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, build a community, and pursue their dreams. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We’re here to help families in Screven County fight back.

Hazing is a secret world of abuse often hidden behind the guise of “tradition” and “brotherhood.” But when that secrecy leads to physical assault, psychological torment, severe injury, or even death, it stops being a college prank and starts being a crime. If your child has been the victim of hazing in Screven County, or anywhere in Georgia, you don’t have to face it alone. We are Attorney911, and we are actively fighting hazing right now in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach to every family we represent, including those in Screven County.

When a legal emergency strikes – whether it’s a traumatic car crash, a devastating workplace injury, or the unspeakable horror of a child hospitalized from hazing – you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and our mission is to provide precisely that. Although our offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide. We have the federal court authority and the commitment to travel wherever justice demands, ensuring that families in Screven County receive the same high-caliber representation as those in our home state.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights Back in a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

Screven County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.

This case wasn’t theoretical; it unfolded recently in Houston, Texas, but the horrifying truth is that the same patterns of hazing, the same reckless disregard for student safety, and the same national fraternities operate at colleges and universities that students from Screven County attend. The negligence we are exposing in this case exists all over the country. We are ready to bring the same level of aggression and meticulous investigation to fight for victims of hazing in Screven County.

The Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.

Filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, this $10 million lawsuit targets Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, its national headquarters, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it exemplifies everything Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

Leonel Bermudez: The Victim’s Story

Leonel Bermudez was just a “ghost rush” – a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long campaign of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, just a few weeks ago.

Our client’s experience is a stark warning for parents in Screven County. The national fraternities operating at universities across Georgia and beyond are often the same organizations with documented histories of hazing. The “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can, and do, happen at chapters near Screven County. Universities everywhere, including those that students from Screven County attend, face the same challenges of Greek life oversight and the same liability when they fail to protect their students.

As Mr. Manginello told ABC13 in November 2025: “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.”

Mr. Peña emphasized our firm’s mission 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.”

The Hazing Timeline: A Descent into Torture

The abuse began almost immediately after Leonel accepted his bid:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi.
• September 16 – November 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture.
• Throughout the Pledge Period:
  • Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
  • He was subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews designed to induce discomfort and humiliation.
  • Threats of physical punishment and expulsion were constant if tasks weren’t completed.
  • He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe sleep deprivation and exhaustion.
• October 13, 2025: In a separate incident demonstrating systemic abuse, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to actively elevate his legs until he revived, yet the hazing continued within the chapter.
• Multiple Occasions: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” a form of torture where water is poured over the face to simulate drowning, making it difficult to breathe. He was sprayed with a hose while doing calisthenics, and forced to run repeatedly under the threat of being waterboarded again.
• Multiple Occasions: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was made to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and forced to lie in the vomit-soaked grass.
• Multiple Occasions: He was subjected to extreme physical punishment, including being struck with wooden paddles. He was forced to perform 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-your-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. These exercises were often accompanied by forced recitation of the fraternity creed.
• November 3, 2025: The culminating incident. Leonel was severely punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform the grueling exercises listed above until he became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel was unable to move, his condition worsening.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, noting he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring intensive medical treatment during his three-night, four-day hospitalization.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, a week before our lawsuit was filed.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed the $10 million lawsuit.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream. These substances, particularly myoglobin, can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to severe complications like acute kidney failure, as experienced by Leonel Bermudez. This can be life-threatening and may result in permanent kidney damage. His brown urine, high creatine kinase levels, and inability to stand or walk were all clear indicators of this severe condition. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely equipped to handle such complex medical-legal matters.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Cover-Up?

• University of Houston: A spokesperson acknowledged the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” mentioning potential criminal charges. However, the University owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, making them directly culpable under premises liability laws.
• Pi Kappa Phi National: Their official statement on November 21, 2025, announced the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter, citing “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy.” While they claimed to take “all allegations of hazing seriously,” their immediate closure of the chapter before the lawsuit was filed, and their statement about “look[ing] forward to returning to campus,” speaks volumes about their priorities. It suggests a move to mitigate legal and public relations damage, rather than genuine remorse. As KHOU 11 reported, the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”

Why This Case Matters to Screven County Families

1. Hazing Is Not Pranks, It’s Torture: The systematic abuse suffered by Leonel Bermudez is not unique to Houston. The same “traditions” occur at universities where students from Screven County attend, often perpetrated by chapters of the very same national fraternities.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where horrifying hazing occurred. Colleges and universities in Georgia, and across the nation, often own or oversee dormitories and Greek housing. They have the power, and the responsibility, to prevent hazing, but too often fail to act until a tragedy occurs.
3. National Organizations Know: The immediate suspension and dissolution of the chapter by Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters signals they recognized severe wrongdoing. National fraternities operating near Screven County or across the country cannot claim ignorance when their chapters engage in such acts.
4. Victims Are Intimidated: Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” Hazing cultures thrive on fear and silence. We understand this threat and prioritize protecting our clients, ensuring their safety and anonymity when necessary.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: Every lawsuit, every voice that speaks out, helps dismantle the culture of hazing. As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your case in Screven County could be the one that saves another student’s life.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: The demand for $10 million in damages aims to send an undeniable message to these institutions. It creates accountability and forces change that internal policies and vague threats often fail to achieve. Screven County families affected by hazing deserve the same uncompromising pursuit of justice.

The Reality of Hazing in America: This isn’t “boys being boys” or harmless fun. It is assault, battery, torture, and reckless endangerment, often leading to severe injury, permanent psychological trauma, or even death. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. A staggering 95% of students who are hazed never report it. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, making aggressive legal action by firms like Attorney911 crucial for accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Screven County might imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality is far more sinister, a systematic campaign of abuse designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and enforce absolute obedience. The experiences endured by Leonel Bermudez are a chilling example of what lurzing beneath the surface of seemingly prestigious organizations.

Physical Abuse: More Than Just Scrapes and Bruises
Hazing often involves extreme physical torment, pushing bodies to their breaking point and beyond. This is not playful roughhousing; it is calculated injury:

• Forced Extreme Physical Exertion: As in Leonel’s case, new members are often compelled to perform hundreds of push-ups, squats, sprints, bear crawls, and other calisthenics. These are done to the point of collapse, muscle failure, and severe medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis. This is not about building strength, but about breaking spirits and bodies.
• Beatings and Paddling: The use of wooden paddles and other implements to strike new members, as described in the Houston Chronicle, is a barbaric ritual that constitutes physical assault and battery.
• Waterboarding and Simulated Drowning: This horrific practice, where individuals are deprived of air or have water poured over their faces to mimic drowning, is internationally recognized as torture. To subject a prospective college student to this trauma is not only criminal but deeply inhumane.
• Exposure to Elements: Forced stripping in cold weather or exposure to other harsh environmental conditions can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and serious illness.
• Forced Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days on end, forced to run errands, study, or perform tasks at all hours. This impairs judgment, increases vulnerability, and can lead to dangerous accidents.

Forced Consumption: A Recipe for Disaster
Beyond physical beatings, hazing often involves forcing pledges to consume dangerous substances, with deadly consequences:

• Binge Drinking and Forced Alcohol Consumption: This is a leading cause of hazing deaths. Pledges are made to drink excessive amounts of alcohol in short periods, often under duress or as punishment, leading to acute alcohol poisoning, as seen in the tragic deaths of Andrew Coffey and Maxwell Gruver.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: The repulsive act of forcing food, milk, or other substances, including peppercorns or condiments, until a pledge vomits, and then forcing them to remain in their own vomit, is a profound act of degradation and physical abuse. This can lead to choking, aspiration, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Consumption of Harmful Substances: In some cases, pledges are forced to ingest non-food items, rotten food, or even their own bodily fluids.

Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Scars That Don’t Heal
Not all hazing injuries are visible. The psychological scars can be just as, if not more, devastating:

• Systematic Degradation: Humiliating acts, such as carrying sexually suggestive objects or being hog-tied, are designed to strip individuals of their dignity and self-worth.
• Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant insults, intimidation, and threats of violence or social ostracism create an environment of fear and anxiety.
• Isolation and Manipulation: Pledges are often isolated from their peers, family, and supportive networks, making them more susceptible to manipulation and coercion.
• Fear of Retribution: As exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s fear, victims often remain silent due to the threat of physical harm, social exile, or damage to their academic or career prospects. This fear is a form of psychological torture itself.

The Medical Realities: Life-Altering Injuries
The consequences of hazing are not trivial. They include:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: As suffered by Leonel Bermudez, this can lead to permanent organ damage or even be fatal.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings, falls, or uncontrolled head impacts.
• Broken Bones, Internal Injuries, Burns: Direct results of physical assault.
• Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From environmental exposure.
• PTSD, Severe Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation: Long-term mental health consequences that can profoundly impact a victim’s life.

This is what hazing looks like today. It is not an initiation; it is systematic abuse. And for families in Screven County, understanding this stark reality is the first step toward seeking justice.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, the responsibility extends far beyond the individual members directly involved. Attorney911’s strategy, powerfully demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is to cast a wide net, holding every culpable party accountable. This includes local chapters, national organizations, universities, and individual perpetrators. For families in Screven County, understanding these layers of liability is critical to pursuing full justice.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members

The most immediate culprits are always the members and leadership of the local chapter. They are the ones who planned, organized, and executed the hazing:

• Chapter Officers: Individuals like the chapter president, pledgemasters, and other leaders are directly responsible for the activities they oversee and direct. These individuals, as seen in the Stone Foltz case where a chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million, cannot hide behind the organization’s name.
• Individual Members: Every participant in the hazing, whether actively inflicting abuse or standing by and allowing it to happen, can be held liable. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and other intentional torts.
• Alumni and Former Members: Often, alumni play a significant role, either by directly participating, hosting hazing activities at their residences (as alleged in the Bermudez case), or providing tacit approval. Their involvement can extend liability and often taps into homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

These are the “deep pockets” that often have extensive resources, insurance, and the ultimate authority over their chapters. National organizations are held responsible for:

• Failure to Supervise: National headquarters have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure a safe environment. When they fail, like Pi Kappa Phi National did after Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017, they are liable for subsequent harm.
• Failure to Enforce Policies: Many national organizations have anti-hazing policies, but if these are not actively enforced, or if they turn a blind eye to violations despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis” (as alleged against Pi Kappa Phi National), they become legally responsible.
• Negligent Training: If national organizations fail to adequately train their members and leadership on anti-hazing measures, they contribute to the dangerous environment.
• Pattern of Behavior: A history of hazing incidents across multiple chapters, like Pi Kappa Phi’s record from Andrew Coffey to Leonel Bermudez, demonstrates a systemic failure and supports claims for punitive damages.

3. The University or College

Universities have a profound responsibility to protect their students, a responsibility that extends to activities within Greek life. Their liability often stems from:

• Failure to Supervise Campus Organizations: Universities have a duty to oversee and regulate student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. If they fail to monitor these groups, they are negligent.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, such as the fraternity house in the Bermudez case, the university can be held liable for creating an unsafe environment. This is a critical point of exposure for institutions.
• Failure to Act on Prior Knowledge: As demonstrated by the University of Houston’s prior hazing incident in 2017, institutions that have been put on notice about hazing risks but fail to implement effective preventative measures are willfully negligent.
• Title IX Violations: In cases involving sexual hazing or gender-based violence, universities can face Title IX complaints and lawsuits for failing to adequately respond to and prevent such incidents.
• Inadequate Policies and Procedures: If the university’s anti-hazing policies are weak, not enforced, or not properly communicated, they can be deemed negligent.

4. Insurance Carriers

Ultimately, the funds to compensate victims often come from insurance policies held by these various defendants:

• National Organization’s Liability Insurance: National fraternities carry extensive insurance policies to cover liability for incidents like hazing.
• University’s Institutional Insurance: Colleges have robust insurance to protect against claims of negligence and premises liability.
• Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: For hazing that occurs off-campus in private residences, the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance of the individuals involved can play a critical role.
• Umbrella/Excess Policies: Larger entities often have additional layers of insurance coverage.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña at Attorney911 possess unique insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. They understand the strategies employed to deny or minimize claims and use that expertise to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for victims. We don’t just sue individuals; we follow the money to ensure every responsible party is brought to justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Screven County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, the prospect of taking on powerful institutions can seem daunting. But the truth, proven by numerous landmark cases and our current $10 million lawsuit, is that justice can be won, and the compensation can be substantial. These multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements send a clear message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will pay.

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

💰 Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at Bowling Green State University, died in March 2021 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation event. This tragedy resulted in one of the largest public university hazing payouts in Ohio history.

• Bowling Green State University: Settled with the Foltz family for $2.9 million.
• Pi Kappa Alpha National Fraternity & Individual Members: Paid out $7.2 million in various settlements.
• Daylen Dunson (Chapter President): In December 2024, a jury ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay the Foltz family an additional $6.5 million in personal liability.

Relevance for Screven County: This case provides direct precedent for the $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that both universities and national fraternities are held significantly accountable, and individual members can face substantial personal judgments.

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

💰 Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died in September 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly, resulting in Gruver’s blood alcohol content reaching a deadly 0.495.

• Jury Verdict: Gruver’s family was awarded $6.1 million by a jury.
• Criminal Convictions: Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one, Matthew Naquin, convicted of negligent homicide.
• Legislative Impact: The case inspired the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense.

Relevance for Screven County: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums for hazing deaths. It underscores the severity with which the legal system views hazing and highlights how these cases can drive legislative change, impacting hazing laws in Georgia and nationwide.

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

💰 Estimated Settlements: $110+ Million

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State student, died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He subsequently fell down stairs multiple times, suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, and fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. The entire ordeal was captured on surveillance cameras.

• Civil Settlements: While confidential, reports estimate the total settlements from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi exceeded $110 million.
• Criminal Charges: 18 fraternity members faced charges, resulting in multiple convictions, including involuntary manslaughter.
• Legislative Impact: The case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, strengthening anti-hazing legislation.

Relevance for Screven County: The Piazza case demonstrates the immense compensation possible when clear evidence of egregious conduct is presented. It emphasizes the importance of evidence preservation and shows how universities and national organizations face massive financial liability.

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

⚠️ The Same Fraternity as Our Current Case

Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU student, died in November 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night,” exactly eight years to the day before Leonel Bermudez’s severe hazing incident.

• Civil Settlement: The family settled quietly for a confidential amount.
• Criminal Charges: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
• Chapter Status: Pi Kappa Phi was permanently banned from FSU.

Relevance for Screven County: This is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi National. It definitively proves they had actual notice that their chapters engaged in deadly hazing tactics. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was severely injured, showing a clear pattern of negligence and failure to reform, which will significantly increase punitive damages in our case.

Why These Precedents Matter for Hazing Victims in Screven County

These cases are not isolated incidents; they represent a nationwide epidemic of hazing and a burgeoning legal field focused on accountability.

• The Power of Precedent: These multi-million dollar awards demonstrate to universities, national Greek organizations, and their insurers that failing to prevent hazing carries immense financial consequences.
• Foreseeability: A history of such devastating incidents means institutions can no longer claim ignorance. The risks of hazing are known, and therefore, injuries are foreseeable if preventative action is not taken.
• Punitive Damages: The egregious nature of hazing, coupled with institutional indifference, often leads to high punitive damages, intended not just to compensate victims but to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
• Driving Change: Beyond monetary awards, these lawsuits force institutions to reevaluate their policies, improve oversight, and sometimes, directly lead to stronger anti-hazing laws designed to protect future generations of students, including those from Screven County.

When we file a lawsuit in Screven County, we draw upon this extensive body of precedent, armed with the knowledge of what institutions have paid before. We ensure that our clients receive the maximum possible compensation, leveraging every prior success to fight for justice.

Texas Law Protects You: Debunking the “Consent” Myth

For families in Screven County confronted with the trauma of hazing, a common fear is that their child’s participation might negate their ability to seek justice. Fraternities and universities often hide behind the flimsy excuse that “he agreed to participate,” or “they knew what they were signing up for.” Under Texas law, and increasingly in other states, this argument holds no water. Consent is NOT a defense to hazing.

Our firm is based in Texas, a state that has enacted strong anti-hazing legislation to protect students. While we primarily operate within the Texas legal framework, the principles established here are often echoed in laws across the country, and federal claims can apply anywhere.

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws: Education Code Sections 37.151-37.157

These statutes provide a robust legal foundation for holding hazers accountable and protect students from coercion.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151)

Texas law comprehensively defines hazing to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. The definition is broad and covers numerous forms of abuse, many of which were inflicted upon Leonel Bermudez:

• Physical Brutality: Includes “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.” Leonel was struck with wooden paddles and subjected to extreme physical exertion.
• Unreasonable Risk of Harm: Covers “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel’s waterboarding, forced 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis, sleep deprivation, and exposure to cold after stripping all fall squarely under this.
• Forced Consumption: Encompasses “consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.

The specific acts of waterboarding, extreme calisthenics, and forced eating, as suffered by Leonel Bermudez, clearly and unequivocally fall within the statutory definition of hazing in Texas.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152)

Texas law isn’t just about civil actions; it makes hazing a crime. Depending on the severity of the injury, hazing can be:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in, encouraging, or failing to report hazing. Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury.” This applies directly to Leonel Bermudez’s case, where he suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, carrying up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, carrying 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

The fact that universities like UH acknowledge “potential criminal charges” in their statements is a testament to the severity of these laws.

Organizational Penalties (§ 37.153)

Organizations that condone or encourage hazing, or whose members commit hazing, can face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and the denial of permission to operate on campus. This provision directly targets the institutional defendants, allowing for the dissolution or banning of chapters proven to be hazing.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is perhaps the most critical provision for hazing victims and their families in Screven County:

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

This powerful legal declaration directly counters the fraternity’s most common defense. It recognizes the inherent power imbalance, social pressure, and coercion involved in hazing. A student cannot legally consent to be tortured, abused, or endangered. This means that even if a student “agreed” to participate, or “could have left,” their consent is legally meaningless in the face of hazing. This enables victims to come forward without fear that their choices will be used against them.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155)

Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for transparency.

Extending Beyond Criminal Charges: Civil Liability

While criminal charges aim to punish offenders, civil lawsuits, like the one filed in Leonel Bermudez’s case, focus on compensating the victim for their immense suffering and losses. These civil actions are applicable regardless of whether criminal charges are filed in Screven County or elsewhere, and they rely on broader legal theories:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim, asserting that a party (individual, fraternity, or university) had a duty to protect the student, breached that duty through negligent actions or inactions (such as failing to supervise or enforce rules), and that breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH fraternity house), the institution can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition on its premises.
• Assault and Battery: Direct physical harm inflicted during hazing, such as paddling or waterboarding, constitutes intentional torts for which individual perpetrators and, in some cases, organizations, can be held directly liable.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when the conduct is so outrageous and extreme that it causes severe emotional harm, a clear fit for many hazing situations involving psychological torment.

For Screven County families, these laws provide a clear path to justice. They confirm that your child did not “deserve” what happened, and that those who inflicted the harm, and those who allowed it to happen, are legally and morally responsible.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Screven County

When your family in Screven County faces the devastating reality of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the brutal landscape of hazing litigation and knows how to win. Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, offers an unparalleled combination of experience, insight, and aggressive dedication that sets us apart. We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are hazing litigation specialists, fighting on the front lines, as our $10 million lawsuit demonstrates.

1. Fierce Aggression in the Face of Injustice

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is not just a case; it’s a testament to our firm’s ethos. We are actively fighting this battle right now, taking on a national fraternity with 150+ chapters and a major university. This is not theoretical experience; this is real-time, in-the-trenches litigation. Families in Screven County facing similar nightmares will receive the exact same aggressive, unapologetic representation. We refuse to back down from powerful institutions.

2. The Insider Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers on the other side, defending insurance companies and corporations. This history provides an invaluable “unfair advantage” for our clients in Screven County.

• Ralph Manginello knows the defense playbook inside and out. He understands how insurance companies evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to anticipate their every move.
• Lupe Peña, who worked for a national insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, possesses an intimate understanding of how large corporate entities, like national fraternities and universities, strategize their defenses. He knows their valuation methods, delay tactics, and denial strategies.

This dual-perspective allows us to dismantle their defenses, expose their weaknesses, and maximize recovery for hazing victims in Screven County. We don’t just know the law; we know how the other side fights, and we use that knowledge against them.

3. Deep Hazing-Specific Expertise

Our firm doesn’t just dabble in hazing cases; we specialize in them. We have direct experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis Litigation: As seen in the Bermudez case, involving complex medical details.
• Kappa Sigma and Other Fraternity Litigations: We have prior experience taking on specific fraternities.
• University Hazing Cases: Including experience with institutions like Texas A&M and now the University of Houston.
• Wrongful Death from Hazing: Compassionately representing families who have lost loved ones to reckless hazing.

This specialized focus means we understand the nuances of Greek life culture, university administrative processes, and the specific legal arguments needed to win these complex cases for Screven County families.

4. Unmatched Litigation Experience: 25+ Years of Courtroom Battles

Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. He has been involved in:

• Multi-Billion Dollar Mass Tort Litigation: Notably, the BP Texas City Explosion, demonstrating his capability to take on massive corporate defendants in high-stakes cases. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases against large national fraternities and state universities.
• Federal Court Admissions: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and with experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, we can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, especially advantageous when dealing with national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Admissions (Texas and New York): This provides strategic flexibility and authority in confronting national fraternities and sororities, many of which have ties or headquarters in diverse legal jurisdictions.

This extensive litigation background ensures that whether your case goes to settlement or trial, you have seasoned trial attorneys fighting for you.

5. Data-Driven Legal Strategy: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

We don’t guess; we know. Attorney911 maintains one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas. This intelligence includes IRS-registered entities, legal names, EINs (Employer Identification Numbers), addresses, house corporations, and alumni chapters.

• Example from our database: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas) is the exact entity behind the UH chapter we sued. We knew their corporate structure before we filed, just as we track Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786 in College Station) and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427 in San Marcos).
• Local Application: This means for any hazing incident affecting Screven County families, we can quickly identify every single entity behind the Greek letters, from local chapters to national organizations, their house corporations, and alumni networks. This eliminates guesswork and ensures every liable party is targeted.
• Metro-Level Analysis: In the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area alone, there are 510 Greek organizations. In the Houston area (our home base), there are 188. Even smaller metros like College Station–Bryan have 42 organizations. Our database allows us to track these complex networks, regardless of their specific location within Georgia or beyond.

When hazing happens, we know exactly who to sue and how to find their assets and insurance policies.

6. Compassionate and Client-Centered Approach

Despite our aggressive legal tactics, our firm is built on empathy and genuine care for our clients. We understand the profound trauma hazing inflicts.

• “They Treat You Like Family”: Our Google reviews consistently praise our communication, responsiveness, and the feeling that clients are treated like family. “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” – Chad Harris.
• Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan from the historical King Ranch region, is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Screven County and beyond receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers.
• No Upfront Cost (Contingency Fees): We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means families in Screven County pay absolutely nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to accessing top-tier legal representation.

7. Strategic Advantages for Aggressive Litigation

• Journalism Background: Ralph Manginello’s background in journalism means he’s trained to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and tell compelling stories – essential skills for exposing what institutions want to hide in hazing cases.
• High-Profile Case Experience: Ralph’s experience with media-intensive cases like the Ryan Mitchell Smith case (covered by ABC13) demonstrates his ability to manage sensitive, high-stakes matters while protecting client interests.
• Community Involvement: Ralph’s work with Crime Stoppers of Houston and as a youth sports coach reflects his deep commitment to community safety and understanding of group dynamics, offering unique insight into hazing environments. As a father of three, he knows firsthand the stakes involved when a child is harmed.

For families in Screven County, facing the nightmare of hazing, Attorney911 isn’t just an option; we are your most formidable ally. We don’t just talk about hazing; we are actively fighting it right now, proving our dedication and expertise with every case.

Client Testimonials Speak Volumes

Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business, with over 250 reviews, reflects our unwavering commitment:

• “If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients! Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process. They’re the best!” — Devin Hebert (Local Guide)
• “What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris
• “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez

We bring this dedication and proven track record to every client, including hazing victims in Screven County. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will fight fiercely for the justice they deserve.

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Steps for Screven County Families

If your child in Screven County has been the victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While panic and anger are natural, swift and strategic action can significantly impact the success of any future legal claim. We understand you’re scared, but it’s vital to act quickly and deliberately.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

• Remove Your Child from the Situation Immediately: Get them away from the hazing environment, whether it’s the fraternity house, off-campus residence, team locker room, or any other location. Ensure their physical and psychological safety.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor or “just” psychological, get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all medical professionals are aware that the injuries resulted from hazing. Get copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, test results (blood tests, urinalysis, imaging), and prescriptions. This objective medical documentation is crucial evidence.
  • Prioritize Mental Health: Hazing inflicts severe psychological trauma. Seek counseling or therapy immediately. Documenting psychological impact is just as important as physical injuries.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – Everything Is Important

Hazers and institutions are often quick to destroy evidence. You must be quicker.

• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of all physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling, skin discoloration) as soon as they are discovered, and continue to document their healing process over time.
  • Locations: If safe to do so, photograph or video the location where the hazing occurred, including any specific objects used, hazardous conditions, or relevant details (e.g., alcohol containers, restraints).
  • Perpetrators: If you can identify any of the individuals involved, photographs can be helpful.
• Digital Communications: DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Screenshots are vital.
  • Text Messages: Any texts related to hazing, instructions, conversations with perpetrators, or communications about the incident.
  • GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, etc.: Save every message, picture, or video from any group chats or private messages involving the organization or its members. These often contain explicit evidence of hazing, coercion, and threats.
  • Emails: Preserve any emails from the organization, university officials, or members discussing activities or the incident.
• Witness Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and any contact details for other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have seen or heard anything. Their willingness to testify could be invaluable.
• Documents:
  • Fraternity/Sorority Materials: Any pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, schedules, rules, or communications received from the organization.
  • University Materials: University anti-hazing policies, Greek life handbooks, or communications regarding the organization.
  • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
• Financial Records: Keep track of:
  • Medical bills and receipts.
  • Lost wages or income if your child missed work or internships due to injury or trauma.
  • Tuition or fees paid to the university or organization.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOT” Advisories

These are common pitfalls that can severely damage your case.

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Digital evidence is easily lost if deleted. Assume that anything you throw away or erase could have been critical to your case.
• DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Leadership without Legal Counsel: They will likely try to coerce your child, convince them to remain silent, or offer to “handle it internally” in a way that minimizes their liability and your child’s rights.
• DO NOT Sign Anything from the Organization or University: You may unknowingly waive your child’s legal rights or sign away their ability to seek compensation.
• DO NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media: Anything posted can be used against your child by defense attorneys. Even seemingly innocent posts can be twisted to suggest your child is “fine” or minimize their suffering.
• DO NOT Give Statements to University Administration Alone: University representatives, while appearing concerned, are primarily protecting the institution. Their questions are designed to gather information that may be used against your child in a lawsuit. Always consult with an attorney first.
• DO NOT Delay Seeking Legal Advice: The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately – Time is Critical

• Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7 for families in Screven County and nationwide. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
• The Statute of Limitations: Most states, including our base in Texas, have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you generally have two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek legal recourse forever.
• Evidence Disappears: With every passing day, crucial evidence can be lost, deleted, or destroyed. Witnesses’ memories fade, and their willingness to testify can diminish. Swift action allows us to send immediate preservation letters to all potential defendants, legally requiring them to protect all relevant evidence.
• We Will Come to You: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for convenience and are prepared to travel to Screven County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.

Your child’s hazing injury is a legal emergency. We are here to act as your first responders, providing immediate, aggressive, and professional help. Do not hesitate. Call us now.

Screven County Families: Call Us Now – Your Child’s Future Depends On It

Have You or Your Child Been Hazed in Screven County?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for Screven County victims, too.

The nightmare of hazing can leave a student and their family feeling isolated, powerless, and financially burdened. But you are not alone. Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 million lawsuit. We know firsthand the tactics these institutions use to evade responsibility, and we know how to dismantle their defenses. We will bring that same unwavering dedication, strategic insight, and aggressive litigation to fight for families in Screven County.

Screven County Families – Call Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Screven County hazing emergencies

We understand that pursuing justice can seem financially daunting, especially when your family is already dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. That’s why we work on a CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS for hazing cases:

• $0 Upfront for Screven County Families: You pay absolutely nothing to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid: Our success is tied directly to yours. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing in attorney fees.

What Screven County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: If you haven’t already, ensure your child receives thorough medical and psychological evaluation. Document every diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing symptom.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Your phone is a powerful tool. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat video, email, and social media post related to the hazing. Photograph injuries, locations, and any relevant items. This digital trail can be the key to your child’s case.
3. DO NOT TALK TO DEFENDANTS: Do not communicate with fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials, or their attorneys without consulting your legal counsel first. Anything you say can be used against you.
4. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING: Never sign any documents from the school or organization without your attorney’s review.
5. DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Refrain from posting about the incident on any social media platform. Defense attorneys will monitor your child’s online activity.
6. CALL US IMMEDIATELY: The clock is ticking. The statute of limitations (typically two years in most states) means your time to act is limited. More importantly, critical evidence disappears rapidly. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your child’s case will be.

Screven County Families: Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Although our offices are primarily located in Texas (Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), we provide comprehensive representation for hazing victims across the United States, including Screven County. We leverage:

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential avenue when dealing with national organizations.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, we possess strategic advantages in litigating against national fraternities and sororities regardless of their location.
• Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing families in Screven County to meet with our legal team remotely, from the comfort of their home.
• Travel Commitment: We are committed to justice wherever it leads. Our attorneys are prepared to travel to Screven County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed, ensuring a robust local presence for your case.

Hazing is unfortunately not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in a wide array of student organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges throughout Georgia and beyond.
• Screven County sports teams at all levels.
• Marching bands and musical ensembles.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and other student organizations.
• Military academies and other similar institutions where abuse is veiled as “initiation.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Another pledge tragically lost consciousness during a forced workout. Others endured waterboarding, forced eating, and physical violence. If you or someone you know was also a victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston, or any similar incident, you have rights. We can represent you.

As Lupe Peña so powerfully stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your voice matters. Your story matters. Let us help you turn your pain into powerful action. Call us today.

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