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Miller County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Georgia, Miller County, North America, United States

If you’re reading this, your family in Miller County may be navigating one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, perhaps to one of the institutions near Miller County or further afield, eager to make new friends and pursue their education. Instead, they encountered brutality disguised as tradition, and ultimately, were subjected to torture. We want you to know that we are here to help families in Miller County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague campuses across America.

The story of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was brutally hazed at the University of Houston, has resonated deeply with us, not just because our firm, Attorney911, is aggressively pursuing his $10 million lawsuit, but because his nightmare is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers facing students everywhere, including those from Miller County. Leonel was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, subjected to psychological torture, sleep deprivation, and forced physical exertion so extreme his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis, suffering from brown urine, a tell-tale sign of severe muscle damage. And the most shocking part? He wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer. This happened to someone not even officially their student.

Within weeks of this horrific hazing being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. And now, Attorney911 is fighting fiercely in Harris County Civil District Court, naming the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members in a $10 million lawsuit.

This case is not an isolated incident. It’s a chilling example of what hazing looks like today, in Texas, at universities where Miller County students might attend, right now. It’s a testament to the fact that Attorney911 is not theoretical; we are actively on the front lines, fighting relentlessly for accountability. We want Miller County families to understand that just as we are fighting for Leonel, we are ready to fight for your child.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Miller County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is abuse, plain and simple. Each year, thousands of students across the United States, including those from communities like Miller County, face physical and psychological torment under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” This crisis spans fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and various student organizations at colleges and universities that students from Miller County attend, both within Georgia and across the nation.

Our deepest concern for Miller County families is the silent suffering that often accompanies hazing. Students often feel trapped, fearing retribution or ostracization if they speak up. Parents, sending their children off to college, expect them to be safe, to thrive, and to pursue their dreams. The reality, however, can be a brutal betrayal of that trust. Incidents like Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization underscore the dire need for aggressive legal intervention to protect young lives and hold negligent institutions accountable.

The dangers are real and pervasive. Hazing can lead to severe physical injuries, permanent disabilities, profound psychological trauma, and in the most tragic cases, death. For every story that makes headlines, countless others remain hidden, victims suffering in silence. That’s why Attorney911 is committed to being the unwavering voice for these victims and their families, ensuring that the perpetrators and the institutions that enable them face justice.

The Landmark Case: The $10 Million Fight Our Attorneys Are Fighting Right Now

For Miller County families, the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. lawsuit represents hope. This case, filed by Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena of Attorney911 in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, is not just a lawsuit; it is a battle for accountability and a beacon for victims nationwide. This is what hazing looks like at its most brutal, and this is how Attorney911 responds.

Miller County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This horrific incident unfolded in Houston, but identical hazing tactics occur at universities near Miller County and across the country. The same national fraternities, including Pi Kappa Phi, maintain chapters at institutions where students from Miller County pursue higher education. The same institutional negligence and failure to protect students that allowed Leonel Bermudez to be tortured are present at universities across America. We want Miller County families to know that we bring the same aggressive representation and relentless pursuit of justice to victims nationwide as we do in this pivotal Houston case.

Media Coverage of Our Ongoing Fight:
The gravity of Leonel’s story and our firm’s strong stance has garnered significant media attention immediately upon filing:

Even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National, released a statement on their website on November 21, 2025, “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” which, while attempting to manage public perception, inadvertently highlighted their awareness and immediate action after the hazing.

The Defendants We Are Holding Accountable:
Our $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court, targets every entity responsible for Leonel’s suffering:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
  • Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
  • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
  • The University of Houston
  • The UH Board of Regents
  • The fraternity’s President
  • The Pledgemaster
  • Multiple current and former fraternity members
  • Even a former member and his spouse, where some of the hazing took place.

The Case That Shows Miller County Families Why We Fight:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal 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, a direct consequence of the extreme physical and psychological torment he endured.

For Miller County families, the message from this case is clear:

  • Pi Kappa Phi operates 150+ chapters across America, with many in college towns frequented by students from Miller County. The same “traditions” that brutalized Leonel can occur anywhere.
  • Universities bear responsibility. Institutions near Miller County have the same legal obligation to protect their students, and the same liability when they fail.
  • If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you with the same unwavering aggression we are bringing to this case 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.” Lupe Pena added, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” These words are our firm’s mission statement.

Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit:
The lawsuit meticulously details the horrors Leonel endured, from physical assaults to psychological torment:

  • Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face during calisthenics, and forced to run under threats of more waterboarding. This is recognized as torture globally.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume vast quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to continue physical exertions while lying in their own vomit-soaked grass.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Pledges were forced to recite fraternity creeds while exercising, continuing until they could not stand without help, and some were even struck with wooden paddles. One pledge reportedly lost consciousness during these grueling workouts.
  • Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing 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. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant.
  • Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Pledges were forced to perform early morning driving duties for fraternity members, leading to profound exhaustion affecting their daily lives.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure
Leonel was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, leading to acute kidney failure and potentially death. His brown urine was a classic sign of this muscle breakdown. The high creatine kinase levels in his blood confirmed extensive muscle damage, and his acute kidney failure put his life at risk. This is the same adverse medical condition Attorney911 has litigated successfully before, demonstrating Ralph Manginello’s specialized expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.

Institutional Responses and What They Really Mean:
The University of Houston spokesperson stated to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” acknowledging the severity while also initiating damage control. Pi Kappa Phi National’s statement on their website about closing the Beta Nu Chapter cited “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” but then added, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a lack of genuine remorse and an intent to resume operations once public attention fades, highlighting the crucial role of aggressive lawsuits in demanding true accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

Many people in Miller County, perhaps even some on college campuses where hazing occurs, may dismiss it as harmless fun or tradition. We are here to tell you, as experts who confront this abuse daily, that it is anything but. Hazing is a calculated form of abuse designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and enforce obedience through physical, psychological, and often sexual torment. It’s not “boys being boys”; it’s a criminal act that can have devastating, lifelong consequences.

Our investigation and litigation in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s reveal a systematic pattern of behavior that goes far beyond pranks:

  • Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling, branding, burning, and forced exercise to the point of collapse and organ failure, as seen in Leonel’s case.
  • Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking, chugging dangerous amounts of alcohol, forced eating until vomiting, or even consuming non-food substances. This is directly linked to cases of alcohol poisoning and internal bodily damage.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through forced late nights, early mornings, and interrupted rest, leading to disorientation, physical exhaustion, and impaired judgment.
  • Psychological Torture: This can manifest as extreme humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and even death threats. The psychological scars can be far more enduring than physical injuries, leading to PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression.
  • Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, requiring participation in sexual acts, carrying sexually explicit objects, or outright sexual assault are heinous aspects of hazing that are tragically underreported.
  • Exposure: Leaving pledges exposed to extreme environmental conditions like cold weather, heat, or confinement in small, dark spaces.
  • Servitude: Forced cleaning, driving, running errands, or performing other demeaning tasks for fraternity members.

The tragic reality is that such actions lead to critical medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure (as suffered by Leonel), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and the profound psychological damage that often goes untreated. In too many instances, these practices result in wrongful death. While universities and national organizations claim to have anti-hazing policies, they often fail to enforce them until a preventable tragedy forces their hand, acting only when a student is hospitalized or dies. These institutional failures demonstrate a profound disregard for student safety, turning a blind eye to a “crisis” they were well aware of.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing leaves a student from Miller County injured or dead, Attorney911 believes everyone responsible must be held accountable. The circle of liability extends far beyond the immediate perpetrators. Our strategy is comprehensive, targeting every individual and institution that contributed to the harm, just as we are doing in the Bermudez case.

In Leonel’s case, we are diligently pursuing:

  • The Local Chapter: The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH directly organized and executed the hazing. Their officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, bear direct responsibility for directing these activities. Every member who participated or enabled the hazing is a potential defendant.
  • The National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is liable for failing to supervise its local chapter, for inadequate anti-hazing policies and enforcement, and for fostering a culture where such abuse could thrive. They cannot claim ignorance when they dissolved the chapter immediately after the incident became public. National fraternities often possess substantial assets and liability insurance, making them “deep pockets” in these lawsuits.
  • The University: The University of Houston is a defendant because it owned and controlled the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities have a duty to ensure student safety, to regulate Greek life, and to enforce anti-hazing policies. Their failure to act, especially with prior knowledge of hazing on their campus (as was the case with UH), makes them culpable. This is a critical point for any university students from Miller County might attend, be it a major state institution or a smaller private college.
  • Individual Members: Every student who participated in, planned, or stood by while hazing occurred can be held personally responsible. This includes those who hosted hazing at their private residences, with premises liability extending even to spouses who allowed such abuse.
  • Insurance Carriers: These play a pivotal role. The national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, and even homeowner’s policies for events at off-campus residences can all provide avenues for compensation. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these complex insurance landscapes to maximize recovery for Miller County victims.

These cases are not about punishing college kids; they are about holding powerful institutions and responsible individuals accountable for systematic failures and egregious misconduct. We are sending a clear message: the days of hiding behind “tradition” are over.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof of Accountability

For Miller County families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the financial burden, emotional toll, and the longing for justice can be overwhelming. We want you to know that there is hope, and there is a powerful legal precedent for significant recovery. Verdicts and settlements in hazing cases consistently reach into the multi-millions, sending an unmistakable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing extracts a devastating cost, and we will make you pay.

These same aggressive legal strategies that led to these landmark outcomes are precisely what Attorney911 brings to every hazing case, including those for Miller County victims.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements We Refer To:

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

    • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event.
    • His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and individuals.
    • Relevance to Bermudez and Miller County: Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly in line with this precedent. This case shows both the university and the national fraternity held accountable for multi-million dollar payouts.

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

    • Maxwell Gruver died after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event, with a blood alcohol content six times the legal limit.
    • His family won a $6.1 million jury verdict.
    • Relevance to Miller County: This verdict demonstrates actual jury willingness to award millions for hazing deaths, leading to the “Max Gruver Act” which made hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of these individual cases to drive legislative change.

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

    • Timothy Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes, falling repeatedly down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured every horrific detail.
    • The confidential settlements from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi were estimated to exceed $110 million.
    • Relevance to Miller County: This case shows that when evidence is strong and the misconduct egregious, settlements can reach staggering amounts. It also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

  4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): The Same Fraternity

    • Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
    • This is the SAME national organization involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement was reached (amount confidential).
    • Relevance to Miller County: This is a smoking gun for Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization. It proves they had actual knowledge of deadly hazing within their chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and a deliberate failure to prevent harm, directly supporting our claims for punitive damages.

These cases unequivocally demonstrate that significant financial consequences await any institution or individual perpetrating hazing. The patterns of liability, the egregious conduct, and the tragic outcomes echo across educational institutions nationwide, including those where Miller County students may be enrolled. We leverage these powerful precedents to demand justice and maximum compensation for every Miller County family we represent.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent Is Never a Defense in Hazing Cases

For families in Miller County concerned about their legal rights after a hazing incident, it is crucial to understand the protections afforded by law. While our firm is rooted in Texas, similar anti-hazing statutes exist across most states, and the fundamental principles of civil liability apply nationwide. Importantly, our federal court authority means we can pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.

Texas Hazing Laws (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157)
The state where Attorney911 is headquartered has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation. To the Miller County community, these laws are a crucial shield:

  • Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act on or off-campus that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. This includes acts of physical brutality (like striking or branding), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, extreme calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100+ pushups leading to rhabdomyolysis), forced consumption of food or alcohol to the point of harm, and any activity that violates the Penal Code. The waterboarding Leonel endured, for example, clearly falls under this definition as physical brutality endangering mental and physical health.
  • Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine) for simply engaging in hazing, to Class A misdemeanors (up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine) if the hazing causes serious bodily injury—like Leonel’s kidney failure. If hazing leads to death, the penalties escalate to a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine). The University of Houston spokesperson even confirmed that “potential criminal charges” were on the table in Leonel’s case, underscoring the severity of these laws.
  • Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be fined up to $10,000, lose their right to operate on campus, and forfeit property. This applies directly to local chapters and national organizations that condone or encourage hazing.
  • University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents within 30 days. Failure to do so is a criminal offense.

Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): THIS IS THE MOST CRITICAL STATUTE FOR MILLER COUNTY FAMILIES.
The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities and universities: “He agreed to participate.” “He could have left.” Texas law makes it clear: Consent to hazing is legally meaningless. The legislature understood that coercion, peer pressure, and the power dynamics inherent in initiation rituals negate true consent. This means that if your child from Miller County was hazed, any argument that they “consented” holds no legal weight in Texas civil or criminal proceedings.

Civil Liability: Your Right to Seek Compensation
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families in Miller County can pursue civil lawsuits for damages:

  • Negligence Claims: We can prove that the university, national organization, and individuals owed your child a duty of care, breached that duty through hazing, caused injuries, and are therefore liable for damages.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on university-owned or controlled property, the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. The University of Houston’s ownership of the Pi Kappa Phi house is a prime example.
  • Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to oversee their chapters, or universities fail to monitor Greek life effectively.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual participants can be sued for intentional harmful contact, such as the wooden paddles or simulated waterboarding Leonel endured.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous nature of hazing, particularly psychological torture, can lead to claims for severe emotional distress and long-lasting psychological harm.

These civil claims ensure that Miller County families can pursue comprehensive compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and the immense pain and suffering caused by hazing, regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in Miller County’s Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident can feel overwhelming, especially for families in Miller County who may be dealing with unimaginable trauma. At Attorney911, we want you to know that we are not just legal professionals; we are passionate advocates with a proven track record against the very institutions that perpetuate hazing. We distinguish ourselves through aggressive, data-driven litigation, deep insider knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to our clients in Miller County and nationwide.

Our Core Strengths and Why They Benefit Miller County Families:

  • 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two and a half decades of battle-tested trial experience. This means your case will be handled by seasoned attorneys who are not afraid to go to court and challenge powerful defendants. For Miller County families, this translates into a proven legal expertise ready to fight for your child.
  • Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant portions of their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This gives us an invaluable “insider’s view” into how the opposition thinks, strategizes, and attempts to deny or minimize claims. For Miller County victims, this means higher leverage in negotiations and a proactive approach to dismantling defense tactics. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, giving us critical intelligence into multi-state corporate defense strategies.
  • Federal Court Admissions: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for hazing cases because national fraternities and universities often operate across state lines, allowing us to pursue federal claims and hold national organizations accountable wherever they operate. This means we can represent Miller County hazing victims regardless of whether the incident occurred locally or in another state.
  • Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph Manginello’s licensure in both Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage when going up against national fraternities, many of which have ties or headquarters in diverse jurisdictions. This dual licensure enhances our ability to navigate complex legal landscapes relevant to national organizations.
  • Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Miller County receive clear, compassionate, and comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We believe everyone deserves equal access to justice.
  • Nationwide Hazing Expertise with Live Litigation: We are not just talking about hazing; we are challenging it in court right now. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our active engagement and deep expertise in this specialized area. Miller County families benefit from a firm that is literally shaping the future of hazing litigation.
  • Deep Research and Intelligence: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS data, EINs, and corporate structures. This allows us to identify and target every liable entity, leaving no stone unturned. We don’t guess who to sue; we know.
  • Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants in highly complex, high-stakes mass tort cases. The same tenacity and strategic depth are applied to hazing cases involving powerful universities and national fraternities.
  • Commitment to the Victim and Family: We understand that hazing cases are deeply personal and traumatic. We treat our Miller County clients like family, offering empathetic support while relentlessly pursuing justice. We believe in open communication, ensuring you are informed and empowered at every step.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning Miller County families pay $0 upfront for our services. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to challenging powerful institutions and aligns our interests perfectly with yours. See our video “How Contingency Fees Work” for more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

The Attorney911 Difference for Miller County:
For families in Miller County impacted by hazing, we emphasize that distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via video calls and are prepared to travel to Miller County for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our integrated approach—combining legal acumen, investigative rigor, and a profound sense of justice—makes Attorney911 the clear choice for any family whose child has been terrorized by hazing.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Miller County Families

If your child from Miller County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional and physical trauma can be disorienting, taking swift and decisive action can profoundly impact the success of any legal claim. We are here to guide you, offering clear, actionable steps that a panicked parent can follow at any time, day or night.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention.
Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

  • Seek immediate medical assessment: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological symptoms are present. Adrenaline can mask pain, and conditions like rhabdomyolysis can have delayed onset. Documenting injuries early is crucial for medical and legal purposes. Go to the Emergency Room, a local Miller County clinic, or your family doctor.
  • Get copies of all medical records: This includes hospital records, ER visit reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis), imaging scans, and any therapy or counseling records. These documents are the backbone of your claim.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”
Hazing organizations and negligent institutions often move quickly to destroy or conceal evidence. Your immediate action can prevent this. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures… Pictures are going to tell the story. Help your lawyer tell your story.” See the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

  • Texts, Calls, and Digital Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Screenshots are essential. Do NOT delete anything.
  • Photos and Videos: Take pictures of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If possible and safe, photograph or video any locations where hazing occurred.
  • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any identifying details of other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing. This includes family members who saw the immediate aftermath, like Leonel Bermudez’s mother rushing him to the hospital.
  • Hazing Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the organization.
  • Academic and Financial Records: Keep records of tuition, fees, lost wages from missed work or internship opportunities, and any academic impact (e.g., missed classes, grade drops).

Step 3: AVOID Crucial Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case.
Our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” highlights critical missteps. Access it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

  • DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University: Do NOT give statements, sign documents, or engage with their leadership or legal representatives without consulting your own attorney. They are NOT on your side; they are protecting their institutions.
  • DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post can be used against you. Avoid discussing the incident, displaying a “normal” life, or engaging with people involved in the hazing. Your lawyer will advise you on social media conduct.
  • DO NOT Accept Initial Offers: Insurance companies or institutions may offer quick, lowball settlements hoping to make the problem disappear before you understand the full extent of your damages. Do NOT sign anything.
  • DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Texas is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Evidence evaporates, memories fade, and your legal rights can expire. As our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” explains, timing is critical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately.
This is a legal emergency. You need experienced, aggressive representation on your side.

  • Call our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available day and night to answer your questions and provide a free, confidential consultation.
  • Email: You can also reach Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.
  • Video Consultation: For Miller County families, distance is not a barrier. We regularly conduct secure video consultations to discuss your case and chart a path forward. We can and will travel to Miller County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.

Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Your immediate actions in preserving evidence and contacting us are the first crucial steps toward justice and accountability for your child in Miller County.

Contact Us: Your Fight Starts Now, Miller County

If you find yourself or your child from Miller County facing the devastating aftermath of hazing, know this: you are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by yourself. The nightmare that Leonel Bermudez endured, and the aggressive legal action Attorney911 is taking on his behalf, is our promise to you that justice is achievable. We are actively fighting the institutions that allow this abuse to flourish, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Miller County.

Miller County Families: Have you or your child been brutalized by hazing?

You have legal rights, and we are fighting this fight right now – and we will fight for Miller County victims too. Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a seminal $10 MILLION lawsuit. We possess the deep knowledge, the strategic and data-driven approach, and the relentless determination to hold every responsible party accountable. Miller County families deserve, and will receive, the very same aggressive and compassionate representation.

Miller County Families – Call Now for a FREE Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us directly: ralph@atty911.com

We are available 24/7 for Miller County hazing emergencies. The consultation is absolutely free, and there is no obligation. This is an opportunity for you to understand your legal options and how we can help.

We work on CONTINGENCY: This means there are $0 upfront costs for Miller County families. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This policy ensures that financial concerns never stand in the way of justice. For more details on this, please watch our video “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

What Miller County Hazing Victims and Families Should Do Right Now:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If you haven’t already, please ensure your child receives comprehensive medical care. This not only addresses their immediate well-being but also creates vital documentation for your case.
  2. Preserve All Evidence: Do not delete anything. Collect and secure all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat threads, Instagram DMs, emails, photos, videos, witness names, and any documents related to the hazing. Your phone is a powerful tool for documentation.
  3. Refrain from Communicating with the Fraternity/Sorority or University: Do NOT provide statements, sign documents, or discuss the incident with anyone from the organization or institution without legal counsel. They will attempt to protect themselves.
  4. Avoid Social Media Discussions: Anything posted online can be used against your case. Please refrain from discussing the hazing incident on social media.
  5. Act Promptly: In most states, including Texas, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and your opportunity for justice can expire. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

We Serve Miller County Hazing Victims – And Victims Nationwide:

While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, Attorney911 serves hazing victims across the entire United States, including Miller County. Hazing is a national crisis, and our legal reach extends far beyond state lines, covering institutions throughout Georgia and across the country. Our ability to represent you is ensured through:

  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often essential when dealing with national organizations.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing broader legal capabilities when engaging with national fraternities and universities.
  • Remote Consultations: For Miller County families, you can meet with our attorneys remotely via video conferencing, making the process accessible and convenient.
  • Commitment to Travel: We are prepared to travel to Miller County for depositions, key meetings, and trial proceedings to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves. Your location will never be a barrier to justice.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We proudly represent victims of hazing in every context, whether it happened in fraternities or sororities at institutions that Miller County students attend, on sports teams, within marching bands, ROTC programs, or any club or organization that uses abusive initiation practices.

To Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. The lawsuit details that another pledge lost consciousness on October 15, and others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical torture. You too have rights. We can represent you. As Lupe Pena eloquently stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Contact Attorney911 today. Your initial consultation is free, and your privacy is paramount.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com