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

Earth, Georgia, North America, Rabun 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, perhaps at one of the esteemed institutions drawing students from across Rabun County. Instead, they were tortured. Here in Rabun County, a place known for its scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, and a strong sense of community, the thought of a child suffering such betrayal is deeply unsettling. We’re here to help families in Rabun County fight back against the darkness of hazing, ensuring that the peaceful environment of our county extends to the safety of our children, no matter where they attend college.

We understand what you’re going through. The shame, the anger, the fear – they are all valid emotions. But you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is actively engaged in a fierce battle against hazing, and we bring that same aggressive, data-driven representation to families in Rabun County. We don’t just talk about justice; we fight for it, right now, in courtrooms, turning pain into accountability.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Rabun County Families Need Attorney911

In Rabun County, we cherish our youth, our schools, and the bright futures we envision for them. Many of our high school graduates from Rabun County High School, Tallulah Falls School, and other educational institutions in our area go on to pursue higher education, often at universities across Georgia, the Southeast, or even out of state. They leave our beautiful mountains and lakes with hopes of learning, growing, and forming lifelong connections. Hazing shatters these dreams, replacing camaraderie with cruelty and trust with trauma.

The harsh reality is that hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a pervasive and dangerous problem on college campuses today, affecting fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations across the nation. The very same national fraternities and universities that have been implicated in severe hazing incidents elsewhere have active chapters or draw students from Rabun County. Hazing thrives in secrecy and silence, and it often takes a tragedy for the truth to emerge. But for families in Rabun County, waiting for a tragedy is not an option.

We believe that every child from Rabun County deserves to pursue their education in a safe environment, free from the barbaric rituals of hazing. When that trust is broken, we are here to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. We don’t just represent victims; we are champions against institutions that fail to protect their students, leveraging our deep legal expertise and insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

The Landmark Case: Our $10M Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston

This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are spearheading a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals involved in a horrific hazing incident that hospitalized a young man named Leonel Bermudez. This case, filed on November 21, 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court, is a testament to our aggressive, thorough, and relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

Rabun County families need to understand: this happened just recently, and it could happen anywhere your child attends college. The incidents described in this lawsuit are not isolated; they are part of a nationwide pattern of abuse that we are committed to stopping.

Media Coverage Amplifies the Call for Justice

The severity of Leonel’s case has garnered significant attention from major news outlets, solidifying the public’s understanding of today’s hazing realities:

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, one of the defendants, publicly acknowledged the chapter’s violations on their website on November 21, 2025, stating they closed the Beta Nu Chapter. This admission speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation. Read their statement at https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/

The Defendants: Everyone Responsible Will Pay

Our lawsuit holds a wide array of entities and individuals accountable, including:

  • 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 UH Board of Regents
  • The fraternity’s President, Pledgemaster, and numerous current and former members
  • Even a former member and their spouse, as some hazing occurred at their private residence.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no liable party escapes responsibility.

Leonel’s Story: A Warning to Every Rabun County Family

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the spring. Yet, on September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi, unknowingly stepping into weeks of torment.

According to his testimony and lawsuit details, Leonel endured systematic abuse that culminated in a harrowing incident on November 3, 2025. He was forced to perform over 100 pushups and 500 squats, along with other extreme physical exercises like “suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. This relentless punishment pushed his body to its absolute limits.

But the horror didn’t stop there. Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” a tactic so brutal it is recognized as torture. He was forced to consume copious amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to continue physical exertion in his own vomit. He experienced psychological torment, including being forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing sexually explicit objects at all times. Another pledge was reportedly hog-tied and left with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Weeks before, on October 15, a pledge even lost consciousness during a forced workout.

By November 6, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized, facing the very real risk of permanent kidney damage.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena emphasized the firm’s motivation: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Why this story resonates so deeply with Rabun County families:

  • Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters nationwide, often with affiliations at universities where students from Rabun County enroll. The same “traditions” that tragically hospitalized Leonel can occur at any of these institutions.
  • Universities enrolling Rabun County students, both in Georgia and beyond, face the same oversight challenges and potential liability failures as the University of Houston.
  • The emotional impact: Imagine your child, who leaves the safety of Rabun County for college, enduring such systematic brutality. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, and we are here to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond Fraternity Row Stereotypes

Hazing is often dismissed as “boys being boys” or harmless initiation rites. For Rabun County parents, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing is far more sinister and dangerous. It’s an issue that permeates not just fraternities and sororities, but also athletic teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs on campuses where students from Rabun County pursue their dreams. It’s an epidemic of abuse cloaked in “tradition.”

It is not harmless pranks; it is calculated torture.

The reality of hazing, as tragically demonstrated by Leonel Bermudez’s case, includes:

  • Simulated Waterboarding: As Leonel endured with a garden hose, this is a form of torture that mimics drowning, creating extreme fear and distress. The media itself is calling it torture, stating, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
  • Forced Consumption to the Point of Vomiting: This isn’t just binge eating; it’s being made to consume milk, hot dogs, or even peppercorns until severe physical discomfort and vomiting occur, often followed by further physical punishment.
  • Extreme Physical Exertion: Beyond intense workouts, pledges are forced into hundreds of pushups, squats, “suicides,” bear crawls, and wheelbarrows until their bodies break down, leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis, muscle failure, and kidney damage. This is not about building endurance; it’s about breaking spirit and body.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This can involve being stripped naked, carrying degrading objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack), enduring verbal abuse, intense isolation, and threats. These acts are designed to break down a person’s dignity and self-worth. One pledge was even hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour, an act demonstrating extreme degradation.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to drive members around at all hours or participate in late-night activities, leading to exhaustion that impacts their physical and mental health.
  • Assault and Battery with Weapons: Horrifyingly, Leonel, like many others, reported being struck with wooden paddles. This crosses a clear line into criminal assault.

These aren’t isolated incidents. Hazing statistics reveal a grim picture: 55% of students involved in Greek organizations and 40% of student-athletes report experiencing hazing. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States. And tragically, 95% of hazing victims never report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty.

The institutional failure is clear. Universities and national organizations are well aware of hazing’s prevalence and dangers. Yet, too often, they choose to prioritize reputation over student safety, only acting decisively when injuries or deaths make headlines. They “suspend” chapters and express “shock,” even though the patterns have been established for years.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When a child from Rabun County is injured in a hazing incident, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. Hazing is supported by a system of negligence and complicity. Our strategy is to identify and pursue every entity and individual who bears responsibility, ensuring that those with the deepest pockets – and the greatest power to effect change – are held accountable.

In the Bermudez case, we meticulously named:

  • The Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing. Their officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, directed the abusive activities, and every member who participated contributed to the harm. We are also pursuing former members and their spouses who hosted hazing at their residences, extending liability to anyone who provided a venue for such acts.
  • The National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a major defendant because they knew, or should have known, about the dangers. They have a documented history of hazing incidents, including the tragic death of Andrew Coffey in 2017. Their failure to adequately supervise their local chapter, enforce anti-hazing policies, and address a known “hazing crisis” makes them directly liable. National fraternities are often well-funded corporations with substantial assets and liability insurance, making them a crucial target for meaningful compensation.
  • The University: The University of Houston is a defendant not only for failing to protect its students but also because it owned the fraternity house where some of the hazing took place. Universities have a duty to keep their premises safe and to implement effective oversight of Greek life. The University of Houston had prior knowledge of hazing hospitalizations on its campus, yet it seemingly failed to prevent the same nightmare from recurring for Leonel. The UH Board of Regents is also named, ensuring accountability at the highest institutional levels.
  • Insurance Carriers: We diligently pursue all available insurance policies – from national organization liability insurance to university policies and even homeowners’ insurance for individuals. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, allowing us to effectively dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

It is important to remember that these cases are not about bankrupting college students. They are about holding powerful institutions and organizations accountable and forcing them to prioritize human life and dignity over dangerous “traditions.”

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

For Rabun County families, understanding the potential financial recovery in hazing cases is essential. These aren’t minor disputes; they are often multi-million dollar battles that send a clear and undeniable message: hazing will not be tolerated, and there are severe consequences for those who allow it. The same legal strategies applied in these landmark cases are available to us for Rabun County victims.

Here’s how other families have successfully fought back:

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): The family of Stone Foltz, who died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol, received over $10.1 million in settlements. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other involved individuals contributed $7.2 million. This tragic case led to the passage of Collin’s Law in Ohio, making hazing a felony. The recent personal judgment of $6.5 million against the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, further emphasizes that individuals are also held accountable. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly aligned with this significant precedent.
  • Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): After Maxwell Gruver died from extreme alcohol poisoning during a “Bible Study” hazing event, his family secured a $6.1 million jury verdict. This case was so impactful that it led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, demonstrating that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
  • Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza 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 waited 12 hours to call 911. The settlements in this case, though confidential, are estimated to be over $110 million, securing accountability for both the national fraternity and Penn State. This case, extensively documented by security cameras, also resulted in criminal charges against 18 fraternity members and led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): This case is particularly poignant as it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that our client Leonel Bermudez was pledging. Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. Though the civil settlement amount remains confidential, 9 fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed at FSU. This tragic incident proves Pi Kappa Phi’s documented history of deadly hazing, underscoring the systemic issues our lawsuit aims to expose. Eight years after Andrew Coffey’s death, Pi Kappa Phi had yet another student, Leonel Bermudez, hospitalized. This pattern of negligence strengthens our argument for substantial damages.
  • Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a hazing event. His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which recently settled for over $4 million. This substantial settlement, along with the passage of “Adam’s Law” in Virginia, underscores the ongoing fight and the significant recoveries possible.

These cases send an unambiguous message: hazing costs millions. Whether it’s a university, a national fraternity, or individual perpetrators, the legal system provides a path to justice. Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, who suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, is directly supported by these precedents. While Leonel survived, his life-altering injuries and the egregious conduct involved warrant severe recompense. Juries consistently respond with outrage to such clear-cut betrayals of trust, often awarding punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Texas Law Protects You: Consent is Not a Defense

For Rabun County families, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. While some hazing incidents occur outside of Texas, the legal principles established here can often be mirrored in other states. Moreover, our firm’s federal court authority allows us to pursue these cases regardless of state lines.

Texas has comprehensive anti-hazing laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable, codified in the Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157.

Key aspects of Texas hazing law, vital for Rabun County families to know:

  • Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes activities like physical brutality (whipping, striking with paddles), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements (like being sprayed with a hose in cold weather), confinement, extreme calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups), forced consumption of food or liquids (like eating until vomiting), or any activity violating the Penal Code. The actions perpetrated against Leonel Bermudez clearly violate multiple provisions of this statute.
  • Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Class A Misdemeanor (for hazing causing serious bodily injury) and even a State Jail Felony (for hazing causing death). Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure qualify as serious bodily injury, meaning the individuals involved in his hazing face felony-level charges.
  • Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, the law states that organizations are guilty if they “condone or encourage hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” This means local chapters and national organizations can be penalized, including substantial fines and denial of operating rights.
  • University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Educational institutions in Texas are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This mandates transparency and provides another layer of accountability for universities.
  • Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal point in hazing cases. Fraternities and universities often argue that victims “consented” to the activities or “knew what they were signing up for.” Texas law 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 dismantles a primary defense hazing perpetrators use, ensuring that peer pressure, fear, and the desire to belong do not excuse criminal behavior. This is a point we will aggressively argue on behalf of Rabun County victims.

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits offer essential avenues for justice and compensation through various legal theories:

  • Negligence Claims: We can prove that universities, national organizations, and individual members had a duty of care to protect students, breached that duty through their actions or inaction, and directly caused the injuries and damages suffered.
  • Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on university-owned property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH, the institution has a clear responsibility as a property owner to ensure safety.
  • Negligent Supervision: This theory holds national organizations accountable for failing to supervise their chapters and universities for failing to oversee Greek life activities on their campuses effectively.
  • Assault and Battery: For acts involving direct physical contact, such as paddling or being struck, individuals can be sued for intentional torts like assault and battery.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, especially acts like simulated waterboarding, often justifies claims for severe emotional and psychological harm.

These legal frameworks mean that regardless of where your child attends college, from Georgia to Florida, the core legal principles that allow us to fight for justice remain strong.

Why Attorney911: Your Trusted Advocate in Rabun County’s Fight Against Hazing

Choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision a Rabun County family will make after a hazing incident. You need a firm that not only understands the complexities of hazing litigation but also feels like a compassionate, unwavering ally. Attorney911 is that firm. While our roots are deep in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice extends nationwide, especially to families in Rabun County who are grappling with the trauma of hazing.

Here’s why Rabun County families choose us:

Unmatched Courtroom Experience and Proven Results

Our firm is led by battle-tested trial attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, who bring a combined 37+ years of courtroom experience. Ralph, with over 25 years in litigation, has a history of taking on formidable opponents, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This experience proves our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants – exactly what’s needed when confronting national fraternities and universities.

Lupe Pena, with over 12 years of experience, is an invaluable asset thanks to his former tenure as an attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He knows the insurance companies’ playbook inside and out – how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their strategies and maximize recovery for our clients. This “insurance counter-intelligence system” is a unique advantage no other firm offers.

We don’t just talk a good game; we are actively fighting. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, ongoing litigation where we are aggressively pursuing accountability. Rabun County families benefit from the same dedication and expertise.

Nationwide Reach and Strategic Advantages

Hazing is a national problem, and our legal reach is national too. Even though we are headquartered in Houston, we serve hazing victims in Rabun County and across America through several key differentiators:

  • Federal Court Authority: Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, often a crucial step when dealing with national organizations.
  • Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph holds licenses in both Texas and New York, offering a strategic advantage in litigating against national fraternities, many of which have significant operations or legal ties in New York.
  • Willingness to Travel: We are fully prepared to travel to Rabun County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to justice.
  • Remote Consultations: For Rabun County families, we offer convenient video consultations, allowing you to connect with our experienced attorneys from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach

We understand that Rabun County families dealing with hazing are in crisis. Our approach is empathetic, warm, and deeply personal. We believe your child is a person, not a case number. Our bilingual staff, fluent in Spanish (“Se Habla Español”), ensures that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Rabun County and beyond. Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews speaks volumes about our commitment to client satisfaction. Testimonials like, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such,” and “I never felt like ‘just another case’,” reflect our dedication.

Contingency Fee: No Upfront Cost for Rabun County Families

We understand that legal fees can be a major concern, especially when a family is already grappling with medical bills and emotional distress. That’s why we take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY BASIS.

This means Rabun County hazing victims pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. Our interests are completely aligned: we only succeed when you succeed. This removes the financial burden and allows families to focus on healing, knowing that experienced advocates are fighting relentlessly on their behalf. Learn more about how contingency fees work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Ralph P. Manginello: A Champion for Justice

Ralph Manginello, the founder and managing partner of Attorney911, is a force to be reckoned with. His 25+ years of litigation experience, including his involvement in cases like the BP Texas City refinery explosion, demonstrate his unwavering commitment to holding powerful corporations accountable. His unique background, including being a former insurance defense attorney, means he thoroughly understands the tactics the other side will use, allowing him to strategically dismantle their arguments. Ralph’s journalism background also gives him a keen eye for investigation and storytelling, crucial for presenting compelling cases to juries. As a father of three, he deeply understands the emotional toll hazing takes on families. His commitment to the community is evidenced by his support for organizations like Crime Stoppers of Houston and his involvement in youth sports.

Why Ralph is the Attorney for Rabun County Hazing Victims:

  1. Former Insurance Defense Attorney: He knows how the system works from the inside, using that knowledge to benefit victims.
  2. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Proven ability to take on massive corporate defendants.
  3. Dual-State Bar (TX & NY) and Federal Court Admissions: Strategic advantage for challenging national fraternities.
  4. Civil Rights Litigation Experience: Fights against institutional retaliation and cover-ups.
  5. Hazing-Specific Expertise: Currently litigating a $10M hazing case with direct incident knowledge.
  6. Personal Investment: As a father, he understands the stakes for Rabun County families.

To learn more about Ralph’s extensive experience, visit his bio page at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

Lupe Eleno Peña: The Inside Man Against Insurance Goliaths

Lupe Pena, an associate attorney at Attorney911, brings a distinct and powerful advantage to our clients. Lupe is a third-generation Texan who chose to represent victims after years of working for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He’s seen firsthand how insurance companies operate, strategize, and attempt to minimize or deny payouts.

Why Lupe is the Attorney for Rabun County Hazing Victims:

  1. Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: His insider perspective is invaluable, knowing precisely how large insurance carriers will attempt to defend hazing cases.
  2. Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Direct experience handling cases that often arise from severe hazing.
  3. Dram Shop Experience: Essential for hazing cases involving forced alcohol consumption and holding establishments accountable.
  4. Fluent in Spanish: Ensures comprehensive legal services for Spanish-speaking families in Rabun County without language barriers.
  5. Business and Finance Background: Provides a deep understanding of economic damages, crucial for calculating long-term financial impacts.

Lupe’s “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy means he’s prepared to relentlessly advocate for Rabun County victims. Read more about Lupe’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form an formidable team, uniquely equipped to challenge any institution, anywhere in the country, on behalf of Rabun County families.

What to Do Right Now for Rabun County Hazing Victims

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. For Rabun County families, taking swift and decisive action can profoundly impact the success of a legal claim. We know this is a traumatic time, but following these steps is essential to protecting your child’s rights and future.

Here’s our urgent guidance, applicable whether the incident occurred at a Georgia university, or an institution across state lines:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s health is the absolute priority. If they have suffered any physical or psychological harm due to hazing, get medical help immediately. Even if injuries seem minor at first, conditions like concussions or rhabdomyolysis can have delayed symptoms. Emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, and therapy sessions create crucial medical records that document the injuries and their connection to the hazing. Do not delay seeking treatment, as any gap can be used by defense attorneys to downplay the severity of the injury. Remember to tell medical providers that the injuries resulted from hazing activities.

2. Preserve All Evidence

This is incredibly important. Fraternities and universities are adept at destroying or suppressing evidence. You must act quickly to gather and secure anything that could support your case:

  • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, therapy session notes, and billing statements.
  • Photos and Videos: If possible, take pictures or videos of any physical injuries immediately after the incident and throughout the healing process. If you have photos or videos of hazing activities, preserve them carefully. Even screenshots of posts or conversations can be vital. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs explains why documenting everything is crucial.
  • Digital Communications: Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages (screenshots are critical as they disappear), Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. This includes messages from fraternity members, other pledges, or witnesses. These often contain explicit details of coercion, threats, and the hazing activities themselves.
  • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for other pledges, fraternity members who might be willing to speak, or anyone else who witnessed or has knowledge of the hazing.
  • Fraternity Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications given to your child as a pledge.
  • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages (if any due to injury or recovery), and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
  • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Alone

This is a critical warning, as highlighted in our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

  • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, members, or alumni. They will try to coordinate stories, instill loyalty, and dissuade your child from pursuing legal action.
  • Do NOT give statements to university administrators or campus police without legal counsel present. Their primary loyalty is to the institution, not to your child. Any statement given can be used against you.
  • Do NOT sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or any related entity. You could be unknowingly waiving your child’s legal rights.
  • Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything posted can and will be used by defense attorneys to discredit your child’s claims. Our short video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” emphasizes this.

Let us handle all communications. Once you’ve retained us, all inquiries will be directed to our firm, protecting your child from manipulation and intimidation.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

The clock is ticking. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. While this may seem like ample time, the process of gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case is complex and time-consuming. Evidence can disappear, witness memories fade, and organizations are quick to expunge records. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c details these critical deadlines.

For Rabun County families, this means acting now. Do not let fear, shame, or misplaced loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. Our immediate response team is available 24/7 to provide a free, confidential consultation. We will come to Rabun County for you, or we can conduct remote video consultations to ensure you have immediate access to expert legal advice.

Remember Leonel Bermudez’s case: His injuries occurred on November 3, and our lawsuit was filed on November 21. Swift action is paramount to securing justice.

Damages and Compensation: Pursuing Full Recovery

When hazing severely injures or tragically kills a student, the financial and emotional toll on families in Rabun County can be immense. Our goal is to secure comprehensive compensation that covers every aspect of that loss.

1. Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the hazing:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes everything from emergency room visits, hospital stays (like Leonel’s four days hospitalized for kidney failure), specialist consultations for rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury, medications, and crucially, long-term care plans for chronic conditions.
  • Lost Wages/Earning Capacity: If the hazing caused your child to miss work, lose internship opportunities, or if permanent injuries impact their future career potential, we fight for those lost earnings.
  • Lost Academic Investment: This covers tuition, fees, and other expenses for semesters disrupted by the hazing, as well as any loss of scholarships or grants.
  • Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized treatments for physical or psychological recovery.
  • Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Travel to medical appointments, medical equipment, and other related costs.

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering): These cover the intangible, yet very real, losses that profoundly impact a victim’s life. Texas law places no cap on pain and suffering in personal injury cases, allowing for substantial awards in hazing contexts. Our video, “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?”, discusses how we calculate these vital damages.

  • Physical Pain: The agony endured during the hazing itself (waterboarding, paddling, extreme exercise), the pain of hospitalization, and ongoing discomfort from injuries.
  • Mental Anguish & Emotional Distress: The profound psychological trauma from events like simulated drowning, the terror of physical abuse, the humiliation, and the long-term impact of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Leonel’s fear of retribution highlights the severe emotional distress often experienced.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in normal college activities, sports, or social events, and the overall diminished quality of life resulting from their injuries.
  • Disfigurement: Any permanent scarring or physical changes resulting from the hazing.

3. Punitive Damages: Punishing Egregious Conduct

Punitive damages are critical in hazing cases. Unlike compensatory damages, they are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the wrongdoer for their grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Texas law allows for punitive damages when there is clear and convincing evidence of malice, fraud, or gross negligence.

Leonel’s case, with its elements of waterboarding (torture), extreme physical abuse, forced consumption, and institutional knowledge of prior incidents, presents a compelling argument for punitive damages. Pi Kappa Phi’s history, including the death of Andrew Coffey, and the University of Houston’s prior hazing incident underscore an egregious conscious indifference to student safety. These damages send a powerful message that such barbaric behavior will not be tolerated.

For families in Rabun County facing the aftermath of hazing, both current injuries and the potential for wrongful death claims, our firm is committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens, and we are here to shoulder the legal fight.

Legal Framework: Protecting Rabun County Victims’ Rights

Whether the hazing occurs in Rabun County, Georgia, or states across the country, a robust legal framework exists to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. Our deep understanding of Texas hazing laws, coupled with our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), positions us to effectively pursue hazing claims nationwide.

While our office is headquartered in Texas, we are adept at navigating the legal nuances of laws relevant to the institutions where Rabun County students attend college. Many states have anti-hazing statutes similar to Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157, which defines hazing broadly and imposes criminal penalties and organizational liability.

Key principles that apply to virtually all hazing cases, regardless of location:

  • Consent is NOT a Defense: This is a cornerstone of modern anti-hazing legislation. As explicitly stated in Texas law (§ 37.154), a victim cannot legally consent to hazing. The power dynamics, fear of social ostracism, and psychological manipulation inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means that arguments like “they volunteered” or “they could have left” carry no legal weight.
  • Criminal Liability: Even if a state’s hazing laws are less stringent than Texas’, acts like assault, battery, false imprisonment, and reckless endangerment are criminal offenses everywhere. Our goal is to ensure that those who inflict harm face both civil and, where applicable, criminal consequences.
  • Civil Liability Theories:
    • Negligence: This is almost always a factor. Organizations and institutions have a duty of care to protect students. When hazing occurs, it indicates a breach of that duty.
    • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university grounds or property owned by a fraternity/sorority, the property owner may be liable for maintaining unsafe conditions.
    • Negligent Supervision: Failure by national organizations to adequately oversee chapters, or by universities to monitor Greek life, can lead to liability.
    • Intentional Torture: Acts like simulated waterboarding, as endured by Leonel, can lead to claims of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, allowing damages to extend to individual perpetrators.
  • Institutional Knowledge: A critical element in our cases is proving that the university or national organization knew, or should have known, about hazing patterns and risks. The cases of Andrew Coffey (2017) for Pi Kappa Phi and Jared Munoz (2017) for the University of Houston clearly establish a pattern of prior notice and a subsequent failure to act, strengthening our arguments for institutional negligence.

We leverage these legal principles and our extensive resources to ensure that the unique details of your child’s hazing experience, regardless of where they attend college, are meticulously documented and presented to secure the justice they deserve.

Contact Us: Your Rabun County Hazing Lawyer, Available Now

If you are a Rabun County family whose child has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are here to help. At Attorney911, we are not just legal professionals; we are passionate advocates driven by a profound commitment to ending hazing and holding every responsible party accountable. We are deeply invested in our clients’ emotional and physical recovery, and we offer the aggressive, data-driven representation needed to win.

Your legal emergency is our call to action.

Rabun County families, do not hesitate. Call us now for a Free, Confidential Consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

  • Available 24/7: No matter the hour, we are ready to listen and act.
  • Email: You can also reach us at ralph@atty911.com.
  • Website: Visit our website at attorney911.com for more information.

We Work on Contingency – No Upfront Fees for Rabun County Families

We understand that legal costs can be overwhelming, especially during a crisis. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • You pay $0 upfront.
  • You don’t pay us unless and until we win your case.
  • Our fees are a percentage of the recovery we secure for you.
  • This model ensures that every Rabun County family has access to top-tier legal representation, regardless of their current financial situation.

Our Commitment to Rabun County Families

While our headquarters are in Houston, our commitment to justice extends across America. For Rabun County hazing victims, we offer:

  • Video Consultations: Convenient and confidential consultations from your home in Rabun County.
  • Travel to You: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Rabun County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring that you receive personalized attention.
  • Nationwide Expertise: Leveraging our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), we have the legal muscle to stand up to national fraternities and universities, no matter where they are located.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities attended by Rabun County students.
  • Sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other campus organizations.
  • Any group, club, or academy that uses abusive initiation rituals.

We are here to help. If your child attends a college like North Georgia Technical College in Rabun County, or a university anywhere else, and has been subjected to this abuse, we are your advocates. If you are reading this in Clayton, Dillard, Lake Burton, or any other community within our beautiful Rabun County, know that we are ready to fight for you.

Have You Been Affected by the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing?

We know that Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston. Another pledge reportedly lost consciousness, and many others endured similar and equally horrific abuse. If you or your child were involved in this incident, or any other hazing incident, we urge you to come forward.

As Lupe Pena said, “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 voice matters, and your courage can protect countless others.

Let us help you turn pain into power and secure the justice your family deserves.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com