If you are 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 are here to help families in Pike County, Georgia, fight back.

We understand the anguish that comes from learning your child has been a victim of hazing – not just in Pike County, but across the country. It is a betrayal of trust, a barbaric practice hidden under the guise of tradition, and it leaves lasting scars, both physical and emotional. In Pike County, Georgia, and communities like ours throughout America, parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. When that trust is shattered by senseless acts of hazing, the need for justice becomes paramount.

Our firm, Attorney911, stands ready to assist families in Pike County, Georgia, who have suffered due to hazing. While our offices are based in Texas, our expertise and reach extend nationwide. We are currently engaged in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for severe hazing that led to a student’s hospitalization and kidney failure. This is not a theoretical battle for us; we are actively fighting it right now. We bring this same aggressive, data-driven approach to every family we represent, including those right here in Pike County.

The Haunting Echoes of Campus “Tradition”: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Pike County

Families in Pike County, Georgia, need to understand that hazing is not a distant problem. It is a pervasive crisis that can afflict students at any university, under the banner of any fraternity or sorority, and within any student organization, even at educational institutions that draw students from Pike County. While our current fight unfolds in the Harris County Civil District Court in Texas, the events that transpired there serve as a stark warning, a chilling illustration of what hazing looks like and why aggressive legal action is so desperately needed.

The case that defines our firm’s commitment to hazing victims is Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. This isn’t just a legal filing; it’s the story of Leonel Bermudez, a young man whose college dreams were shattered by weeks of systematic abuse, physical torture, and profound betrayal. His story is not unique; what happened to him could happen to students from Pike County who attend universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern University, or even smaller colleges across the state where Greek life is prevalent.

Leonel Bermudez was what is known as a “ghost rush.” He wasn’t even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet, though he planned to transfer for the upcoming semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was a horrifying ordeal that lasted for weeks, pushing him to the brink of death.

The Hazing That Led to Horror

The hazing Leonel endured was not a series of innocent pranks. It was systematic, calculated, and brutal. It included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: As reported by KHOU 11, Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” meaning he was sprayed directly in the face, causing a sensation of drowning while attempting calisthenics. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This is not a game; it is an act of dehumanization.
• Forced Consumption to Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even worse, the lawsuit alleges he was then “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The Houston Chronicle detailed grueling workouts that included “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and “repeated 100-yard crawls.” On November 3, 2025, he was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He continued until he was so exhausted he could not stand without help.
• Physical Beatings: The lawsuit also specifically mentions Leonel “being struck with wooden paddles.” This is outright assault, not a rite of passage.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was forced to 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.” He was subjected to sleep deprivation, forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, and faced constant threats of physical punishment for non-compliance.

The Immediate Aftermath: Kidney Failure and Hospitalization

The brutal hazing culminated on November 3, 2025, after a particularly severe punishment session. Leonel crawled home, barely able to move. Days later, his condition worsened dramatically. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to be “passing brown urine”—a classic symptom of severe muscle breakdown.

He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys. Leonel spent three nights and four days in the hospital, fighting for his life, facing the very real threat of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response – And Our Aggressive Counter

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter. On November 14, 2025, they formally closed the chapter, admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” The University of Houston also released a statement, with a spokesperson telling Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They also mentioned “potential criminal charges” for those involved.

However, neither the university nor the national fraternity demonstrated the genuine remorse or proactive change required. Pi Kappa Phi, in its statement, incredibly claimed to “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” as if this was merely a temporary inconvenience. This callous disregard for Leonel’s suffering fueled our resolve.

On November 21, 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court. We named not only the local chapter but also the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, the chapter’s Housing Corporation, the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their residence.

This case is recent, it is active, and it is precisely the kind of aggressive, exhaustive litigation we pursue for hazing victims. For families in Pike County, Georgia, this is proof that Attorney911 doesn’t just talk about justice; we fight for it. We are relentless in holding every single responsible party accountable, from the individual students to the national organizations and the universities that enable this culture.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Pike County

Many parents and students in Pike County, Georgia, might have a simplified view of hazing, perhaps envisioning harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the tragic reality, as shown in the Bermudez case and countless others across the nation, is far more sinister. Hazing today is rarely about building character; it is often about power, control, and inflicting physical and psychological pain. It crosses lines that no “tradition” can justify.

If your child attends or plans to attend a university such as the University of Georgia, Georgia College & State University, or Kennesaw State University, where Greek life is active, it’s crucial to understand the true face of modern hazing. It is not “boys being boys.” It is not even just excessive drinking. Increasingly, it involves:

• Physical Abuse and Assault: This can range from sleep deprivation and forced extreme exercise to beatings, paddling, branding, and even sexual assault. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, it included wooden paddles, 500 squats leading to kidney failure, and simulated waterboarding. This is not fun; it is often criminal.
• Forced Consumption: Beyond alcohol poisoning, which is tragically common, pledges are forced to consume non-food items, rotten foods, or massive quantities of food and liquid until they vomit. The sheer degradation and physical toll are immense, as Leonel’s forced eating ordeal demonstrated.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Hazing often aims to break down self-worth and instill absolute obedience. This can involve verbal abuse, forced isolation, public humiliation, enduring degrading acts, and constant threats. Leonel’s forced carrying of sexual objects and the hog-tying of another pledge illustrate this dark aspect. Many fraternities now record hazing sessions, leaving victims with permanent evidence of their humiliation.
• Reckless Endangerment: Hazing activities frequently show a conscious disregard for human life and safety. Forcing students into dangerous situations, denying them sleep, or pushing them to physical exhaustion without medical supervision is negligent, at best, and criminal, at worst. The critical signs of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure in Leonel were ignored until he was too sick to move further.
• Sexual Hazing: This is perhaps the most disturbing and underreported form of hazing. It can involve forced nudity, sexual harassment, or even sexual assault. The presence of “objects of a sexual nature” in Leonel’s forced fanny pack highlights a deeply disturbing trend.

We want families in Pike County to understand that these are not isolated incidents. These are patterns. Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations often engage in these activities year after year, sometimes even when they know of prior hospitalizations, injuries, or deaths. The goal is to enforce conformity, establish a rigid hierarchy, and create a false sense of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” through shared trauma.

Tragically, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. They remain silent due to fear of retaliation, shame, embarrassment, or a misguided sense of loyalty to the group that just tortured them. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue. This is why our work is so vital. We empower victims in Pike County, Georgia, and beyond to break that silence, seek justice, and perhaps save lives in the process.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable from Pike County to National Headquarters

When a hazing incident causes injury or death, the question inevitably arises: who is truly to blame? The answer, as our firm has demonstrated in numerous cases, including the ongoing Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, is almost always multifaceted. Hazing is a systemic problem, and true accountability extends far beyond just the individual students directly involved. We believe that every entity—whether it’s operating locally in Pike County, Georgia, or nationally—that tolerates, enables, or turns a blind eye to hazing must be held responsible.

For families in Pike County seeking justice after a hazing incident, we meticulously investigate and pursue claims against all potentially liable parties, which can include:

1. Individual Perpetrators: This includes the fraternity members or student organization leaders who actively planned, encouraged, or participated in the hazing. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even former members who hosted hazing at their residence, along with the spouse who allowed it. Each person who inflicted harm or coerced others bears personal responsibility.
2. Local Chapters and Their Officers: The fraternity or sorority chapter itself, as an organized entity, is directly liable for the hazing they conduct. Their officers—the president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other leaders—have a duty to ensure the safety of new members. When they fail, or actively facilitate abuse, they are culpable.
3. National Fraternity and Sorority Organizations: These entities are often the “deep pockets” in hazing litigation, and they bear significant responsibility. They maintain control over their local chapters, issue operating charters, and are supposed to enforce anti-hazing policies. When they fail to adequately supervise, investigate, or punish hazing—especially when they have a history of similar incidents at other chapters, as Pi Kappa Phi does—they are liable. Our intelligence database, covering over 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas metros, allows us to track these national entities and their complex corporate structures.
4. Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions, including those that draw students from Pike County, Georgia, have a fundamental duty to protect their students. This duty includes preventing hazing. Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision of Greek life, for failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, for allowing dangerous conditions to exist on campus property, or for failing to adequately respond to reports of hazing. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston was named because it owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place and was aware of previous hazing incidents on its campus.
5. Housing Corporations and Alumni Boards: Often, the property where hazing occurs is owned by a separate housing corporation, which may be comprised of alumni. These entities have a responsibility to maintain safe premises and ensure that illegal or dangerous activities are not permitted on their property. Alumni groups can also exert significant influence and financial control over local chapters, making them potentially culpable for enabling a hazing culture.
6. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, large liability insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and even individual homeowners are the primary source of recovery in these types of cases. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, strategize, and attempt to minimize payouts. This gives our clients a distinct advantage in navigating complex insurance claims.

Our firm aggressively pursues every avenue of accountability. We understand that Pike County families are looking for real justice, not just empty apologies. By targeting all responsible parties, we seek to secure the maximum possible compensation for our clients while also sending an unmistakable message that will force these institutions to change for the better.

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

For families in Pike County, Georgia, who are confronting the devastating aftermath of hazing, one overwhelming question often emerges: does fighting this battle truly make a difference? Have other victims and their families found justice? The answer is a resounding yes. Our firm’s $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly; it stands on the shoulders of numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that prove accountability is possible, and that the financial and emotional toll of hazing will be met with severe consequences.

These precedent-setting cases send a clear message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions. The same legal strategies and determination that secured these landmark awards are available to families in Pike County.

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

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million

In 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event. His family’s pursuit of justice resulted in a groundbreaking recovery:

• $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University.
• $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals.
• A recent personal judgment of $6.5 million was also rendered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, in December 2024.

This case not only led to multiple criminal convictions but also served as a catalyst for Ohio’s “Collin’s Law,” strengthening anti-hazing legislation. For Pike County families, this demonstrates that multiple entities – universities, national fraternities, and individuals – will pay when hazing leads to tragedy, a fact that strengthens our demand in the Bermudez case.

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

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University, died in 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content reached a fatal 0.495.

• A civil jury awarded a $6.1 million verdict to the Gruver family.
• In a parallel criminal case, a fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide.
• Louisiana subsequently passed the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.

The Gruver case is a powerful reminder that juries are often outraged by hazing and are willing to deliver substantial verdicts. This outcome is highly relevant to Leonel’s case, where the conduct was equally, if not more, egregious, and a jury in Harris County could deliver a similar, if not larger, verdict.

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

Estimated Recovery: Over $110 Million

Timothy Piazza died in 2017 following a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a fall and a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members watched him suffer for 12 hours before calling for help.

• The Piazza family reached a confidential settlement, widely estimated to be over $110 million, with Penn State and numerous fraternity members, representing one of the largest hazing payouts in U.S. history.
• Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter.
• Pennsylvania enacted the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” one of the toughest in the nation.

The sheer magnitude of the Piazza settlement, largely driven by compelling security camera footage that documented the horrific ordeal, underscores that strong evidence of egregious hazing can lead to monumental recoveries. While difficult to quantify as a Pike County hazing lawyer, this demonstrates the potential value of these cases.

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

Civil Settlement (Confidential) & Criminal Charges

Tragically, Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 is directly linked to Leonel Bermudez’s case. Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event at Florida State University where he was forced to consume an entire bottle of bourbon.

• Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges.
• The FSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was permanently closed.
• A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement for his family.

This case is critical because it involved the same national organization: Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi knew about deadly hazing within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded and hospitalized. This established pattern of negligence is a severe liability for Pi Kappa Phi in our current lawsuit.

The Message to Pike County: Justice is Achievable

These precedent cases offer undeniable proof to families in Pike County that the legal system can deliver justice for hazing victims. They highlight:

• The immense value of human life and suffering: Each verdict and settlement reflects the immeasurable cost of a life lost or severely damaged.
• Institutional accountability: Universities and national organizations are consistently held responsible for their failures in oversight.
• Criminal and civil consequences: Hazing often leads to both criminal charges for individuals and multi-million dollar civil liabilities for all involved entities.
• Catalysts for change: These cases frequently drive new legislation, compelling institutions to implement stricter anti-hazing measures.

The families of Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, Timothy Piazza, and Andrew Coffey turned unimaginable pain into powerful movements for change. For Pike County families, their victories illuminate the path forward. Our firm is prepared to pursue these same multi-million dollar outcomes for students from Pike County who have suffered at the hands of hazing.

Texas Law Protects You, Regardless of Where You Call Home in Pike County

For families in Pike County, Georgia, and across the nation, understanding the legal landscape is crucial when facing a hazing incident. While our firm is based in Texas, the foundational principles of American law, particularly federal protections and established civil liability theories, extend to victims everywhere. Our expertise in Texas hazing laws, specifically the Texas Education Code, provides a robust framework that reflects and influences anti-hazing legislation across the country.

The Power of Texas Anti-Hazing Laws

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, providing a strong legal basis for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. Our commitment to fighting for hazing victims in Pike County is anchored in the spirit of these laws:

• Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.151): Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership that “endangers the mental or physical health or safety” of that student. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics creating an unreasonable risk, and forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol. Importantly, almost every act Leonel Bermudez endured directly falls under this statutory definition, strengthening his—and potentially your—case.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in or encourage hazing can face Class B Misdemeanor charges. If the hazing causes “serious bodily injury”—like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—it becomes a Class A Misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If hazing results in death, it is a State Jail Felony, with up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson even hinted at “potential criminal charges” in Leonel’s case, showing that institutions recognize the criminal nature of these acts.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, the law extends liability to organizations themselves. If a fraternity, sorority, or student group “condones or encourages hazing,” or if its members commit hazing, the organization can be fined up to $10,000, and potentially lose its right to operate on campus. This is a powerful tool to hold chapters and national organizations accountable.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas law and a principle gaining traction nationwide. The statute explicitly states: “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 directly counters the common defense of fraternities, sororities, and universities who attempt to blame the victim by claiming “they knew what they signed up for” or “they could have left.” Under this law, true consent to illegal and dangerous hazing simply does not exist. This applies to students from Pike County as well, regardless of where they attend university.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for tracking and addressing hazing on their campuses.

Civil Liability: Your Right to Seek Compensation

Beyond criminal charges, families in Pike County have the right to pursue civil lawsuits to recover damages for the injuries and suffering caused by hazing. Our firm leverages various civil liability theories to build powerful cases:

• Negligence Claims: This is a broad legal theory that applies nationwide. We argue that institutions and individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students from harm, that they “breached” that duty by allowing hazing, and that this breach “caused” the victim’s injuries and “damages.”
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston owning the fraternity house), or by a fraternity housing corporation, that entity can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to adequately oversee Greek life, allowing a culture of hazing to fester.
• Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be sued for intentional physical harm. Leonel’s waterboarding and being struck with wooden paddles clearly constitute assault and battery.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing that is extreme and outrageous, and causes severe emotional suffering (such as PTSD from acts like waterboarding), can lead to claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, where hazing leads to a student’s death, families can pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their immense loss, suffering, and financial impact.

For parents in Pike County, Georgia, this comprehensive legal framework means that the law is on your side. You are not powerless. Your child does not have to suffer in silence. We are here to navigate these complex legal waters for you, to fight for your rights, and to ensure that those responsible for hazing face the full force of the law.

Why Attorney911: Your Uncompromising Advocates in Pike County, Georgia Hazing Cases

When you are searching for legal representation after a hazing incident, especially from Pike County, Georgia, you need more than just a lawyer; you need uncompromising advocates. You need a team with the experience, the insight, and the relentless drive to take on powerful institutions and win. Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, offers a unique blend of qualifications that make us the definitive choice for families in Pike County affected by hazing.

1. Actively Litigating a Landmark $10M Hazing Lawsuit – Right Now

We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re in the trenches fighting it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the severe hazing of Leonel Bermudez is proof of our active commitment. This is a real, ongoing legal battle that demonstrates our:

• Aggression: We did not hesitate to name every responsible party, from individual students to the national organization and the university itself.
• Thoroughness: Our lawsuit details weeks of horrific abuse, from waterboarding to kidney failure.
• Data-Driven Strategy: We leverage comprehensive intelligence gathered on Greek organizations to identify all liable entities.
• Relentlessness: We are pursuing every avenue of justice for our client.

This isn’t a theoretical exercise for us. This is what we do, and families in Pike County benefit from this immediate, battle-tested expertise.

2. Ralph Manginello: A Quarter-Century of Battle-Tested Advocacy

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. His background provides invaluable advantages for hazing victims in Pike County:

• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph began his career working for insurance companies. He knows their playbook, their strategies for minimizing claims, and their weak points. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for our clients.
• Experience Against Massive Corporations: Ralph was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This demonstrates his capacity to take on enormous corporate defendants – a skill directly applicable to multi-million dollar cases against national fraternities and large universities.
• Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with federal appellate experience, Ralph can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction. This is a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations that may operate across state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Admission: Licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph possesses a broader understanding of legal nuances, which is particularly beneficial when addressing national fraternities and sororities headquartered in various states.
• Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories – essential skills for presenting complex hazing cases to a jury.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience litigating rhabdomyolysis cases and fraternity-related incidents, including those involving Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M University hazing cases.
• Father of Three: Beyond professional credentials, Ralph is a father. He understands the profound emotional impact of hazing on families in Pike County and is driven by a deep commitment to protecting children.

3. Lupe Peña: The Insider Who Knows the Defense’s Every Move

Lupe Peña, also a former national insurance defense attorney, provides our firm with yet another critical advantage. His years working for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, mean he understands the opposing side better than most.

• Inside Knowledge of Insurance Defense: Lupe handled a wide array of cases for insurance companies and corporate defendants. He learned firsthand how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to delay or deny payouts. This “battlefield intelligence” is now used directly to benefit hazing victims.
• “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight”: This is Lupe’s litigation philosophy. He commits to more preparation and investigation (outwork), strategic thinking informed by insider defense tactics (outsmart), and relentless advocacy (outfight) for his clients.
• Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Lupe has extensive experience representing families in wrongful death, dram shop, and catastrophic injury cases, which directly mirrors the severe and often fatal consequences of hazing.
• Finance Background: His pre-law career in finance provides a sharp understanding of economic damages, future earning calculations, and the financial impact on victims – invaluable for maximizing compensation.
• Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe’s fluency in Spanish ensures that Hispanic families in Pike County and beyond, who may be seeking justice for hazing, receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.
• Third-Generation Texan: With deep roots in Texas, Lupe brings a strong sense of community and commitment to the clients he serves.

4. Nationwide Reach and Service for Pike County Families

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our service to Pike County, Georgia, and nationwide is unwavering.

• Remote Consultations: We offer convenient video consultations for Pike County families, eliminating any geographical barriers to receiving expert legal advice.
• Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Pike County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, arbitrations, mediations, and trials when necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice.
• No Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We understand that unexpected hazing injuries create immense financial strain. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing any family in Pike County to access top-tier legal representation regardless of their financial situation. For more information, please watch our video, “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

5. Client-Centered Approach

We pride ourselves on transparent communication and treating every client like family. Our 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews reflects our commitment to client satisfaction. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping victims. As many testimonials state, you will never feel like “just another case” when you work with Attorney911.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that understands your pain, knows the opponent’s tactics, and is actively fighting the hazing battle. For families in Pike County, Georgia, whose lives have been shattered by hazing, we are your legal 911.

What to Do Right Now: Imperative Steps for Pike County Hazing Victims

If your child in Pike County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional shock and confusion can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can profoundly impact your ability to seek justice. We understand you are scared and angry, possibly searching for help late into the night. We are here to guide you.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute priority.

• Remove Your Child from the Dangerous Environment: If they are still exposed to hazing, get them to a safe place immediately.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor or “just” psychological, get professional medical attention. Insist on a thorough examination and ensure everything is documented. For injuries like those sustained by Leonel Bermudez (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure), every minute counts. Explain clearly that the injuries are hazing-related.
• Preserve Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results, discharge papers, and bills. These form undeniable evidence of harm.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence! Do Not Delete Anything.

Hazing incidents rely on secrecy. Your ability to document and preserve evidence can make or break your case.

• Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun.” Immediately save and screenshot every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Do not delete anything. For guidance, watch our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing exist (even if taken by others), secure copies. Take photos of any physical injuries your child sustained at various stages of healing (bruises, cuts, swelling).
• Documentation from the Organization: Keep pledge manuals, fraternity rules, schedules, or any documents given to your child by the fraternity or organization.
• Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and contact information for any witnesses, other pledges, or individuals who may have knowledge of the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Physical Evidence: If there are any physical items connected to the hazing (e.g., paddles, specific clothing, degrading items), carefully preserve them.
• Financial Records: Collect medical bills, receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury, and documentation of lost wages or academic costs.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs” to Protect Your Case

What you don’t do is as important as what you do.

• DO NOT Delete Communications: This cannot be stressed enough. Deleting messages can be considered spoliation of evidence and severely compromise your case.
• DO NOT Speak to the Organization or University Without Counsel: The fraternity, sorority, and university will act to protect themselves, not your child. Any statements your child makes can be twisted and used against them. Do not sign anything, engage in discussions, or give recorded statements without an attorney present.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything posted can be used by the defense to undermine your credibility. Avoid discussing the incident, displaying any physical recovery, or posting photos that conflict with the narrative of suffering. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” emphasizes this critical point.
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While understandable to want answers, confronting those involved can jeopardize potential criminal investigations or civil claims. Let legal professionals handle communications.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation

Time is absolutely critical in hazing cases.

• Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, the general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years. This means you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death, it’s also generally two years from the date of death. This seems like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and student populations shift rapidly. Waiting can be detrimental to your case. For more on deadlines, watch “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
• Evidence Preservation: The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can send legally binding preservation letters to ensure critical evidence (like security camera footage, internal documents, and digital trails) is not destroyed.
• Expert Guidance: We can immediately advise you on specific actions to take, connect you with medical experts, and begin the rigorous investigative process.

We are available 24/7 for families in Pike County, Georgia, and nationwide. We offer free, confidential consultations, including video consultations for your convenience. We will come to Pike County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.

Your Call to Action: Pike County Families, We Are Here for You

Your child’s nightmare does not have to be the end of their story. It can be the beginning of a fight for justice, accountability, and real change. Attorney911 is ready to stand with you. Our ongoing $10 million hazing lawsuit demonstrates our unwavering commitment to these cases. We know what it takes to win, and we are prepared to bring that fight to Pike County.

CALL US NOW. The consultation is free. We don’t get paid unless you do.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We shut down your legal emergency, and we will protect your child’s future.

To potentially anonymous victims of hazing in Pike County, Georgia (or anywhere else): We know hazing thrives in silence. If you are struggling with the aftermath of hazing, whether physical or psychological, please reach out. Our firm and our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are here to listen, understand, and help you find the justice you deserve. Your courage could save another student’s life.