oconee-county-featured-image.png

Oconee County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

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

If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to find friends, build connections, and perhaps even experience newfound independence at college. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Oconee County fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and organizations.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the fear, the confusion – it’s an overwhelming storm of emotions. You might be feeling isolated, wondering how something so horrific could happen, and who could possibly be held responsible. You are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families in Oconee County and across the nation. We are actively fighting this battle right now, and we have the experience, the data, and the relentless drive to ensure justice for your child.

Just weeks ago, here in Texas, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit that epitomizes everything we stand for. The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members is not just another legal brief; it is a raw, ongoing fight against the very same abuses your family might be experiencing. It is proof that we don’t just talk about hazing – we actively confront it in court. This is the firm that fights back, bringing data-driven litigation strategies and an unwavering commitment to accountability to every case.

We hear your fear. We feel your anger. We know you are searching for answers, and perhaps, late at night, you are searching for someone who can truly help. Let us be that help. We are here to guide you through this legal emergency, providing not just legal representation, but a compassionate ear and a steadfast commitment to your family’s recovery and justice.

The Case That Shows Oconee County Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities that draw students from Oconee County. The same national fraternities operate there, and the same negligence exists at institutions that claim to protect your children. We will fight for Oconee County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this pivotal case.

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, for weeks, he endured systematic abuse and torture at the hands of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members. This horrific hazing landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and damages the kidneys.

This tragic story unfolded just weeks ago, and our firm wasted no time in filing a comprehensive lawsuit. Reputable news outlets across Texas quickly covered the unfolding details:

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters itself issued a statement on November 21, 2025, confirming “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston” [https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/]. These news reports, and the defendant’s own admissions, form the foundation of our case and our commitment to justice for Leonel.

The $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court by our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and associate attorney, Lupe Peña, names a comprehensive list of defendants to ensure maximum accountability. These include Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (specifically their University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter), Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, the fraternity president, the pledgemaster, several current and former members, and even a former member and his spouse, as some hazing activities occurred at their residence.

This extensive list of defendants demonstrates our strategy: when hazing occurs, we identify every entity responsible and pursue them aggressively.

For Oconee County families, here’s why Leonel’s story matters deeply to you:

  • Pi Kappa Phi operates over 150 chapters across America, with many located at universities that students from Oconee County attend. The same dangerous “traditions” that put Leonel in the hospital can be found in Greek life organizations across the country, including those that draw students from your community.
  • Universities enrolling Oconee County students face the exact same liability failures as the University of Houston did. They have a duty to protect their students, and when they fail, they must be held accountable.
  • If your child is being hazed, regardless of whether it’s at a local institution or one far from home, we will fight for your family with the same fervor and dedication we are bringing to Leonel’s case.

As Ralph Manginello shared with ABC13, describing Leonel’s dire condition, “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 Peña added, with the unwavering resolve that drives our firm, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

This is more than just a case. It is a mission. A mission to ensure that no other student, no other family, in Oconee County or anywhere else, has to endure such a nightmare.

What Happened: The Horrifying Hazing Timeline

Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal began shortly after he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of physical and psychological torment that stretched over several weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of the shocking events:

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins almost immediately.
  • September 16 – November 3, 2025: For weeks, Leonel is subjected to brutal hazing. He is forced to wear a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects at all times, enduring constant humiliation. He faces an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews with members. He is regularly threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he fails to comply.
  • Throughout this period, he is forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion. This wasn’t harmless fun; it was calculated sleep deprivation.
  • October 13, 2025: In a particularly shocking incident, another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object forced into his mouth for over an hour, while fraternity members calmly prepare for a meeting. This illustrates the depraved normalization of extreme abuse within the chapter.
  • October 15, 2025: Alarmingly, a pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. Other pledges are made to elevate his legs until he recovers. Despite this near-tragedy, the hazing continues unabated, demonstrating a willful disregard for human life and safety.
  • Multiple occasions: Leonel is subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where water is sprayed directly into his face during calisthenics, a practice that simulates drowning and is recognized internationally as torture. He is forced repeatedly to run under the threat of this barbaric act.
  • Multiple occasions: He is forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomits. Then, in a twisted display of power, he is forced to continue running sprints in his vomit-soaked clothing. The sheer degradation and physical toll of this act are almost unimaginable.
  • Multiple occasions: Leonel endures extreme physical punishment, including being struck with wooden paddles, 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (intense running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He is compelled to recite the fraternity creed while performing these agonizing exercises, all under the threat of immediate expulsion.
  • November 3, 2025: Following a particularly brutal session, Leonel is so exhausted he cannot stand without help. Ralph Manginello recounted that Leonel “crawled up the stairs” to his bed that night, utterly broken.
  • November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates. He is “really sore and couldn’t really move” on November 4, and “the next day was worse.” His muscles are failing; his body is shutting down.
  • November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown. He is immediately diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days in the hospital, undergoing intensive medical treatment to save his kidneys and his life.
  • November 14, 2025: In a move that reveals their awareness of the severity of the situation, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially announces the permanent closure of its Beta Nu Chapter, just days before our lawsuit is filed.
  • November 21, 2025: Our firm, Attorney911, files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County Civil District Court, making national headlines.

This is not a historical account from a bygone era; this is a contemporary, unfolding tragedy. It serves as a stark warning to all Oconee County families that hazing continues to be a brutal reality in American Greek life.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Oconee County carry outdated ideas about hazing, often visualizing harmless pranks or minor inconveniences. Ralph Manginello, however, has a different perspective. “This is not pranks,” he firmly states. “This is waterboarding. This is torture.” The reality of hazing today is far more sinister, frequently involving extreme physical abuse, psychological torment, sexual humiliation, and life-threatening medical risks.

From the chilling details of Leonel Bermudez’s case, we see a clear picture of what modern hazing entails:

1. Simulated Waterboarding and Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” a tactic recognized internationally as torture. This isn’t a game; it’s a deliberate act designed to instill fear, submission, and trauma, simulating one of the most terrifying human experiences. He was also forced to run repeatedly under threat of being waterboarded again, keeping him in a constant state of terror.

2. Forced Eating Until Vomiting, Followed by Continued Abuse: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume vast quantities of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited, often repeatedly. The psychological impact of forced ingestion and loss of bodily control is profound. Even more depraved, they were then forced to continue grueling sprints while lying in their own vomit, highlighting the extreme degradation and dehumanization involved.

3. Extreme Physical Punishment Pushing the Body to Failure: Leonel’s body broke down under the onslaught of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other intense drills. He was forced to continue until he couldn’t stand. This relentless physical abuse didn’t end there; some pledges, including Leonel, endured being struck with wooden paddles, transforming “initiation” into outright assault. These activities, often conducted late at night or early in the morning, led to sleep deprivation and profound exhaustion, further compromising the students’ physical and mental states.

4. Psychological Torture and Humiliation: The hazing included forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a blatant act of sexual humiliation. Another pledge was horrifically hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to break a student’s spirit, strip them of dignity, and enforce absolute control through fear and degradation.

5. Life-Threatening Medical Consequences: Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure are direct consequences of this abuse. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing harmful proteins into the bloodstream that can cause permanent kidney damage or even death. This is the same medical condition Ralph Manginello and Attorney911 have successfully litigated before, demonstrating our specific expertise in these complex cases. Other common medical consequences of hazing, often seen nationwide, include alcohol poisoning (from forced binge drinking), traumatic brain injury (from falls or beatings), hypothermia or hyperthermia (from exposure), cardiac arrest (from extreme exertion), and profound psychological damage like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

While Greek life at universities that attract Oconee County students promotes camaraderie and community, the grim reality is that hazing incidents like these are not isolated. They are deeply embedded in certain cultures, and without aggressive legal intervention, they will continue to harm and even kill students. Hazing is inherently coercive; it preys on a student’s desire to belong, using psychological manipulation and physical duress to force compliance.

Your child didn’t sign up for torture. They signed up for friendship. This distinction is critical, and we will ensure it is understood in a court of law.

Who Is Responsible: Every Entity and Individual Who Enabled the Abuse

When a student like Leonel Bermudez is brutalized by hazing, the responsibility extends far beyond just the immediate perpetrators. Our comprehensive $10 million lawsuit in Harris County targets every party that enabled this abuse. For Oconee County families grappling with similar tragedies, understanding this layered accountability is crucial. We don’t just sue the students involved; we pursue the deep pockets and institutions whose negligence allows such horrors to occur.

Here’s a breakdown of who can, and often is, held responsible:

1. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity/Sorority:

  • Why they are liable: The Beta Nu chapter directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. Their officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, hold direct responsibility for directing or allowing these actions. Individual members who participated or witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene are also liable. In Leonel’s case, we’ve identified the chapter president, pledgemaster, and numerous current and former members as individual defendants.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization:

  • Why they are liable: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, like most national Greek organizations, maintains control and oversight over its local chapters. This national body knew about deadly hazing cultures within their organization (Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017). Despite this knowledge, they failed to implement effective anti-hazing policies, adequately supervise the UH chapter, or enforce existing rules. Their almost immediate closing of the Beta Nu chapter upon exposure, days before our lawsuit, serves as an admission of wrongdoing and their complicity. They did nothing for 8 years, and Leonel paid the price. National organizations possess significant financial resources and liability insurance, making them crucial “deep pockets” for compensation.

3. The University or College:

  • Why they are liable: The University of Houston’s liability is particularly strong because it owned and controlled the fraternity house where significant hazing occurred. Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students from harm, especially those living in university-sanctioned housing or participating in recognized student organizations. UH knew about previous hazing incidents on its campus (a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing in 2017). This prior incident established forseeability, meaning they knew such harm could occur and yet failed to implement effective preventative measures. Their failure to adequately supervise Greek life, enforce their own anti-hazing policies, and provide a safe environment makes them a critical defendant.

4. University Board of Regents/Trustees:

  • Why they are liable: As the governing body, the University of Houston Board of Regents is responsible for institutional oversight, policy-making, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. Their inclusion as defendants reflects the systemic failure of the university’s top leadership to prevent hazardous hazing practices under their purview.

5. Housing Corporations:

  • Why they are liable: Many fraternities operate through housing corporations that own or manage their chapter properties. The Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, which presumably managed the UH house, is liable for failing to prevent hazing on premises under its control.

6. Individual Perpetrators:

  • Why they are liable: Every individual who actively participated in, directed, encouraged, or failed to stop the hazing activities can be held personally liable. This includes the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and any members who were present and did not intervene. Notably, in Leonel’s case, even a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because they allowed hazing activities to take place at their private residence, demonstrating how broad the scope of liability can be. Individual defendants can be held responsible for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.

7. Insurance Carriers:

  • Why they are liable: Ultimately, significant compensation often comes from the various insurance policies held by these defendants. This can include the national organization’s general liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance (which may cover student organization activities and premises liability), the housing corporation’s property and liability insurance, and potentially even individual members’ homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña understand precisely how these policies work and what strategies are needed to maximize recovery for our clients.

For Oconee County parents, know this: we possess the legal experience and investigatory prowess to untangle the complex web of responsibility in hazing cases. We meticulously identify every potential defendant—from the college students who inflict the abuse to the powerful institutions and their national organizations that enable it—to maximize your child’s recovery and ensure comprehensive accountability. We are not afraid to pursue every angle, because every responsible party must face justice.

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

Hazing cases are incredibly complex and emotionally charged. However, history is replete with multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that prove beyond a doubt that families can, and do, win against powerful fraternities and universities. These landmark cases send a clear message: the cost of hazing is astronomical, and institutions that enable it will pay dearly. The $10 million sought in Leonel Bermudez’s case is firmly rooted in these major precedents, and we will bring the same level of legal expertise and aggression to Oconee County.

Here are some of the most prominent examples that demonstrate the unwavering commitment of juries and courts to hold hazing perpetrators accountable:

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) — More than $10.1 Million

  • What happened: On March 4, 2021, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event at Bowling Green State University. He was found unresponsive and tragically died from alcohol poisoning on March 7, 2021.
  • The outcome: The university settled with Stone’s family for $2.9 million, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Pi Kappa Alpha national and other individuals contributed to earlier settlements, bringing the total to over $7.2 million. In a landmark decision in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in a personal judgment, emphasizing individual accountability.
  • Relevance for Oconee County: This case shows that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liabilities for hazing. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, who suffered severe medical trauma, is well within the range established by this precedent, even for a non-fatal injury. It also highlights that individuals, not just organizations, bear significant financial responsibility.

Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict

  • What happened: In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495—six times the legal limit—during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing ritual at Louisiana State University. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly.
  • The outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family a $6.1 million verdict. Furthermore, the incident led to serious criminal convictions, including negligent homicide for one fraternity member, and spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance for Oconee County: This verdict powerfully demonstrates that juries will not tolerate hazing and are willing to award substantial sums. It also shows the broad impact these cases can have, leading to stronger anti-hazing legislation that protects students.

Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017) — Over $110 Million (Estimated)

  • What happened: In February 2017, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36, during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. He subsequently fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a catastrophic traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911, and had their actions captured on security cameras. He died two days later.
  • The outcome: While the settlement amount remains confidential, it is estimated to be over $110 million, reflecting the egregious conduct and compelling evidence (including video footage). Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convicted of involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case also led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Relevance for Oconee County: The sheer magnitude of this settlement showcases the massive liability institutions face when hazing leads to severe injury or death, especially when there’s clear evidence of negligence and delay in seeking medical help. It highlights that no institution, regardless of its prestige, is immune to accountability.

Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) — The Same Fraternity as Bermudez

  • What happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event.
  • The outcome: This tragic event led to the permanent closure of FSU’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, criminal charges against nine fraternity members, and a confidential civil settlement with Coffey’s family.
  • Relevance for Oconee County: This case is particularly crucial because it involves the exact same national organization, Pi Kappa Phi, that hazing Leonel Bermudez. It unequivocally proves that Pi Kappa Phi National KNEW the deadly risks associated with its chapters. They had eight years since Andrew Coffey’s death to implement meaningful change, yet they failed, leading directly to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. This pattern of negligence by a national organization is a powerful legal weapon in our fight.

These cases, among others like the $4+ million Adam Oakes settlement in 2024 and the recent lawsuit filed against the University of Texas at Austin Sigma Chi chapter in November 2025 following a student’s death by suicide linked to “horrific abuse,” demonstrate a clear trend: families are successfully securing multi-million dollar outcomes. The legal strategies, expert testimony, and commitment to justice employed in these successful cases are precisely what Attorney911 brings to the table for Oconee County families. We are armed with this knowledge and ready to fight for you.

Texas Law Protects You: Debunking the “Consent” Myth

“He volunteered for it.” “He knew what he was signing up for.” “Everyone goes through this; it’s just rough initiation.” These are the insidious defenses often trotted out by fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators when confronted with hazing allegations. For Oconee County families, it is absolutely critical to understand that under Texas law, your child cannot consent to illegal hazing. Their participation, no matter how seemingly willing, is NOT a legal defense.

While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles and civil liability theories we employ are applicable nationwide. Most states have similar anti-hazing statutes, and federal civil rights claims can also be pursued, allowing us to represent hazing victims from Oconee County regardless of where the incident occurred.

The Foundation: Texas Anti-Hazing Law (Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157)

Texas has clear, robust anti-hazing laws that define hazing broadly and establish severe penalties.

1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if the act:

  • Involves physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding, placing harmful substances on the body). Leonel’s case involved him being struck with wooden paddles and extreme physical punishment.
  • Includes sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or similar activities that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect mental/physical health. Leonel suffered forced sleep deprivation, cold weather exposure, calisthenics (500 squats, 100+ pushups) that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
  • Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol creating an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
  • Requires performing a duty or task that violates the Penal Code. Many hazing activities constitute assault, battery, or other crimes.
  • Involves coercing a student to consume drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Leonel’s experience, with waterboarding, forced extreme exercise, physical beatings, and forced eating, clearly falls under multiple clauses of this definition.

2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law is not just for civil lawsuits; it also imposes criminal charges for hazing:

  • Engaging in hazing can be a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s kidney failure) is a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine).
  • Hazing resulting in death is a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine).
  • Failure to report hazing by someone with firsthand knowledge is also a Class B Misdemeanor.
    The University of Houston spokesperson even acknowledged “potential criminal charges” in their statement about Leonel’s incident.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Organizations themselves can be penalized if they condone or encourage hazing, or if officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property. This is why Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter are central defendants.

The Critical Takeaway: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most powerful legal shield for hazing victims and their families in Oconee County. The statute 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 means when a fraternity claims Leonel “consented” to being waterboarded or doing 500 squats, or when they argue that your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law unequivocally holds that such consent is legally irrelevant. The legislature understood the coercive nature of hazing and preemptively disarmed this common defense.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges, Toward Comprehensive Compensation

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims to pursue significant compensation. These civil theories are broadly applicable in Oconee County and across all states:

  • Negligence Claims: We can prove that the university and national fraternity owed a duty of care to their students and pledges, that they breached this duty by allowing hazing, and that this breach directly caused the injuries and damages.
  • Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university property, or indeed any property controlled by the defendants (like the University-owned Pi Kappa Phi house), the property owner has a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure of national organizations to supervise their chapters, or universities to oversee their Greek life, often leads to liability.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual hazing perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing often constitutes intentional infliction of emotional distress, allowing for claims for severe psychological harm.
  • Conspiracy/Aiding and Abetting: Those who planned, encouraged, or facilitated the hazing can be held liable.

For families in Oconee County, this means your legal avenues are strong. Your local criminal court may or may not pursue charges, but your child’s right to pursue substantial financial compensation through a civil lawsuit remains secure. Our firm’s expertise in federal court and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue these claims against national organizations wherever they are based, ensuring accountability regardless of geography.

Why Attorney911? The Aggressive, Data-Driven Choice for Oconee County Families

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need a legal team that understands the gravity of the situation, commands deep legal knowledge, and has a proven track record of taking on powerful institutions. For Oconee County families, Attorney911 is not just another law firm; we are a dedicated collective of Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with unique advantages tailored to confront the complex challenges of hazing litigation.

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle – Right Now:
Many firms claim hazing expertise, but few are actively litigating a multi-million dollar hazing lawsuit today. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof that we don’t just talk about hazing; we’re in the fight for accountability RIGHT NOW. Oconee County families don’t get hypothetical representation; they get the benefit of live, aggressive legal action.

2. Ralph Manginello: Battle-Tested with Insider Knowledge:

  • 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph is not new to high-stakes litigation. His decades of experience in diverse legal emergencies, from personal injury to criminal defense, mean he is adept at navigating complex legal landscapes and confronting formidable opponents.
  • Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Crucially, Ralph began his career defending insurance companies. He knows their playbook, their strategies to delay and deny claims, and their internal valuation methods. This insider insight is an unfair advantage that he now wields on behalf of victims, dismantling their defenses and maximizing client recovery.
  • Mass Tort Expertise (BP Texas City Explosion): Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion. This experience handling cases against massive corporate defendants and navigating complex evidence is directly applicable to hazing cases involving large national fraternities and universities.
  • Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas and New York) & Federal Court Authority: Ralph’s licenses in both Texas and New York, combined with his admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, provide a strategic advantage when taking on national fraternities and universities that may be headquartered or operate across state lines. This means we can pursue your Oconee County case in federal court if advantageous.
  • Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories – essential skills for exposing what institutions want to hide in hazing cases.
  • Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, including specific cases involving rhabdomyolysis—the same severe injury Leonel Bermudez suffered—and institutional accountability.

3. Lupe Peña: The Insurance Counter-Intelligence Expert:

  • Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe also started his career defending insurance companies at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm. He worked across multiple complex practice areas, learning firsthand how these organizations value claims, strategize defenses, and strive to minimize payouts. Like Ralph, he uses this intimate knowledge to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for victims.
  • Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe’s fluency in Spanish ensures that Hispanic families in Oconee County affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultation to courtroom proceedings. This crucial capacity means all Oconee County families, regardless of language, can access justice.
  • Finance Background: Lupe’s pre-law career in finance provides a sharp understanding of economic damages, future earnings calculations, and the financial impact of injuries, strengthening damage claims in hazing cases.
  • “Our Insurance Counter-Intelligence System”: Together, Ralph and Lupe form a unique legal duo. Both are former insurance defense attorneys, creating a combined 37+ years of insider knowledge that is invaluable in negotiating against and litigating against the insurance giants that protect fraternities and universities. This means for Oconee County families, we understand how the defense thinks, operates, and tries to win – and we use it against them.

4. A Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach for Oconee County Families:

  • Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost: We understand that the financial stress of managing a child’s hazing-related injuries is immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. This means Oconee County families pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid when we win your case. Learn more about how contingency fees work here.
  • We Come to You: While our headquarters are in Houston, our commitment to justice extends to Oconee County and beyond. We offer video consultations for remote access and are prepared to travel to Oconee County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is never a barrier to pursuing justice for your child.
  • Round-the-Clock Accessibility: Legal emergencies don’t wait. Our hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available 24/7 for free consultations. We are here when you need us most.
  • “They Treat You Like Family”: Our Google reviews consistently highlight our commitment to client communication and treating every family with respect and genuine care. As one client puts it, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” (Chad Harris). This reflects our promise to Oconee County families.
  • Deep Records and Data-Driven Strategy: We maintain one of Texas’s most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations, including EINs, legal names, and insurance structures. This means we don’t guess who is responsible; we know exactly who to sue and how to find them.

For Oconee County families whose children have been harmed by hazing, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that combines aggressive litigation with empathetic understanding, insider knowledge with strategic action, and a relentless pursuit of justice that is ready to travel anywhere to fight for your child.

What to Do Right Now: Your Urgent Steps Towards Justice

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Emotions are high, but decisive action can make all the difference in preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. For Oconee County families, we offer clear, actionable guidance to navigate this legal emergency.

Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Prioritize Medical Attention and Document Everything:

  • Seek immediate medical help: Even if injuries seem minor or you’re unsure of their severity, get your child to a doctor or emergency room immediately. Hazing can lead to insidious injuries like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel’s case), internal injuries, or severe psychological trauma that may not be immediately apparent.
  • Be explicit with medical providers: Clearly inform doctors that the injuries are a result of hazing. This ensures accurate documentation in medical records.
  • Preserve all medical records: Keep every hospital record, doctor’s note, therapy report, and bill. These documents are crucial evidence of the harm suffered.

2. Preserve All Evidence – Now:
Hazing organizations and universities are notorious for destroying or hiding evidence once an incident is reported. You must act quickly to secure anything that could support your case.

  • Texts, Group Chats, Social Media: Your child’s phone is a treasure trove of evidence. Screenshot every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Save photos and videos from these platforms. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. Learn the importance of using your phone to document evidence here.
  • Physical Evidence: Keep any clothing, personal items, or objects related to the hazing. If photos of the hazing location exist, save them.
  • Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have observed the hazing activities.
  • Organizational Documents: If your child received pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or any other documents from the fraternity/sorority, preserve them.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if any), and tuition or fees paid that may be disrupted.
  • Academic Records: Document any impact the hazing had on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

  • No deletion of messages/posts: This cannot be stressed enough. Deleting anything can be seen as destruction of evidence and can severely damage your case.
  • No talking to fraternity/sorority leadership: They are not your allies. They will try to minimize the situation, gather information from you, or coerce you into staying silent.
  • No statements to university administration alone: University officials, including Title IX offices, often prioritize the institution’s reputation over the victim’s best interests. Your child should never give statements without an attorney present.
  • No signing anything: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives without your attorney’s review.
  • No social media posts: Refrain from posting about the incident on any social media platform. Anything your child posts can and will be used against them by the defense. Avoid these common client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

4. Contact Attorney911 Immediately – Time is Critical:

  • Statute of Limitations: In Texas and many other states, personal injury claims typically have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s two years from the date of death. This deadline may seem distant, but vital evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are experienced in concealing their tracks. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized on November 6 and our lawsuit was filed within weeks – this swift action is how you protect your rights. Understand Texas Statutes of Limitations further.
  • Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation to Oconee County families. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to understand your legal options.
  • We work on Contingency: Financial concerns should not deter you from seeking justice. You pay us nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Explore how contingency fees work.
  • We can help regardless of location: While our headquarters are in Houston, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent Oconee County families wherever the hazing incident occurred. We conduct video consultations and will come to Oconee County for critical aspects of your case.

When your child has been subjected to unthinkable abuse, you need immediate, aggressive legal intervention. We are here to provide that. Don’t let fear, shame, or loyalty silence your child or prevent them from seeking the justice they deserve.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here for Oconee County Families

If your child in Oconee County or attending college from Oconee County has been a victim of hazing, the time for hesitation is over. The moment is now to reclaim control, seek justice, and embark on the path to healing and accountability. This isn’t just a legal action; it’s a stand for what’s right, a powerful message that abuse will not be tolerated.

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight RIGHT NOW – and we’ll fight for Oconee County victims too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Oconee County families deserve and will receive the same aggressive advocacy.

Oconee County Families – Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Your brave step forward begins with a single call. Our dedicated team is available 24/7, ready to listen without judgment and provide expert legal guidance.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We work on CONTINGENCY – $0 upfront for Oconee County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that financial concerns never stand in the way of achieving justice for your child.

We Serve Oconee County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are strategically located in Texas (Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), our capacity to represent hazing victims extends far beyond. We proudly serve families in Oconee County and across America. We are equipped to handle your case due to our:

  • Federal Court Authority: Admittance to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often essential for national fraternity litigation.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, we gain a strategic advantage when confronting national fraternity and sorority organizations that may have headquarters or significant operations in different states.
  • Video Consultations: Oconee County families can connect with us remotely via video consultations, ensuring convenient access to legal expertise regardless of physical distance.
  • Travel Commitment: When your case demands it, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Oconee County for depositions, client meetings, and trials, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to justice on your home turf.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in a wide array of settings that might affect students from Oconee County, including:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges.
  • Sports teams (high school, collegiate, or club teams).
  • Marching bands and other student organizations.
  • ROTC programs.
  • Any club, organization, or group that uses abuse, humiliation, or physical duress as a condition of membership or initiation.

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

If you or someone you know was part of the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston and experienced or witnessed the horrific hazing Leonel Bermudez endured, we want to hear from you. Our client was not the only one subjected to this abuse. Other pledges collapsed, were hog-tied, and endured unspeakable acts. We know there are more victims.

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

Your bravery in speaking out can strengthen Leonel’s case, protect future students, and finally bring true accountability to those responsible. Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

Don’t let the fear of retribution silence you. Don’t let powerful institutions evade accountability. Attorney911 is here to be your unwavering advocate, to transform your pain into power, and to ensure that justice is not just a dream, but a reality for your family in Oconee County.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Let us shut down your emergency, starting now.