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Oglethorpe County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court, Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Georgia, North America, Oglethorpe 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 make friends at college, to grow, to learn, to thrive. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. Their trust was betrayed, and their future now hangs in the balance because of the reckless actions of a fraternity, a university, and the individuals who stood by and let it happen. We are here to help families in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, and across the nation, fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are not just legal professionals; we are advocates for justice, particularly for the silent victims of hazing culture. We understand the fear, the anger, the confusion that washes over parents when their child, who they sent off to college with dreams and hopes, returns broken and scarred by an organization that promised brotherhood but delivered brutality. This isn’t just a legal battle for us; it’s a moral imperative. We are fighting this fight right now in Houston, Texas, against one of the largest fraternities in the country and a major university, and we are prepared to bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to families in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Our firm is deeply rooted in Texas, with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but our commitment to hazing victims extends far beyond state lines. Through our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), we have the capability and the resolve to represent hazing victims and their families anywhere in America, including Oglethorpe County, Georgia. We conduct remote consultations, and our team is prepared to travel for depositions, meetings, and trials whenever and wherever justice demands. The trauma of hazing leaves lasting scars, and families in Oglethorpe County deserve powerful, empathetic representation that understands not just the law, but the profound human cost of these senseless acts.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Oglethorpe County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys.” It is a culture of abuse disguised as tradition, and it has devastating consequences for students across the country, including those from Oglethorpe County who attend colleges and universities. What starts as a desire for belonging can quickly escalate into physical and psychological torture, leaving victims with lifelong injuries, severe trauma, or worse.

For parents in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, sending a child off to college is a moment filled with both pride and apprehension. You trust that institution to provide a safe environment for your child to learn and grow. Yet, beneath the veneer of academic excellence and social camaraderie, a dark and insidious practice often thrives: hazing. Whether your child attends the University of Georgia in nearby Athens, Georgia Tech in the bustling city of Atlanta, or any other institution across the state or nation, the risk of hazing is tragically real. National fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities throughout Georgia, from the vibrant campus of Kennesaw State University to the historic halls of Emory University, operate under the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements. The “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Greek organizations in Oglethorpe County’s surrounding communities.

The anonymity of a large university campus or the close-knit nature of a smaller college in Georgia can both create environments where hazing flourishes, often unseen and unreported. It is an open secret on too many campuses, and the silence of institutions and national organizations enables it. When a parent in Oglethorpe County, perhaps driving past the tranquil landscapes of Watson Mill Bridge State Park or enjoying a quiet afternoon in Lexington, receives that terrifying call or learns of their child’s ordeal, their world shatters. That’s when we step in. We are here to tell parents that they are not alone, and that effective, aggressive legal help is available, no matter how far away they feel from the heart of the legal system. Our commitment is to ensure that incidents like those we are fighting against in Texas resonate as a warning across the nation, putting every fraternity and university on notice.

The Devastating Numbers: A National Crisis

Statistics paint a grim picture of the hazing epidemic:

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. This means over half of the young men and women seeking brotherhood or sisterhood are subjected to abuse.
  • 40% of student athletes report hazing. It’s not just Greek life; hazing infiltrates sports teams, clubs, and various student organizations.
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. These are preventable tragedies that shatter families and leave indelible marks on communities.
  • 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. Shame, fear of retribution, and a misguided sense of loyalty keep victims silent, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue.

These are not just numbers; they represent shattered lives and broken families. They are the sons and daughters of parents just like you in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, who believed in the promise of higher education and the camaraderie of student organizations. When we fight hazing cases, we fight for every one of these victims and for the future safety of all students.

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

This Is Not Just a Case. This Is a Warning. This Is Our Fight. And It’s the Same Fight We’ll Bring to Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

We have seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently engaged in a critical legal battle that exemplifies everything we stand for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for these heinous acts.

This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not just another lawsuit; it is the centerpiece of our commitment to ending hazing culture. Filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, this $10 million lawsuit names as defendants Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, its University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter, the chapter’s housing corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is a fresh, ongoing fight, and it demonstrates precisely the kind of firm Attorney911 is: relentless in pursuing justice for hazing victims.

Leonel Bermudez, the plaintiff in this case, was not even formally enrolled at the University of Houston yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer. Yet, he was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse and torture by members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. His ordeal reached a horrifying climax with “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” hog-tying, forced eating until he vomited, psychological torture, and extreme physical exertion until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four critical days in the hospital diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition.

This is what hazing looks like today, in Texas, at universities just like those your children might attend near Oglethorpe County, Georgia. This is why we fight back.

The Unfolding Nightmare: Leonel Bermudez’s Story

The details of Leonel’s hazing are a chilling testament to the brutality that masquerades as “brotherhood”:

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. His hope was to find a community; what he found was a gauntlet of abuse.
  • Weeks of Systematic Hazing: For nearly two months, Leonel endured a series of degrading and dangerous acts. He was forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and sleep deprivation from driving members during early morning hours.
  • The October Incidents: On October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Just two days later, on October 15, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, requiring other pledges to elevate his legs until he revived. These were clear warnings, yet the hazing continued.
  • The Climax – November 3, 2025: As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was forced to perform excruciating physical exercises: 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. While performing these, he was made to recite the fraternity creed, threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He was sprayed with a garden hose in a “simulated waterboarding” ritual. He was also struck with wooden paddles.
  • Collapse and Hospitalization: The brutal session culminated in Leonel collapsing from exhaustion, unable to stand without help. Attorney Manginello recounted 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.” In the hospital, he passed brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending three nights and four days receiving intensive medical care.

The Impact on Oglethorpe County Families: This horrific timeline should shake every parent in Oglethorpe County. This is not a distant problem. Pi Kappa Phi, like many other national fraternities, has chapters near Oglethorpe County, Georgia, at institutions like the University of Georgia. The same “traditions” that nearly killed Leonel could be happening right now, or tomorrow, to a student from your community. The institutional failures that allowed this to occur at the University of Houston are present at universities in Georgia and across the country. We are fighting to protect students like yours.

National Media Spotlight on Attorney911’s Fight

The urgency and gravity of Leonel’s case caught the immediate attention of major news outlets:

We are not theoretical. We are fighting a national fraternity and a major university right now. This media coverage is proof of our aggressive representation and our dedication to bringing these issues to light. Lupe Peña 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.” This is our ethos, and it drives our fight for Oglethorpe County victims.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many, hazing conjures images of silly pranks or minor inconveniences, a misguided “tradition.” The reality, however, is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing today is rarely about friendly competition; it’s often about physical, psychological, and even sexual degradation that leaves lasting scars, both visible and invisible. Parents in Oglethorpe County deserve to understand the true face of modern hazing, a face far removed from any nostalgic notion of college hijinks.

What Leonel Bermudez endured, like countless other victims across the country, demonstrates the extreme nature of current hazing practices. This isn’t just about an isolated incident; it’s often about a systemic culture within organizations that values arbitrary “tradition” over human decency and safety.

Let’s break down the categories of hazing we regularly see and educate parents about:

1. Physical Abuse: This is the most visible and often creates the clearest legal path. It includes deliberate acts designed to inflict bodily harm or force extreme physical exertion.

  • Beatings and Paddling: As Leonel experienced with “being struck with wooden paddles,” direct physical assault is a common and brutal form of hazing. This can lead to severe bruising, internal injuries, and bone fractures.
  • Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: Activities like 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls push the body to its breaking point. Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are direct consequences of this type of abuse, leading to muscle breakdown and potentially irreversible organ damage. The goal is not fitness, but degradation and control.
  • Sleep Deprivation and Exposure: Depriving students of sleep, forcing them into uncomfortable outdoor conditions, or making them perform tasks in extreme weather without proper attire (like being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather or enduring waterboarding in cold temperatures) are dangerous practices that can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, and severe exhaustion.

2. Forced Consumption: A leading cause of hazing deaths, particularly through alcohol poisoning.

  • Excessive Alcohol: Forcing pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, as seen in the tragic deaths of Andrew Coffey and Maxwell Gruver, is a hallmark of hazing. This often involves chugging entire bottles, continuous drinking games, or consuming unknown liquids. The aim is to incapacitate, control, and increase vulnerability.
  • Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel Bermudez was forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to continue exercising in his own vomit. This is a deliberate act of humiliation coupled with physiological abuse, risking choking and aspiration.
  • Non-Food Substances: In some extreme cases, pledges are forced to consume non-food items, ranging from vile concoctions to dangerous chemicals, putting them at extreme risk.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation: These tactics aim to break a student’s spirit, erode their self-worth, and establish dominance. The mental injuries from these acts can be as debilitating, or even more so, than physical ones.

  • Degrading Rituals: Being forced to carry fanny packs with “objects of a sexual nature” or being hog-tied with an object in one’s mouth, as described in Leonel’s case, are designed to debase and humiliate.
  • Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant verbal harassment, threats of physical punishment, or expulsion for non-compliance create an environment of fear and anxiety. Victims often feel trapped, unable to leave without severe social and emotional cost.
  • Isolation and Control: Limiting communication with the outside world, controlling what pledges wear, where they go, and how they spend their time, is a form of psychological manipulation.
  • Simulated Waterboarding: As highlighted by Houston Public Media, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This particularly barbaric act is designed to induce extreme terror and a sense of helplessness, leaving deep psychological scars. When our client Leonel was waterboarded with a garden hose, it wasn’t a game; it was a profound act of terror.

4. Sexual Abuse: A terrifying but undeniable aspect of hazing, often underreported due to extreme shame and fear.

  • Forced Nudity and Sexual Acts: Pledges can be compelled into nudity, sexually suggestive acts, or even non-consensual sexual contact, often while intoxicated or incapacitated.
  • Sexual Objectification: Being forced to carry sexually suggestive items, as Leonel was, is a step towards broader sexual degradation.

These cruel and unusual punishments have devastating medical consequences:

  • Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Leonel’s diagnosis, requiring extensive hospitalization and ongoing medical monitoring.
  • Alcohol Poisoning: The immediate threat in forced drinking hazing, frequently leading to death.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls, or repeated head trauma.
  • Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or drug use.
  • PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation: The long-term psychological fallout that can destroy a student’s mental health and academic future.
  • DEATH: The ultimate, tragic conclusion to many hazing incidents.

This is why we, at Attorney911, call it what it is: assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and in too many cases, manslaughter or murder. This is not about building character; it is about breaking it. Parents in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, need to know that these atrocities are happening, and when they do, we are here to hold every single responsible party accountable.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Hand Accountable

When hazing occurs, multiple layers of individuals and institutions are typically liable. We believe in holding everyone who participated, enabled, or failed to prevent the abuse accountable. This comprehensive approach is central to our strategy, as demonstrated in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, where we’ve named a wide range of defendants. For Oglethorpe County families, understanding these avenues of liability is crucial to seeking justice.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Leadership: The most direct perpetrators.

  • Direct Participation: Individual fraternity or sorority members who engage in hazing activities are personally liable for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  • Chapter Officers: Leaders like the Chapter President, Pledgemaster, and Risk Manager, who plan, direct, or knowingly allow hazing to occur, bear significant responsibility. They have a duty to ensure the safety of pledges and are often instrumental in perpetuating the hazing culture. They can be held personally liable.
  • Hazing Tactics: In Leonel’s case, chapter officers and members directly organized and conducted hazing activities including waterboarding, forced excessive exercise, psychological torment, and paddling. This direct involvement makes their liability clear.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: The “Deep Pockets” with ultimate oversight.

  • Failure to Supervise: The national organization has a duty to oversee its chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure a safe environment. When they fail in this duty, they are liable for negligent supervision. Pi Kappa Phi’s own website acknowledged “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy,” and KHOU 11 reported allegations that the national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”
  • Pattern of Behavior: As seen with Pi Kappa Phi’s history, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, national organizations often have a documented pattern of hazing incidents across their chapters. This pattern establishes prior knowledge and a conscious indifference to the risks, laying the groundwork for punitive damages.
  • Financial Resources: National organizations typically possess significant assets, insurance policies, and endowments, making them key targets for substantial damage recovery.

3. The University or College: The institution with the ultimate responsibility to protect its students.

  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house at the University of Houston, the university can be held liable for maintaining an unsafe environment. They have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and to address dangerous conditions they know about or should know about.
  • Negligent Supervision and Oversight: Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life organizations, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide a safe educational environment. The University of Houston itself had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 with another fraternity, establishing a history of institutional awareness and a failure to act.
  • Failure to Act: When a university knows about hazing (either directly or through prior incidents) and fails to take adequate measures to prevent further harm, they are negligent. The University of Houston’s spokesperson admitted the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” signaling an acknowledgment of institutional failure.
  • Financial Resources: Universities, especially large state universities or private institutions, often have significant financial resources and liability insurance, making them capable of compensating victims for substantial damages.

4. Individual Perpetrators: Every person directly involved.

  • Current Members: Anyone who actively participates in, encourages, or fails to intervene in hazing activities can be held personally responsible.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, former members and even a spouse were named because hazing occurred at their residence. This extends liability to individuals who provide the location or facilitate the hazing, bringing in additional avenues like premises liability or personal homeowner’s insurance.

5. Insurance Carriers: The ultimate source of compensation.

  • Behind every national organization, university, and often even individual homeowners, are layers of insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, evaluate claims, and strategize defenses. This expertise allows us to penetrate their tactics, negotiate from a position of strength, and maximize recovery for our clients.

For families in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, pursuing a hazing lawsuit means casting a wide net to ensure comprehensive accountability. We don’t just sue the visible actors; we delve into the intricate corporate structures, the negligence of oversight entities, and the personal responsibility of everyone involved. This is how we ensure justice is served and that a powerful message is sent: hazing will not be tolerated, and those who enable it will pay the price.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

The thought of taking on powerful national fraternities and major universities can be daunting for any family, especially those from communities like Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Many parents ask, “Can we really win against such big organizations?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. We don’t just talk about accountability; we deliver it. The track record of significant verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the country proves that justice is possible, and that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is well within the recognized value of these devastating incidents. These multi-million dollar outcomes should serve as a powerful testament to Oglethorpe County families that hazing cases can and do result in substantial compensation.

These precedent cases provide a clear roadmap for the potential outcomes for hazing victims in Oglethorpe County and nationwide:

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

  • The Tragedy: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation ritual.
  • The Settlements: His family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and an additional $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individuals. The combined total exceeds $10.1 million, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Critically, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was issued against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally.
  • Relevance to Oglethorpe County: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It demonstrates that substantial recoveries are made against both universities and national fraternities. The personal judgment against a former chapter president sends a strong message to individual perpetrators.

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

  • The Tragedy: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to play a drinking game called “Bible Study” where incorrect answers meant more alcohol.
  • The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also resulted in criminal charges and the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Oglethorpe County: This jury verdict underscores that when left in the hands of a jury, the outrage over hazing translates into multi-million dollar awards. It also highlights how these cases can drive legislative change, impacting future safety for students from Oglethorpe County and across Georgia.

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

  • The Tragedy: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after falling down stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, captured on security cameras.
  • The Outcome: The confidential settlement is estimated to be over $110 million, with 18 fraternity members facing criminal charges and multiple convictions, including involuntary manslaughter. His death led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Relevance to Oglethorpe County: This case sets the benchmark for the largest hazing case recoveries, especially when evidence is strong and the conduct is grotesquely negligent. It illustrates the powerful impact of security camera footage and documentation in proving institutional neglect and individual culpability.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement

  • The Tragedy: Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a full bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
  • The Outcome: This case resulted in criminal charges against nine fraternity members and a confidential civil settlement. Critically, this was a Pi Kappa Phi chapter – the very same national fraternity we are suing in the Bermudez case.
  • Relevance to Oglethorpe County: This is our most powerful pattern evidence. Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under similar circumstances. This clear pattern of failure to prevent serious harm and protect students from Oglethorpe County and nationwide is central to our argument for punitive damages and gross negligence.

5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021) – Total: $4 Million+ Settlement

  • The Tragedy: Adam Oakes, an 18-year-old freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event.
  • The Outcome: His family initially sought $28 million and ultimately reached a settlement of over $4 million in October 2024. This case also led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
  • Relevance to Oglethorpe County: This recent settlement reinforces that multi-million dollar recoveries are standard for hazing fatalities and illustrates the continuous legal and legislative pushback against such tragedies.

6. UT Austin Sigma Chi Death – Lawsuit Filed (November 2025)

  • The Tragedy: Just a week after our Bermudez lawsuit, another tragic hazing death lawsuit was filed in Texas, this time against a Sigma Chi chapter at the University of Texas at Austin, involving an 18-year-old freshman. The lawsuit alleges “horrific abuse” leading to death by suicide.
  • Relevance to Oglethorpe County: This concurrent case underscores the systemic nature of hazing, even within our own state. It highlights the pervasive danger across different fraternities and universities, adding to the urgent need for aggressive legal action.

The Message to Oglethorpe County Institutions: Hazing Costs Millions

These precedents speak volumes. They send an unambiguous message to national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators, including those operating near Oglethorpe County, Georgia: hazing is not tolerated, and it carries a multi-million dollar price tag. When hazing claims a life, or causes life-altering injuries, the financial, legal, and reputational consequences are immense for all involved.

Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary; it is meticulously crafted based on the severe injuries, the egregious conduct, the clear pattern of institutional negligence, and the well-established legal precedents. We are prepared to pursue the maximum possible compensation for Oglethorpe County victims, because anything less would signal that human lives are cheap, and that these institutions can continue to operate with impunity.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Victims’ Rights

For aggrieved families in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, understanding the robust legal framework designed to combat hazing is crucial. While our firm is rooted in Texas, it’s vital to know that the principles of liability and the strong anti-hazing stances embodied in Texas law are mirrored in statutes across many states, and universal civil claims apply nationwide. Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court access mean we can bring the full force of this legal understanding to your case, regardless of where the hazing occurred.

In Texas, where much of our impactful work is done, hazing laws are particularly stringent, providing a powerful backbone for victims’ rights:

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law

Defining Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization” if it endangers mental or physical health. This includes:

  • Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles Leonel Bermudez endured), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
  • Activities endangering health: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics, or other activities posing an “unreasonable risk of harm” or adversely affecting “mental or physical health or safety.” (This directly applies to Leonel’s 500 squats, waterboarding, and subsequent rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure).
  • Forced consumption: Requiring consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting falls squarely within this).
  • Criminal acts: Any activity inducing a student to violate the Penal Code.
  • Coercion to consume drugs or excessive alcohol: Forcing consumption that leads a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated.

Oglethorpe County Application: While the specific statute numbers may differ in Georgia (which also has anti-hazing laws like “Max’s Law” aimed at increasing transparency and accountability), the core definitions and prohibited acts are generally consistent. The hazing your child experienced in Oglethorpe County, or at a university your child from Oglethorpe County attends, likely violates the spirit and letter of both state criminal law and civil statutes designed to protect students.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law categorizes hazing as a criminal offense, escalating penalties based on severity:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, or even soliciting or failing to report it (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury” (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure clearly fall into the “serious bodily injury” category, meaning individuals involved face potential criminal charges.
  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine). This is what many hazing deaths result in for individual perpetrators.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations “condoning or encouraging hazing” or whose officers/members engage in it commit an offense. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and denial of permission to operate on campus. This allows a direct legal avenue to target national fraternities, local chapters, and similar organizations involved in hazing in Oglethorpe County.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most critical provisions. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.” This shatters the common defense mechanism used by fraternities and universities that “the student knew what they were signing up for” or “they could have left at any time.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist in an environment of coercion, peer pressure, and fear. Even if your child felt compelled to participate in hazing at a university near Oglethorpe County, their “consent” does not absolve the perpetrators or institutions of liability.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates an institutional obligation to transparency that, when violated, can strengthen a civil case.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges target individual perpetrators, civil lawsuits against all responsible parties offer direct financial recourse for victims and families:

  1. Negligence Claims: The cornerstone of most personal injury lawsuits. This involves proving that the defendants (university, national fraternity, individuals) had a duty of care, breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages. This is a universal legal principle applicable regardless of location, including Oglethorpe County.
  2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (as in Leonel’s case at the University of Houston) or the local chapter, the property owner can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
  3. Negligent Supervision: National organizations may be liable for failing to adequately supervise their chapters, and universities for failing to oversee Greek life or other student organizations.
  4. Assault and Battery: Direct claims against individual perpetrators for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, a powerful claim given the psychological torment of hazing.
  6. Wrongful Death: When hazing tragically results in a fatality, families can pursue wrongful death claims for lost companionship, future earnings, and other damages.

For Oglethorpe County families, it’s essential to understand that these civil claims exist in every state. Even if criminal charges are not pursued, or if the local district attorney declines to prosecute, your right to civil justice remains. Our federal court authority means we can often pursue these claims in federal courts, which provides a layer of protection against local biases and ensures a federal standard of justice. This is how we ensure that whether your child attends college within Georgia or in any other state, their rights are protected.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Oglethorpe County

When your family in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, is grappling with the aftermath of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a strategic partner who understands the complex landscape of hazing litigation and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your child’s future. Attorney911 offers a unique combination of experience, insight, and dedication that sets us apart as the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families, no matter where they are.

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach and commitment to justice are nationwide. We proudly serve hazing victims in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, and across America, leveraging our deep expertise and strategic advantages to ensure that geographic distance is never a barrier to justice.

1. Unparalleled Hazing Litigation Experience:

  • Active $10 Million Lawsuit: We aren’t just reading about hazing; we are making headlines. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez proves our aggressive, results-oriented approach. This active litigation means we are intimately familiar with the most current hazing tactics, institutional defenses, and effective legal strategies. Oglethorpe County families can trust that the same legal firepower we’re deploying in a high-profile Texas case will be brought to bear on their behalf.
  • Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specialized expertise in hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel’s, Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and cases involving institutions like Texas A&M University. This direct experience means we understand the medical, psychological, and institutional nuances of these complex cases from the very first consultation.

2. The Insider’s Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:

  • Ralph P. Manginello: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph began his career defending insurance companies. This invaluable “insider” knowledge means he knows exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and attempt to minimize or outright deny claims. He understands their playbook intimately and uses that insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
  • Lupe Eleno Peña: As a former Associate Attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, Lupe spent years representing insurance companies and corporate defendants across a multitude of practice areas. He witnessed firsthand their valuation methods, delay tactics, and aggressive negotiation strategies. Now, he employs that precise knowledge to outwork, outsmart, and outfight these same entities for you. As he says, “You get an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side.”
  • Your Unfair Advantage: Our combined 37+ years of legal experience, forged on both sides of the courtroom, gives Oglethorpe County families an unparalleled edge. We anticipate their moves, understand their weaknesses, and know how to force them to compensate our clients fairly.

3. Nationwide Reach and Federal Court Authority:

  • Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority extends our ability to pursue complex cases, especially against national fraternities and universities, in federal jurisdiction anywhere in the country, including Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph’s bar admissions in both Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in the Northeast. This broad licensure enables us to navigate multi-state litigation complexities with ease.
  • Commitment to Travel: We understand that hazing can happen anywhere. Our firm is committed to traveling to Oglethorpe County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice with Attorney911.

4. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach:

  • “We Treat You Like Family”: Our Google reviews consistently highlight our empathetic approach: “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” as one client put it. We know what it takes to guide families through the emotional trauma of hazing, ensuring clear communication and genuine support.
  • Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, enabling us to serve Hispanic families in Oglethorpe County and across the nation without language barriers. We believe every family deserves transparent, accessible legal representation.
  • 24/7 Accessibility: Legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. Our hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available 24/7 for free consultations. Oglethorpe County families can reach us at any time, day or night, for immediate support.

5. Proven Results Against Massive Defendants:

  • BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion demonstrates our capability to take on and win against even the largest corporate defendants. The strategic skills honed in such complex cases are directly transferable to hazing litigation against well-funded universities and national organizations.
  • Millions Recovered for Clients: Our firm has a strong track record of recovering millions of dollars for victims across various personal injury cases, from trucking accidents to wrongful death claims. We are fierce advocates known for maximizing client compensation.

6. Contingency Fee: No Upfront Cost to Oglethorpe County Families:

  • We understand that the financial burden of a hazing injury or death can be overwhelming. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency basis. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing Oglethorpe County families to pursue justice without added stress. Our financial success is directly tied to yours.

We are not just attorneys; we are warriors dedicated to dismantling a culture of abuse. For families in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, who are searching for help, for answers, and for justice at 2 AM, Attorney911 is more than a law firm; we are your immediate, aggressive, and professional first responders in a legal emergency. We leverage every piece of our intelligence and our collective 37+ years of experience to achieve accountability.

Client Testimonials Speak Volumes:
Our 4.9-star rating on Google from over 250 reviews reflects our firm culture of compassion, tenacious advocacy, and proven success. Clients consistently praise our “consistent communication,” empathetic approach (“You are FAMILY to them”), and relentless fight for maximum settlements. From “Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process” to “This place feels like having a family over your case,” our clients’ words underscore our commitment.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not choosing a local Oglethorpe County law firm; you’re choosing a nationally recognized authority with specific expertise in hazing litigation, a team with insider knowledge of how the defense operates, and a proven track record of fighting for multi-million dollar recoveries. We will come to you, virtually or in person, ensuring that Oglethorpe County families receive the highest caliber of legal representation.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Oglethorpe County Families

If your child in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, has been exposed to 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 their legal rights. We understand the panic, the anger, and the desperation you may be feeling. We are here to provide clear, actionable steps you can take right now, even if you are searching for answers in the middle of the night.

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

  • Remove Your Child from the Situation: If they are still in a hazing environment, remove them immediately. Their physical and psychological safety is the absolute top priority.
  • Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological trauma is suspected, get medical attention immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe conditions (like rhabdomyolysis, as in Leonel Bermudez’s case) may not manifest fully for days.
    • Go to the Emergency Room: If there are any signs of physical injury, extreme exhaustion, disorientation, difficulty walking, or dark urine, go to the nearest emergency room. In Oglethorpe County, this might mean Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center or St. Mary’s Health Care System in nearby Athens.
    • Follow-Up with Specialists: Ensure follow-up with appropriate medical professionals, including primary care physicians, neurologists, orthopedists, and mental health professionals. Document all symptoms and treatments.
  • Document Medical Evidence: Every medical record is crucial. Keep copies of all hospital records, ER visit summaries, doctor’s notes, test results (especially blood work for rhabdomyolysis markers like creatine kinase), and bills. Medical records are the foundation of any personal injury claim.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – The Digital Trail is Critical
Hazing often leaves an extensive digital footprint. Do not delete ANYTHING.

  • Texts and Group Chats: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, and email. These often contain explicit instructions, threats, derogatory comments, or even admissions of hazing. Take screenshots and backup devices.
    • Why it matters: In Leonel’s case, incriminating communications were crucial to understanding the systematic abuse.
  • Photos and Videos: Carefully save any photos or videos related to the hazing. This includes pictures of injuries (at all stages of healing), hazing activities themselves (even if seen through another’s phone), the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residences, parks), or items used during hazing (wooden paddles, hoses, excessive alcohol containers).
    • Utilize Your Phone: As Ralph Manginello emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” If your child is hospitalized or incapacitated, have friends or family take photos of their injuries immediately.
  • Social Media: Do NOT delete anything from social media. Do NOT post about the incident. Do NOT interact with fraternity/sorority members or administration online. Anything posted can be used against your child. Deleting evidence can also harm your case.
  • Documents: Gather any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or agreements provided by the organization or the university.
  • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for other pledges, witnesses, or anyone who might have observed the hazing or its aftermath. This is essential for corroborating your child’s story.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel
Their goal is to protect themselves, not your child.

  • No Statements: Do NOT allow your child to give statements (written, oral, or recorded) to the fraternity/sorority leadership, university administration, or their lawyers without an attorney present. They are trained to manipulate and twist words to minimize their liability.
    • As highlighted in our video, “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident,” the same principle applies to universities and fraternities.
  • Do Not Sign Anything: Do NOT sign any documents, releases, or agreements provided by the organization or university. They may be attempting to waive your child’s rights.
  • Refuse Interviews: Decline any requests for interviews or discussions from the university or fraternity until you have legal representation.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately
Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

  • Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: Dial 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Our line is open 24/7. This initial consultation is free, confidential, and vital to preserving your child’s rights.
  • Email Us: If you prefer, email ralph@atty911.com with a brief description of what happened.
  • Statute of Limitations: In most states, including Georgia, there is a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit from the date of the injury. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities are lost with every passing day. Do NOT wait.
    • As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” emphasizes, if you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
  • Remote Consultation: For families in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, we offer video consultations and are fully equipped to handle your case remotely. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Step 5: Consider Reporting (with Legal Guidance)
While a lawsuit addresses civil compensation, other reports may also be necessary.

  • Police Report: Depending on the severity and nature of the hazing, a police report may be warranted. Your attorney can advise on the best timing and approach for this.
  • University (Title IX) Report: Universities have an obligation under Title IX (if sexual harassment/assault is involved) and their anti-hazing policies to investigate. Your attorney can help navigate this process while protecting your child’s interests.

Why Act Now?
The shame, fear, and loyalty that often silence hazing victims are formidable obstacles. However, every day of delay risks critical evidence being lost or worse, the statute of limitations expiring. Your child’s bravery in coming forward, coupled with your decisive action, can not only secure justice and compensation but also prevent another Oglethorpe County family from enduring the same nightmare.

As Attorney Lupe Peña profoundly stated regarding the Bermudez case, “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 decision to take action is a courageous step towards accountability and a safer future for all students.

Contact Us: Your Immediate Call to Action

For parents and victims of hazing in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, the realization that your child has been subjected to such abuse can be paralyzing. You are searching for help, for answers, and for justice. We want you to know that you are not alone, and that powerful, empathetic legal representation is within reach.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting this battle right now in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to navigate the complex legal landscape of hazing, dismantle institutional defenses, and hold perpetrators accountable. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven approach we employ in our high-profile cases to every family we represent, including those in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Oglethorpe County families: Have you or your child been hazed? You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight, and we will fight for you too.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Oglethorpe County hazing emergencies. Your call is the first step towards justice, and it costs you nothing to learn your rights.

Zero Upfront Cost: We Work on Contingency
We understand the financial strains families face, especially after a traumatic event involving medical expenses and lost academic time. This is why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • $0 upfront to hire us.
  • You don’t pay us anything unless and until we win your case.
  • Our fees come directly from the settlement or verdict we secure for you.
  • We take on all the financial risk, aligning our interests directly with yours.

This ensures that every Oglethorpe County family, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the highest caliber of legal representation against powerful national organizations and universities.

Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice.
While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our commitment to hazing victims is nationwide. We regularly represent clients across the country using:

  • Secure Video Consultations: Oglethorpe County families can easily meet with our attorneys remotely from the comfort of their home or any private location.
  • Travel Commitment: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Oglethorpe County, Georgia, for depositions, key meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring active representation throughout your case.
  • Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our ability to litigate in federal courts and our licenses in both Texas and New York give us the broad legal reach necessary to pursue national fraternities and universities, no matter their location.

We Represent Victims of Hazing in All Organizations:
Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in:

  • Fraternities and Sororities at universities and colleges near Oglethorpe County (e.g., University of Georgia, Georgia Tech).
  • Sports Teams (high school and collegiate)
  • Marching Bands
  • ROTC Programs
  • Clubs and Organizations at educational institutions.
  • Military Academies
  • Any organization that uses abuse or intimidation as part of its “initiation” process.

To Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:
We know that Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge collapsed on October 15. Many others endured waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and psychological abuse. If you or someone you know was part of this chapter’s pledge class or witnessed the hazing, you have rights. You may be suffering in silence, but we can help.
As Lupe Peña urged, “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 ensure everyone responsible is held accountable.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking with statutes of limitation. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities for justice dim with time. Your courage to act now can make a profound difference, not just for your child, but for countless others. Contact Attorney911 today.