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 connections, and prepare for their future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were brought to the brink of death, or worse, taken from you forever. We’re here to help families in Stephens County fight back against the brutal reality of hazing.

Here in Stephens County, Georgia, and across our nation, the promise of higher education unfortunately often hides a dark underbelly: hazing. Whether your child attends a local institution or has gone away to a larger university across the country, the risk of serious injury or even death from hazing is tragically real. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is actively fighting this battle right now in court, aggressively representing hazing victims and securing accountability from every entity responsible for these heinous acts.

The Hazing Crisis: A National Problem That Hits Home in Stephens County

Hazing is far more than innocent pranks or harmless initiations. It has evolved into a dangerous, often life-threatening ritual that leaves physical and psychological scars. For families in Stephens County, whose children attend schools like Toccoa Falls College or Tallulah Falls School, or who venture to larger universities throughout Georgia and beyond, the threat is ever-present. These institutions, often trusted to protect our young adults, sometimes fail in their fundamental duty, allowing dangerous activities to flourish under the guise of “tradition.”

Statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed.
• Tragically, since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
• A shocking 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to their peers.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities or sororities. It plagues sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various clubs and student organizations. From the University of Georgia to Georgia Tech, from Emory to smaller colleges across the state, these disturbing practices silently victimize students. The institutions that host these groups, from local Stephens County schools to massive state universities, are often aware of the problem but fail to implement effective preventative measures until tragedy strikes.

The Landmark Case: We Are Fighting the Battle for Hazing Victims Right Now

Families in Stephens County deserve to know that when we talk about fighting hazing, we’re not just offering theoretical advice. We are actively engaged in demanding accountability from powerful institutions. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently at the forefront of a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and numerous individual fraternity members. This case, filed in November 2025, represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and a relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims.

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

This incident unfolded in Houston, but make no mistake: the same types of hazing occur at colleges and universities near Stephens County. The same national fraternities operate chapters throughout Georgia, including those whose national organizations have been implicated in past hazing deaths. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to occur at the University of Houston can be found at institutions your children attend. And we want you to know that if your child is victimized by hazing in Stephens County, we will bring the same level of aggression, dedication, and expertise to your case.

This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a moral imperative. As our attorney Lupe Pena eloquently stated 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.”

Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case

Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severe consequences of hazing and the determined fight for justice that we are leading:

• ABC13 Houston: Reported on November 21, 2025, in an article titled, “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” This report included direct quotes from our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, detailing the victim’s ordeal and our firm’s commitment to the case.
• KHOU 11: Their coverage on November 21, 2025, “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations,” was the first to identify the plaintiff by name, Leonel Bermudez, and revealed that hazing occurred at a “University-owned fraternity house.”
• Houston Chronicle: On November 22, 2025, the Houston Chronicle chimed in with “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit,” providing additional gruesome details of the hazing exercises.
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, they published “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing,” confirming the $10 million sought and clarifying Leonel’s “ghost rush” status.
• Pi Kappa Phi National: Even the fraternity’s national headquarters released a statement on November 21, 2025, “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” admitting to “violations” and detailing the chapter’s closure before our lawsuit was even filed.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with aspirations, often referred to as a “ghost rush” because he wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student at the time. He was planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. Yet, this fact did not spare him from weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing after he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025.

What should have been an exciting new chapter in his life turned into a nightmare that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As Ralph Manginello explained 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 harrowing reality that many parents in Stephens County fear when their child goes off to college.

A Timeline of Torture and Our Fight for Justice

The events leading to Leonel’s hospitalization and our subsequent lawsuit reveal a horrifying pattern of abuse:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing begins immediately, extending for weeks.
• Throughout the pledge period: Leonel and other pledges are subjected to enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and being forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to extreme exhaustion. They are threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if they fail to comply.
• October 13, 2025: In a particularly heinous act, another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This illustrates the depravity of the hazing environment.
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness during a forced workout. This event alone should have triggered intervention, but the hazing continued.
• Early November 2025: Leonel is waterboarded with a garden hose on multiple occasions. He is forced to strip to his underwear and sprayed in cold weather. He is forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomits, then made to run sprints while lying in the vomit-soaked grass. He is struck with wooden paddles.
• November 3, 2025: As punishment for missing an event, Leonel is forced into an extreme workout regimen including 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed. He is threatened with expulsion if he stops. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition rapidly deteriorates. He is unable to move due to extreme muscle soreness.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushes him to the hospital after he experiences pain and passes brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He is diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Pi Kappa Phi National suspends the chapter.
• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days hospitalized, receiving intensive medical care.
• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes the Beta Nu Chapter. This happens before our lawsuit is filed, signaling their awareness of impending legal action.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 files a $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County, naming the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi National, the housing corporation, and multiple individuals as defendants. News outlets immediately cover the story.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”

When we discuss hazing, it’s crucial for parents in Stephens County to understand that we are not talking about harmless pranks. We are talking about activities that are designed to demean, degrade, injure, and psychologically break down individuals. What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an anomaly; it’s a stark example of the current reality of hazing in America, including in chapters that may exist near Stephens County.

Here are some of the horrifying activities revealed in our lawsuit, which redefine what hazing means:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in the face while doing strenuous calisthenics. This is a severe form of torture internationally condemned by human rights organizations.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until he vomited, only to be forced to continue running drills while distressed and lie in his own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This went far beyond typical workouts. Leonel endured 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. This level of exertion led directly to his muscle breakdown and kidney failure.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather, enduring hose spray. Leonel had to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to break a person’s spirit and instill fear.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Forced early-morning drives for fraternity members contributed to an overall state of exhaustion, further compromising physical and mental well-being.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

The extreme physical demands placed on Leonel resulted in a life-threatening medical condition called rhabdomyolysis. This occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins, like myoglobin, into the bloodstream. These proteins can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and potentially death. Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital after he was passing brown urine—a tell-tale sign of myoglobin in the urine. He spent four agonizing days hospitalized, battling kidney failure and now faces the potential for long-term health complications. Our firm has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, with Ralph Manginello having successfully litigated similar claims before.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Effort to Downplay and Deflect

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National illustrate a common pattern in hazing cases: attempts to control the narrative and minimize liability.

The University of Houston spokesperson stated, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” While appearing to take action, such statements often serve to protect the institution.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement claiming to have closed the Beta Nu Chapter due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” Crucially, they stated, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.” This reveals a blatant lack of remorse and a focus on future operations rather than genuine accountability for the harm caused.

What these corporate statements truly mean to us: Both the university and the national fraternity admitted that serious violations occurred. They coordinated their response. And while a student fought for his life, the national organization was already planning its return, showcasing a profound disregard for the victim’s suffering and the severity of the incident. This behavior further strengthens our case for punitive damages.

Why This Case Matters to Families in Stephens County

The Bermudez lawsuit serves as a powerful warning and a beacon of hope for Stephens County families:

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: This case shatters the illusion of harmless pranks, exposing hazing for the systematic abuse it is. These activities, including waterboarding and forced eating, are not unique to the University of Houston; they happen at universities and student organizations where students from Stephens County may attend.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This is a critical detail establishing premises liability. Universities near Stephens County have the same power and obligation to prevent hazing on their property, and they are equally liable when they fail.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters knew about deadly hazing in its chapters. Their swift closure of the UH chapter before our lawsuit was filed indicates their knowledge of wrongdoing. The same national organizations operate chapters throughout Georgia, including those whose national offices operate under similar knowledge.
4. Victims Are Afraid, But We Protect Them: Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a common fear among hazing victims. We prioritize our clients’ safety and privacy, fiercely protecting them while aggressively pursuing their case. If your child in Stephens County is afraid to speak out, we are here to support and protect them.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Stephens County Students: As Lupe Pena emphasized, your case can create change. The $10 million lawsuit is not just about compensating a victim; it’s about compelling systemic change and preventing future tragedies for other students in Stephens County and nationwide.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This significant demand reflects the severe physical and psychological trauma inflicted. It sends an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and their leadership: there is a high price for torturing our children. Stephens County families have the right to send the same message when their children are victimized.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond Fraternity Row Stereotypes

For parents in Stephens County, Georgia, and across the nation, understanding the true nature of hazing is essential. It’s not the benign scenarios often portrayed in movies; it’s a dangerous spectrum of abuse often hidden from plain sight. Based on our ongoing cases and years of experience, here’s a comprehensive look at the modern face of hazing:

Physical Abuse: This includes direct physical harm such as beatings, paddling, branding, burning, and forced exercise to the point of exhaustion, muscle breakdown, or injury. Leonel Bermudez’s case is a prime example, with forced calisthenics, wooden paddles, and simulated waterboarding.

Forced Consumption: This category often involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking, chugging, and severe alcohol poisoning, which is a leading cause of hazing deaths. It also includes forcing students to eat unusual, disgusting, or excessive amounts of food until they vomit. Leonel was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.

Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities and early-morning duties, impairing their judgment, academic performance, and overall health.

Psychological Torture: This can be among the most insidious forms of hazing, involving humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. Forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, or hog-tying his fellow pledge, exemplifies this cruel tactic.

Sexual Abuse & Humiliation: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually suggestive objects are unfortunately not uncommon. These acts are deeply traumatizing and can lead to severe long-term psychological damage.

Exposure: Intentionally exposing individuals to extreme hot or cold temperatures, or confining them in small, uncomfortable spaces, is another dangerous hazing method that can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, or other serious health risks. Leonel was sprayed with a hose while stripped to his underwear in cold weather.

Servitude: Requiring pledges to perform menial tasks, driving, or running errands for active members, often at odd hours, reinforces a power dynamic and contributes to sleep deprivation and distress.

Medical Consequences of Hazing

The medical ramifications of hazing are severe and can be lifelong:

• Rhabdomyolysis & Kidney Failure: As seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, extreme physical exertion can cause muscle breakdown, leading to damaged kidneys and potential permanent kidney impairment, or even death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From direct blows, falls, or other physical assaults.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or drug use.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological and emotional trauma requiring extensive therapy.
• DEATH: The ultimate and most tragic consequence, occurring far too often.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

One of the cornerstones of our strategy at Attorney911 is to pursue every single entity that bears responsibility, not just the individual perpetrators. This approach is what allows us to secure multi-million dollar outcomes for our clients and truly effect change. As demonstrated in our Pi Kappa Phi case, potential liable parties typically include:

• Local Chapter & Its Officers: The fraternity or sorority chapter itself, along with its president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and other leaders, are directly responsible for organizing and conducting hazing activities. They bear immediate liability for their actions and omissions.
• Individual Members: Any active member who participated in, encouraged, or failed to intervene in hazing activities can be held personally responsible. In cases where hazing occurred off-campus at a member’s residence, the resident (and even their spouse, if they allowed it) can be named as a defendant for premises liability and negligent supervision.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These national bodies have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and provide adequate training. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” or a history of incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi did after Andrew Coffey’s death), they are held liable for negligent supervision, pattern of misconduct, and institutional failures. These national organizations often have millions in assets and insurance coverage.
• Universities & Colleges: Educational institutions have an overarching duty to protect their students. This liability is amplified when, as in the University of Houston case, the university owns and controls the property where hazing occurs. Universities can be held responsible for negligent supervision of Greek life, failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, and creating an environment where hazing is allowed to thrive. They also possess substantial endowments and insurance.
• Insurance Carriers: This is where the real compensation often comes from. We meticulously identify every applicable insurance policy – from the national organization’s liability coverage to the university’s institutional insurance, and even homeowners’ or personal liability policies of individual members. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess an intimate understanding of how these carriers operate, allowing us to effectively challenge their tactics and maximize recovery for our clients.

It’s important for families in Stephens County to understand: this is not about suing broke college kids. This is about holding powerful, well-funded institutions and their insurance carriers accountable for their negligence and deliberate indifference.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Stephens County Families

For families in Stephens County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, one of the most pressing questions is often, “Can we really win this fight?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. We have a proven track record of not only litigating challenging hazing cases but also securing multi-million dollar outcomes. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is rooted in powerful legal precedents where victims and their families have achieved significant verdicts and settlements.

The Message to Stephens County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations: Hazing Costs Millions. We Have the Receipts.

These large legal victories send a clear message: the cost of hazing is astronomical, both in human suffering and financial liability. The same legal strategies and precedents that resulted in these landmark awards are precisely what we bring to bear for Stephens County victims.

Here are some of the critical precedent cases that underscore the strength of our position:

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

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million
The tragic death of Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, occurred after he was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol. His family ultimately secured over $10.1 million in settlements and judgments. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National alongside individual members. Most recently, in December 2024, a $6.5 million judgment was handed down personally against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president. This remains the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.

• Why this matters to Stephens County: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent, especially considering that the University of Houston owned the property where Leonel was hazed. Individual officers face substantial personal liability, setting a clear warning for any student leader involved in hazing in Stephens County or beyond.

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

Total Verdict: $6.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for “incorrect” answers to fraternity questions. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495. A jury later awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict, and the incident also led to criminal convictions and the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

• Why this matters to Stephens County: This jury verdict demonstrates that when the egregious nature of hazing is presented to a jury, they respond with multi-million dollar awards. It also shows the potential for criminal charges and legislative reform that hazing cases can trigger, impacting institutions and Greek life throughout Georgia.

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

Total Settlements: Over $110 Million (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza, a Penn State freshman, died after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He sustained a traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs while intoxicated, and fraternity members tragically waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the horrific events. While settlement amounts were confidential, reports estimate the combined recovery for his family and the university’s subsequent reforms exceeded $110 million. The case also resulted in numerous criminal convictions and the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

• Why this matters to Stephens County: This case underscores that when undeniable evidence of severe hazing and institutional negligence exists, settlements can reach staggering figures. It also highlights the widespread legislative impact that such tragedies can have, emphasizing why we must hold all responsible parties accountable in hazing incidents impacting Stephens County students.

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

Same National Fraternity as Our Current Case
Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” ritual at Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. Pledges were forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil settlement was reached, though the amount remains confidential.

• Why this matters to Stephens County: This case is particularly significant because it involves Pi Kappa Phi, the same national organization we are currently suing. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of deadly hazing within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. Despite this prior tragedy, they failed to implement effective preventative measures, leading directly to Leonel’s injuries. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence for which they must be held accountable.

University of Alabama / Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2023)

Lawsuit Filed – Traumatic Brain Injury Case
A recent lawsuit has been filed against Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Alabama following allegations of hazing that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. This demonstrates that non-fatal but serious injuries, such as Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, are the subject of major legal battles and can lead to significant compensation.

University of Houston / Pi Kappa Alpha (2017-2019)

Previous Hazing Case at the Same University
In 2017, just like in Leonel Bermudez’s case, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Alpha pledge named Jared Munoz was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing. A $1 million lawsuit was filed, and a grand jury even indicted the national organization.

• Why this matters to Stephens County: This incident proves that the University of Houston had documented knowledge of severe hazing on its campus in 2017. They knew hazing was a problem and failed to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent a recurrence, thus contributing to Leonel Bermudez’s victimization. This evidence of institutional knowledge and prior negligence significantly strengthens our case against the university for students from Stephens County and beyond.

Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths

The impact of these cases extends beyond financial compensation, driving critical legislative change across the country:

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Introduced felony charges for hazing causing death and immunity for those who report it.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Made hazing a felony and increased penalties.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Named after Collin Wiant, another hazing victim, establishing felony hazing charges.
• Texas Hazing Law: Texas already has robust anti-hazing laws that carry criminal penalties and explicitly state that consent is NOT a defense.

These precedents clearly demonstrate that the legal system takes hazing seriously. For families in Stephens County facing a hazing tragedy, these cases prove that comprehensive legal action is not only possible but can lead to significant justice and systemic change.

Texas Hazing Laws Protect Students Like Yours in Stephens County

While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating the Bermudez case, the hazing crisis knows no state lines. However, understanding the strong anti-hazing laws in Texas, where much of our legal expertise is honed, provides a robust framework for understanding your legal rights no matter where your child attends college. Many states, including Georgia, have similar legislative protections. Furthermore, our ability to litigate in federal court extends our reach to protect hazing victims and their families in Stephens County and across the country.

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

Texas law provides clear definitions and severe penalties for hazing, establishing a critical foundation for civil lawsuits.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing broadly as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

• (1) is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding…
• (2) involves 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…
• (3) involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm…
• (4) is any activity that… involves a violation of the Penal Code;
• (5) involves coercing… the student to consume… an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated.”

Application to Leonel Bermudez’s Case: The hazing Leonel endured clearly falls under multiple aspects of this definition, including physical brutality (paddling, extreme calisthenics, waterboarding), sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and forced consumption. Our lawyers meticulously documented how the actions taken against Leonel violated these precise legal definitions, forming a strong basis for our lawsuit.

Criminal Penalties:
Texas law imposes serious criminal penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or failing to report hazing with firsthand knowledge (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing causing serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would fall under this category.
• State Jail Felony: For hazing causing death (180 days – 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Critically, Texas law states that “an organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and denial of the right to operate on campus. This allows us to hold both the local chapter and the national organization directly accountable.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps the most powerful and misunderstood aspect of anti-hazing laws. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This shatters the common defense used by fraternities and universities that “the student knew what they were signing up for” or “they could have left at any time.” The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist in a coercive hazing environment. This principle is vital for hazing victims in Stephens County, ensuring they cannot be blamed for participating in actions they were pressured or threatened into.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provides a mechanism for holding university administrations accountable for transparency and compliance.

Civil Liability for Hazing: What Stephens County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families in Stephens County to pursue comprehensive compensation for the immense harm caused by hazing. These civil actions can proceed irrespective of whether criminal charges are filed or pursued:

1. Negligence Claims: Applicable in Stephens County and every state, these claims argue that the responsible parties (individuals, chapter, national organization, university) failed in their “duty of care” to protect the student, resulting in injury.
2. Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation (as in the Bermudez case with the University of Houston), these entities can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to properly oversee Greek life on campus, despite knowing about the risks of hazing.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing who inflict physical harm can be sued directly for intentional harmful contact.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing often causes severe emotional and psychological trauma, allowing victims to seek compensation for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
6. Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover damages for the loss of their loved one, including future earnings, companionship, and funeral expenses.

For families in Stephens County, this robust legal framework, combined with our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions, means we have the tools to pursue justice, regardless of where the hazing occurred.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Choice for Stephens County Hazing Victims

When your family in Stephens County is facing the devastating impact of a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who understand the insidious nature of hazing and how to hold powerful institutions accountable. At Attorney911, we are not just legal professionals; we are fervent champions for hazing victims, driven by a deep commitment to justice and a proven track record of fighting aggressive, high-stakes cases.

Our Firm Identity: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Stephens County

Attorney911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While our physical offices are in Texas, our dedication to hazing victims extends nationwide. We proudly serve families in Stephens County, Georgia, and across America, leveraging our federal court authority and willingness to travel wherever justice demands. Stephens County families deserve the same aggressive representation that we provide to our clients locally.

Key Differentiators: Putting Stephens County Families First

• 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over two decades of trial experience. This means proven expertise when advocating for Stephens County families.
• Former Insurance Defense Insight: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent years working on the “other side,” defending insurance companies. This invaluable insider knowledge means we know exactly how defendants and their insurers will try to minimize or deny claims. We dismantle their strategies before they can even fully deploy them, giving Stephens County families a decisive advantage.
• Federal Court Admissions: Our admissions to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and other federal courts provide the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, an essential tool when dealing with national fraternities and universities across state lines, including those in Stephens County.
• Dual-State Bar Admission: Ralph’s licenses in both Texas and New York provide a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have significant operations in the Northeast. This broad legal reach benefits hazing victims everywhere, including in Stephens County.
• Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Stephens County receive comprehensive legal guidance without language barriers.
• Nationwide Hazing Expertise: We aren’t just taking on a single hazing case; we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical; this is real-time, aggressive litigation. Stephens County families will benefit directly from the strategies and insights gained from this active battle.

The Attorney911 Approach: First, Fast, Decisively

For Stephens County hazing victims, our team moves with immediate, aggressive, and professional intervention:

• Expert Witness Network: We build powerful cases with a robust network of experts, including medical specialists (especially critical for complex injuries like rhabdomyolysis), Greek life culture experts, and institutional negligence consultants.
• Immediate Evidence Preservation: We move swiftly to secure critical evidence—text messages, photos, medical records, witness statements—before it can be lost or destroyed.
• Strength in Negotiation: Our ongoing $10 million hazing case demonstrates our willingness and capability to fight for top-dollar compensation, ensuring we negotiate from a position of strength for Stephens County families.
• We Come to You: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are committed to traveling to Stephens County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary, eliminating geographical hurdles for our clients.
• Remote Consultations: Recognizing the need for immediate and accessible legal advice, we offer secure video consultations for Stephens County families, allowing them to connect with our attorneys from the comfort and privacy of their homes.

Client Testimonials: Real Voices of Trust

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our 4.9-star rating based on over 250 Google reviews. We pride ourselves on treating every client like family, an approach that resonates deeply with those experiencing legal emergencies. Many clients praise our consistent communication, aggressive representation, and ability to secure maximum settlements. As one client, Chad Harris, put it, “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.” This is the level of care and advocacy Stephens County families can expect.

Fees: No Upfront Costs for Stephens County Families

We understand that pursuing justice after a hazing incident can seem financially daunting, especially when dealing with medical bills and emotional distress. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• $0 Upfront Costs: You pay nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us.

This payment structure ensures that financial concerns never prevent Stephens County families from seeking the justice they deserve.

Ralph P. Manginello: Stephens County’s Fierce Advocate

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a formidable litigator with over 25 years of experience. His career started on the defense side, giving him critical insight into how insurance companies and large institutions strategize. He leverages this “insider knowledge” to benefit his clients, relentlessly dismantling the defenses of fraternities and universities.

His experience includes:

• Multi-Billion Dollar Litigation: Ralph was involved in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation, showcasing his ability to take on massive corporate defendants in complex, high-stakes cases – a skill directly transferable to hazing cases against national organizations and universities.
• Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and experienced in federal civil rights litigation, Ralph can pursue hazing cases that cross state lines or involve constitutional issues.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience litigating fraternity hazing cases involving severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis, precisely what Leonel Bermudez suffered.
• Journalism Background: His Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin trained him to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories – essential for exposing what institutions try to hide in hazing cases.
• Community Involvement: A youth sports coach, Ralph understands group dynamics and the environments where hazing can occur, bringing a unique perspective to these cases. As a father of three, he deeply understands the stakes for families in Stephens County.

Lupe Eleno Peña: The Insurance Counter-Intelligence Expert for Stephens County

Lupe Peña, an associate attorney and a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, is a former attorney for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means he literally worked for the insurance companies that now try to deny victims their rightful compensation. He knows their internal playbooks, their valuation methods, their delay tactics, and their manipulation strategies better than anyone. Now, he uses that exact knowledge to fight relentlessly for victims.

His background includes:

• Insider Knowledge: Lupe knows how large insurance companies think, strategize, and attempt to minimize payouts. He applies this intelligence to ensure Stephens County hazing victims receive maximum compensation.
• Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: Lupe has recovered millions for clients in wrongful death, dram shop, and catastrophic injury cases, which aligns perfectly with the severe outcomes of hazing incidents.
• Dram Shop Experience: His experience holding establishments accountable for alcohol-related injuries is directly applicable to hazing cases involving forced alcohol consumption.
• Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe’s fluency in Spanish ensures that Hispanic families in Stephens County affected by hazing receive barrier-free and culturally sensitive legal services.
• “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight”: This is Lupe’s litigation philosophy, a mindset perfectly suited to combating the well-funded legal teams of fraternities and universities.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form an unparalleled legal team – two former insurance defense attorneys with over 37 years of combined experience, providing an “unfair advantage” for victims facing powerful defendants. This is the expertise Stephens County families can rely on.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Stephens County Hazing Victims

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical for preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. For families in Stephens County, understanding these steps can make all the difference in building a strong case. When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, whether at a local Georgia college or a distant university, confusion and fear can be overwhelming. We’re here to guide you through it.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your safety and well-being, or that of your child, is the absolute priority.

• Remove Yourself/Your Child from the Situation: Get away from the hazing environment immediately. Safety comes first.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if psychological distress is the primary concern, consult a doctor or emergency room. Adrenaline can mask pain, and conditions like rhabdomyolysis (as in Leonel Bermudez’s case) may have delayed symptoms.
  • Document Everything Medically: Ensure medical professionals meticulously record all injuries, symptoms, and the circumstances surrounding them. This creates an objective, third-party record vital for your legal case. Any delay in treatment can be used by defense attorneys to downplay the severity of injuries.
  • Keep ALL Medical Records: Obtain copies of hospital records, ER visits, doctor’s notes, test results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), and any prescribed medications.
• Mental Health Support: Seek counseling or therapy for psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression. These records are equally important for documenting non-economic damages.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

In hazing cases, evidence is often volatile and vulnerable to being lost or destroyed. Our firm emphasizes, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” This is especially true for hazing.

• Photos and Videos:
  • Take clear, dated pictures and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing.
  • Photograph the location where hazing occurred, if safely possible (e.g., fraternity house exterior, specific rooms, outdoor areas).
  • Document any physical items used in hazing activities (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers, specific clothing involved).
• Digital Communications: These are goldmines of evidence in hazing cases.
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Preserve all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. These often contain implicit admissions, instructions, threats, or discussions that reveal the hazing plan.
  • Take screenshots of disappearing messages (e.g., Snapchat) or group chats.
• Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, bystanders, or even former members who can attest to the culture of the organization.
• Documents: Keep all pledge manuals, schedules, rules, “bid day” materials, or any other documents provided by the organization.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages (if applicable), and any academic disruption costs.
• Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOT” Actions

These steps are vital to protect your case:

• DO NOT Communicate with the Organization: Avoid contact with fraternity/sorority leaders, individual members (unless for safety), or university administrators without first consulting with our attorneys. They are not on your side and any statements you make can be used against you.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity/sorority, university, or their insurance representatives without legal review. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you post can and will be used by defense attorneys to discredit your claims. This includes positive updates, photos with friends, or any comments about the incident. Stay offline regarding your case.
• DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations in most states, including Texas, is two years from the date of injury or death. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and individuals transfer. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” highlights, don’t miss these critical deadlines.
  • Bermudez’s case proves this urgency; he was hospitalized November 6, and our lawsuit was filed within weeks.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

This is the most crucial step. You need legal experts who understand the complexities of hazing law, institutional liability, and how to navigate powerful defendants.

• Free, Confidential Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can assess your situation, explain your rights, and outline your options. For Stephens County families, we offer remote video consultations, ensuring accessibility regardless of location.
• We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers to justice.
• Full Investigation: We will initiate a thorough investigation, including subpoenaing records, interviewing witnesses, and demanding accountability from all liable parties – from individual students to national organizations and universities.

For Stephens County families: You do not have to face this nightmare alone. We are ready to fight for you, just as we are fighting for Leonel Bermudez. Your prompt action can save lives and prevent future tragedies.

Attorney911: Your Call for Justice in Stephens County, Georgia

When hazing shatters a family’s life, the road to recovery and justice can feel overwhelming. For too long, fraternities, sororities, universities, and other student organizations have operated with a culture of impunity, shielding themselves behind legal loopholes, public relations strategies, and the silence of victims. We are Attorney911, and we believe that silence ends now. We are here to bring that fight to Stephens County, Georgia, and ensure that every family impacted by hazing receives the aggressive, expert legal representation they deserve.

Stephens County Families: You Have Legal Rights. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now.

Our firm is not just talking about hazing; we are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This ongoing case is the embodiment of our commitment: a relentless pursuit of accountability for severe hazing injuries against the most powerful defendants. We know how to build these complex cases, how to dismantle institutional defenses, and how to secure justice. Stephens County families will receive the same tenacious advocacy.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now for a Free Consultation

If you or your child has been the victim of hazing in Stephens County, at a university in Georgia, or anywhere across the nation, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your consultation with our experienced legal team is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

You can also reach us via email at ralph@atty911.com.

We understand the financial strain that medical bills, lost tuition, and emotional distress can place on families. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis for hazing victims in Stephens County. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we secure compensation for you. Our success is directly tied to yours.

What Stephens County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical evaluation and documentation of all physical and psychological injuries are crucial.
2. Preserve All Evidence: Do not delete any text messages, photos, videos, or social media communications. Collect names and contact information of witnesses.
3. Refrain from Communication: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority members, university administrators, or their legal representatives without consulting your own attorney.
4. Avoid Social Media Posts: Anything you post can be used against your case. Maintain privacy regarding the incident.
5. Contact Us Immediately: Time is of the essence. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states is typically two years. Evidence disappears quickly. We offer video consultations for Stephens County families and will travel to you as needed.

Beyond Stephens County: Nationwide Service for All Hazing Victims

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach and experience extend far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national scourge, and we are equipped to represent victims wherever they are and wherever the incident occurred:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases with national implications or against out-of-state defendants, ensuring we can represent Stephens County victims whose cases span broader jurisdictions.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: With attorneys licensed in both Texas and New York, we possess a strategic advantage in litigating against national fraternities, many of which have ties to or operations in the Northeast.
• Remote Consultations & Travel Commitment: Modern technology enables seamless remote consultations with Stephens County families. Furthermore, we are prepared to travel to Stephens County for crucial depositions, meetings, and trials, ensuring genuine local presence when necessary. Distance will never be a barrier to justice.

We Represent Victims of All Forms of Hazing:

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions near Stephens County, throughout Georgia, and across the nation.
• Sports teams, including high school, collegiate, and club teams.
• Marching bands and other performance groups.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any club, organization, or group that uses abusive practices as part of “initiation” or membership.

To Other Victims of the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not alone. The lawsuit alleges that another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout. Others were subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, physical abuse, and humiliation. If you or someone you know was also victimized by this chapter, please contact us. You have rights, and we can represent you to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. As Lupe Pena stated, “Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your courage can make a difference. Your case can send a powerful message, compelling real change and preventing future harm. Justice is waiting. Contact Attorney911 today.

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