If you’re reading this, your family in Spring Lake may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build networking connections, and gain invaluable life experiences. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were humiliated. And they may have ended up in a hospital, or worse, lost their life, because of the barbaric practice of hazing. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Spring Lake, Georgia, fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless prank. It’s not a secret tradition. It is a crime that destroys lives and leaves families shattered. At Attorney911, we are at the forefront of this fight, aggressively representing hazing victims and their families across America, including right here in Spring Lake, Georgia. We bring the same dedication and data-driven strategy we employ in our landmark cases to every family we serve, no matter where they are.

The Haunting Echoes of a Nightmare: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez and Why It Matters to Spring Lake Families

We are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, that embodies everything we stand for: aggressive representation, thorough data-driven litigation, and relentless pursuit of accountability for hazing victims. This isn’t a hypothetical case; it’s happening right now, in the courts. We are litigating Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. against the Pi Kappa Phi national organization, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. And the story of Leonel Bermudez is one that every parent in Spring Lake, Georgia, needs to hear.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a bright prospective student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, but planned to transfer for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025, hoping to find a community, a brotherhood. What he found instead was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and degradation that sent him to the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We brought this lawsuit because what happened to Leonel is not an isolated incident. The same hazing culture, the same dangerous “traditions,” and the same institutional failures that led to Leonel’s hospitalization exist at universities near Spring Lake, Georgia, and across the country. Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, which has over 150 chapters nationwide, operate at colleges and universities where Spring Lake families send their children. What happened to Leonel in Houston could just as easily happen to a student from Spring Lake attending Emory University, Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, or any other institution with Greek life.

As our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and 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.” This is the grim reality of modern hazing. It’s not a secret handshake; it’s a medical emergency that can leave lasting damage, or worse.

Attorney Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, emphasized the broader purpose of this fight 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.” For families in Spring Lake, Georgia, this means understanding the real dangers your children face and knowing that there are legal resources ready to fight for them.

You can read more about this ongoing lawsuit from the detailed coverage provided by leading news organizations:

Click2Houston (KPRC 2): Only on 2: Lawsuit alleges severe hazing at University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter fraternity
ABC13 (KTRK): Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity
Hoodline: University Of Houston And Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing And Abuse

The national Pi Kappa Phi organization even issued its own statement on November 21, 2025, acknowledging the closure of its Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston following “violations” of risk management policy. You can read their official release here: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston. Their eagerness to close the chapter just days before our lawsuit was filed speaks volumes about the severity of the conduct.

The Grim Timeline of Leonel’s Ordeal

Leonel’s membership in Pi Kappa Phi began on September 16, 2025, and for weeks thereafter, he endured systematic hazing that escalated dramatically. This wasn’t a single bad night; it was an organized, prolonged campaign of abuse:

October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This shows the routine nature of the cruelty.
October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This near-tragedy was a clear warning ignored by the fraternity.
November 3, 2025: This was a culmination of the abuse. Leonel was forced to perform 100-plus pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other physically demanding exercises, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help.
November 4-5, 2025: Leonel was unable to move, his condition worsening visibly.
November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was found “passing brown urine,” a critical sign of rhabdomyolysis. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of intensive hospitalization.

Within days of his hospitalization, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended. The members later voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated, and our firm, Attorney911, filed the $10 million lawsuit, naming not only the University of Houston and the national fraternity but also the housing corporation and 13 individual fraternity members.

The Horrific Reality of Modern Hazing: More Than “Pranks”

The hazing Leonel endured goes far beyond college hijinks. It represents a systematic pattern of physical, psychological, and even torturous abuse. For Spring Lake families, it’s crucial to understand that these actions are not about building character; they are about breaking it.

Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed in the face repeatedly while performing calisthenics. This is a technique recognized as torture when used against enemy combatants. It was inflicted upon a college-bound student from Spring Lake, or any hometown in America, hoping to make friends.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, in a truly dehumanizing act, he was “forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress” and made to “lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting.”
Extreme Physical Punishment: Beyond the infamous 500 squats and 100 pushups, Leonel underwent “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was also “struck with wooden paddles.” These are not exercises; they are calculated methods of physical breakdown and humiliation.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was made to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a “fanny pack that held objects of a sexual nature at all times.” The hog-tying incident involving another pledge underscores the intent to degrade. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion fostered an environment of fear and obedience.
Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced late-night activities and early-morning drives for fraternity members led to profound exhaustion, highlighting a complete disregard for student well-being.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The physical toll of this abuse was devastating. Leonel suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition caused by the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. This breakdown releases a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to acute kidney failure. For Spring Lake parents, understanding the medical consequences is vital:

Brown Urine: A classic symptom, as myoglobin turns urine a dark, tea-like color.
High Creatine Kinase Levels: Blood tests revealed dangerously elevated levels, confirming severe muscle damage.
Acute Kidney Failure: This life-threatening complication required immediate and intensive medical intervention. Left untreated, it can be fatal or lead to permanent kidney damage.
Hospitalization: His four-day hospital stay was a critical period of aggressive hydration and close monitoring to prevent permanent organ damage.

Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making Attorney911 uniquely equipped to handle the complex medical and legal aspects of such catastrophic injuries.

Institutional Responses: A Pattern of Negligence

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National reveal a troubling pattern of negligence and damage control.

The University of Houston spokesperson, in a statement to Houston Public Media, acknowledged that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” While they pledged disciplinary action and potential criminal charges, this comes only after a student was hospitalized. For Spring Lake families, this highlights a critical point: universities often act only when forced to, typically after severe harm has occurred.

Pi Kappa Phi National’s statement on their website, while announcing the chapter’s closure, disturbingly ended with: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This shows a profound lack of remorse and an intention to simply wait out the storm rather than genuinely reform. It’s a clear indication that without aggressive legal action, these institutions believe they can resume business as usual. As KHOU 11 reported, the national organization and housing corporation are alleged to have “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a tragedy like this strikes, Spring Lake families often wonder who can be held responsible. The answer, as demonstrated in the Bermudez case and numerous other hazing lawsuits, is usually multiple parties. We pursue every possible avenue of accountability, from the individuals involved to the institutions that enable such dangerous environments.

The Local Chapter and Its Officers: The Beta Nu chapter directly organized and conducted the hazing. The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other leaders held key roles in directing these activities and are individually liable.
Individual Fraternity Members: Every member who participated in the hazing, or even witnessed it and failed to intervene or report, can be held responsible. This includes both current and former members. In the Bermudez case, even a former member and his spouse are named as defendants because some hazing sessions occurred at their private residence in an off-campus setting.
The National Fraternity Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National): The national body has a duty to supervise its local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure compliance with risk management standards. Pi Kappa Phi National’s documented history of hazing incidents, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, demonstrates a pattern of negligence and a failure to address a known systemic problem within its 150-plus chapters.
The University or College: Universities like the University of Houston have a fundamental duty to protect their students from harm, especially on properties they own or control. In Leonel’s case, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This establishes clear premises liability for the institution. Furthermore, having had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017, the University of Houston had actual knowledge of the risks and failed to implement adequate safeguards.
The Housing Corporation: These entities often own the physical fraternity houses. They have responsibilities for maintaining safe premises and can be held liable if they fail to prevent hazing activities on their property.
Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts typically come from the liability insurance policies held by these institutions and individuals. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insight into how these companies value claims and strategize defenses, giving Spring Lake families a distinct advantage.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every link in the chain of responsibility is held accountable, providing justice and hopefully preventing future tragedies for students from Spring Lake and beyond.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes and Why Spring Lake Parents Need to Know

For many parents in Spring Lake, the word “hazing” might conjure images of silly pranks or harmless initiation rites. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s story, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic, brutal, and psychologically damaging, leaving victims with lifelong scars – both physical and emotional.

This is not some bygone era of harmless mischief. This is calculated abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And sometimes, it is manslaughter or murder.

The Alarming Statistics: Hazing is a Crisis

Pervasive: Over half—55%—of students in Greek organizations experience hazing. This isn’t rare; it’s a common occurrence.
Beyond Greek Life: It’s not just fraternities and sororities. 40% of student athletes report hazing, and it occurs in marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations. If your child from Spring Lake participates in any group at college, they are at risk.
Lethal Consequences: Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. These are preventable tragedies.
Silence and Fear: A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The culture of secrecy, fear of retribution, and misguided loyalty keeps victims silent, allowing the abuse to continue.

Institutional Failure: The Unseen Hand of Complicity

Universities and national Greek organizations know hazing happens. They have risk management policies and anti-hazing initiatives on paper. Yet, time and again, these institutions fail to truly enforce them. They often choose to protect their reputation and their “traditions” over the safety of their students. Only when a student is hospitalized or dies do they respond with statements of shock, suspensions, and chapter closures, often in an attempt to limit legal liability.

Types of Hazing Today: A Comprehensive Look at the Abuse

The incidents revealed in the Bermudez case and countless others paint a horrifying picture:

Physical Abuse: This includes beatings, paddling, branding, burning, and forced exercise well beyond reasonable limits, leading to exhaustion. Leonel’s 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls fall squarely into this category. The use of “wooden paddles” escalates this to direct assault.
Forced Consumption: Binge drinking of alcohol (often highly concentrated), eating to the point of vomiting, or consuming non-food substances are common. Leonel was forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass and continue physical exertion. This is not about camaraderie; it’s about control and degradation.
Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often forced to stay awake for extended periods, perform late-night tasks, or drive members for hours, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion. Leonel was forced to drive members during early morning hours.
Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This can involve verbal abuse, forced isolation, threats, and acts designed to degrade and humiliate. Leonel’s requirement to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects and another pledge being hog-tied with an object in his mouth vividly illustrate this. The fear of retribution, even after the hazing, is a powerful psychological aftermath.
Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel’s case tragically demonstrates, this horrifying technique involves simulating drowning. It’s an extreme form of abuse that has no place in any educational setting.
Exposure: Forcing students to strip in cold weather or endure extreme heat are common forms of hazing. Leonel was forced to strip in cold weather and then sprayed with a garden hose.
Servitude: Pledges are often treated as personal servants, forced to clean, run errands, or perform demeaning tasks for older members.

The Devastating Medical and Psychological Aftermath

Beyond rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, hazing results in a spectrum of severe consequences:

Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from beatings, falls, or other physical assaults.
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cardiac Arrest: Especially from extreme physical exertion on untrained bodies.
PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: The psychological trauma can be profound and long-lasting, often requiring extensive therapy. The fear of retaliation Leonel still experiences is a clear example.
Death: The ultimate, tragic outcome that far too many families, from Spring Lake and elsewhere, have endured.

These are not isolated incidents. These are nationwide patterns of abuse that our firm is committed to fighting. We educate Spring Lake parents on these realities because awareness is the first step toward protection.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Proving That Hazing Cases Win and Sending a Message to Institutions

For families in Spring Lake who have suffered the unimaginable pain of hazing, whether it resulted in severe injury or wrongful death, the path to justice can seem daunting. How can one family fight against powerful national fraternities, wealthy universities, and entrenched Greek life systems? The answer lies in aggressive, data-driven legal representation that leverages powerful precedents.

The cases we’ve fought and the landmark settlements and verdicts secured by other victims across the country prove one undeniable truth: hazing costs institutions millions, and justice can be won. These past victories pave the way for current and future hazing victims, including those from Spring Lake, to achieve significant accountability and compensation. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is neither arbitrary nor unprecedented; it is firmly rooted in this established legal landscape.

Stone Foltz: A $10.1 Million+ Payout

University: Bowling Green State University
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE)
Incident: In March 2021, Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event.
Outcome: The family received over $10.1 million in settlements. Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million, while the Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and individuals contributed $7.2 million. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio’s history. Just recently, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay a $6.5 million judgment.

Relevance for Spring Lake Families: This case demonstrates that universities and national fraternities are both held financially accountable. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, who suffered severe injury but fortunately survived, is directly supported by this precedent. It also shows that individual perpetrators, like the chapter president, can be held personally liable for millions.

Maxwell Gruver: A $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

University: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
Incident: In September 2017, Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after a “Bible Study” hazing event where he was forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers.
Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family a $6.1 million verdict. This tragedy also led to the passage of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.

Relevance for Spring Lake Families: This landmark jury verdict proves that when hazing cases go to trial, juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums to victims. It underscores the potential for criminal convictions and legislative change that often follows these cases.

Timothy Piazza: Over $110 Million in Settlements

University: Penn State University
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
Incident: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” hazing ritual. He fell down stairs repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured everything.
Outcome: The family received an estimated over $110 million in confidential settlements from various parties. Multiple fraternity members were charged, with several convicted of involuntary manslaughter and hazing. This case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Relevance for Spring Lake Families: Piazza’s case, while exceptionally high due to the clear evidence provided by security footage and the extreme neglect, illustrates the immense financial and legal consequences institutions face for fatal hazing incidents. If evidence of gross negligence and cover-up is strong, settlements can reach staggering amounts.

Andrew Coffey: The Same Fraternity, A Previous Death

University: Florida State University
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (The SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY responsible for hazing Leonel Bermudez)
Incident: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night.”
Outcome: Multiple fraternity members were charged. The FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement was reached (amount confidential).

Relevance for Spring Lake Families: This case is devastating for Pi Kappa Phi. It proves that the national organization had actual notice of its deadly hazing culture a full eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. Despite this tragic death, Pi Kappa Phi failed to implement effective changes, leading directly to Leonel’s injuries. This pattern of knowing disregard is crucial for establishing gross negligence and demanding significant punitive damages.

Other Notable Recent Cases:

Adam Oakes (Delta Chi at Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021): Died from alcohol poisoning. The family settled for over $4 million in October 2024, after initially suing for $28 million. This case led to Virginia’s “Adam’s Law.”
UT Austin Sigma Chi (November 2025): Around the same time our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi was filed, an 18-year-old freshman died in a Sigma Chi hazing incident at the University of Texas at Austin, leading to another wrongful death lawsuit. This demonstrates the ongoing nationwide crisis, even in our own state.

What These Precedents Mean for Spring Lake Victims

Hazing is Expensive: Institutions and individuals proven to be responsible for hazing face multi-million dollar consequences.
Universities Are Liable: Institutions like the University of Houston, Emory, Georgia Tech, or the University of Georgia cannot escape responsibility for what happens on their watch, particularly on properties they own or when they have prior knowledge of hazing problems.
National Organizations Are Accountable: National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, with their vast networks and financial resources, are consistently held responsible for the actions of their chapters.
Juries Hate Hazing: The egregious nature of hazing often incites outrage in juries, leading to substantial verdicts designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future incidents.
Our Firm is in Line with the Fight: Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it’s a reflection of these precedents and the severity of his injuries. The fact that he survived, but with acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis, requires aggressive compensation for his medical future and pain and suffering.

These cases send a clear message: the insidious culture of hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible, from the individual perpetrators to the highest levels of institutional leadership, will be held accountable. For Spring Lake families, this means hope: you can fight back, and you can win.

Legal Framework: Protecting Spring Lake Hazing Victims Under the Law

When hazing shatters a family in Spring Lake, Georgia, understanding the legal avenues available for justice is paramount. While Attorney911 is based in Texas, the foundational legal theories that comprise hazing litigation apply across state lines. Furthermore, our federal court admissions and dual Texas and New York bar licenses give us the unique ability to pursue these cases nationwide, including for families in Spring Lake who need powerful advocates.

Every state, including Georgia, has laws regarding hazing, alongside broader civil liability statutes that allow victims to seek justice.

Texas Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

Texas, like many states, has robust anti-hazing legislation that provides a strong framework for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. Our firm leverages this legal backbone in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s. Families in Spring Lake should know that similar protections likely exist in Georgia, and where they don’t, general common law principles of negligence and intentional torts always apply.

The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 defines hazing comprehensively. It includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, if that act:

Endangers Mental or Physical Health/Safety: This covers a wide range of activities, including physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 pushups), forced consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol to an unsafe degree, or any activity violating the Penal Code. Leonel’s experience with waterboarding, forced eating, extreme exercise, and physical striking clearly falls under these definitions.
Criminal Penalties: Beyond civil recourse, individuals convicted of hazing can face Class B Misdemeanor charges (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) for simply participating. If hazing causes serious bodily injury (like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). If it causes death, it becomes a State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine). This means that every individual who participated in or allowed Leonel’s torture could face criminal charges, as acknowledged by the University of Houston spokesperson who mentioned “potential criminal charges.”
Organizational Liability: Texas law also holds organizations responsible. If an organization “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni participate, the organization itself can face fines up to $10,000 and even be denied permission to operate. This is why we sued Pi Kappa Phi’s local chapter and national organization.
University Reporting Requirements: Universities are mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so can also carry criminal penalties, demonstrating the institutional responsibility that schools near Spring Lake must uphold.

Consent is NOT a Defense: A Powerful Legal Shield for Victims

One of the most insidious defenses frequently raised by fraternities and universities is that the victim “consented” to the hazing. They might argue that the student “knew what they were signing up for” or “could have left at any time.”

Texas Education Code § 37.154 unequivocally states: “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 is a critical provision that applies to hazing cases nationwide, whether explicitly codified or established through case law. It means that:

Coercion Nullifies Consent: The power imbalance, intense peer pressure, economic threats (loss of scholarship or future networking), and fear of social ostracism inherent in hazing environments mean true, voluntary consent is virtually impossible.
Criminality Trumps Consent: You cannot legally consent to be assaulted, tortured, or placed in life-threatening danger. When hazing crosses the line into criminal activity, any notion of “consent” is irrelevant.

This legal principle empowers Spring Lake victims by denying their abusers a convenient escape valve and focusing the legal inquiry on the unlawful conduct itself.

Civil Liability: Seeking Comprehensive Justice

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow Spring Lake victims and their families to seek comprehensive financial compensation for the enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll of hazing. We typically pursue claims based on several legal theories:

Negligence: This is the most common civil claim. It argues that the defendants (individuals, fraternities, universities) had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” this duty by allowing hazing, and that this breach directly “caused” the victim’s “damages.”
Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university (like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This applies to fraternities, too, for their chapter houses or other properties.
Negligent Supervision: National fraternities have a duty to supervise their local chapters, and universities have a duty to oversee Greek life. When they fail in these duties, allowing hazing to flourish, they are liable.
Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, such as striking with paddles, forced physical exertion, or waterboarding.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological torment of waterboarding or systematic humiliation. Victims often suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression long after the physical wounds heal.
Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, families can sue for the loss of their loved one, including lost companionship, future earnings, and financial support.
Vicarious Liability: Institutions can be held responsible for the actions of their agents (e.g., a university for its employees, a national fraternity for its local chapter).

For parents in Spring Lake, understanding these legal avenues means knowing that powerful legal tools are available to fight for your child’s rights and future. Our firm has the expertise to navigate these complex legal landscapes, identifying all liable parties and relentlessly pursuing the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Spring Lake Hazing Victims

When tragedy strikes and your child from Spring Lake is victimized by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation and knows how to win. At Attorney911, we are not just personal injury attorneys; we are specialists in confronting the dark underbelly of Greek life and institutional negligence. Our firm has unique advantages that make us the clear choice for Spring Lake families seeking justice:

1. Actively Litigating a Landmark Hazing Case: The Bermudez Blueprint

We aren’t just talking about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, is our live, ongoing battle. This $10 million lawsuit demonstrates:

Aggressive Representation: We named everyone responsible—the chapter, the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members. We will bring this same aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to your child’s case in Spring Lake.
Data-Driven Strategy: Our firm utilized its comprehensive intelligence database on Greek organizations to identify every liable entity before filing the lawsuit. This is not guesswork; it’s precision.
Relentless Pursuit of Accountability: We are forcing institutions and individuals to answer for waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse, and the resulting hospitalization of a college-bound student. We won’t rest until we achieve justice.

For Spring Lake families, this means you are hiring a firm that is currently in the trenches, applying the exact strategies needed to win these complex hazing cases. We know the playbook because we’re writing it.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to the table.

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner with over 25 years of courtroom experience, began his career defending insurance companies. He knows their tactics, their valuation methods, and their strategies to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that insight to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims.
Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He defended insurance companies and corporations across multiple practice areas, learning firsthand how they strategize, delay, and deny claims. Now, he leverages that “battlefield intelligence” to benefit our injured clients.

This dual perspective is a critical advantage for Spring Lake hazing victims. We anticipate the defense’s every move because we’ve been on their side. We speak their language, and we know how to counter their arguments, ensuring Spring Lake families receive the highest possible compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Nationwide Reach

Hazing often involves national fraternities and universities in different states. Our firm is uniquely positioned to handle these complex multi-jurisdictional cases:

U.S. District Court Admission: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to practice in federal court, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction nationwide. This is crucial when national organizations are headquartered in a different state from where the hazing occurred.
Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas and New York): Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage for large-scale litigation against national fraternity organizations, many of which are based in the Northeast, or have significant financial interests there. This expands our reach beyond state lines.
We Travel to Spring Lake and Beyond: Distance is not a barrier to justice. While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we offer video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Spring Lake, Georgia, or any other location for client meetings, depositions, and trials when justice demands it.

For Spring Lake families whose child may have been hazed at an out-of-state university, or by a national fraternity headquartered far away, our national reach ensures that they receive expert representation, regardless of location.

4. Experience Against Massive Corporate Defendants: Proving Our Capability

Taking on a national fraternity or a major university requires a firm with a proven track record against equally powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion Litigation (2005), which addressed the deaths of 15 workers and injuries to 180-plus, demonstrates our capacity to handle:

Complex Mass Tort Litigation: Hazing often involves multiple victims and defendants, similar to mass torts.
Massive Corporate Defendants: We are unafraid to confront institutions with virtually unlimited resources, whether they are oil giants or large universities.
Institutional Negligence: The root cause of many hazing tragedies is institutional failure, a concept Ralph deeply understands from his BP experience.

This experience against formidable opponents ensures that Spring Lake families receive robust and capable representation against any institution.

5. Deep Expertise in Hazing-Specific Injuries and Dynamics

Beyond general personal injury, our firm has specialized knowledge crucial for hazing cases:

Rhabdomyolysis Injury: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases, exactly the life-threatening condition Leonel Bermudez suffered.
Dram Shop Liability: Lupe Pena’s experience holding establishments accountable for alcohol-related injuries is directly applicable to hazing cases involving forced alcohol consumption.
Understanding Greek Life Culture: Both attorneys, especially Ralph with his experience as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach, understand the dynamics of peer pressure, team environments, and institutional structures that foster hazing.
Wrongful Death Cases: Both attorneys have extensive experience in wrongful death litigation, which is tragically common in severe hazing incidents.

6. Compassionate, Bilingual, and Client-Centered Approach

We understand the immense emotional trauma and stress that Spring Lake families face.

Empathetic Tone: We write and speak directly to worried parents, not to legal colleagues. We are empathetic, friendly, and humble, prioritizing your family’s well-being.
Bilingual Staff (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and our entire staff is prepared to serve Spanish-speaking families in Spring Lake, ensuring no language barriers to justice.
Contingency Fees ($0 Upfront): We take hazing cases on contingency. This means Spring Lake families pay absolutely nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows any family, regardless of economic status, to pursue justice. You can learn more about how this works by watching our video: How Contingency Fees Work.
Client Testimonials: Our 4.9-star rating and over 250 Google reviews attest to our commitment to client communication, aggressive advocacy, and treating clients like family. As Chad Harris, a past client, said, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.”

For Spring Lake families, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that combines aggressive legal skill with genuine compassion, armed with the knowledge and experience to achieve justice against even the most powerful defendants.

What to Do Right Now if Your Child Has Been Hazed in Spring Lake

If you are a parent in Spring Lake, Georgia, reading this, and your child has been the victim of hazing, the first thing you need to know is that you are not alone, and you have legal rights. The second thing you need to know is that time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Taking immediate, decisive action can make all the difference in building a strong case.

We understand the shock, anger, and fear you may be feeling. You may be awake at 2 AM searching for answers, just like the families we speak to every day. Here is actionable guidance from Attorney911 on what to do right now:

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s well-being is paramount.

Remove Your Child from the Immediate Harmful Environment: If they are still in a dangerous situation, get them out safely.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or hidden, adrenaline can mask pain. Get a thorough medical examination as soon as possible. For severe injuries like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis, immediate hospitalization (as he experienced) is critical. Make sure all symptoms are documented, even vague pains or unusual urine color. Ignoring a headache after a car accident is like ignoring prolonged vomiting after forced eating; delays in treatment will be used by the defense to claim injuries are not serious.
Document Everything Medical: Obtain copies of all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), bills, and any referrals to specialists. If your child is undergoing therapy for psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression), ensure those sessions and diagnoses are also documented. Our video, “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical,” emphasizes this crucial first step.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – EVERYTHING

This is perhaps the most crucial step after ensuring safety. Hazing cases often rely heavily on digital evidence and witness testimony, which can disappear quickly.

DO NOT Delete Anything: Do not delete text messages, group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat), social media posts, or emails related to the hazing. If your child was “ghosted” or excluded from group chats after the incident, that is also evidence. Defense attorneys will try to claim you are fabricating a story if you delete communications. Our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” highlights specifically why deleting messages is a critical error.
Take Photos and Videos: Get pictures of any physical injuries immediately as they appear and as they heal. Document bruises, cuts, burns, or anything unusual. If there are photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves, or the location where they occurred, save them securely. Our video, “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, explains the power of photographic evidence.
Identify Witnesses: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or even current fraternity/sorority members who might be willing to speak anonymously. Their testimony can be invaluable.
Save All Documents: Retain any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or even receipts for supplies or clothing associated with the pledging process.
Financial Records and Academic Impact: Keep records of all medical bills, lost wages due to time missed from a job, and tuition/fees for any academic semester disrupted. Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

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

The institutions and individuals responsible for hazing will try to protect themselves.

DO NOT Communicate with the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers: Do not give any statements. Do not talk about the incident with anyone from the fraternity or university administration without legal counsel present. Anything you say can be used against you. Universities have risk management and legal teams whose job is to minimize liability, not to help your child. They may try to get your child to sign documents that waive their rights. Refer to our video, “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident,” as this advice applies equally to institutional legal teams.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident, your feelings, or even pictures of your child looking “fine” at a later date. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can undermine your claim. Our video, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident,” provides a crucial warning.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the fraternity, university, or their insurance providers without first having it reviewed by your own attorney.
DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Georgia, is typically two years from the date of injury or death. This may sound like a long time, but crucial evidence disappears quickly. Institutions often destroy records, and witnesses’ memories fade. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, underscores the urgency.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation

This is the most critical step you can take.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: We are available 24/7 for Spring Lake hazing emergencies. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Email Us: You can also reach Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.
Remote Consultations: For Spring Lake families who may not be able to travel, we offer secure video consultations. Our services are nationwide, and we will come to Spring Lake for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

For Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We believe Leonel Bermudez was not the only victim. The lawsuit mentions another pledge who collapsed and lost consciousness. Others endured the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. If you or someone you know was also victimized by the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston, or any other institution, you have rights.

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.” Call us. Let’s bring all those responsible to justice.

Contact Us: Your Advocates for Justice in Spring Lake, Georgia

When hazing turns a college dream into a nightmare, victims and their families in Spring Lake, Georgia, need immediate, aggressive, and expert legal representation. At Attorney911, we are more than just lawyers; we are impassioned advocates fighting for your child’s future and demanding accountability from those who allowed them to be harmed. Our landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof of our commitment and our capability. The same relentless pursuit of justice that we’re bringing to that case, we will bring to your family in Spring Lake.

We understand that seeking legal help during such a traumatic time can feel overwhelming. We are here to make it as easy and supportive as possible.

Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Spring Lake Hazing Victims:

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. Whether it’s 2 AM and you’re searching for answers, or you’re ready to take the first step toward justice, we are here for you.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Connect with us directly:

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

How We Serve Spring Lake Families:

Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us is always free. There is no obligation, only a compassionate ear and expert advice on your legal options. We will listen to your story, assess the details of your case, and provide clear guidance on the path forward.
Contingency Fee Basis: $0 Upfront for Spring Lake Families: We understand the financial strain that medical bills and lost income can place on your family. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if, and when, we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us.
We Come to You: Nationwide Service: While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our reach extends nationwide. We regularly conduct remote video consultations, making it easy for Spring Lake families to connect with us from the comfort and privacy of their homes. For critical matters such as depositions, witness interviews, or trials, our attorneys will travel to Spring Lake, Georgia, or wherever your case demands. Distance will never be a barrier to justice for your family.
Bilingual Legal Team (Se Habla Español): We proudly offer comprehensive legal services in Spanish, ensuring that language is never an impediment to effective communication and representation for Spring Lake’s diverse community. Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish, offering seamless support to Hispanic families affected by hazing.

Don’t Wait. Act Now.

The window for pursuing justice in hazing cases is limited. Crucial evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and state statutes of limitations can expire, often within two years of the incident. Delaying action can jeopardize your entire case.

Protect Your Rights: Speaking with an experienced hazing lawyer ensures that all necessary steps are taken to preserve evidence, understand your legal options, and build a strong case.
Level the Playing Field: Greek organizations, universities, and their insurance companies have vast resources and legal teams. You need equally powerful advocates on your side to stand up against them. Our firm’s background, with both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena having served as former insurance defense attorneys, means we know their strategies inside and out. We turn their playbook against them.
Prevent Future Harm: Your decision to take legal action can send a powerful message, holding institutions accountable and potentially preventing other students from Spring Lake, Georgia, from suffering the same fate. As Lupe Pena often says, your case can “prevent harm to another person.”

Your family’s journey toward healing and justice begins with a single phone call. Let Attorney911 be your first responder in this legal emergency. We are ready to fight for your child’s rights and secure the accountability they deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Let us stand with you. Let us fight for you. Let us help you find justice.