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, make lifelong connections, and build their future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We are here to help families in Pickens County, Georgia, and across the nation fight back against the insidious culture of hazing that continues to plague our college campuses and devastate innocent lives.

We understand what you’re going through. The shock, the anger, the profound sense of betrayal. The fear. The sleepless nights spent wondering how this could have happened. You sent your child off to college, trusting that they would be safe, cared for, and treated with respect. That trust was unequivocally shattered.

At Attorney911, we are not just legal professionals; we are advocates for justice, relentless in our pursuit of accountability for hazing victims and their families. We know the pain you’re experiencing, and we are actively fighting this battle right now in courtrooms. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a testament to our unwavering commitment to holding every responsible party accountable when hazing turns deadly or causes catastrophic injury. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven, and compassionate approach to every family we represent, including those in Pickens County, Georgia.

The Nightmare Unfolds in Pickens County, Georgia: Why Hazing Demands Our Attention

Pickens County, Georgia, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is known for its natural beauty, tight-knit communities, and strong family values. Families here send their children to local institutions like Reinhardt University, North Georgia Technical College, or larger state universities across Georgia like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, or Kennesaw State University, expecting them to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. They believe in the promise of higher education, the development of character, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Sadly, hazing casts a dark shadow over this promise, infiltrating the very institutions where young people are meant to grow. Whether your child attends a smaller college close to home or ventures to a large state university, the threat of hazing in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and other organizations is a sobering reality. The deeply concerning incidents we see across the nation are not confined to distant campuses; they are a threat to every family in Pickens County whose child leaves home for college.

The hazing crisis in America is far from an isolated problem. It is a systemic issue woven into the fabric of many student organizations, disguised as “tradition” or “brotherhood.” But let’s be clear: there is nothing honorable, traditional, or brotherly about torture, abuse, and humiliation. Parents in Pickens County, Georgia, need to understand that this is not about “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. This is about physical assault, psychological torment, and, far too often, wrongful death.

The Stark Reality of Hazing:

55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
40% of student athletes report hazing.
Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the organization.

These statistics underscore the silent epidemic of hazing that can affect any family, anywhere, including right here in Pickens County. The stories we share are not meant to frighten but to inform and empower. They are a call to action, demonstrating unequivocally that when hazing occurs, responsible parties – from individual perpetrators to national organizations and universities – can and must be held accountable.

We are actively involved in this fight because we believe every student deserves to pursue their education in an environment free from violence and abuse. When that trust is breached, we stand ready to bring our expertise, our resources, and our unwavering dedication to justice to families in Pickens County, Georgia, and beyond.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911’s Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston (2025)

This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This case is not a hypothetical example; it is an active fight we are waging right now in Harris County Civil District Court. This is the centerpiece of Attorney911’s commitment to hazing litigation. It represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation of victims, a data-driven litigation strategy, and unrelenting accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. The terrifying events that transpired here in Texas could happen at any university across the United States, including those attended by students from Pickens County, Georgia.

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
The University of Houston
The University of Houston Board of Regents
13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and others who participated in or facilitated the hazing. A former member and his spouse are also named, as some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence.

This lawsuit demonstrates that we do not just talk about hazing; we actively seek justice for its victims.

Leonel Bermudez: A Survivor’s Story of Torture and Betrayal

Leonel Bermudez, the plaintiff in our landmark case, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who had not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse and psychological torment that culminated in life-threatening physical injury.

According to our lawsuit and verified by multiple media reports, Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a disturbing litany of hazing activities:

The Abuses Leonel Suffered:

Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a practice described by Houston Public Media as “torture” that “simulates drowning.” We consider waterboarding a heinous act, a war crime when done to enemy combatants; these fraternity members inflicted it upon a young man seeking friendship.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited. After doing so, he was forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress and lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
Extreme Physical Punishment: This included being forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were enforced while he was made to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He was forced to continue until he was so exhausted he could not stand without help. The Houston Chronicle also reported that he was “struck with wooden paddles.”
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while fraternity members prepared for a meeting. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant.
Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: He was coerced into driving fraternity members during the early morning hours, which led to chronic exhaustion.

The Catastrophic Medical Consequences:

On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Leonel was forced to endure extreme physical exertion. He collapsed, unable to stand, and crawled home. His condition worsened over the next two days until his mother, noticing he was “passing brown urine”—a classic sign of muscle breakdown—rushed him to the hospital on November 6.

He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein (myoglobin) into the blood, capable of causing acute kidney failure and death. Leonel’s creatine kinase levels were “very high,” confirming the severe muscle damage. He faced potential permanent kidney damage.

This is the same medical condition that Attorney Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in and has successfully litigated before.

Institutional Awareness and Failure:

The University of Houston spokesperson confirmed that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and noted “potential criminal charges.” Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, in its own statement on November 21, 2025, admitted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” and announced they had “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025″—just days before our lawsuit was filed. This conscious act to dissolve the chapter before facing the lawsuit speaks volumes about their awareness of wrongdoing.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond Leonel

Leonel was not the sole victim. The lawsuit details that another pledge was hog-tied on October 13, and on October 15, yet another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout. These incidents underscore a pervasive, dangerous culture within the chapter.

Why This Case Resonates with Pickens County, Georgia, Families

The Bermudez case is a stark warning for parents in Pickens County, Georgia:

National Reach: Pi Kappa Phi operates 150+ chapters across America, including near universities attended by students from Pickens County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can occur anywhere.
University Complicity: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. Universities near Pickens County, Georgia, have similar regulatory powers and similar liabilities when they fail to protect their students.
National Organizations’ Awareness: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership immediately dissolved the chapter, yet their statement concludes, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a lack of remorse and a systemic failure we intend to expose.
Victims’ Fear: Leonel is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is a common and tragic consequence of hazing, and we are committed to protecting our clients and ensuring their voices are heard.
A Call for Accountability: As our attorney, Lupe Pena, 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 Pickens County, Georgia, case could save lives.

We are actively fighting for Leonel, holding powerful institutions accountable for his immense suffering. This ongoing litigation is powerful proof that Attorney911 doesn’t just theorize about justice for hazing victims; we secure it. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases”; we are actively fighting right now.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond Fraternity Row Stereotypes

When you think of hazing, you might picture harmless initiations or trivial tasks. Perhaps movies and media have distorted the reality. But what happened to Leonel Bermudez, and to countless other students across the country, is not a game, a rite of passage, or “just tradition.” It is severe, intentional abuse designed to strip individuals of their dignity and autonomy, often leading to devastating physical and psychological harm. This is the reality parents in Pickens County, Georgia, need to understand.

Hazing is not:

“Boys being boys”: This phrase trivializes violent and dangerous behavior.
“Character building”: Tormenting and humiliating someone does not build character; it destroys it.
“Building brotherhood/sisterhood”: True bonds are forged through mutual respect, not shared trauma.
“Just a prank”: Pranks are benign. Waterboarding, force-feeding until vomiting, and extreme physical exertion are not.

The harrowing experiences of victims like Leonel reveal what hazing truly is:

Assault and Battery: Physical acts like paddling, being sprayed with a hose, or forced physical exertion.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, and the constant fear of retribution or expulsion.
Reckless Endangerment: Activities that knowingly and intentionally put a student’s mental or physical health at extreme risk.
Homicidal Negligence: When hazing leads to death and the individuals or institutions knowingly disregard the extreme risk.

The Many Faces of Hazing: A Catalog of Abuse

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating over time and combining various tactics. From our current litigation and nationwide reports, we see patterns of abuse that are shockingly consistent:

Physical Abuse:

Beatings and Paddling: As seen in Leonel’s case, victims are beaten with objects like wooden paddles.
Branding and Burning: Permanent disfigurement from applying hot objects.
Forced Exercise to Exhaustion: Pushups, squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, and other drills pushed beyond endurance, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as Leonel suffered.
Extreme Physical Exertion: Prolonged periods of strenuous activity, often in unsafe conditions.
Sleep Deprivation: Forced late-night activities, early morning calls, or constant disruption of sleep cycles, impairing judgment and physical health.

Forced Consumption:

Alcohol Poisoning: Binge drinking, chugging, or “shotgunning” alcohol until critical or fatal levels of intoxication. This is frequently the cause of hazing deaths.
Food Consumption to Vomiting: As Leonel experienced, forcing large quantities of food or bizarre mixtures until the victim vomits, then often punishing them for doing so.
Non-Food Substances: Forcing consumption of substances like bodily fluids, animal waste, or dangerous household items.
Drugs: Coercion or force to consume illegal drugs.

Psychological and Emotional Torture:

Humiliation and Degradation: Verbal abuse, public embarrassment (like carrying sexually suggestive items), forced nudity, or demeaning tasks designed to break down self-esteem.
Isolation: Cutting off contact from friends, family, or even other pledges.
Threats: Threats of physical harm, exposure, social ostracism, or academic failure if the victim does not comply.
Intimidation: Direct or implied threats that instill fear and compliance.

Water-Related Hazing:

Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Sprayed with hoses, held underwater, or having faces covered while water is poured on them, creating a profound fear of drowning. This is a particularly egregious form of torture that we are actively fighting in the Bermudez case.
Forced Exposure to Elements: Being made to stand for long periods in extreme cold or heat, often inadequately clothed, leading to hypothermia, heatstroke, or frostbite.

Servitude and Dehumanization:

Forced Labor: Cleaning, driving, running errands, or performing tasks for active members, often at odd hours, disrupting studies and sleep.
Dehumanizing Acts: Treating pledges as sub-human, requiring them to mimic animals, or forcing them to endure unsanitary conditions.

The Medical and Psychological Impact

The consequences of hazing are far from minor:

Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Severe muscle breakdown and subsequent kidney damage, as suffered by Leonel.
Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or other physical assaults.
Organ Damage: From forced alcohol, other substances, or physical trauma (e.g., lacerated spleen).
Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Long-lasting psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Permanent Physical Disfigurement: From branding, burns, or severe injuries.

The shame, fear, and desire for acceptance often prevent victims from speaking out. However, the law understands that under duress, genuine consent cannot be given. In Texas, for instance, consent is explicitly not a defense to hazing charges. This vital legal principle ensures that victims like Leonel, and hopefully your child in Pickens County, Georgia, cannot be blamed for the abuse they endured.

We encourage every parent and student in Pickens County, Georgia, to understand these realities. Recognizing the signs and knowing what constitutes hazing is the first step toward protecting yourself and your community.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable in Pickens County, Georgia

When hazing tears a family apart in Pickens County, Georgia, our firm is committed to identifying and holding accountable every individual and institution that contributed to the harm. This is not about blaming a few “bad apples”; it’s about exposing a systemic failure of oversight, responsibility, and moral courage. Our aggressive, data-driven strategy ensures that no responsible party escapes justice.

Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case exemplifies this comprehensive approach. We don’t just sue the individuals who directly committed the hazing; we also target the “deep pockets”—the organizations and institutions that enabled, ignored, or implicitly sanctioned the abuse.

The Layers of Responsibility We Uncover:

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members: Direct Perpetrators and Enablers

The chapter itself, and the individuals within it, are often the most visible participants in hazing.

Chapter Officers: The President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager, and other leaders are typically at the forefront. They establish the “pledge process,” organize the events, and enforce the rules. In Leonel’s case, the chapter president and pledgemaster are specifically named as defendants. They bear direct responsibility for the actions they orchestrate and allow.
Individual Members: Any active member who participates in hazing activities, or who stands by and allows the abuse to occur, can be held liable. This includes those who issue commands, administer punishments, or even those who fail to intervene when a fellow human being is being tortured.
Former Members: As seen in the Bermudez case, former members can also be held responsible if hazing occurs at their off-campus residence, demonstrating explicit facilitation and premises liability. This extends even to their spouses if they allowed the activities to occur on their property.

Why They Are Liable: These individuals directly planned, executed, and participated in illegal and dangerous activities. They committed assault, battery, and hazing, violating both university codes and state laws.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: The Architects of Culture

Behind every Greek letter is a national organization, often a multi-million-dollar corporation with extensive assets, insurance policies, and an intricate governance structure. These national bodies have a profound responsibility to oversee their chapters.

Failure to Supervise: National headquarters are obligated to enforce anti-hazing policies, educate their chapters, and investigate reported incidents. When a student is hospitalized or dies, it often points to a catastrophic breakdown in this oversight. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing from the Andrew Coffey death in 2017—yet, 8 years later, Leonel was still brutalized. This constitutes a pattern of negligence.
“Hazing Crisis” Knowledge: Allegations state that Pi Kappa Phi National “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This reveals a deeply disturbing level of deliberate indifference.
Inadequate Policies and Training: Many national organizations have paper-thin anti-hazing policies that are rarely enforced, or they provide insufficient training to prevent abuse.
Vicarious Liability: Nationals can be held responsible for the actions of their chapters and members, especially when they exercise control over their operations.

Why They Are Liable: They often create or perpetuate the culture that enables hazing. They have the resources and authority to prevent it and often fail to do so. Their actions (or inactions) after a tragic event, such as quickly dissolving a chapter just before a lawsuit is filed, often serve as an admission of guilt. We track these organizations through extensive data to ensure we know exactly who is responsible.

3. The University or College: The Ultimate Custodians of Student Safety

Universities have a paramount duty to protect their students, a responsibility enshrined in their mission and often their own student codes of conduct.

Failure to Protect: Institutions of higher learning are expected to provide a safe environment. When they fail to regulate Greek life effectively, ignore warning signs, or dismiss reports of hazing, they become complicit. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because, crucially, they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had direct control over the premises and were aware of a prior hazing hospitalization at another fraternity on their campus in 2017.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property, the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment, particularly if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
Negligent Supervision: Universities oversee Greek life, and when this oversight is lax, it opens the door to hazing. They have the power to suspend, investigate, and ban organizations—and when they don’t, they are accountable.
Failure to Act on Prior Incidents: As with the University of Houston, an institution’s history of hazing incidents—even by different fraternities—demonstrates a pattern of institutional failure and a foreseeable risk that they ignored.

Why They Are Liable: Universities collect tuition, provide housing, and assume a custodial role over their students. They have the ultimate authority to prevent hazing and a legal and moral obligation to do so. Their financial resources—endowments, state funding, and insurance—make them significant targets for accountability.

4. Housing Corporations: The Hidden Hand of Liability

Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses.

Premises Liability: These entities are often responsible for the physical property where hazing takes place. They have a duty to ensure the safety of residents and guests and to prevent illegal activities on their premises.
Condoning Hazing: If a housing corporation is aware of hazing occurring in its property and does nothing to stop it, they become complicit.

Why They Are Liable: They provide the venues for hazing and often have assets and insurance policies that can contribute to a victim’s recovery. Attorney911 maintains an extensive directory of these housing corporations, allowing us to identify and target these entities with precision.

5. Insurance Carriers: The Ultimate Payout

Ultimately, a significant portion of the compensation in hazing cases comes from the insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes even individual members (e.g., homeowner’s or renter’s insurance).

Liability Coverage: These policies are designed to cover damages arising from negligence, including the types of injuries caused by hazing.
National Reach: National fraternity insurance policies are vast and can respond to incidents across the country.

Why They Are Liable: While not directly responsible for the hazing, insurance carriers are the primary source of funds for compensating victims. Our firm’s attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, both have extensive experience as former insurance defense attorneys, giving them critical insider knowledge of how these companies value claims, strategize defenses, and ultimately pay out. We know their playbook, and we use it to our clients’ advantage.

A Data-Driven Approach: We Know Who to Sue

At Attorney911, we do not guess who might be responsible for hazing. We know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas and nationwide. This includes:

IRS B83 Texas Organizations: Over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations, including housing corporations and alumni chapters, complete with EINs, legal names, and mailing addresses.
Cause IQ Metro Organizations: 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone contains 188 Greek organizations we track.

This deep intelligence allows us to identify every entity behind the Greek letters—from the local undergraduate chapter to the national headquarters, the housing corporation, and the alumni groups that often fund and influence chapter behavior. When hazing happens, we already know their corporate structures, their insurance policies, and exactly who to name in a lawsuit. This is what data-driven litigation looks like, and it sets us apart in the fight for accountability.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Pickens County, Georgia, battling the trauma of hazing, the question of justice often includes financial recovery. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a child or the lifelong impact of severe injury, significant legal victories send a powerful message of accountability and can provide the resources needed for a lifetime of care, lost earnings, and emotional healing. We look to landmark hazing cases across the country for undeniable proof that these cases can be won, and they can result in multi-million-dollar outcomes.

These tragic stories, which have garnered national attention and, in some cases, inspired new laws, demonstrate two critical truths:

Hazing is expensive for perpetrators: Universities, national fraternities/sororities, and individual members are forced to pay millions in civil liability.
Justice is possible: Families who bravely step forward can secure transformative settlements and verdicts.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: Hazing Costs Millions

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

Total Payout: Over $10.1 Million

In March 2021, 20-year-old Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event at Bowling Green State University.

Bowling Green State University settled with the family for $2.9 million.
Pi Kappa Alpha National and its affiliated individuals paid an additional $7.2 million.
Most recently, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in a civil judgment.

This tragic case resulted in not only monetary compensation but also multiple criminal convictions and led to the passage of Collin’s Law in Ohio, strengthening anti-hazing legislation. The $10.1 million total payout is a powerful precedent for damages in hazing cases.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

In September 2017, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning at an LSU Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event. Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495, more than six times the legal limit.

A civil jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million.
The incident also led to criminal charges, including a conviction for negligent homicide against one fraternity member, Matthew Naquin, who received prison time.
Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony offense.

This landmark jury verdict proves that when juries hear the harrowing details of hazing, they are willing to deliver substantial awards to hold perpetrators accountable.

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

Total Estimated Payout: Over $110 Million

In February 2017, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza sustained catastrophic injuries during a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual at Penn State, consuming 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later.

While confidential, the combined settlements from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi were estimated to exceed $110 million.
18 fraternity members faced criminal charges, with multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter.
Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, strengthening penalties and requiring hazing reporting.

The Piazza case, with its extensive video evidence, illustrates that overwhelming proof of institutional negligence and egregious conduct can lead to truly massive financial and legal repercussions.

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

Same Fraternity as Our Landmark Case

In November 2017, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.

The Coffey family received a confidential settlement.
Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
FSU permanently closed the Pi Kappa Phi chapter.

This case is particularly significant: it involves Pi Kappa Phi, the same national organization whose Houston chapter hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi has a hazing-related death on its record from 2017, yet failed to prevent Leonel’s torture in 2025, establishes a clear pattern of negligence and provides a foundational element for aggressive pursuit of punitive damages in our ongoing litigation.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Settlement: Over $4 Million

In February 2021, 19-year-old Adam Oakes died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU.

The Oakes family settled their lawsuit in October 2024 for an amount exceeding $4 million. The lawsuit had originally sought $28 million.
Six fraternity members faced criminal charges related to the hazing.
Virginia passed “Adam’s Law,” strengthening anti-hazing measures.

Why These Precedents Matter for Pickens County, Georgia, Families

These multi-million dollar outcomes clearly send a message: hazing, and the institutional negligence that enables it, will not be tolerated. For families in Pickens County, Georgia, these cases provide powerful assurance:

Your case has value: Whether it’s a wrongful death or a severe injury like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, the legal system recognizes the immense harm caused by hazing.
Institutions are vulnerable: Universities and national fraternities cannot hide behind their reputations or their legal teams forever. These substantial payouts force systemic change and deterrence.
The pursuit of justice is worth it: While the legal process can be long and challenging, the impact of these cases extends far beyond individual compensation. They save lives by forcing institutions to confront and dismantle hazing cultures.
Our $10 million demand is firmly rooted in these precedents: Given the severity of Leonel’s injuries, the egregious nature of the hazing (including waterboarding), and the clear pattern of institutional failure by both Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston, our demand is not just justified, it is necessary to hold all parties fully accountable.

We are watching every hazing case unfold nationwide. We analyze every verdict, every settlement, and every legal strategy to ensure that our clients, including those in Pickens County, Georgia, receive the most aggressive and informed representation possible.

Texas Law Protects You: Pickens County, Georgia, Hazing Victims Have Rights

For families impacted by hazing in Pickens County, Georgia, understanding the legal framework is crucial. While each state has its own specific anti-hazing laws, the fundamental principles of accountability and victim protection are widespread. Our firm is based in Texas, a state with strong anti-hazing laws, and our federal court authority means we can apply these aggressive legal strategies in any jurisdiction, including in Georgia.

This section will focus on the Texas hazing laws that directly apply to our landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, demonstrating the kind of legal power we wield to hold hazers and the institutions that enable them fully accountable. Similar statutes exist in many other states, and where state laws may differ, federal civil rights claims and common law negligence claims ensure that victims everywhere have avenues for justice.

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157: A Powerful Anti-Hazing Statute

Texas has one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing laws, known as “Brittany’s Law.” This statute provides a robust legal basis for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits, giving victims significant protections.

Defining Hazing (§ 37.151): Abuse, Not “Tradition”

The Texas statute defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation with an organization, if the act:

Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like Leonel being struck with wooden paddles), branding, shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body.
Involves risk of harm: Including sleep deprivation (Leonel was forced to drive late at night), exposure to the elements (Leonel stripped in cold weather and hosed), confinement, or calisthenics or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects mental or physical health. This last point directly applies to Leonel’s forced 500 squats and 100 push-ups, which led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Involves forced consumption: Of food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or other substances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.
Involves criminal acts: Any activity requiring a student to violate the Penal Code.
Involves coerced consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol: Forcing a student to consume alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Application to Leonel Bermudez’s Case: The hazing Leonel endured fits multiple categories of this comprehensive definition, including physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, extreme calisthenics creating unreasonable risk, and forced consumption. Our legal team meticulously documents how these acts align with the statutory definition to ensure full accountability.

For Pickens County, Georgia, families, it’s important to know that most states have similar legal definitions, and the egregious acts perpetrated against Leonel would likely qualify as hazing under Georgia law (specifically, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-37).

Criminal Penalties: Justice Beyond Civil Lawsuits (§ 37.152)

Texas law doesn’t just allow for civil lawsuits; it also imposes criminal penalties for hazing:

Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or failing to report it with firsthand knowledge. This can lead to up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury. This carries up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure undeniably constitute “serious bodily injury.”
State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death. This can result in 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges,” signaling that even the institutions recognize the criminal nature of these acts.

Organizational Liability: Holding the Groups Accountable (§ 37.153)

In Texas, an organization itself can be held accountable if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers or members participate in hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property.

This provision is critical for holding local chapters and national organizations liable, as we are doing with Pi Kappa Phi.

Consent is NOT a Defense: The Law Has Spoken (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas hazing law, and a principle we rigorously uphold:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by hazers: “He knew what he was signing up for,” or “He consented.” The Texas legislature explicitly recognized that the power dynamics, coercion, and fear involved in hazing negate true consent. A student cannot legally agree to be tortured or abused. This principle dramatically strengthens our ability to fight for victims, both in Texas and when applying similar arguments in other states.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):

Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates an institutional obligation and a potential avenue for further accountability when universities try to cover up incidents.

Broader Civil Liability: Beyond State Statutes

Even in states where anti-hazing laws may be less robust than Texas’, victims from Pickens County, Georgia, can still pursue justice through a variety of civil legal claims:

Negligence Claims: These are universally applicable. We argue that institutions (universities, national fraternities) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty by allowing hazing, and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house), these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Negligent Supervision: This claim targets the failure of national organizations to adequately supervise their chapters or universities to oversee Greek life activities.
Assault and Battery: Individual hazers can be sued directly for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering, such as the psychological horrors Leonel endured.

For Pickens County, Georgia, families, these civil claims are vital. Regardless of where the hazing occurred – whether at Reinhardt University in Cherokee County, the University of Georgia in Athens-Clarke County, or an institution in another state – these legal principles allow us to pursue full compensation and accountability. Our federal court admissions mean we are equipped to litigate hazing cases across the entire country, ensuring that distance is not a barrier to justice.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Pickens County, Georgia

When hazing shatters a family’s life in Pickens County, Georgia, the path to justice can seem daunting. You’re up against powerful institutions with limitless resources, legal teams, and crisis public relations experts whose sole mission is to minimize their liability and silence victims. This is not a fight a family should face alone.

You need an unfair advantage. You need Attorney911.

We are not just another personal injury law firm. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a specialized focus and proven track record in confronting the unique challenges of hazing litigation. Our commitment extends nationwide, meaning Pickens County, Georgia, families receive the same aggressive, expert representation as our clients in Houston.

What Sets Us Apart for Pickens County, Georgia, Hazing Victims:

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle – Right Now.

This isn’t theory for us. We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members regarding the torture and hospitalization of Leonel Bermudez.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: This ongoing case proves we have the real-world, current experience and expertise required to take on national fraternities and major universities. We apply the same strategies and relentless pursuit of justice to your child’s case, wherever it occurred.

2. Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña: Former Insurance Defense Insiders.

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers on the “other side,” defending insurance companies and corporations.

Ralph Manginello (Male): Has over 25 years of courtroom experience, including involvement in the multi-billion-dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating his capacity to battle massive corporate defendants. He has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases.
Lupe Peña (Male): Served at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He knows precisely how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.
Benefit for Pickens County Families: We know their playbook. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside. This insider knowledge is your unfair advantage, allowing us to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery. They cannot hide their strategies from us.

3. Federal Court Authority: Nationwide Reach for Pickens County Victims.

Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have federal civil rights litigation experience, including in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: Hazing often involves national organizations or occurs across state lines. Our federal court authority means we can pursue hazing cases against these national defendants in federal courts, regardless of where the incident happened in Pickens County, Georgia, or any other state.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission: Strategic Advantage Against National Defendants.

Ralph Manginello is licensed to practice law in both Texas AND New York.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: Many national fraternities/sororities are headquartered in states like Indiana, Ohio, or North Carolina. New York is a common jurisdiction for national organizations. Our dual licensure provides a strategic advantage in pursuing legal action against these national entities.

5. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We Know Who to Sue.

We don’t guess. We maintain a comprehensive private directory of over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas alone, detailing their IRS filings, EINs, legal names, housing corporations, and alumni entities. This allows us to identify every legal entity behind the Greek letters.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: When hazing occurs, we quickly identify all potentially liable parties—from the local chapter near Pickens County to the national headquarters and the university. No defendant slips through the cracks.

6. Compassion and Communication: You’re Our Family.

We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes. Our tone is empathetic, warm, and parent-facing. We provide free consultations 24/7, and our bilingual staff (“Se Habla Español”) ensures vital communication is never a barrier.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: You won’t be treated like just another case. We keep you informed at every step, working tirelessly to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. As our client testimonials consistently show, we treat you like family.

7. Contingency Fees: Access to Justice for All.

We take hazing cases on a contingency basis.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers and allows any family, regardless of income, to secure top-tier legal representation against powerful adversaries. (Learn more about contingency fees here)

8. Unwavering Dedication to Your Child’s Story.

Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism means he’s trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories. Lupe Peña’s aggressive philosophy to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the other side means your child’s story will be heard powerfully and persuasively.

Benefit for Pickens County Families: Hazing cases are often battles of narrative. We ensure your child’s truth is meticulously presented, leaving no doubt about the immense suffering they endured and the clear liability of the responsible parties.

Pickens County, Georgia, deserves justice.

The colleges and universities that students from Pickens County attend, whether Reinhardt University in nearby Cherokee County, the University of Georgia in Athens-Clarke County, or institutions across the country, have a responsibility to protect them. The national fraternities and sororities that operate chapters near Pickens County, or anywhere in the nation, must prevent the kind of abuse our client Leonel Bermudez suffered. If they fail, Attorney911 is here to make them pay. Distance is not a barrier to our commitment. We travel wherever justice demands, and we offer remote consultations to ensure Pickens County families have immediate access to our expertise.

Don’t let the fear of cost or the intimidation of large institutions prevent you from seeking justice. We are your advocates, your unfair advantage, and your unwavering legal emergency team.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Pickens County, Georgia, Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Pickens County, Georgia, or at any college or university across the country, the moments, days, and weeks immediately following the incident are critical. What you do (or don’t do) can profoundly impact your ability to seek justice and recover compensation. We understand you are scared, angry, and overwhelmed. This guide provides clear, actionable steps to protect your child’s rights and build a strong legal case.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Care

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, can have delayed or hidden symptoms. For instance, Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure became apparent days after his forced exercise. Medical professionals can diagnose physical injuries and traumatic psychological effects.
Document Everything Medically: Ensure all medical visits are meticulously documented. Tell every healthcare provider that the injuries are related to hazing. Save all bills, reports, and records. These documents will be the backbone of your claim.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence (Digital and Physical)

Evidence is the lifeblood of any legal case. Hazing perpetrators and institutions often try to erase any trace of their actions. You must be proactive.

Digital Communications:
- Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs: Screenshot and save everything. Pay special attention to messages between pledges, from older members, or any communications discussing hazing activities, expectations, threats, or disciplinary actions.
- Social Media Posts: If your child or other members have posted about events (even seemingly innocent ones) or locations, screenshot them. Resist the urge to delete anything, as this can be perceived as spoliation of evidence.
- Emails: Save any emails related to the organization, pledge process, or specific activities.
Photos and Videos:
- Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of all physical injuries, bruises, cuts, or symptoms your child develops, and continue to document them as they heal. Our firm strongly advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” If your child was hospitalized, have someone take photos of them in the hospital bed.
- Locations: If safe to do so and accessible, subtly photograph the location where hazing occurred (e.g., fraternity house interior/exterior, fields, specific rooms).
- Hazing Activities: If any photos or videos of the hazing itself exist (whether from your child or shared by others), preserve them immediately.
Physical Evidence: Keep any items connected to the hazing—clothing, props used, specific documents handed out (pledge manuals, schedules, rules).
Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has knowledge of it, especially other pledges. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Financial Records: Keep track of any financial losses: medical bills, lost wages (if your child had a job they couldn’t attend), tuition costs for any disrupted semesters, and counseling expenses.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTS” and Warnings

These actions can severely harm your case.

DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions: Do not speak with any fraternity/sorority members, alumni, or university administrators (including Greek life advisors or Title IX coordinators) without legal counsel. They are not on your side; they represent the interests of the organization or institution. Any statements you make can be used against you.
DO NOT Post on Social Media About the Incident: Refrain from discussing the hazing on any public platform. Anything you post, even seemingly innocuous comments or photos, can be accessed by the defense and used to undermine your claims, especially regarding emotional distress or the severity of your injuries. This includes friends and family posting on your behalf.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or releases from the fraternity/sorority, university, or their insurance providers without first consulting an attorney. You could unwittingly waive your rights to pursue legal action.
DO NOT Delete Anything: Do not delete any messages, photos, or social media posts, even if they seem irrelevant or embarrassing. Deleting evidence (spoliation) can severely damage your case.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

Time is of the essence in hazing cases.

Call Us 24/7: Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free, confidential consultations to victims and families in Pickens County, Georgia, and nationwide.
Statute of Limitations: In most states, including Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 for personal injury, typically two years), there is a strict statute of limitations, usually two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury for personal injury and wrongful death cases. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized in November, and we filed suit within weeks—this immediate action is how you protect your rights.
Expert Guidance: Our legal team, including Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, will guide you through every step. We know how to navigate the complexities of these cases, protect you from predatory defense tactics, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Step 5: How We Can Help Pickens County, Georgia, Families

Free, Confidential Consultation: We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options without any obligation.
Immediate Action: We will send legal preservation letters to all potential defendants to prevent the destruction of evidence.
Comprehensive Investigation: We utilize our data-driven approach, including our extensive database of Greek organizations, to identify every responsible party.
Aggressive Representation: We will stand up to powerful universities, national fraternities/sororities, and their insurance companies, pursuing full accountability for every aspect of your child’s suffering.
Nationwide Reach: While we are headquartered in Houston, our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), and commitment to travel mean we can effectively represent victims in Pickens County, Georgia, and anywhere in the United States. We also offer secure video consultations for your convenience.

This is a legal emergency, and Attorney911 is here to respond. You do not have to endure this nightmare alone. Let us fight for your child and for justice.

Contact Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Pickens County, Georgia, Hazing Victims

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Pickens County, Georgia, or at any university across America, you are facing a legal emergency. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can overwhelm parents in such a crisis. We want you to know you are not alone, and you have powerful legal allies in your corner, ready to fight for justice.

We are Attorney911, and we are actively on the front lines of this fight. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez is proof of our unwavering commitment. We know what it takes to confront national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same expertise, aggression, and dedication to families right here in Pickens County, Georgia.

Pickens County, Georgia, Families: Don’t Wait. Call Now.

The clock is ticking. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and crucial legal deadlines (like the 2-year statute of limitations in Georgia and most states) approach quickly. Your immediate action can make all the difference in securing justice for your child.

🚨 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE FOR PICKENS COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS: 🚨

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

📞 Available 24/7 for your hazing emergency, day or night.

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

💻 Website: attorney911.com

Why Contacting Us is Your Best Next Step:

Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer a completely free and confidential consultation to all Pickens County families and hazing victims. There is no obligation, and you will speak directly with experienced attorneys who understand what you’re going through. We will assess your situation, explain your legal rights, and outline a clear path forward.
No Upfront Fees – Contingency Basis: We take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront to hire us. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This eliminates any financial barrier and allows you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal battle. (Learn how contingency fees work)
Nationwide Service, Local Impact: Although headquartered in Houston, Texas, our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we serve hazing victims in Pickens County, Georgia, and across the United States. We offer secure video consultations to make it easy for Pickens County families to meet with us remotely, and we will travel to your location for depositions, client meetings, or trials when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Felt Like Family: Our clients consistently praise our communication, dedication, and compassionate approach. They describe feeling like “family,” and that’s precisely how we treat every person who entrusts us with their case. We know that behind every case is a life, a family, and a future shattered by unimaginable pain.

We Stand Ready to Fight for Pickens County, Georgia

The same national fraternities (like Pi Kappa Phi, Delta Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi) that have faced multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in other states operate chapters at universities attended by students from Pickens County. Whether your child attends Reinhardt University, the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or another institution, the risk of hazing is real, and the legal precedent for holding these organizations accountable is strong.

From the picturesque landscapes of Pickens County, Georgia, to the bustling campuses of major universities, hazing leaves a permanent scar. We are here to ensure that scar leads to justice, accountability, and meaningful change.

Don’t let them get away with it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.