If you’re reading this in Ware County, Georgia, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to grow, and to learn. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening harm disguised as “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the overwhelming sense of betrayal – these emotions are real, and we are here to help families in Ware County fight back.

We are Attorney 911, Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we specialize in holding fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable for hazing. While our firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas, our reach extends nationwide. We are currently embroiled in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity over a horrific hazing incident that mirrors the nightmares many Ware County families might be experiencing. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation to every family we serve, including yours right here in Ware County.

The Nightmare That Just Became Real: A Warning to Ware County Families

What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston, Texas, is not an isolated incident. This story is a stark warning to every parent in Ware County whose child attends college, whether it’s Georgia Southern University, Florida State, or any other institution where Greek life thrives. Leonel’s story is a glimpse into the reality of modern hazing, a practice that continues to devastate families across America, and it shows exactly what kind of firm Attorney 911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless in pursuing accountability for hazing victims.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case is new, it’s ongoing, and it’s proof of our unwavering commitment to justice for hazing victims. Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student yet; he was a “ghost rush” planning to transfer. Yet, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed were weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that led to him being hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Can you imagine the terror? The slow realization that your child, who left for college full of hope, is instead being subjected to what amounts to torture?

According to reports from ABC13 (https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/), KHOU 11 (https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71), and Houston Public Media (https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2025/11/24/536961/uh-lawsuit-hazing-allegations-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/), Leonel was a victim of:

• Simulated Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that simulates drowning.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and even peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to continue physical exertions while lying in their own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion, pushing his body to the brink until his muscles broke down. The Houston Chronicle (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/uh-fraternity-hazing-lawsuit-21201616.php) even reported pledges being struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This included being forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

When Leonel finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs, barely able to move. Days later, his mother rushed him to the hospital when she noticed his urine had turned brown – a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where destroyed muscle tissue poisons the kidneys. He spent four days in the hospital, recovering, but facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is what hazing looks like today. Not harmless pranks, but brutal, systematic abuse that can claim lives or permanently alter them. Pi Kappa Phi, the same fraternity involved in this case, has 150+ chapters across America, including near Ware County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel in Houston could be happening at universities where Ware County children attend. And the same university negligence that allowed this to happen exists at institutions across the nation.

Within weeks of our lawsuit being filed, Pi Kappa Phi National promptly shut down the chapter, stating it was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” according to their own website (https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/). The University of Houston also issued a statement acknowledging the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events and the “clear violation of our community standards.” This hasty action confirms what we already knew: they were aware of the egregious nature of the hazing and moved to limit their liability. However, this action came after Leonel was hospitalized and after a criminal investigation was launched, as UH’s spokesperson confirmed with Houston Public Media that “any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

As Lupe Peña 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.” For families in Ware County, this case is a beacon of hope and a call to action. We will fight for Ware County families with the same fury and dedication we are bringing to Leonel’s case.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Ware County, the word “hazing” might bring to mind harmless pranks or minor challenges – a rite of passage, perhaps. But the reality, as Leonel Bermudez’s case tragically illustrates, is far more sinister. Hazing is not about building character or bonding; it is about power, control, and often, systematic abuse that ranges from psychological torment to life-threatening physical assaults.

These are not isolated incidents of “boys being boys.” This is organized, systemic abuse, and it happens at fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations across the country. The statistics are horrifying: 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 40% of student-athletes report it. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. And tragically, 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group.

The types of hazing activities we see are barbaric and indefensible:

• Physical Abuse: This goes beyond mere push-ups. We see beatings, paddling, branding, burning, extreme forced exercise to the point of collapse (like Leonel’s 500 squats and 100+ pushups), and even sexual assault.
• Forced Consumption: This is a hallmark of many hazing rituals, particularly with alcohol. Victims are forced into binge drinking, chugging, or consuming nauseating or dangerous foods and non-food substances until they vomit – and then sometimes forced to continue exercising or lying in their own vomit. Such instances also include what Leonel endured, being forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days at a time, forced into late-night activities, early morning “workouts,” and constantly disrupted sleep schedules. This severely impairs judgment and physical capabilities, making them vulnerable to further abuse.
• Psychological Torture: This can be just as damaging, if not more, than physical abuse. It involves humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and forced servitude. Leonel was compelled to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature and suffered threats of physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply with demands. Another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Waterboarding or Simulated Drowning: This horrific act, which Leonel endured, simulates drowning and is recognized internationally as a form of torture. It is a war crime when inflicted upon enemy combatants; yet, it is perpetrated by college students against their peers.
• Exposure: Sometimes hazing involves prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat, or confinement in small, dark spaces, leading to hypothermia, hyperthermia, or severe psychological distress.

The medical consequences of these acts are devastating. Beyond rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen in Leonel’s case, victims suffer from alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns, hypothermia, hyperthermia, internal injuries, and in the worst cases, cardiac arrest and death. The psychological toll is equally severe, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, academic decline, social withdrawal, and substance abuse as victims attempt to self-medicate their trauma.

This is not a game, and it needs to stop. The institutions – the fraternities, the sororities, and the universities – know this is happening. They have the power to stop it. Yet, they often choose not to, until a student is hospitalized, or worse, dies. Only then do they scramble to issue statements, “suspend” chapters, and claim they are “shocked” by the revelations. For parents in Ware County, understanding the true face of hazing is the first step toward protecting your children and seeking justice.

Who Is Responsible When Hazing Harms a Child from Ware County?

When a hazing incident occurs, especially one as severe as what Leonel Bermudez endured, the question quickly becomes: who is to blame? The answer, unequivocally, is everyone who participated, enabled, or failed to prevent the abuse. At Attorney 911, we are relentless in tracking down every liable party, ensuring that every entity with a hand in the tragedy is held accountable. This approach applies whether the hazing happens in Houston, or at a university beloved by Ware County residents like Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, or elsewhere.

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates the comprehensive approach we take. The defendants we are pursuing include:

• The Local Chapter: The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing. Their members actively participated, directed, and failed to intervene. The chapter officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, bear significant responsibility for leading and orchestrating these dangerous activities.
• Individual Members: Every person who actively participated in, condoned, or failed to stop the hazing can be held personally liable. This extends to current members, as well as former members and their spouses who hosted hazing activities at their private residences. As we saw in the Stone Foltz case, individual chapter officers can be held personally liable for millions.
• The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary defendant in our lawsuit. These national organizations often claim ignorance, but their failure to supervise local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and respond effectively to prior incidents renders them liable. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and dissolved the UH chapter (https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/) is an admission that they knew the conduct was wrong. These national bodies have deep pockets, with millions in assets and liability insurance, and are crucial targets in securing meaningful compensation.
• The University or College: The University of Houston is also a key defendant. Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students, and this extends to activities by student organizations, especially when occurring on university-owned property. In Leonel’s case, the hazing occurred in a University-owned fraternity house, as reported by KHOU 11. This establishes undeniable premises liability. Despite a prior hazing hospitalization at UH in 2017 involving Pi Kappa Alpha, the university failed to implement effective oversight, demonstrating negligence and a failure to act. Universities have substantial endowments and insurance, making them critical parties for justice.
• The Housing Corporation: These entities often own or manage the physical fraternity houses. They can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing on their premises or for allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every organizational and institutional defendant are insurance policies. These policies are often the “deep pockets” that provide the financial resources for settlements and judgments. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña have insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, giving us a strategic advantage in pursuing maximum recovery for our clients.

It’s crucial for Ware County families to understand that this is not about suing broke college kids alone. Our strategy is to hold the powerful institutions – the national fraternities, the universities, and their insurers – fully accountable, alongside the individuals directly responsible. No stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice.

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

The thought of taking on powerful fraternities, national organizations, and universities can feel daunting for families in Ware County. Many wonder if justice is truly possible, or if their battle is too big to win. The answer is a resounding yes: justice is possible, and these cases win big. We have a proven track record of securing substantial retribution for victims, and the precedents set by other hazing lawsuits across the country confirm that multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements are not only achievable but often necessary to force systemic change. The message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations is clear: hazing costs millions.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is in line with, and in some aspects, could exceed, the record-breaking outcomes seen in other high-profile hazing cases:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+
  Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. The settlement included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and individuals. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez, a living victim with devastating injuries, is comparable to this significant precedent (https://apnews.com/article/d7b3c444e27b10793b17c72f15c2adc4).
  Furthermore, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was ordered against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, demonstrating that individual hazers can face severe personal liability. This proves that even if Leonel survived, the trauma and physical damage warrant substantial compensation.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict
  Maxwell Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million (https://apnews.com/article/72dab26f7123742eed3a5ee8c4afc5e8), sending a powerful message about accountability. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing how these lawsuits drive legislative change. For families in Ware County, it emphasizes that juries are increasingly outraged by hazing.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated)
  Timothy Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours to call 911 despite his obvious distress. While confidential, the civil settlement in this case is estimated to be over $110 million (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_State_fraternity_hazing_scandal). This landmark case highlights that egregious conduct, especially when captured by evidence (like our detailed allegations), leads to massive settlements. This also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
  Tragically, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” ritual, where he was forced to drink a full bottle of bourbon. This is the SAME NATIONAL FRATERNITY (Pi Kappa Phi) as in Leonel Bermudez’s case (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Andrew_Coffey). This critical precedent, eight years before Leonel’s hospitalization, proves that Pi Kappa Phi National was well aware of deadly hazing practices within its chapters and failed to act. This “pattern of negligence” significantly strengthens our claim for punitive damages.

• Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021-2024): $4 Million+ Settlement
  Adam Oakes died after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU in February 2021. The family initially filed a $28 million lawsuit, which eventually settled for over $4 million in October 2024, with a significant portion going to the “Love Like Adam” Foundation. This case, like others, shows that criminal outcomes often run parallel to civil lawsuits, emphasizing the broad implications for hazers and their enablers.

For Ware County families, these outcomes are not abstract legal victories; they are proof that justice can be served. They demonstrate that:

• Your Case Has Value: The trauma, medical bills, psychological harm, and lost opportunities experienced by your child in Ware County are worth fighting for, with values often reaching into the millions.
• Juries Hold Hazers Accountable: Verdicts like the one in the Gruver case show that juries are incensed by hazing and are willing to award substantial damages.
• Universities and Nationals Pay: These powerful institutions have the financial resources, through insurance and endowments, to compensate victims. Our team excels at piercing through their defenses.
• Change is Possible: These lawsuits don’t just secure financial recovery; they force legislative action, policy changes, and awareness campaigns that can prevent future tragedies in Ware County and beyond.

Our firm is committed to securing these same results for hazing victims in Ware County. We use every tool at our disposal – from aggressive litigation to media engagement – to ensure that no institution can simply brush off the pain they’ve inflicted.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Ware County

While Ware County is in Georgia, it’s vital for families there to understand the robust legal framework against hazing that exists, particularly in states like Texas where we primarily operate and where a major case is currently being litigated. The principles and protections enshrined in Texas law, such as the fact that consent is not a defense, are increasingly being adopted or mirrored nationwide. Our expertise in these strong legal environments equips us to represent victims across state lines, including those in Ware County.

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

Georgia has its own anti-hazing laws (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61), which also define prohibited conduct and establish penalties. However, understanding Texas law provides additional context for the aggressive stance our firm takes:

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

• Involves physical brutality (like whipping, beating, striking, branding). Leonel was struck with wooden paddles and subjected to extreme physical exertions.
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, calisthenics, or similar activity that risks harm or adversely affects health. Leonel suffered sleep deprivation, cold exposure, grueling workouts (500 squats!), leading to kidney failure.
• Involves forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or other substances that risks harm. Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.
• Involves coercion causing a student to violate the Penal Code or consume drugs/alcohol to intoxication.
  Leonel Bermudez’s experience meets multiple criteria, illustrating the severe nature of the hazing he endured. The waterboarding, while not explicitly listed, undeniably falls under “physical brutality” and “similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm.”

2. Criminal Penalties:
Texas law outlines serious criminal consequences for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, or soliciting, encouraging, or aiding it (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure absolutely constitute serious bodily injury.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death (180 days – 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine).
  The University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged “potential criminal charges,” confirming the serious legal ramifications for the perpetrators.

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also holds organizations accountable. Chapters and national organizations can face fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property if they condone, encourage, or assist in hazing. This is why we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National and the local chapter directly. This is a critical avenue for Ware County victims to pursue against national organizations operating at local universities like Georgia Southern University or Georgia Tech.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps the most critical aspect of Texas anti-hazing law, and a principle we argue applies broadly to severe hazing across jurisdictions. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.“
This means Ware County students cannot legally consent to being waterboarded, force-fed, or subjected to life-threatening physical abuse. Fraternity members and universities cannot hide behind the argument that “he agreed to participate” or “everyone signs up for it.” The law recognizes that the power dynamics and coercion involved in hazing eliminate true consent. This is a cornerstone of our aggressive litigation strategy.

Civil Liability for Hazing – What Ware County Victims Can Sue For:

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims in Ware County to pursue comprehensive compensation for their injuries. We build our cases on several legal theories:

• Negligence Claims: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national organization, and individual members owed a duty of care to the victim (to keep them safe), breached that duty through hazing, which directly caused the injuries, resulting in damages.
• Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house), they can be held liable for allowing dangerous conditions to exist.
• Negligent Supervision: National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters, and universities have a duty to oversee Greek life. A failure to do so, leading to hazing, constitutes negligent supervision.
• Assault and Battery: Any direct physical harm, such as paddling or waterboarding, can lead to individual claims of assault and battery against the perpetrators.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The outrageous and extreme nature of hazing, particularly acts like simulated drowning and severe humiliation, often causes severe emotional distress, supporting this claim.

For Ware County families, these civil claims are crucial. They allow us to pursue full financial compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and immense pain and suffering, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Our firm, with its dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority, is uniquely positioned to pursue these claims nationally, ensuring that justice reaches Ware County, Georgia.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Obvious Choice for Ware County Families

When tragedy strikes and your child is a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the complexities of these cases and has a proven track record of victory. For Ware County families, Attorney 911 is that choice. We are not just another personal injury firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a specific, aggressive focus on hazing litigation, and our fight in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is live proof of what we bring to the table. While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our nationwide reach means we are your staunch allies, no matter where your child was hazed, including in Ware County.

Here’s why Ware County families choose us:

1. Leading Hazing Litigation Experts: This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This means we are in the fight right now, gathering evidence, facing down powerful institutions, and building an irrefutable case. The strategies, intelligence, and resources we deploy for Leonel Bermudez are precisely what we bring to every Ware County hazing case. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, directly relevant to Leonel’s injuries.

2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph P. Manginello and Lupe Eleno Peña worked on the defense side for insurance companies before dedicating their careers to victims. This is a strategic advantage. Ralph and Lupe know exactly how insurance companies and corporate defendants (including universities and national fraternities) think, strategize, and try to deny or minimize claims. They’ve seen their playbook from the inside and now use that knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, bringing invaluable insight into how large corporations and their insurers protect their bottom line.

3. Nationwide Reach with Federal Court Authority: Hazing is a national problem. While Ware County is in Georgia, your child might be attending college in another state, or the national fraternity might be headquartered elsewhere. Our firm’s federal court admissions mean we can pursue cases in federal jurisdictions, giving us the authority to take on national organizations across state lines. Our dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) further provide a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities, many of which have significant East Coast ties. We will travel to Ware County for depositions, client meetings, or trials when needed, and offer remote consultations for your convenience.

4. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience. He was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City Explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injured). This experience demonstrates our capacity for taking on massive corporate defendants, a critical skill when facing universities and national fraternities. Our team has secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts in complex personal injury cases.

5. Relentless Pursuit of Accountability: We don’t just file lawsuits; we fight to win. Our data-driven litigation strategy involves meticulously tracking over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas alone, including their EINs, legal names, housing corporations, and insurance structures. We know who is behind the Greek letters, and we know exactly who to sue. This intelligence, built on public records and our own proprietary research, allows us to build an unassailable case for Ware County families.

6. Compassion and Communication: We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. Our entire staff is dedicated to open, consistent communication. You will never be left in the dark about your case. As client testimonials attest, we treat our Ware County families like family, ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way. “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case,” says Dame Haskett.

7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees: We believe that access to justice should not be limited by financial means. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means Ware County families pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates the financial barrier, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal fight.

8. Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español): For our Spanish-speaking families in Ware County, our team, including Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language barriers never stand in the way of comprehensive legal representation and clear communication.

9. Deep Understanding of Hazing Dynamics: Ralph Manginello’s background as a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach gives him a unique understanding of team culture, peer pressure, and the environments where hazing often occurs. This insight allows us to deconstruct the “brotherhood” narrative and expose the abuse underneath.

We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it right now in court, and we will bring that same fight and passion to Ware County. We will turn your pain and rage into accountability, ensuring that the institutions and individuals responsible for harming your child are held fully liable.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Ware County Families

If your child in Ware County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Emotional shock, confusion, and fear can make it difficult to think clearly, but prompt action is essential to protect your child’s legal rights and build a strong case. We understand this is a traumatic time, and we’re here to guide you through it.

Here are the immediate steps Ware County families should take:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Remove Your Child From Danger: Ensure your child is immediately removed from any situation where they might face further hazing or retaliation. This is paramount.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or your child is hesitant, get them to a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room immediately. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, have delayed or subtle symptoms until they become severe. Do not delay.
  • Document Everything: Ensure all injuries are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Keep copies of all medical records, including hospital charts, ER reports, doctor’s notes, test results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), and billing statements. This creates an objective, third-party record of the harm.
  • Brown Urine or Muscle Pain: If your child reports dark urine, severe muscle pain, or difficulty moving after intense physical activity, insist on immediate evaluation for rhabdomyolysis and kidney function.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence – Every Detail Matters
Evidence can disappear quickly, especially in hazing cases where organizations act fast to cover their tracks.

• Text Messages and Digital Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. Screenshot group chats, individual messages, and posts. These often contain direct instructions, threats, and discussions about hazing activities.
• Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing activities exist, save them immediately. If your child has visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns), photograph them daily as they heal, documenting the progression. If your child is hospitalized, have someone photograph them in the hospital.
• Witness Information: Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, participated in it, or has knowledge of the events. This includes other pledges, fraternity members, or bystanders. They may be reluctant to come forward, but their testimony can be crucial.
• Fraternity/Sorority Documents: Save any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the organization. These can reveal the structured nature of the hazing.
• Academic and Financial Records: Keep records of any lost wages (if your child missed work), medical bills, counseling receipts, and any impact on academic performance (e.g., missed classes, failing grades, lost scholarships).

Step 3: Protect Your Rights – What NOT to Do

• DO NOT Delete Communications: This cannot be stressed enough. Deleting anything can appear as obstruction or an attempt to hide information, even if your intentions are good.
• DO NOT Talk to the Organization or University (Alone): The fraternity, sorority, and university will have their own legal teams. They are not on your side. Do not give any statements, sign any documents, or talk to their representatives without legal counsel present. They will try to minimize the incident and shift blame.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything you or your child posts on social media can and will be used against you by defense attorneys. Even innocent posts about getting coffee or looking “fine” can be twisted to argue that your child was not truly injured or traumatized. Stay completely silent about the incident online.
• DO NOT Confront Perpetrators: While understandable, confronting individuals involved can lead to further conflict, intimidation, or even threats. Let your legal team handle all communication.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately

• Time is Critical: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations work to cover their tracks. Delaying can severely weaken your case.
• Free Consultation: Call us immediately. Our initial consultation for Ware County families is free, and there is no obligation. We can assess your case, explain your legal options, and begin the crucial process of evidence preservation.
• We Come to You: While based in Texas, distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Ware County or any other location where your child was hazed for depositions, client meetings, or trial.

Your child didn’t deserve this. What happened to them was abuse, and it may have been criminal. You have the right to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. As Lupe Peña said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” For Ware County families, this means acting now.

Ware County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

If you are a family in Ware County, Georgia, and your child has been subjected to hazing, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and perhaps even lost. We want you to know that you are not alone, and help is available. What happened to your child was not a “rite of passage”—it was a betrayal of trust, an act of violence, and potentially a crime. You have legal rights, and we are here to fight for them.

We are Attorney 911, and we are actively engaged in the legal battle against hazing right now, representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not just a job for us; it is a mission to hold powerful institutions and individuals accountable for the devastating harm caused by hazing. We bring the same aggressive, empathetic, and expert representation to every family we serve, including yours in Ware County.

It’s time to turn your pain into powerful action against those who harmed your child.

Ware County Families – Call Now for a FREE, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

We are available 24/7 for Ware County hazing emergencies. You don’t have to wait to seek justice.

Why Call Attorney 911 Today?

• No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning Ware County hazing victims and their families pay absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that financial concerns do not prevent you from seeking justice against powerful defendants.
• Proven Experience: Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are not just personal injury lawyers; they are specialists with a deep understanding of hazing litigation. Their experience includes being former insurance defense attorneys, giving them critical insider knowledge into how defendants strategize and how to effectively dismantle their arguments.
• Nationwide Reach: While our firm is based in Texas, hazing is a national scourge. We serve hazing victims in Ware County and across America. Our federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission) and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue national fraternities and universities, regardless of their location.
• We Come To You: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer convenient video consultations for Ware County families, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Ware County for depositions, client meetings, or trials when needed.
• Time is of the Essence: In Georgia, a two-year statute of limitations typically applies to personal injury claims like hazing. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit. Moreover, evidence disappears, memories fade, and organizations can take steps to cover their tracks. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Do not let fear, shame, or loyalty prevent you from seeking the justice your child deserves. What happened to Leonel Bermudez proves that this is not a problem that solves itself, and institutions will not hold themselves accountable until we force them to.

To all victims of hazing, including those who may have been involved in the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident:
We know that Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. We know there are more victims, just as there were other students who suffered severe physical breakdowns and psychological trauma. If you or someone you know was involved in that or any other hazing incident, we urge you to come forward. Lupe Peña’s words resonate with this truth: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Call us. Let us help bring all responsible parties to justice.

Ware County Families: Your fight is our fight. Let us help you hold those responsible accountable.

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