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Pierce County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | PIKE $24M | Kappa Sigma $12.6M Verdict | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Georgia, North America, Pierce 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. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Pierce County, Georgia fight back. For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” But the truth is far more sinister. Hazing is abuse. It is assault. And in too many tragic cases, it is murder. We are Attorney 911, and we are on the front lines, actively fighting this battle for victims right now. We understand the unique challenges facing families in Pierce County, where children often travel to universities across Georgia and beyond, only to encounter the dangers of hidden hazing cultures. We are here to tell you that distance is no barrier to justice. We are ready to bring our aggressive, data-driven legal strategy directly to your family in Pierce County.

Our firm is currently locked in a momentous $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest fraternities in the nation, Pi Kappa Phi, and the University of Houston, following a horrific hazing incident that left a young man hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical – this is what happens today, and this is what we do about it. The same national fraternities that operate near Pierce County have a documented history of violence. The same institutional negligence that allowed our client to be waterboarded exists at universities where students from Pierce County attend. And the same aggressive, uncompromising legal representation we are providing in Houston, we are ready to offer to your family here in Pierce County.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Pierce County Families Need Us

The headlines you see, the stories you hear – they are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a deep-rooted cultural problem within many student organizations, particularly in Greek life, that extends far beyond state lines. For families in Pierce County, whose children attend colleges throughout Georgia and across the Southeast, it’s crucial to understand that the dangers of hazing are real and present, regardless of whether a university is just down the road or hundreds of miles away. Your child leaves home, trusting that their university and fellow students will keep them safe, yet far too often, that trust is betrayed.

Hazing is not just about silly pranks; it involves brutal physical abuse, psychological torture, and forced consumption that has devastating, life-altering consequences. While you might imagine such horrors happening far away, the truth is that the same national fraternities with chapters at major Georgia universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern University, and Valdosta State University, as well as institutions across the nation, are often those with the worst hazing records. These organizations operate under the same national umbrellas that we are actively suing, and their local chapters in and around Pierce County are just as susceptible to developing dangerous cultures.

We understand that parents in Pierce County send their children off to college with dreams of academic success and personal growth. The thought of them being subjected to the kind of systematic abuse we see in our cases is unfathomable. But this is the harsh reality. Hazing endangers mental and physical health, causes severe injuries, and tragically, often leads to death. We believe that every family in Pierce County deserves to know that if their child is harmed by hazing, there is an experienced legal team ready to fight for them, holding every responsible party accountable.

Landmark Case: Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Pierce County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

This case happened in Houston, Texas, just weeks ago, but it is a sobering warning that resonates deeply with families everywhere, including here in Pierce County. The same hazing happens at universities throughout Georgia and near Pierce County. The same national fraternities operate in your community. And the same institutional negligence that allowed our client to be brutalized by those who promised him brotherhood could threaten your child at their campus. We will fight for Pierce County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this current, live case.

Our firm, Attorney 911, filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court, making headlines across Texas. We are representing a young man named Leonel Bermudez against a long list of defendants, including Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (both the local University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter and its National Headquarters), the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, and critically, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents. We also named 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter president, the pledgemaster, other current and former members, and even a former member’s spouse, where some of the hazing took place.

This is what happened at UH. This happens nationwide. This could happen in Pierce County.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet. He was planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. The fraternity subjected someone not even officially their student to weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing. The extent of the brutality he endured is difficult to comprehend, ultimately landing him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

From Ralph Manginello 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 and could’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.”

From Lupe Pena to 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.”

Media Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Defendant’s Own Statement:

What Happened: The Hazing Timeline

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi.
  • September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture begin.
  • October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
  • October 15, 2025: Another pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout; other pledges are forced to elevate his legs until he recovers.
  • November 3, 2025: THE INCIDENT: Leonel is forced to do 100+ pushups, 500 squats, and other exercises while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
  • November 4-5, 2025: Leonel cannot move, and his condition worsens significantly.
  • November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to a hospital after he begins passing brown urine – a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown.
  • November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston – a move made before our lawsuit was filed, indicating they knew serious trouble was brewing.
  • November 21, 2025: Our firm files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County. Media coverage erupts.
  • November 24, 2025: Houston Public Media confirms the $10 million figure and details additional hazing allegations.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning:

  • Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” as reported by KHOU.
  • Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics and forced to run repeatedly under the threat of further waterboarding.
  • This is a form of torture, a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. These young men did it to fellow students.

Forced Eating Until Vomiting:

  • Leonel and others were forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited.
  • After vomiting, they were made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass and then forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress.

Extreme Physical Punishment:

  • This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls.
  • Pledges were forced to recite the fraternity creed while exercising to exhaustion, or face expulsion.
  • The Houston Chronicle reported pledges were “being struck with wooden paddles.”
  • These extreme activities caused Leonel’s muscles to break down and his kidneys to fail.

Psychological Torture & Humiliation:

  • Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather.
  • They had to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
  • One pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
  • Threats of physical violence and expulsion were rampant, maintaining an environment of fear and control.

Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion:

  • Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion that impacted his health.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s body suffered a severe reaction to the abuse: rhabdomyolysis. This is a dangerous condition where damaged muscle tissue releases a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm and damage the kidneys.

Our Client’s Medical Evidence:

  • Brown urine: A classic, alarming sign of myoglobin in the urine (myoglobinuria), directly indicating muscle breakdown.
  • Very high creatine kinase levels: Lab tests confirmed extensive muscle damage.
  • Acute kidney failure: A life-threatening complication that put him in critical condition.
  • Three nights and four days hospitalized: Required intensive medical care.
  • Inability to stand or walk: For days after the incident, he was incapacitated by physical pain and fatigue.
  • He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage, requiring careful monitoring and potential long-term treatment.

This medical condition is precisely the type Attorney 911 has successfully litigated before, demonstrating our specific expertise in these severe hazing injuries.

Institutional Responses – On the Record

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025):
“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025):
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members.”
They also stated, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership. Pi Kappa Phi has a proud history of accomplished students and alumni from the Beta Nu Chapter, and we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time…”

What their corporate PR statements actually mean: They were caught. They are managing the fallout. And they are already planning their return while our client recovers from their chapter’s actions. Pi Kappa Phi Nationally admitted to “violations,” and UH admitted to “deeply disturbing” conduct. This is not protecting students; this is protecting institutions.

Why This Case Matters to Pierce County Families

  1. Proof that “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t just college antics. This is systematic, brutal abuse. The same rituals could be happening at universities where students from Pierce County attend, whether in-state at the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, or out-of-state.
  2. Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. Universities near Pierce County have the same power to stop hazing on their campuses or properties and the same liability when they fail to do so.
  3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter, proving they knew exactly what was wrong. The same national organizations operate chapters near Pierce County, and they are aware of the dangers within their ranks.
  4. Victims are Afraid, We Protect Them: Our client fears retribution, a common tool of intimidation in hazing. Pierce County victims face the same fear, but we are here to ensure their safety and protect their legal rights.
  5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Pierce County Students: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your case in Pierce County could set a critical precedent and save lives.
  6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This is the cost of torturing our kids. Pierce County families can send this same powerful message to fraternities and universities in Georgia and beyond.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

The tragic events in the Bermudez case are not an anomaly; they are a stark reflection of the ongoing hazing crisis in America. This is not about building character or fostering camaraderie. It is a dangerous, often criminal, pattern of behavior that can involve:

  • Assault and Battery: Direct physical violence, beatings, paddling, forced physical exertion to the point of collapse.
  • Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, isolation, threats, and even simulated drowning – acts designed to break a person mentally.
  • Reckless Endangerment: Forcing alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, or exposure to harsh elements, all with a blatant disregard for life.
  • Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects, leading to profound trauma.

These aren’t harmless rites of passage. They are crimes. Your child should never have to endure such cruelty to “belong.”

The Harsh Truth About Hazing in College:

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing. This means it’s not rare; it’s a pervasive aspect of the culture.
  • 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. Fear of reprisal, loyalty to the group, and shame keep victims silent. This silence allows the abuse to continue.
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. This isn’t an occasional accident; it’s a grim, predictable outcome of unchecked abuse.
  • Hazing exists far beyond fraternities and sororities, happening in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and student clubs across universities where students from Pierce County might attend.

The Institutional Failure:
Universities and national organizations are fully aware of hazing. They have policies, and they issue statements. Yet, time and again, they fail to implement effective preventive measures. They often wait until a student is severely injured or dies before taking action, then portray themselves as “shocked” and “disturbed.” This is unacceptable. Their inaction is a form of complicity, allowing dangerous cultures to fester.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just one person or one group at fault. Our aggressive approach, as demonstrated in the Bermudez case, involves pursuing every single entity that enabled or participated in the abuse. For families in Pierce County, this means understanding that accountability can be sought from a wide range of defendants, both local to the university and national in scope.

Our strategy targets the “deep pockets” and identifies everyone from the individuals who committed the acts to the powerful institutions that allowed them to happen:

  • Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: The direct perpetrators who organized and carried out the hazing activities. This includes the chapter as an organization and its officers, like the president and pledgemaster, who bear leadership responsibility. Our lawsuit named the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at UH.
  • Individual Members: Every student who participated in, witnessed, or even failed to report severe hazing actions can be held personally liable. This includes the 13 individual fraternity members we named in the Bermudez lawsuit.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: Often, hazing rituals are held off-campus at private residences owned by alumni or even spouses of alumni. These individuals can be held liable under premises liability laws for allowing dangerous activities to occur on their property. This is why we named a former member and his spouse in the Bermudez case.
  • National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: These multi-million dollar entities often claim ignorance but are ultimately responsible for overseeing their local chapters. They set policies, provide training, and should be enforcing anti-hazing rules. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters highlights their failure to supervise and enforce policies despite a documented history of severe hazing incidents, including the tragic death of Andrew Coffey in 2017. They have substantial assets and insurance coverage.
  • The University or College: The institution itself has a non-delegable duty to protect its students. This includes:
    • Failure to Supervise Greek Life: Universities know hazing exists but often fail to provide adequate oversight.
    • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property (as was the case with the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH), the university can be held directly liable for allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
    • Failure to Act on Prior Knowledge: As demonstrated by the 2017 UH hazing case, if a university has prior knowledge of hazing, their failure to address it makes them directly responsible for subsequent incidents. The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are codefendants in our current lawsuit for these exact reasons.
  • Housing Corporations: Many chapters have separate housing corporations that own or manage fraternity or sorority houses. These entities can also be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. We named the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation as a defendant.
  • Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization and university are insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know precisely how to penetrate these layers of coverage to ensure maximum compensation for victims.

The Deep Pockets: This is not about suing broke college kids. This is about holding powerful, well-funded institutions and their leaders accountable. National fraternities have millions in assets and substantial insurance. Universities have billion-dollar endowments and comprehensive insurance policies. Our firm is adept at navigating these complex corporate structures to identify every liable party, ensuring that a full and fair recovery is possible.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Pierce County wondering if justice is truly possible, we offer an unwavering answer: yes, it is. We pursue the maximum compensation allowed by law, seeking to cover not only the immediate costs of injury but also the long-term impact on a victim’s life. Families across the country have successfully recovered millions of dollars in hazing lawsuits, and your family deserves that same level of advocacy.

These landmark verdicts and settlements serve as powerful warnings to any national organization or university that continues to allow hazing to occur. The same legal strategies applied in these cases are those we bring to every victim we represent, including your family in Pierce County.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements: They Will Pay

  • Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

    • Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing ritual.
    • His family received nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and over $7 million from the fraternity and individual members. A former chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in December 2024. This became the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history.
    • Relevance to our case: This directly supports our $10 million demand, demonstrating that major settlements are achieved when both the university and fraternity are held accountable, even for non-fatal injuries.

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

    • Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta hazing event called “Bible Study.”
    • His family received a $6.1 million jury verdict, and hazing became a felony in Louisiana with the passing of the Max Gruver Act.
    • Relevance to our case: This verdict proves that juries will award millions for hazing deaths and serious injuries, and that these individual cases can lead to lasting legislative change.

  • Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated Confidential Settlement)

    • Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes and subsequently falling down stairs. Fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for 12 hours.
    • Penn State and Beta Theta Pi paid an estimated $110 million+ in confidential settlements. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was passed in Pennsylvania.
    • Relevance to our case: This unparalleled settlement shows the immense value of cases with strong evidence (like video footage, detailed in this case) and establishes a clear benchmark for maximum damages in hazing litigation.

  • Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Case

    • Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members were criminally charged.
    • Relevance to our case: This is the SAME national organization we are suing. It provides irrefutable proof that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its ranks since 2017. Their failure to prevent the hospitalization of Leonel Bermudez in 2025 demonstrates a pattern of negligence and conscious indifference.

  • Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Sued for $28 Million, Settled for $4 Million+

    • Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which recently settled for over $4 million, including a substantial donation to their anti-hazing foundation.
    • Relevance to our case: Shows that even when a lawsuit starts with a very high demand, multi-million dollar settlements are a reasonable and achievable outcome.

These precedents underscore Attorney 911’s commitment to ensuring that hazing victims and their families receive justice. The conduct our client endured is just as egregious, and the institutional failures are just as profound. We are confident that we can achieve similar, if not greater, results for our clients.

Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: We Know Who To Sue

For Pierce County families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the thought of identifying and suing multiple responsible parties can be overwhelming. But at Attorney911, we operate with an unparalleled level of data-driven precision. We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, a powerful tool designed to cut through the layers of corporate entities that attempt to shield themselves from accountability.

Our database includes intelligence on over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas alone. This isn’t just a list; it’s a strategic resource containing crucial details for every entity involved in the Greek ecosystem:

  • Exact Legal Names and EINs (Employer Identification Numbers): We track the precise legal names and federal tax IDs for housing corporations, alumni chapters, and other entities that often hide behind the fraternity letters. For example, our database includes:
    • Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, with EIN 462267515, based in Frisco, Texas. This is the very entity behind the UH chapter we sued.
    • Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, with EIN 371768785, in Missouri City, Texas.
    • Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc, with EIN 133048786, in College Station, Texas.
    • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated, with EIN 882755427, in San Marcos, Texas.
    • Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc Theta Delta, with EIN 475370943, in Houston, Texas.
  • Mailing Addresses and Corporate Structures: We understand the complex web of national organizations, local undergraduate chapters, alumni groups, and separate housing corporations. This ensures we can identify every entity that holds assets and insurance.

Why This Matters to Pierce County Families:
When your child is hazed at a university attended by students from Pierce County—whether it’s at a major institution like the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, or another college across the Southeast—the fraternity will claim they are just college kids. But our data reveals the truth: behind those Greek letters are often wealthy, tax-exempt corporations with EINs, bank accounts, real estate holdings, and multi-million-dollar insurance policies. Attorney911 tracks them all. We use this intelligence to know exactly who to sue and where their assets are located, delivering focused, aggressive legal action.

Metro Hazing Watch: Organizations Under Our Radar

While our immediate focus for this data is Texas, the same types of corporate structures exist in every state. To give you a sense of the scale of organizations we track, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone, where our firm is headquartered and the Bermudez case was filed, contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to our non-profit records analysis. These include:

  • Active undergraduate chapters of social fraternities and sororities.
  • House corporations that legally own and manage expensive fraternity and sorority properties.
  • Alumni chapters that fund and often influence undergraduate behavior.
  • Honor societies and professional Greek organizations.

These organizations exist across all Texas metro areas: the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington area has 510; Austin–Round Rock has 154; San Antonio has 86, and so on. In total, we monitor 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. This demonstrates the massive scale of Attorney911’s intelligence database, ensuring we can track specific national brands across all campuses.

Our Message to Fraternities and Universities Operating near Pierce County, Georgia:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. And we know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements and verdicts. If you allow hazing to occur on your campus or in your chapters, we will find every liable entity, pursue every available dollar, and ensure you are held accountable. Attorney911’s data-driven approach is how we already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

Texas Hazing Laws Protect You: What Pierce County Victims Can Do

For families in Pierce County, understanding the legal landscape around hazing can be complex. While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles of accountability for hazing-related injuries apply nationwide. Many states, including Georgia, have anti-hazing statutes. More importantly, federal civil rights claims and general negligence claims are applicable across the country, allowing us to pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) strategically position us to take on national fraternities and universities anywhere in the U.S.

Georgia itself has a comprehensive anti-hazing law under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-17, which defines hazing similarly to Texas law and carries criminal penalties. This means that if your child was hazed at a university in Georgia, the individuals involved could face criminal charges under state law, in addition to civil liability.

Consent is NOT a Defense:
One of the most critical aspects of hazing law, both in Texas and many other states including Georgia, is that a victim’s consent to hazing is not a legal defense. As stated in Texas Education Code § 37.154, and echoed in similar statutes elsewhere, “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is paramount. When fraternities or universities attempt to argue, “He agreed to participate,” “He knew the risks,” or “He could have left,” the law explicitly states that such arguments are invalid. Hazing involves coercion, duress, and a severe power imbalance that negates any true consent. We will aggressively counter any attempt to shift blame onto the victim.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Suing for Justice and Compensation

Beyond any criminal charges, civil lawsuits offer Pierce County victims and their families the pathway to compensation for the immense suffering and financial burdens caused by hazing. We pursue a range of legal theories to maximize recovery:

  1. Negligence Claims: This is a broad claim applicable in every state, including Georgia. We will prove that the university, national organization, and local chapter owed a duty of care to your child (to keep them safe), that they breached that duty by allowing hazing, that this breach directly caused your child’s injuries, and that these injuries resulted in damages.
  2. Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation, that entity can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. The fact that the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded illustrates this perfectly.
  3. Negligent Supervision: This holds organizations and institutions accountable for failing to properly oversee their members or affiliated groups. For example, a national fraternity can be liable for failing to supervise its local chapter, and a university for failing to monitor Greek life activities on its campus.
  4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who physically harmed your child can be sued directly for assault (threat of harm) and battery (actual harmful contact). This could include paddling, beatings, or forced physical exertion.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing often involves conduct so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress. Waterboarding, hog-tying, and extreme humiliation can all form the basis for an IIED claim.
  6. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to a student’s death, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their profound loss, including funeral expenses, loss of future income, and loss of companionship.

These civil claims exist to provide a path to justice and compensation, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

Why Attorney 911: Your Fierce Advocates in Pierce County

When your child is victimized by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape and is willing to go to battle against powerful institutions. Attorney 911 is built for these fights. We bring a unique blend of experience, insight, and dedication that sets us apart, especially for Pierce County families facing the trauma of hazing.

What Sets Us Apart for Pierce County Hazing Victims:

  • Aggressive, Active Hazing Litigation: We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – this is a real, ongoing battle that demonstrates our immediate, decisive, and data-driven approach. Your Pierce County case will receive the same fierce representation.
  • Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers working for the very insurance companies and large corporations we now sue. This invaluable “insider knowledge” means we understand their strategies, their weaknesses, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use it to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, including those in Pierce County.
  • Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: While based in Houston, our reach is national. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and hold bar licenses in both Texas and New York. This is a strategic advantage for Pierce County cases against national fraternities or universities with operations across state lines, allowing us to pursue justice in the most effective jurisdiction.
  • Proven Track Record Against Giants: Ralph Manginello’s experience includes multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This demonstrates our capacity to successfully take on massive corporate defendants, a capability directly applicable to suing national fraternities and multi-billion dollar universities on behalf of Pierce County families.
  • Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specialized expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, such as Leonel Bermudez’s. We understand the specific medical and psychological impacts of hazing, ensuring your case is built on a foundation of accurate, expert knowledge.
  • Empathetic & Client-Centered Approach: We understand the devastation hazing inflicts. We operate with genuine compassion, treating every Pierce County client like family. Our Spanish-speaking staff ensures that Hispanic families in Pierce County have full access to justice without language barriers.
  • Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost: We believe that financial hardship should never be a barrier to justice, especially for families dealing with hazing trauma. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, making it possible for any Pierce County family to fight back against powerful institutions. For full details, see our video on “How Contingency Fees Work” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
  • Strategic Evidence Preservation: We emphasize the critical importance of immediately preserving all evidence – text messages, photos, medical records. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs provides essential guidance, reflecting our proactive approach from day one.
  • Willingness to Travel: Even though our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are committed to traveling to Pierce County for depositions, trials, and critical client meetings whenever necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to achieving justice for your family.

Client Testimonials Speak Volumes:
Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business from over 250 reviews reflects our unwavering commitment to client success and satisfaction. Clients consistently highlight our communication, our aggressive advocacy, and how we treat them like family. “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” says Chad Harris. This is the level of care and fight you can expect for your Pierce County family.

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

If your child has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the shock and anger may be overwhelming, decisive action can make all the difference in preserving your legal rights and building a strong case. We understand you’re searching for answers and help at 2 AM – we’re here to provide clear, actionable guidance.

Our Immediate Action Plan for Pierce County Hazing Victims:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even if the Injuries Seem Minor:

    • Your child’s health is paramount. Ensure they receive professional medical evaluation right away. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in the Bermudez case, can be life-threatening and require immediate intervention. Even seemingly minor injuries can mask severe underlying trauma.
    • Document Everything: Ensure all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions are thoroughly documented. This medical record forms the backbone of your claim.
    • For more on the importance of this step, see our video, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical.”

  2. Preserve ALL Evidence – EVERYTHING Is Important:

    • Texts, Calls, Chat Logs: Save every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat interaction, Instagram DM, or email related to the hazing. Do not delete anything. These often contain direct evidence of threats, instructions, and coordination of hazing activities.
    • Photos and Videos: Take photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If possible, collect any photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves, the location where they occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, sports field), or any related items (forced attire, alcohol containers). Our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs provides valuable tips.
    • Documents: Keep all pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or any other documents provided by the organization.
    • Witness Information: Collect names, contact numbers, and any statements from other pledges, witnesses, or individuals who may have observed the hazing.
    • Financial Records: Maintain records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any tuition or fees incurred due to the incident.
    • Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

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

    • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, individual members, or their advisors. They will try to control the narrative, deny responsibility, and pressure your child into silence.
    • Do NOT give statements to university administrators, campus police, or counselors alone. While reporting is important, always ensure legal counsel is present. Universities and national organizations have legal teams focused on protecting their interests, not yours.
    • Do NOT sign any documents from the organization or university. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
    • Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can and will be used against you by defense attorneys. For more details on this, watch our video, “Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY and “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”

  4. Contact Us Immediately for a Free Consultation:

    • Time is of the essence. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing, is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death claims, it’s typically two years from the date of death. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit, and evidence disappears quickly.
    • An attorney needs to start investigating while evidence is fresh, and while the individuals involved can still be identified and held accountable.
    • Don’t let distance be a barrier. We offer video consultations for Pierce County families who cannot travel, and our attorneys will travel to Pierce County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed.

Legal Emergency Hotline for Pierce County Hazing Victims: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Pierce County Families: Your Rights, Our Fight

Your child’s nightmare may have just become real, but you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney 911, is ready to stand with Pierce County families, bringing the same aggressive, data-driven legal power we are wielding in our current $10 million hazing lawsuit straight to your community. We understand the unique concerns of parents in Pierce County whose children might attend colleges throughout Georgia, such as the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia Southern in Statesboro, or Valdosta State University in Valdosta. Hazing is a national problem, and we are a national solution.

We are Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We’ll Fight For Pierce County Victims Too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark lawsuit. We know how to navigate the complexities of these cases, how to dismantle institutional defenses, and how to secure justice for victims. We are prepared to bring that same level of expertise and dedication to your family in Pierce County.

Call Us Now for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Pierce County hazing emergencies.

$0 Upfront for Pierce County Families – We Work on Contingency:
We understand the financial strain that can accompany a crisis like hazing. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront costs, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. Our goal is to make sure financial concerns never stand between your family and the justice you deserve.

To Other Victims of Hazing in Georgia and Beyond:

If your child or someone you know has been hazed at a university attended by students from Pierce County in Georgia or anywhere else, understand that you have legal rights. It takes immense courage to come forward, but your courage can prevent others from suffering.

As Lupe Pena said about our current 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.”

We Serve Pierce County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide:

  • Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to U.S. District Courts and can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, allowing us to take on national fraternities and universities regardless of state lines.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: With licenses in Texas and New York, we are strategically positioned to challenge national organizations headquartered anywhere in the country.
  • Remote Consultations: Pierce County families can easily consult with our attorneys via video conference from the comfort of their homes.
  • Commitment to Travel: Our team is prepared to travel to Pierce County, Georgia for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of abuse in:

  • Sports teams at local schools and universities.
  • Marching bands and other musical organizations.
  • ROTC programs and military academies.
  • Any club or organization that uses abuse as an initiation rite.

We know there are more victims. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Contact Us Today: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com