for the insurance companies and corporate defendants. Lupe Pena, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. This invaluable insider perspective means we know exactly how the other side thinks, strategizes, and attempts to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook, and we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
Federal Court Admissions: Both attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority is critical for national hazing cases, allowing us to pursue powerful national fraternities, universities, and other entities in the federal system, regardless of where the incident occurred in Marion County or across the country.
Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This dual-state bar admission offers a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in states beyond where the hazing occurs. It allows for broader legal reach and strategic jurisdiction choices.
High-Stakes Mass Tort Experience: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants – precisely the kind of entities we pursue in hazing cases.

Our Approach: First, Fast, Decisive

When a legal emergency strikes—whether it’s on a Marion County campus or a university elsewhere—Attorney911 moves first, fast, and decisively.

Expert Witness Network: We build our cases with a robust network of expert witnesses, including medical professionals, Greek life culture specialists, and experts in institutional negligence.
Immediate Evidence Preservation: We understand the critical importance of preserving evidence immediately: texts, photos, medical records, and witness statements. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzfmogTs) provides practical guidance on this critical step.
Aggressive Negotiation & Trial Readiness: We negotiate from a position of strength, always prepared to take a case to trial if institutions or insurance companies do not offer fair compensation. We will not hesitate to go to court for Marion County families.
Commitment to Marion County Families: While headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims in Marion County and nationwide. We offer remote consultations via phone and video, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Marion County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is never a barrier to justice for your family.
Bilingual Services: Mr. Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Marion County affected by hazing have access to comprehensive legal services without language barriers.

Why Marion County Families Choose Attorney911

When your child’s future is at stake, you need a firm that genuinely cares and has a proven track record.

Real Emotional Investment: We don’t just see a case; we see a child and a family suffering. We’ve witnessed the devastating impact of hazing firsthand, and it drives our passion for justice. Your Marion County family is treated like our family.
No Upfront Fees: We understand the financial strain that medical bills and missed work can place on families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency basis – you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. This removes financial barriers and aligns our interests directly with yours. Our video “How Contingency Fees Work” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) explains this in detail.
High Google My Business Rating: With a 4.9-star rating and over 250 reviews, our clients consistently praise our communication, dedication, and results, often noting that we treat them “like family.”
“They knew”—and We Know How to Fight Them: Ralph Manginello’s journalism background provides a crucial edge in investigation, uncovering facts, and telling compelling stories to juries. When institutions try to bury the truth, we know how to expose it.

For Marion County parents, our combined experience, specialized knowledge, and unwavering commitment mean that you have a powerful advocate at your side, ready to fight for your child’s well-being and future.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For many parents in Marion County, your understanding of hazing might be based on outdated media portrayals of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. However, real-world hazing, as tragically illustrated by the Bermudez case, is far more insidious, brutal, and dangerous. It is not “boys being boys” or innocent “tradition.” It is systematic abuse that can lead to severe injury, lasting psychological trauma, or death.

Today’s hazing includes:

Physical Brutality: This moves far beyond simple paddling. We see beatings, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme temperatures, and even simulated waterboarding, as Leonel experienced. The use of wooden paddles, as detailed in the Houston Chronicle’s report on our case, is a stark example of physical assault, not a rite of passage.
Forced Consumption: This often involves massive quantities of alcohol, leading to binge drinking and lethal alcohol poisoning (as seen in the deaths of Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey). Beyond alcohol, victims are often forced to consume food until vomiting, or even non-food substances. Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be forced to continue exercising in his own vomit-soaked surroundings.
Psychological Torture: The aim is often to break down individuals psychologically. This includes extreme humiliation, verbal abuse, isolation, and constant threats. Leonel’s fanny pack, filled with “objects of a sexual nature,” and the hog-tying incident with another pledge, exemplify this calculated degradation. Victims are often subjected to psychological manipulation combined with physical abuse, creating an inescapable feeling of powerlessness.
Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep, forced into late-night or early-morning activities (like driving fraternity members for hours), leaving them physically and mentally vulnerable. This state of exhaustion lowers their resistance and heightens the risk of injury.
Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Often underlying the humiliation is a component of sexual degradation, including forced nudity or carrying sexually suggestive items, which creates an environment ripe for sexual harassment or assault.

These acts are designed to assert dominance, control, and secrecy within an organization. They are often hidden from plain sight, taking place in private residences, fraternity houses, or remote locations, making detection difficult. But when a child from Marion County leaves for college, this is the hidden threat they might face.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

For Marion County families wondering who can be held responsible for such egregious acts, Attorney911’s strategy is comprehensive: we pursue every entity that played a role or had a duty to prevent the harm. This is not about blaming a few bad apples; it’s about systemic accountability.

The Individual Perpetrators: The fraternity members who actively participated in, commanded, or even passively allowed the hazing are directly liable. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, other officers, and any members present. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individuals, including former members and their spouse for allowing hazing at their residence. These individuals can be held personally liable for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Cases like the $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, prove that individuals cannot hide behind the organization.
The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: The chapter itself, as an organized entity, is directly responsible for the hazing culture it permitted. Many chapters have bank accounts, assets, and local leadership that can be sued.
The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: This is often a primary target in hazing lawsuits due to their “deep pockets.” National organizations typically have millions in assets, endowments, and crucial liability insurance policies. They are responsible for overseeing their local chapters, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and intervening when hazing occurs. When tragedies like Andrew Coffey’s death highlight a pattern, and then Leonel Bermudez is hospitalized years later, it exposes a systemic failure at the national level. They cannot claim ignorance.
The University or College: Educational institutions, like the University of Houston in our ongoing case, have a significant responsibility to protect their students. If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property (as was the case with Leonel), the university may also be liable under premises liability laws. Universities also have a duty to supervise Greek life, investigate reports, and implement effective anti-hazing measures. Their failure to act, especially with prior incidents (like the 2017 UH hazing case), establishes institutional negligence.
The Housing Corporation: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. These entities have premises liability responsibilities to ensure the safety of the property. The Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (with EIN 462267515) is a defendant in our lawsuit, illustrating this vital target.
Alumni Boards & Advisors: These groups often exert significant influence, financial and otherwise, over local chapters. If they knew about hazing or contributed to a culture that enabled it, they too can be held accountable.
Parents of Minors: In some cases, parents of minor children involved in hazing may bear responsibility for their children’s actions.
Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds to compensate victims often come from various insurance policies: the national fraternity’s liability insurance, the university’s general liability insurance, and homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies of individuals. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are uniquely skilled at identifying all potential insurance coverage and negotiating from a position of strength.

When Marion County families entrust their children to a college environment, they expect safety. When that trust is shattered by hazing, we ensure that every party that failed in their duty is held responsible.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Marion County Families

We understand that for any family in Marion County, the question of compensation after a hazing incident is intertwined with the desire for justice and prevention. It’s not just about money; it’s about holding powerful institutions accountable and ensuring no other family endures similar suffering. The multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the country demonstrate that justice can be served, sending an undeniable message. This is proof that families can, and do, win significant compensation, proving similar results are possible for Marion County victims.

These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a national pattern that demands accountability:

Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – $10.1 Million+: Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after a hazing ritual. The university settled for $2.9 million, and the national fraternity along with individuals paid over $7.2 million. Most recently, a $6.5 million judgment was rendered against the chapter president personally. This case alone underpins the strength of our own $10 million demand.
Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict: Max Gruver died from extreme alcohol consumption during a hazing event. A jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict, demonstrating civil juries’ outrage at hazing behavior. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the broader societal impact of these lawsuits.
Timothy Piazza, Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – $110 Million+ (estimated): Timothy Piazza died following a horrific hazing incident where he was forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol and fell down stairs multiple times. Fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for 12 hours. This case, extensively documented by security cameras, resulted in estimated settlements exceeding $110 million and spurred Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
Andrew Coffey, Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement: Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual by the very same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that our client Leonel Bermudez was pledging. This prior death, years before Leonel’s hospitalization, establishes a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization and their failure to prevent foreseeable harm.
Adam Oakes, Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – $4 Million+ Settlement: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently reached a $4 million-plus settlement, further demonstrating the significant financial consequences for fraternities and universities.
UT Austin / Sigma Chi (November 2025) – Lawsuit Filed: In the same week our Bermudez lawsuit was filed, another Texas family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the University of Texas at Austin and Sigma Chi fraternity over “horrific abuse” leading to a freshman’s death by suicide. This highlights the ongoing, tragic reality of hazing across Texas universities.

These cases are not mere statistics; they are human narratives of immense suffering and profound loss. They serve as a powerful warning to universities and national fraternities across America, including those near Marion County: hazing carries severe consequences, and families will fight for justice. The multi-million dollar payouts reflect not only the economic losses and medical costs but also the profound pain and suffering, and often, punitive damages to punish and deter such egregious conduct. Marion County families choosing Attorney911 gain access to legal expertise honed by these very precedents.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Hazing Statutes

For Marion County families navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding the robust legal protections available is paramount. While Attorney911 is primarily based in Texas, many states have hazing laws that are similar or even stronger, and federal laws apply nationwide. The core message is clear: the law is on the side of the victim.

Texas enacted its anti-hazing law under the Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151 through 37.157, providing a crucial framework. These laws establish that hazing is not just a university policy violation but a serious criminal offense, with specific definitions and penalties.

Key Aspects of Texas Hazing Law:

Broad Definition of Hazing: The law expansively defines hazing to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This covers physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics presenting an unreasonable risk of harm, forced consumption of food or alcohol, and any activity that violates the Penal Code. Leonel Bermudez’s experience clearly falls within these definitions.
Criminal Penalties: Individuals who engage in hazing, solicit it, or even have firsthand knowledge and fail to report it, can face criminal charges ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Class A Misdemeanor (if serious bodily injury occurs, as with Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure) or even a State Jail Felony (if death occurs). This means that every individual who harmed your child, or stood by and let it happen, could face jail time and fines.
Organizational Liability: The law holds organizations directly accountable. If a fraternity, sorority, or any student group condones, encourages, or participates in hazing, the entire organization can be fined, denied the right to operate on campus, and even have its property forfeited. This ensures that the collective entity, not just individuals, bears responsibility.
Consent is NOT a Defense: This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas hazing law: “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 directly counters the common defense used by fraternities and universities – that the victim “willingly participated” or “knew what they were signing up for.” The law explicitly states that a student cannot legally consent to being hazed. This means that any argument by a fraternity near Marion County that your child “consented” to their abuse is legally invalid.
University Reporting Obligations: Universities are legally required to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. A failure to report is also a criminal offense. This promotes transparency and accountability from institutions.

For Marion County families, this legal framework means that the system is designed to protect your child, not the perpetrators. The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance in hazing situations, where immense peer pressure, fear of ostracism, and threats make genuine consent impossible. Attorney911 leverages these robust laws to ensure every liable party is held accountable.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Marion County Families

If your child in Marion County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While it’s a traumatic and confusing time, taking swift and decisive action can profoundly impact the success of any legal claim. We understand the emotional toll, but we urge you to follow these steps. Remember, we are available 24/7 to guide you.

Immediate Actions to Take:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is step one. Even if injuries seem minor or “just soreness,” many hazing-related injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or internal damage) can have delayed or severe consequences. Get a full medical evaluation from an emergency room or a trusted doctor. Crucially, inform medical staff that the injuries resulted from a hazing incident. This creates a critical medical record that will serve as undeniable evidence. Do not delay seeking care; insurance companies and defendants will use any delay against you.
Preserve All Evidence – Document Everything: Hazing perpetrators and institutions often try to cover their tracks. You must be proactive.
- Medical Records: Obtain copies of all emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels or kidney function tests), hospital bills, and any prescribed medications.
- Photos and Videos: Take clear photographs of any physical injuries your child sustained (bruises, cuts, burns, extreme swelling, changes in urine color). Document these injuries at every stage of healing. If you have any photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves, or the locations where they occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, park), preserve them immediately. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzfmogTs) provides essential guidance.
- Communications: This is arguably the most critical digital evidence. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. These communications can reveal instructions, threats, dates, locations, and the identities of perpetrators.
- Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, felt coerced, or expressed concerns – other pledges, friends, or even university staff members. Their testimony can be invaluable.
- Documents: Preserve any physical documents your child received, such as pledge manuals, schedules of “activities,” rules, codes of conduct, or letters from the fraternity or university.
- Financial & Academic Records: Keep records of any medical bills, lost wages from missed work, or tuition/fees for academic periods disrupted by the hazing. Note any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:
- Do NOT delete any messages or social media posts, or alter any evidence. This can be considered spoliation of evidence.
- Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, other members, or their advisors without consulting with us first. They are not on your side and are often instructed to gather information or intimidate victims.
- Do NOT sign any documents from the Greek organization or the university without our review. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used against your child to cast doubt on their injuries or credibility. Our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) delves into these common pitfalls.
- Do NOT give any recorded statements to insurance companies, university officials, or fraternity representatives. Let us handle all communications.
Contact Attorney911 Immediately: Time is of the essence. Key evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and critical legal deadlines (like the 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury in many states, including Georgia) approach rapidly. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to Marion County families. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin protecting your child’s rights and building a strong case. We can offer video consultations for Marion County families who are not local to our offices.

We Are Here to Help Marion County Families

Distance is no barrier to justice. Whether your child attends college within Georgia at institutions like Emory University, Mercer University, or Kennesaw State University, or at universities across the country, we can help. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean that Marion County families receive the same high-caliber representation as our Houston-based clients.

We represent victims of hazing in all settings, including:

Fraternities and sororities at universities near Marion County, GA.
Sports teams, not just in colleges but also high schools.
Marching bands, ROTC programs, and other campus organizations.
Military academies and clubs.

If you are a Marion County family, your child deserves justice, and you deserve answers. Call us. Let’s send a message that lasts.

Contact Us: Your Immediate Call to Action in Marion County

Marion County families, if your child has suffered due to hazing, the time to act is now. You are not alone, and you are not without powerful allies. Attorney911 is actively fighting this battle, and we will bring the same fierce dedication and expertise to your child’s case, regardless of where they were harmed.

Marion County Families: Call Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation

The pathway to justice starts with a single phone call. Do not hesitate. There is no cost to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Marion County hazing emergencies

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

We work on a Contingency Fee Basis: This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we recover compensation for you. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to every Marion County family, regardless of your financial situation. Our interests are aligned with yours: we win when you win.

Why You Should Call Us Immediately:

Time is Critical: In many states, including Georgia, personal injury claims typically have a 2-year statute of limitations. This means you generally have only two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, or you lose your right to sue forever. For wrongful death cases, the clock also usually starts from the date of death. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines rapidly approach. Every moment you wait can jeopardize your case.
Evidence is Fragile: Hazers and institutions often move quickly to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and control narratives. An immediate call allows us to send preservation letters, secure crucial digital evidence, and depose key individuals before information disappears.
Institutions Won’t Halt for You: Universities and national fraternities have their own legal teams dedicated to minimizing their liability. They will not wait for you to gather your thoughts. You need your own powerful advocate to level the playing field.
Your Child Deserves Justice: What happened to your child was not a harmless prank; it was abuse. They deserve to be compensated for their physical injuries, psychological trauma, medical expenses, and any long-term consequences.

We Serve Marion County Hazing Victims — and Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national crisis. We are equipped to handle cases for Marion County families whose children attend colleges throughout Georgia (such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia Southern University, or Columbus State University) or anywhere across the United States.

Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, enabling us to pursue national fraternities and universities in the federal legal system, regardless of state lines.
Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing broader legal reach for cases involving national organizations.
Remote Consultations: We can provide comprehensive consultations via phone or video conference, making it easy for Marion County families to connect with us from the comfort of their home.
Commitment to Travel: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trial, our team is prepared to travel to Marion County or any location where justice demands our presence.

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

Fraternities and sororities
Sports teams (high school, college, professional)
Marching bands and other student organizations
ROTC programs and military academies
Clubs and other groups that demand abusive “initiation” rituals.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know You Are Out There.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was not the only one subjected to this brutality. We know another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness just weeks before. Others endured the waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, and psychological abuse.

If you are another victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or if you witnessed it, you have rights. Your silence protects the perpetrators. Lupe Pena’s words serve as a call to action: “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 work together to ensure that every individual and institution responsible for this abuse is brought to justice, and that no other student suffers this way again.

Take the first step toward justice for your child. Call Attorney911 today.

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