If you’re reading this in Sumter County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to make friends and build a future. Instead, they were subjected to horrifying abuse, disguised as tradition. They were tortured. They were injured. And you, as a parent, are left scared, angry, and searching for answers in the dead of night. We understand what you’re going through. We’re here to help families in Sumter County fight back.

We are Attorney911, and our firm is actively engaged in the fight against hazing right now, representing a victim in a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t theoretical for us; we are in the trenches, fighting for accountability in court. The stories you’ll read here are not about distant headlines; they are about real young people, just like your child, who were brutalized by organizations that promised brotherhood and sisterhood but delivered only terror and pain. From our headquarters in Houston, Texas, and offices in Austin and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Sumter County and across the nation, bringing the same aggressive, data-driven approach we use in court every single day.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Our current, landmark litigation, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. in Harris County Civil District Court, is a stark warning to every parent in Sumter County. This case isn’t just another lawsuit; it’s a living testament to the ongoing hazing crisis and our unwavering commitment to justice. Ten million dollars is what we are demanding for Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, but was already being subjected to systematic torture by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members.

In November 2025, news outlets like ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media reported on the horrific details of Leonel’s experience. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who had accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in mid-September. He planned to transfer to the University of Houston for the upcoming semester, eager to start his new life. Instead, his dreams turned into a nightmare of physical and psychological abuse that left him hospitalized for four agonizing days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Let us be clear: what happened to Leonel Bermudez isn’t isolated to Houston, Texas. The same national fraternities operate at universities that children from Sumter County attend, whether it’s local institutions or major state universities. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client can happen to your child. The same institutional negligence that allowed hazing to thrive at the University of Houston is at play at campuses throughout Sumter County and beyond. We are committed to extending our aggressive representation to any family in Sumter County facing such a tragedy.

A Timeline of Terror: Leonel Bermudez’s Ordeal

Leonel’s journey into this nightmare began on September 16, 2025, when he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was seven weeks of relentless abuse, culminating in a severe injury on November 3. Here’s a glimpse into the systematic torture documented in our lawsuit:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi.
• Throughout Pledge Period: He was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a perverse form of public humiliation. He endured an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews designed to exert control. He was made to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to severe exhaustion. Non-compliance was met with threats of physical punishment or immediate expulsion from the fraternity.
• October 13, 2025: In a chilling foreshadowing of the brutality to come, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, while fraternity members calmly prepared for a meeting. This happened right in front of Leonel.
• October 15, 2025: During a forced workout, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This incident exposed the extreme physical demands and negligence of the fraternity, yet the hazing continued unabated.
• Multiple Occasions: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” a form of torture that mimics drowning. He was repeatedly sprayed in the face with a hose while performing calisthenics. He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then ordered to continue running sprints while in physical distress through his own vomit-soaked grass. He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and was struck with wooden paddles.
• November 3, 2025: The Breaking Point: As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was forced to perform an unimaginable regimen of physical exercises: over 100 push-ups, more than 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed throughout, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
• November 6, 2025: After two days of worsening pain and inability to move, Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic symptom of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, fighting for his life.

Within days of these horrifying events, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended their chapter at the University of Houston and then officially closed it on November 14, 2025 – just seven days before we filed our $10 million lawsuit. The University of Houston spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” launching their own investigation and mentioning “potential criminal charges.” These rapid responses, while seemingly positive, were ultimately about damage control, proving they knew exactly what heinous acts had occurred under their watch.

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

Leonel’s injuries were far from minor. Rhabdomyolysis is a terrifying condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to acute kidney failure. The brown urine Leonel passed was a clear sign of this devastating process. His very high creatine kinase levels confirmed the extensive muscle damage he suffered.

This is not a theoretical illness; it is a life-threatening medical emergency. It required intensive intravenous fluid hydration to flush his kidneys and prevent permanent damage. While Leonel survived, the long-term implications are severe, including the risk of chronic kidney disease, the need for dialysis, or even a kidney transplant in the future. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, understanding the intricacies of both the medical and legal challenges involved.

For families in Sumter County, this case serves as a grave reminder. Hazing is not just about embarrassment or inconvenience; it’s about life-altering injuries and, in too many cases, death. The physical and emotional scars left by such abuse can last a lifetime, demanding extensive medical care, psychological support, and significant financial resources. We ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable for these profound damages.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

When you hear the word “hazing,” you might imagine harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the truth, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s case and countless others, is far darker. Hazing has evolved into a culture of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and extreme physical violence. For parents in Sumter County, it’s crucial to understand the true face of hazing, which often includes acts that would be considered criminal assault and battery if committed outside a fraternity or sorority context.

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not a test of character or a builder of brotherhood. It is a calculated act of power and control, designed to break down a victim’s will and instill fear, obedience, and silence.

The Disturbing Reality of Hazing Tactics

Based on our current litigation and decades of national hazing research, here are the categories of abuse masquerading as “initiation”:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond mild discomfort. It includes beatings, paddling (like the wooden paddles used on Leonel), branding, and forced exercise to the point of collapse or injury. Forcing someone to do 500 squats or 100 push-ups until their muscles fail is not a game; it’s physical assault leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking, chugging, and severe alcohol poisoning, which has killed numerous students. But it also includes non-alcoholic substances, like forcing Leonel to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting, and then humiliating him in his own puke. This can lead to choking hazards, aspiration, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through forced late-night or early-morning activities, like Leonel being made to drive fraternity members for hours. This impairs judgment, mental clarity, and physical health, making victims more vulnerable to further abuse and accidents.
• Psychological Torture: This is often the most insidious form of hazing, leaving deep, lasting scars. It involves humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, and constant threats. Forcing Leonel to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects or hog-tying another pledge with an object in his mouth are acts designed to emotionally break and dehumanize. This type of abuse leads to severe PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel’s case tragically demonstrates, this horrifying tactic, considered torture by international standards, is inflicted on students. Being sprayed with a hose in the face until you can’t breathe is an act of pure terror.
• Exposure: This can involve forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, confinement in small spaces, or being sprayed with water while minimally clothed in cold temperatures, risking hypothermia or other serious health complications.
• Servitude: Pledges are often treated as personal servants for older members, forced to clean, run errands, or provide transportation, further blurring the lines of respect and dignity.

The True Stakes: Medical Consequences and Death

The consequences are not merely disciplinary. They are medical, psychological, and often fatal:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Directly seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, this can lead to permanent kidney damage or death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls during forced activities, or assaults.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Cardiac Arrest: Resulting from extreme physical exertion, especially in individuals with underlying conditions.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological trauma requiring extensive therapy.
• Death: The ultimate, tragic outcome that has claimed at least one student’s life every year since 2000.

The Institutional Failure: Why Hazing Continues

It’s critical for Sumter County families to understand that hazing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Universities, colleges, and national Greek organizations are fully aware of this epidemic. They know it happens. They draft policies against it. Yet, they consistently fail to prevent it, often turning a blind eye until a student is hospitalized or dies.

• Awareness: Universities know that hazing is endemic in Greek life. National organizations, especially those with a history of incidents like Pi Kappa Phi (who had Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), certainly know.
• Power to Act: These institutions have immense power – to suspend chapters, to enforce regulations, to inspect houses, to expel individuals.
• Failure to Act: Time and again, they choose not to intervene effectively until a crisis forces their hand. Then, they issue statements of regret, suspend chapters, and claim to be “shocked.” This cycle of negligence is what enables hazing to persist.

For Sumter County parents, this means that every university and national organization with a chapter in or around your community carries a degree of responsibility. They must be held accountable when their inaction or indifference leads to such devastating harm. We are here to ensure that accountability is achieved, forcing institutions to prioritize student safety over “tradition” and reputation.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When a child from Sumter County is subjected to hazing, the immediate thought might be to blame the individual perpetrators. While those individuals are certainly responsible, our strategy at Attorney911 is to cast a wide net, ensuring every entity capable of accountability, from individual members to powerful universities and national organizations, is held liable. This comprehensive approach is how we secure meaningful compensation and drive institutional change. As we are demonstrating in the Bermudez case, we meticulously identify and pursue every party whose negligence, actions, or inactions contributed to the harm.

The Layers of Accountability

Based on our strategy in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, here are the key categories of defendants we target:

1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter):

   • Why they’re liable: The local chapter directly organized, promoted, and executed the hazing activities. Their leadership, including the Fraternity President and Pledgemaster, orchestrated the abuse, and members participated actively or stood by silently.
   • Our approach: We sue the chapter as a collective entity, as well as its officers and individual participants.

2. Individual Perpetrators (e.g., Fraternity President, Pledgemaster, Current and Former Members):

   • Why they’re liable: Every individual who participated in, directed, encouraged, or failed to intervene in hazing acts can be held personally responsible. This includes those who actively engaged in the waterboarding, forced exercises, or paddling, as well as those in leadership roles who allowed it to happen. In the Bermudez case, this even extends to former members and their spouses who hosted hazing sessions at their private residence.
   • Our approach: We ensure that each person who directly contributed to the harm faces accountability. The Stone Foltz case precedent, where a single chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally, proves that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity shield.

3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.):

   • Why they’re liable: National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi, often claim ignorance, but they have a duty to oversee their chapters. They establish policies, provide training, and receive dues. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing rules, ignore warning signs, or have a demonstrated history of hazing incidents (as Pi Kappa Phi does with Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017), they are directly liable for negligent supervision and enabling a dangerous culture. Their quick action to close the UH chapter after Leonel’s hospitalization is, in itself, an admission of wrongdoing and knowledge of severe violations.
   • Our approach: We target the national organization’s substantial assets and insurance, compelling them to make systemic changes, not just symbolic gestures. We know these organizations have millions in assets and insurance policies designed to protect them, and we know how to navigate those.

4. The Housing Corporation (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation):

   • Why they’re liable: Many fraternities operate through housing corporations that own or manage the properties where hazing often occurs. If hazing happens on property managed by a housing corporation, they can be held liable for premises liability and for failing to provide a safe environment.
   • Our approach: We ensure this legal entity, which often holds significant assets, is brought into the lawsuit.

5. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston, UH Board of Regents):

   • Why they’re liable: Universities have an undeniable duty to protect their students, especially when they exercise control over Greek life organizations. If the university owns the fraternity house where hazing occurs (as the University of Houston did), their premises liability is clear. Furthermore, a university is liable for negligent supervision if it fails to monitor Greek life activities, ignores reports of hazing, or doesn’t enforce its own anti-hazing policies. The University of Houston had a clear warning in 2017 with another hazing-related student hospitalization; their failure to prevent Leonel’s injury is a direct consequence of their negligence.
   • Our approach: We pursue the university’s substantial endowments and insurance policies, recognizing that true change often requires significant financial pressure on these institutions.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Why they’re liable: Ultimately, the funds for settlements and verdicts often come from various insurance policies—the national organization’s liability insurance, the university’s institutional insurance, homeowner’s policies for off-campus hazing locations, and personal liability coverage.
   • Our approach: As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge to this aspect of litigation. We know how insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. This allows us to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients, extracting compensation from every available policy.

The Deep Pockets Principle

It’s important for Sumter County families to understand that our goal is not merely to assign blame, but to secure substantial compensation for the trauma and injuries sustained. This often means targeting the “deep pockets” – the entities with the financial resources to pay large settlements and verdicts. This typically includes:

• National fraternity/sorority organizations: These are multi-million dollar corporations with significant assets, endowments, and liability insurance.
• Universities and colleges: Major institutions have vast resources, large insurance policies, and reputations they strive to protect, making them prime targets for accountability.
• Housing corporations: These entities often own valuable real estate.
• Affluent individuals: While individual students may have limited assets, their parents and their personal insurance policies (like homeowner’s insurance) can provide additional avenues for recovery.

We are not deterred by the complexity of these cases or the power of the defendants. Our track record, including multi-billion dollar mass tort experience from the BP Texas City explosion, demonstrates our capacity to take on the largest corporate defendants. For Sumter County families, this means you don’t have to face these formidable opponents alone. We have the expertise, the resources, and the unwavering commitment to fight for your child.

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

For parents in Sumter County grappling with the aftermath of a hazing incident, one of the most pressing questions is often: “Can anything truly be done? Can we really win against such powerful institutions?” The answer is a resounding yes. Our firm and other committed attorneys across the country have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases, proving that aggressive advocacy can bring justice and accountability. These precedents not only provide significant compensation to victims and their families but also send a powerful message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations: hazing costs millions, and you will pay.

Landmark Verdicts and Settlements That Demand Attention

Let these cases serve as a testament to what is possible for haztermed families in Sumter County:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

   • What happened: Stone Foltz, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation and died of alcohol poisoning.
   • The outcome: The university paid $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha national organization, along with individual members, settled for $7.2 million. This case represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Furthermore, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million, emphasizing individual accountability.
   • Significance for Sumter County: This case directly validates our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that both the university and the national fraternity will pay substantial amounts, and individual officers can face immense personal liability. If your child is injured in Sumter County, the same path to justice exists.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

   • What happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died after a Phi Delta Theta pledge event called “Bible Study.” He was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly, resulting in a blood alcohol content of 0.495—six times the legal limit.
   • The outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. The incident also led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, and spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Significance for Sumter County: This jury verdict proves that when hazing cases go to trial, juries are willing to award multi-million dollar sums, reflecting intense public outrage. This outcome demonstrates the power of a victim’s story before a jury of peers and can influence legislative change.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

   • What happened: Timothy Piazza died after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night where pledges were forced to consume 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras in the fraternity house captured the entire horrifying ordeal.
   • The outcome: While confidential, the settlements are estimated to exceed $110 million. Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and many were convicted. This tragedy led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” which increased penalties for hazing.
   • Significance for Sumter County: This case illustrates that when evidence is clear and compelling, and the conduct is egregious, the damages can reach astronomical figures. It underscores the critical importance of evidence preservation and aggressive litigation, similar to how we are approaching the Bermudez case with its detailed allegations and supporting medical evidence.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Our Client!

   • What happened: Andrew Coffey was found unresponsive after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • The outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit filed by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
   • Significance for Sumter County: This is a crucial precedent for the Bermudez case. It explicitly shows that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual knowledge of a deadly hazing culture within its chapters as far back as 2017. Yet, eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was subjected to similar, life-threatening abuse. This established pattern of negligence and conscious indifference is a critical component for driving punitive damages and highlights the systemic failure of the national organization.

These are just a few examples that demonstrate the unwavering commitment of our legal system to hold accountable those who perpetuate hazing. The patterns are clear: multi-million dollar awards are not only possible but increasingly common when negligence is proven and institutions fail to protect young lives. A judge or jury in Sumter County would respond with similar outrage to hazing conduct so extreme.

Driving Legislative Change

Beyond financial compensation, these cases have driven significant legislative reform across the country. Laws like the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania, the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, and “Collin’s Law” in Ohio have strengthened anti-hazing statutes, increasing penalties and requiring greater transparency. Our pursuit of justice for Leonel Bermudez aims to contribute to this national movement, sending a message that not only impacts fraternities, but also influences laws that protect students in Sumter County.

The Strongest Case is a Documented Case

Each of these precedent cases underscores the importance of meticulously documenting every detail of a hazing incident, from medical records and witness accounts to communications and university policies. Our firm excels at this, building cases with expert witnesses, preserving evidence immediately, and presenting a compelling narrative that cannot be ignored.

For families in Sumter County, these precedents offer powerful reassurance. The path to justice is well-worn, and we have the expertise to navigate it successfully. The multi-million dollar outcomes achieved in these cases prove that the fight for accountability is worth every effort, and we are ready to bring that fight to your corner.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Sumter County

For families in Sumter County, Georgia, dealing with the trauma of hazing, it’s vital to understand the legal framework designed to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of anti-hazing laws and civil liability are remarkably similar across states, and our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases regardless of location. Furthermore, Texas law, where we are based, provides a robust and clear legal foundation that empowers victims, notably stating that consent is not a defense to hazing. These laws provide powerful tools that we leverage for our clients, including those in Sumter County.

Texas Anti-Hazing Laws: A Model for Accountability

The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 37.151 through 37.157, outlines comprehensive anti-hazing legislation. While this applies directly to Texas, it reflects a national trend to criminalize and penalize hazing, setting a strong precedent that influences similar cases in Sumter County and beyond.

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off-campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:

• Involves physical brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking (like the wooden paddles used on Leonel Bermudez), branding, or placing harmful substances on the body.
• Endangers mental or physical health and safety: Including sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like being sprayed with a hose in cold weather), confinement, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100 push-ups), or any activity that subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health.
• Involves forced consumption: Such as food, liquid, drugs, or alcoholic beverages, to an extent that risks harm or adversely affects health (like Leonel being forced to eat until vomiting).
• Requires violation of the Penal Code: Any activity that forces a student to commit a crime.

As demonstrated in the Bermudez case, the hazing activities he endured—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, and being struck with paddles—are clear violations of multiple aspects of this definition. The same types of actions, whether they occur at local institutions in Sumter County or elsewhere, fall squarely within these legal prohibitions.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law carries severe criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For actively engaging in hazing, soliciting or aiding hazing, or having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure unquestionably constitute serious bodily injury, meaning individuals involved could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. This carries a penalty of 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. Given that the University of Houston spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges,” the severity of Leonel’s injuries placed his perpetrators on the brink of felony charges, and indeed, many individuals in other hazing cases have faced even more severe criminal penalties.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Texas law also holds organizations accountable, not just individuals. An organization commits an offense if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its members commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of the right to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means that both the local chapter and the national organization, like Pi Kappa Phi, can face direct institutional penalties.

Universities’ Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. A failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision is key for holding universities accountable for transparency, and discovery in our cases often targets these reports to uncover patterns of negligence.

The Critical Principle: Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This particular provision of Texas law is paramount and is a principle echoed in many other states’ anti-hazing statutes:

“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 game-changer for Sumter County families. When fraternities, sororities, or universities attempt to deflect blame by claiming “he agreed to participate,” “he knew what he was signing up for,” or “he could have left at any time,” the law explicitly states that such arguments are invalid. You cannot consent to criminal activity. Coercion, peer pressure, threats of expulsion (as seen in Leonel’s case), and the desire to belong negate true consent. This means that focusing on the victim’s “choice” to participate is legally irrelevant; the focus remains squarely on the illegal and harmful acts of the perpetrators.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges aim to punish offenders, civil lawsuits, which we pursue for families in Sumter County, allow victims to recover compensation for their injuries and suffering. The legal theories we employ are broad and powerful:

• Negligence Claims: We prove that universities, national organizations, and individuals owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (such as failing to supervise or actively hazing), that this breach caused the injuries, and that the injuries resulted in damages. These claims are universally applicable in Sumter County and every state.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university (like the University of Houston owning the Pi Kappa Phi house), or at a residence (like the former member’s home in Leonel’s case), the property owners can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This theory holds national organizations accountable for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters and universities responsible for failing to monitor Greek life or other student organizations.
• Assault and Battery: These are direct intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators for any physical contact that causes harm or offense, such as paddling or forced physical abuse.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for particularly egregious conduct (like waterboarding or severe humiliation), IIED claims can be made when the behavior is so outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress, leading to conditions like PTSD.
• Vicarious Liability: This legal principle holds one party responsible for the actions of another, such as a national organization being liable for the hazing committed by its local chapter members, or a university for its recognized student organizations. In Texas, the university might even be liable under principles like respondeat superior if the hazing was conducted by students considered agents of the university (such as student leaders acting in official capacities).

For families in Sumter County, these civil claims are your pathway to justice. They allow us to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, crucially, to seek punitive damages against those whose actions were grossly negligent or intentional. Our firm’s dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority mean that we are equipped to bring these sophisticated legal strategies to bear, no matter where the hazing incident occurred.

Why Attorney911 is the Obvious Choice for Sumter County Hazing Victims

When a hazing emergency strikes a family in Sumter County, the need for experienced, aggressive, and empathetic legal representation is immediate and overwhelming. At Attorney911, we are not just another law firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a proven track record, deep insider knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to victims and their families. While headquartered in Houston, our reach and dedication extend nationwide, and we are fully equipped to serve families in Sumter County, Georgia, ensuring they receive the same caliber of representation as our clients in Texas.

Our Unmatched Advantages for Sumter County Families:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case: This is perhaps our most potent differentiator. We aren’t hypothetically discussing hazing litigation; we are actively fighting it right now in Harris County Civil District Court for Leonel Bermudez. This means:

   • Real-time expertise: Our strategies are honed in the present legal landscape of hazing.
   • Aggressive posture: Our $10 million demand is a live declaration of war against hazing.
   • Proof of concept: We demonstrate daily that we can take on powerful institutions like national fraternities and major universities.
     For Sumter County families, this means you’re hiring a firm that is actively using the very tactics needed to win your case.

2. 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience (Ralph Manginello): Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is a battle-tested trial attorney with over two decades of experience. From multi-billion dollar mass torts like the BP Texas City explosion litigation to high-profile criminal defense cases, Ralph has fiercely advocated for clients against powerful defendants. This extensive courtroom experience translates directly into maximum leverage for your Sumter County hazing case, ensuring we are always ready to take the fight to trial if necessary.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring an invaluable, strategic advantage to every case: they both worked for insurance defense firms before dedicating their careers to representing victims.

   • Ralph Manginello (Former Insurance Defense): He’s seen their tactics for minimizing and denying claims from the inside, and now uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery.
   • Lupe Pena (Former National Defense Firm Attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP): Lupe’s experience at a national insurance defense firm gives him firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims, strategize defenses across multiple jurisdictions, and attempt to lowball victims. He learned their secrets, and now he uses them against them.
     This “insurance counter-intelligence system” means we anticipate every move of the opposing side, giving Sumter County families an unfair advantage against well-funded universities and national organizations.

4. Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Courts. This is crucial because many hazing cases involve multi-state defendants (like national fraternities headquartered in other states) or federal claims (like civil rights violations), which can be litigated in federal court. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue your Sumter County hazing case effectively, regardless of where the national organization is based.

5. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas AND New York): Ralph’s license in both Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage. It allows our firm to pursue national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered or have significant operations in New York, bypassing jurisdictional hurdles and adding a layer of sophisticated legal reach to our representation of Sumter County hazing victims.

6. Se Habla Español – Bilingual Staff: We recognize the vibrant and diverse communities in Sumter County. Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultation to court proceedings.

7. Nationwide Hazing Expertise with a Local Touch: While our physical offices are in Texas, our expertise in hazing litigation spans beyond state lines. We leverage remote consultation technology, video conferencing, and a commitment to travel to Sumter County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance is never a barrier to justice. We ensure that families in Sumter County receive personalized attention and understanding, treating them like family, not just another case file.

8. Aggressive, Immediate, and Professional Response: When a legal emergency hits – especially a traumatic hazing incident – we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. For Sumter County hazing victims, our team immediately works to:

   • Preserve crucial evidence (texts, photos, medical records, witness statements).
   • Build a robust case with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence).
   • Negotiate from a position of strength, armed with the knowledge of our current $10 million hazing lawsuit.
   • Take the fight to court if the university, fraternity, or insurance company attempts to silence or deny justice. We stand ready to fight for families in Sumter County every step of the way.

9. Contingency Fees – No Upfront Cost for Sumter County Families: We understand that dealing with the trauma and financial strain of a hazing incident makes adding legal fees seem impossible. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency.

   • You pay $0 upfront.
   • We don’t get paid unless and until YOU get paid.
   • This eliminates financial barriers, allowing every family in Sumter County access to top-tier legal representation, leveling the playing field against well-resourced defendants.

10. A Father’s Dedication: Ralph Manginello is a father of three. He deeply understands what is at stake when a child is harmed or killed by hazing. This personal understanding fuels our firm’s genuine emotional investment in hazing victims, ensuring that every Sumter County family is treated with compassion and fierce advocacy. Lupe Pena, a third-generation Texan and father, shares this commitment to family and justice.

Our firm’s 4.9-star rating on Google, with over 250 reviews, reflects the trust and satisfaction of our clients. Testimonials speak to our responsive communication, our aggressive pursuit of maximum settlements, and our commitment to treating clients like family. Whether it’s “They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting,” or “He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” our clients consistently praise our dedication and results.

When you choose Attorney911 for your hazing case in Sumter County, you are choosing a legal partner who has the experience, the insight, and the heart to fight for the justice your family deserves.

What to Do Right Now: An Urgent Guide for Sumter County Hazing Victims

If you or your child in Sumter County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the trauma, confusion, and fear can be overwhelming, prompt and strategic action is essential to protect your legal rights and build a strong case for justice. Do not delay, as evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass. We are here to guide you through these crucial first steps, offering clear, actionable advice that a panicked parent in Sumter County can follow at 2 AM.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s health and safety are paramount.

• Remove from Harm: If the hazing is ongoing or there’s any perceived threat, get your child to a safe place away from the perpetrators and the environment where the abuse occurred.
• Seek Medical Care IMMEDIATELY: Even if injuries seem minor, or if emotional trauma is the primary concern, prompt medical attention is essential.
  • Physical Injuries: Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic in Sumter County if there are any visible injuries, pain, or unusual symptoms (like muscle soreness and brown urine as Leonel experienced). This creates an immediate, objective medical record linking the injuries to the incident. Do not delay, as delays can be used by defense attorneys to argue that injuries were not severe or not related to the hazing.
  • Emotional Trauma: Seek help from a mental health professional—a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor—who can document the psychological impact of the hazing. Trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and depression are very real injuries that need professional evaluation and treatment.
• Be Honest and Detailed with Medical Professionals: Ensure your child clearly explains how the injuries occurred, explicitly linking them to hazing activities. Use words like “hazing,” “forced,” “punishment,” “assault,” and name the organization if possible. Medical records are foundational evidence for any legal claim.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases often rely heavily on digital and anecdotal evidence. You must become a meticulous record-keeper.

• Document Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. Continue to photograph changes over time.
• Save All Communications: This is critical. Hazing is often orchestrated through digital channels.
  • Text Messages: Preserve all text messages, including individual and group chats related to the fraternity/sorority, pledge activities, or specific hazing incidents. Do not delete anything.
  • Social Media: Take screenshots of GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, or any other social media posts related to the organization or hazing. This includes posts by other members that might indicate a culture of hazing.
  • Emails: Save any emails from the organization, university, or individual members related to activities, rules, or punishments.
• Identify and Record Witness Information: Write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges who experienced it, or individuals who might have knowledge of the organization’s hazing history. They could be crucial witnesses.
• Collect All Documents: Gather any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications received from the organization. Keep medical bills, receipts for treatment, and any records of academic impact (e.g., missed classes, failing grades).
• Photograph the Scene (If Safe): If possible and safe, take photos or videos of locations where hazing occurred, including the fraternity/sorority house, an off-campus residence, or any outdoor locations.

Step 3: Crucial “Do Nots” to Protect Your Case

In the immediate aftermath, certain actions can severely damage your legal claim. Avoid these common mistakes:

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Never delete text messages, emails, social media posts, or any other digital evidence, even if it seems irrelevant. Deleting evidence can lead to severe legal penalties and undermine your credibility.
• DO NOT Speak with the Organization or University Alone: Do not give statements (written or verbal) to fraternity/sorority officers, alumni, national representatives, or university administrators without first consulting an attorney. Their primary goal is to protect their institution, not your child. Any statements made could be used against your case.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity/sorority, national organization, or university. These documents may contain waivers of liability or settlement offers that significantly undervalue your claim and relinquish your rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Avoid posting anything about the incident, your injuries, or your emotional state on social media. Defense attorneys will scour your online presence for anything that can be used to discredit your claim, argue that you’re not severely injured, or portray you in a negative light.
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While anger is natural, direct confrontation can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize criminal investigations or future legal proceedings.
• DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Texas, is generally two years from the date of injury or death. While this may seem like a long time, building a complex hazing case takes significant time and resources. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and memories fade. Every day that passes makes your case more challenging.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – Your First Responder to a Hazing Emergency

As soon as your child is safe and has received medical attention, your next, most critical step is to contact an experienced hazing litigation attorney.

• Free, Confidential Consultation: We offer free consultations 24/7. This is your opportunity to speak with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Pena, share your story, and understand your legal options without any financial obligation.
• We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial burden, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the demanding legal fight.
• We Level the Playing Field: Universities and national fraternities have dedicated legal teams and vast resources. You need powerful advocates on your side who know their tactics and how to counter them. Our background as former insurance defense attorneys gives us a unique advantage in anticipating their strategies.
• Nationwide Reach: While we are headquartered in Houston, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can represent Sumter County hazing victims effectively. We can conduct video consultations, gather evidence remotely, and travel for depositions or trials.

If you’re in Sumter County and your child has been a victim of hazing, don’t wait. Call us. Let us be your first call, your trusted advisor, and your unwavering advocate.

Sumter County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Sumter County Victims Too.

The pain you are feeling in Sumter County right now is real. The anger is justified. Whether your child attends a local institution like Georgia Southwestern State University right here in Americus, or a larger university like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, or Emory University, the risk of hazing is tragically present. Fraternities and sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations across Georgia and the nation engage in these dangerous, often illegal, practices.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases from the ground up. We know how to hold powerful institutions accountable. And we know how to WIN. Sumter County families facing this nightmare deserve nothing less than the same aggressive, empathetic representation.

Sumter County Families — Call Now — Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Sumter County hazing emergencies

We understand that you’re going through one of the most difficult times imaginable. Our commitment to you is simple: we work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Sumter County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. There is no financial risk to seeking justice for your child.

What Sumter County Hazing Victims and Families Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: If you haven’t already, ensure your child receives immediate medical evaluation for any physical injuries or psychological trauma. Accurate and timely medical documentation is critical.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Act quickly to save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, photos of injuries, videos, and names of witnesses. This digital footprint can make or break your case.
3. DO NOT TALK TO THE OTHER SIDE: Under no circumstances should you or your child speak with the fraternity/sorority, university officials, or their lawyers without legal counsel. They are not on your side.
4. DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Anything posted online can and will be used against your case. Maintain social media silence regarding the incident.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence. Critical evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations means your right to file a lawsuit has an expiration date. Don’t let valuable time slip away.
6. SUMTER COUNTY FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Although our headquarters are in Houston, we offer convenient video consultations and are fully prepared to travel to Sumter County for depositions, trials, and important meetings as your case demands.

We Serve Sumter County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are located in Texas, our expertise and commitment to fighting hazing extend across the United States. Hazing is a national crisis that affects communities like Sumter County and students at universities throughout Georgia and beyond. We are equipped to evaluate and represent your Sumter County case, regardless of where the incident occurred, through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when national organizations or multi-state defendants are involved.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations with ties beyond state lines.
• Video Consultations: We can meet with Sumter County families remotely, offering the flexibility and convenience you need during a stressful time.
• Travel Commitment: We will travel to Sumter County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed, bringing our aggressive representation directly to where it’s required.

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

• Fraternities and sororities at institutions near Sumter County.
• Sports teams in Sumter County.
• Marching bands at Sumter County universities or regional colleges.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and other student organizations at schools your children attend.
• Military academies or specialized training programs.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: We Know There Are More of You.

Leonel Bermudez was not the only one subjected to the torture at Pi Kappa Phi. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Others experienced waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse. If you were a victim or witnessed these events, you have rights too. We can represent you and hold all responsible parties accountable.

As Lupe Pena said for the Bermudez family: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your courage can not only secure justice for yourself but also protect countless other students.

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

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