If you’re reading this in Seminole County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build connections, and prepare for a future filled with opportunity. Instead, they were tortured. Abused. Harmed by the very people and institutions sworn to protect them.

We’re here to help families in Seminole County fight back. We are Attorney911, and we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re actively fighting to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable for the devastating consequences of hazing. Whether your child attends a state university, a private college, or a regional institution, the dangers of hazing are very real, and they are closer to home than you might think.

We serve families across America, including right here in Seminole County, Georgia, even though our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas. The grim reality is that hazing is a nationwide crisis, and the same national fraternities and sororities that operate on campuses in Georgia have chapters throughout Texas and beyond. The legal strategies that win justice for victims in Houston apply to victims in Donalsonville, Lake Seminole, Iron City, and every other community in Seminole County as well.

The Hazing Crisis: It Could Happen to Your Child in Seminole County

Hazing is not just harmless pranks or innocent traditions. It is systematic abuse, often involving physical and psychological torment that can lead to severe injury, lifelong trauma, or even death. Parents in Seminole County send their children to colleges and universities across Georgia and the nation with hopes for their bright futures, not fears for their safety. Yet, the statistics are horrifying:

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

These aren’t just statistics; they are the stories of sons and daughters, futures shattered, and families broken. And it’s not limited to fraternities and sororities; hazing plagues sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various other student organizations. The problem is widespread, and the institutions that allow it to continue are failing our children.

A Landmark Case: We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We’ll Fight for Seminole County Too

This isn’t theoretical for us. We’re actively engaged in the fight against hazing, representing victims and their families in real, high-stakes litigation. Our firm, Attorney911, has filed a $10 million lawsuit in November 2025 against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members for horrific hazing that hospitalized a young man named Leonel Bermudez.

This case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is happening in Harris County Civil District Court in Texas. But the same hazing culture, the same national organizations, and the same institutional negligence can be found at colleges and universities across Georgia, affecting students from Seminole County. We will bring the same aggressive representation, data-driven strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for families in Seminole County as we do for our clients in Texas.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: A Warning for Every Parent in Seminole County

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a student at the University of Houston yet. He was what’s known as a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long nightmare of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We want every parent in Seminole County to understand what hazing looks like today, because it is far removed from innocent pranks:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face while doing strenuous calisthenics, and forced to run repeatedly under the threat of more waterboarding. This is torture. When done to enemy combatants, it’s considered a war crime. They did it to a college student.
• Forced eating until vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a horrific display of continued abuse, he was forced to keep running sprints while clearly in physical distress, eventually lying in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme physical punishment: On one particularly brutal night, Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and numerous other exercises like “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed while exercising until he became so exhausted he could not stand without help. We also know from the lawsuit that pledges were struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological torment: Beyond the physical abuse, Leonel suffered psychological torture. He was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion for non-compliance were constant. He was also subjected to sleep deprivation, forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, which contributed to his physical and mental exhaustion.

When Leonel finally made it home that night, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was so sore he couldn’t move. The day after, he was worse. By November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, conditions that can be life-threatening and may lead to long-term health complications if not properly treated. He spent four agonizing days hospitalized.

This happened in Houston, a major metropolitan area not unlike the reach of Atlanta’s university system to students from Seminole County. And this happened to someone just trying to make friends. It could happen at a university where your child studies, whether that’s closer to home at schools like Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Andrew College in Cuthbert, or further away at larger institutions like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or Georgia State. The national fraternities and hazing traditions are the same. Attorney911 is here to make sure that for Seminole County families, justice is also the same.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents and students in Seminole County might picture hazing as something out of a movie, maybe a little embarrassing but ultimately harmless. The reality is far grimmer. Hazing is a calculated process of abuse designed to break pledges down physically and mentally, fostering loyalty through shared trauma.

It is NOT “boys being boys.” It is NOT just “tradition.” It is NOT “building brotherhood.”

IT IS:

• Assault
• Battery
• Torture
• Reckless endangerment
• Sometimes manslaughter
• Sometimes murder

The hazing that Leonel endured is a stark illustration of the types of abuse that are often kept secret. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are part of a deeply ingrained culture that prioritizes secrecy and “tradition” over human decency and safety. The lasting effects can be devastating, ranging from severe physical injuries like rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning, to profound psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. When families in Seminole County discover their child has been subjected to such abuse, it’s vital to recognize the true nature of what they’ve endured.

Who is Responsible When Hazing Occurs in Seminole County?

When our attorneys take on a hazing case for a family in Seminole County, we leave no stone unturned in identifying every party responsible. The goal is not just to punish the individuals directly involved, but to hold the institutions accountable who allowed such egregious behavior to fester. As our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates, liability often extends far beyond a few bad actors.

Here’s a breakdown of who can be held responsible:

• The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing activities. Their leadership (such as the chapter president and pledgemaster) and individual members who participated are all on the hook.
• The National Organization: National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi National, have a responsibility to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” as alleged in our lawsuit, they can be held liable. These national organizations often have millions in assets and large liability insurance policies, making them a primary target.
• The University or College: Universities in Georgia, like any other state, have a duty to protect their students, ensure a safe campus environment, and oversee student organizations. If a university, such as Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Bainbridge State College, Valdosta State University, or Georgia Southwestern State, owns or controls the property where hazing occurs, fails to implement effective anti-hazing measures, or ignores signs of abuse, it can be held directly liable. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was hazed, making their liability for premises negligence undeniable.
• Individual Perpetrators: Every person who directly participated in, facilitated, or failed to stop the hazing activities can be held personally responsible. This includes chapter officers, active members, and even former members who hosted hazing events at their residences, as included in our lawsuit. These individuals can face criminal charges as well as civil liability.
• Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own and manage chapter properties. These entities can be liable if hazing occurs on their premises and they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

For families in Seminole County, it’s crucial to understand that we are not simply trying to “sue college kids.” We are pursuing deep-pocketed defendants—national organizations, universities, and their insurance carriers—who have the financial means to compensate victims and, more importantly, the power to prevent future tragedies.

The Cost of Hazing: Multi-Million Dollar Precedents

Hazing is not just a moral failing; it is a serious legal offense with severe financial consequences for those responsible. For families in Seminole County, these precedents are crucial not only because they show what is possible, but they also highlight the severity of the institutional failures that allow hazing to continue. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is firmly rooted in these landmark settlements and verdicts.

• Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) — $10.1 Million+: Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a hazing event. The family received over $10.1 million in settlements, with $2.9 million paid by Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and individuals. In December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million. This case proves that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liabilities, and individual perpetrators can be held personally accountable.
• Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict: Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a hazing ritual called “Bible Study.” His family was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict, and his death led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony. This verdict sends a clear message that juries will not tolerate hazing and are willing to award substantial damages.
• Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) — $110 Million+ (Estimated): Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after a brutal hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, then fell down stairs and was left untreated for 12 hours. The family’s civil case resulted in confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million, and his death spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania. This case underscores that strong evidence, like the detailed allegations in our Bermudez lawsuit, can lead to massive financial accountability.
• Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) — Confidential Settlement: In a tragically similar case, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Pi Kappa Phi is the same national fraternity involved in our current Bermudez lawsuit. This case proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized, yet failed to prevent further tragedies.
• Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2024) — $4+ Million Settlement: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi hazing ritual in 2021. His family, who initially sought $28 million, recently settled for over $4 million, with a portion going to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, demonstrating continued civil recovery and legislative impact in hazing cases.

These cases are not isolated incidents; they represent a nationwide pattern of institutional failure and tragic outcomes. For families in Seminole County, this means that the same national fraternities operating at colleges and universities near you, from Valdosta State to Florida State (just across the border), are part of a dangerous system. When we fight for Leonel Bermudez, we are fighting for every student who could be next.

Texas Law Protects You: Your Rights in a Hazing Incident

While our firm is based in Texas, the legal principles that underpin our hazing litigation apply across state lines, including to families in Seminole County, Georgia. Many states have strong anti-hazing laws, and generally, victims can pursue civil claims regardless of where the incident occurred. Here’s a look at the foundational Texas law, which reflects statutes found in many other states:

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law:

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining an organization, if the act endangers their mental or physical health or safety. This includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, excessive calisthenics (like the 500 squats Leonel endured), forced consumption of food or alcohol, and any activity that induces a Penal Code violation. Leonel Bermudez’s case meets multiple elements of this definition.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a crime in Texas. If it causes serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), it’s a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. If it causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony, with up to two years in state jail. This means those who perpetuate hazing can face both civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations, including fraternities and universities, can be penalized if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their officers or members commit hazing. Penalties can include substantial fines and denial of permission to operate on campus.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is a critical point that Seminole County families must understand. 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.” When fraternities try to claim that the victim “agreed to participate” or “knew what they were signing up for,” the law unequivocally rejects this argument. You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can also carry criminal penalties.

Beyond state-specific anti-hazing statutes, victims of hazing can pursue civil claims based on broader legal theories that apply in every state, including Georgia:

• Negligence: This means proving that the responsible parties (university, national fraternity, individuals) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions related to hazing, and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or housing corporation, they can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition to exist. Remember, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel was waterboarded.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when an organization (like a national fraternity over its local chapter) or an institution (like a university over its Greek life system) fails to adequately supervise and prevent harm.
• Assault and Battery: Direct participants in physical hazing can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This applies when outrageous conduct causes severe emotional suffering, such as the psychological trauma described in Leonel’s case.

For Seminole County families, these legal frameworks provide a powerful avenue for justice and accountability. Even if your child was hazed at an institution outside of Texas, our federal court authority and an understanding of nationwide hazing laws allow us to evaluate and pursue your case. Whether the incident occurred in Donalsonville, over in Tallahassee, Florida, or at a university hundreds of miles away, your rights are protected.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Seminole County Hazing Victims

When your family in Seminole County is facing the aftermath of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who understand the complexities of hazing litigation and who are committed to fighting for justice. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out:

• We Are Actively Fighting Hazing Right Now: We are not just talking about hazing; we’re in the trenches. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a live, ongoing case that showcases our aggressive, data-driven approach. This isn’t theoretical expertise; it’s proven in current litigation. Seminole County families get the benefit of this active, cutting-edge experience.
• Insider Knowledge from the Defense Side: Both of our managing attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña, began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. Ralph, with over 25 years of experience, and Lupe, with 12+ years, honed their skills learning how the “other side” thinks, strategizes, and tries to minimize payouts. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle defense arguments and maximize recovery for our clients, including hazing victims in Seminole County.
• Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licensure: We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts and licensed in both Texas and New York. This gives us a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. For Seminole County families, this means we have the reach and authority to take on powerful national organizations, regardless of where their headquarters are located, or where the hazing occurred.
• Proven Experience Against Massive Corporations: Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience demonstrates our capacity to take on enormous corporate defendants, a crucial skill when challenging multi-million dollar national fraternities and well-endowed universities.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases, like Leonel Bermudez’s injury. He understands the medical complexities and the legal arguments required to link such injuries directly to hazing. Our firm is focused on combating hazing, and not just treating it as another personal injury claim.
• Unwavering Dedication to Victims: Lupe Peña’s philosophy is simple: “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.” This aggressive advocacy, combined with his deep financial knowledge from a business background, ensures that economic and non-economic damages are thoroughly calculated and relentlessly pursued. For Seminole County families, this translates into comprehensive compensation.
• Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in Seminole County and beyond, ensuring no language barrier impedes justice.
• Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs for Seminole County Families: We understand that families grappling with the trauma of hazing shouldn’t be burdened by legal fees. We take hazing cases on contingency. This means you pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field, making expert legal representation accessible to everyone in Seminole County, regardless of their financial situation.
• We Come to You: While our offices are in major Texas cities, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Seminole County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Your location in Georgia will not prevent us from aggressively representing your interests.

We have a 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews, reflecting our commitment to client satisfaction and aggressive representation. Our clients consistently praise our communication, our fight for maximum settlements, and the way we treat them like family, which is particularly important during such a devastating time.

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

If your child in Seminole County or at a college anywhere has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Taking the right steps can significantly impact the strength of your case and your ability to secure justice.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor. Some hazing-related injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not show immediate symptoms, or the pain may be masked by adrenaline. Go to the emergency room or closest medical facility. This creates vital medical documentation linking the injuries to the hazing. DO NOT DELAY. Delays in treatment can be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries were not severe or were not caused by hazing.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Immediately: Do not delete anything.
   • Text Messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs: Save every single communication related to the hazing. Take screenshots of chats, photos, and videos. These often contain explicit instructions, threats, details of the abuse, and lists of rules. These digital footprints are often the most powerful evidence.
   • Photos and Videos: Photograph any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear, and document their healing process over time. If possible, take photos or videos of hazing locations, any items used in hazing (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers), or the environment where the abuse occurred.
   • Witness Information: Get the names, phone numbers, and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, including other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders. Ask if they have any documentation of their own.
   • Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or agreements provided by the fraternity or sorority.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages from missed work or internships, and any educational costs incurred due to the hazing incident.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
     CRITICAL WARNING: We often tell people, “[Take] more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um and so it’s super important to document everything.” — Ralph Manginello. If the victim is incapacitated or too traumatized, friends or family members should help with evidence collection.
3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers: Once you suspect hazing has occurred, do not speak with anyone from the fraternity or sorority, the university administration, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side. They will try to get recorded statements, twist your words, or pressure you into signing documents that waive your rights. Let your attorney handle all communications.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post online, even seemingly innocent updates, can and will be used against you. This includes photos, videos, comments, or any indication that you are “fine” or enjoying yourself, which could undermine claims of injury or emotional distress. Assume everything you post is discoverable.
5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately: Time is of the essence. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Georgia, is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever. Beyond legal deadlines, evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy or conceal records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

We Serve Seminole County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

Hazing is a pervasive problem that knows no geographical boundaries. While we are proud to be a Texas-based law firm, our commitment to eradicating hazing and holding perpetrators accountable extends to every corner of the nation, including Seminole County, Georgia.

• National Reach: The national fraternities and sororities that operate on campuses across Georgia, such as those at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, or Valdosta State University, are the same national bodies we challenge in Texas. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue these powerful national organizations wherever they operate.
• Remote Consultations and Travel: For Seminole County families who may not be able to travel to our offices, we offer convenient video consultations. If your case requires it, our attorneys are willing to travel to Seminole County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance should never be a barrier to justice.
• Beyond Greek Life: Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in a wide range of organizations found in and around Seminole County, including:
  • College sports teams
  • High school athletic programs
  • Marching bands and performing arts groups
  • ROTC programs and military academies
  • Clubs and other student organizations
  • Any group that uses abuse as a form of “initiation” or “team building.”

Our firm’s comprehensive intelligence database tracks Greek organizations across Texas and can be adapted to understand similar structures in Georgia. For instance, the Atlanta metropolitan area alone has 290 Greek-related organizations, according to our data analysis, demonstrating the widespread presence of these groups in nearby regions that draw students from Seminole County. These include social fraternities and sororities, their housing corporations, alumni groups, and professional affiliates—all entities we can identify and pursue.

To Other Victims of Hazing in Seminole County: We Know There Are More of You

Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. His lawsuit details that another pledge was hog-tied, and another collapsed and lost consciousness during forced workouts. Hazing is rarely an isolated act against one individual. If you or someone you know in Seminole County or attending a university in Georgia or elsewhere has witnessed or experienced hazing from a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any other organization, you have rights.

Lupe Pena said it best: “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 decision to come forward could be the catalyst that prevents future harm to another student from Seminole County.

Seminole County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been subjected to hazing, you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are here to fight for your family, just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez.

CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our phone lines are open 24/7. Don’t let fear, shame, or loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. The consultation is free, confidential, and can be conducted by phone or video.

Remember, when hazing happens in Seminole County, we know who is responsible, and we know how to hold them accountable. Let us be your first responders to this legal emergency. Enough is enough.