If you’re reading this in Warren County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build character, and find a community. Instead, they may have been tortured, humiliated, and severely injured by the very people and institutions they trusted. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help families in Warren County fight back against the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing that continues to plague our universities and Greek letter organizations.

We are Attorney911, and we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. We understand the profound emotional and physical toll hazing takes on victims and their families. This is not some abstract legal concept for us; it is a battle we wage daily, transforming pain into powerful legal action. We believe fiercely in holding every responsible party accountable, from individual perpetrators to national fraternities and negligent universities. Our aggressive, data-driven approach is designed to secure justice and prevent future tragedies, not just in Texas, but for families like yours across the nation, including those here in Warren County.

We are keenly aware of the trust families place in higher education institutions, whether those institutions are here in Georgia or across state lines. When that trust is betrayed by dangerous hazing practices, the consequences can be devastating. We bring the full force of our experience, resources, and passion to bear on behalf of hazing victims, ensuring that their voices are heard and that those who enable or perpetuate such abuse are held to account.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Warren County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is abuse, plain and simple. What once might have been dismissed as “boys being boys” or “character building” is now recognized for what it truly is: assault, battery, torture, and in far too many cases, manslaughter or murder. This crisis is not confined to distant campuses; the same national fraternities and dangerous traditions operate at universities that students from Warren County may attend. The harrowing stories of students being subjected to physical brutality, sexual degradation, forced alcohol consumption, and psychological torment are a grim reality across America. And while hazing often remains hidden due to fear and shame, the statistics paint a chilling picture:

• 55% of students involved in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, fearing retribution or social ostracism.
• At least one hazing-related death occurs every year in the United States, a horrifying trend that shows no signs of abating.

These are not just statistics; they are stark warnings. They reveal a systemic failure to protect students, a failure that extends from local chapter houses to national fraternity headquarters and university administrations. When your child from Warren County goes off to college, you expect them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. The possibility that they could encounter senseless brutality disguised as “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” is frankly intolerable.

The institutional response to hazing often involves damage control rather than genuine prevention. Universities and national organizations frequently claim ignorance or express “deep disturbance” only after a tragedy strikes, hoping to contain the fallout with suspensions and superficial policy changes while planning their return. We know their playbook because we’ve seen it firsthand. That’s why Warren County families need an advocate who understands the nuances of hazing litigation, who is not afraid to challenge powerful institutions, and who approaches every case with unwavering aggression and a deep commitment to justice.

The Landmark Case: The $10M Fight We’re Waging Right Now

Warren County families: This is not theoretical. This is what hazing looks like today. This is what we do about it.

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit that exemplifies precisely what Attorney911 stands for: aggressive representation of hazing victims, data-driven litigation strategy, and relentless pursuit of accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. This is the case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025. It is new, it is ongoing, and it is a stark warning to all who believe hazing can continue with impunity.

Leonel Bermudez: A Warren County Family’s Worst Nightmare Made Real

Leonel Bermudez was not even a University of Houston student when he suffered weeks of systematic torture at the hands of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had not yet officially enrolled. Yet, the fraternity subjected him to a campaign of humiliation, physical abuse, and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

From Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, to ABC13 News:
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

From Lupe Pena, our associate attorney, to ABC13 News:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: A Chilling Timeline of Abuse

Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was an escalating campaign of abuse that included:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Pledges, including Leonel, were sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act of simulated drowning.
• Hog-Tying and Sexual Humiliation: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Leonel was forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
• Forced Eating and Vomiting: Leonel was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress. He was even made to lie in his own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He endured hundreds of pushups and squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was struck with wooden paddles. On October 15, just weeks before his hospitalization, another pledge at the same fraternity event lost consciousness during a forced workout. But the hazing continued.
• Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion: Leonel was routinely forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to his chronic exhaustion.
• Psychological Torture: He was threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply with any command. He was instructed to recite the fraternity creed while enduring excruciating physical tasks.

On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Leonel was forced to engage in an extreme workout regimen until he could no longer stand without help. He crawled home. Within days, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, his young life irrevocably altered by “brotherhood.”

Institutional Responses: Guilt and Collusion

Within days of Leonel’s hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended the chapter. On November 14, just days before our lawsuit was filed, they officially closed the Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston, admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” You can read their full statement on their website: Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.

However, their statement also said, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This chilling remark shows a lack of genuine remorse, suggesting that for them, this is merely a temporary setback, not a reevaluation of a toxic culture.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and representative of “a clear violation of our community standards,” noting that criminal referrals have been initiated. Our lawsuit alleges that both the national organization and the university allowed this harmful environment to persist despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.” KHOU 11 reported on November 21, 2025, that the Pi Kappa Phi chapter operated out of a university-owned fraternity house, directly implicating the University of Houston in premises liability.

This flagship case is a blueprint for how we approach every hazing case, including those from Warren County. We meticulously document the abuse, relentlessly pursue every liable party, and leverage every piece of evidence to demand maximum accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Warren County might still think of hazing as harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality, as uncovered in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far more sinister and brutal. These are not isolated incidents of misbehavior; they are often deeply ingrained practices normalized within the culture of Greek life, sports teams, clubs, and other student organizations. This is not about building camaraderie; it’s about breaking individuals down through intimidation, fear, and violence.

Here are the disturbing realities of modern hazing:

• Physical Abuse: This goes far beyond a splash of water. It includes forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, sleep deprivation, brutal beatings, paddling, burning, exposure to extreme temperatures, and even simulated drowning, as Leonel suffered. The aim is often to cause physical pain and exhaustion, leaving victims vulnerable.
• Forced Consumption: This is a particularly deadly form of hazing. Students are coerced into consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and death, or force-fed repulsive or dangerous substances until they vomit. This was a central component of Leonel’s ordeal.
• Psychological Torture: Hazing is deeply psychological. It includes humiliation, verbal abuse, degradation, social isolation, and threats of expulsion or physical harm. Victims are often stripped of their individuality, forced into degrading acts, and made to believe their worth is tied to enduring the abuse. Leonel’s fanny pack humiliation and the hog-tying incident are stark examples.
• Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: Hazing frequently involves sexual assault, forced nudity, or sexual degrading acts. The exposure to sexual objects Leonel was forced to endure is a common tactic to humiliate and strip away dignity.
• Sleep Deprivation and Servitude: Pledges are often forced to perform tasks for active members at all hours, disrupting their sleep cycles and academic performance. This leaves them constantly exhausted, disoriented, and less able to resist demands.
• Medical Neglect: A common and deadly element of hazing is the delay or denial of medical help when a student becomes incapacitated. In Leonel’s case, while he was physically ruined, he was allowed to crawl home before his mother intervened. In other cases, like Timothy Piazza’s, fraternity members actively prevented medical intervention for hours, leading directly to his death.

The injuries from hazing are not trivial. They range from broken bones and burns to alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, and deadly conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, as seen with Leonel. Beyond the physical, the psychological scars can be profound and long-lasting, leading to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a complete loss of trust.

This is the nightmare Warren County families need to understand. This is why when hazing occurs, it demands an immediate, aggressive, and comprehensive legal response.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of our hazing litigation strategy involves identifying and pursuing every single party that bears responsibility for the abuse. This is not just about a few “bad apples” in a fraternity chapter; it’s about holding entire institutions accountable. For Warren County families, understanding the web of liability is key to securing comprehensive justice.

In our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we named a wide range of defendants, from individual members to national entities. This multi-pronged approach ensures that no one is able to evade responsibility.

1. Individual Perpetrators: The students who directly engage in hazing are often the most visible culprits, and they bear significant personal responsibility. In Leonel’s case, this includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, and other current members who actively participated in or directed the hazing. We also named former members who hosted hazing activities at their private residence, and even the spouse of one of these former members for allowing the abuse on their property. These individuals can face personal liability for assault, battery, and other intentional torts.
2. Local Chapter Entities: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, as a recognized student organization, is directly liable for the hazing activities it organized and conducted.
3. National Fraternity Organizations: This is often where the “deep pockets” lie. Organizations like Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters have a mandate to oversee their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. When they fail in this duty, particularly when they have a documented history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi did with the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey), they are clearly liable. Our lawsuit alleges the national organization enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce rules despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis” (as reported by KHOU 11). They generate millions in revenue through dues and merchandise, and they hold significant assets, including elaborate headquarters. We access this to pursue justice.
4. Fraternity Housing Corporations: Many fraternities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage their chapter houses. These entities have premises liability for incidents occurring on their property. In our case, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation was named as a defendant.
5. Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions, including those in and around Warren County, have a fundamental duty to protect their students. This duty extends to overseeing student organizations, including Greek life. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs (as the University of Houston did with the Pi Kappa Phi house), or has knowledge of prior hazing incidents on campus (as UH did with a 2017 hazing hospitalization), their liability for negligent supervision and premises liability becomes undeniable. They have the power to regulate, suspend, or even expel organizations, and their failure to do so is a direct cause of harm.
6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every individual, chapter, national organization, and university, there are insurance policies. These can include general liability policies, homeowner’s insurance, and institutional coverage. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge on how to navigate these complex policies to maximize recovery for our clients.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For families in Warren County struggling with the aftermath of hazing, the financial burden can be immense—medical bills, therapy, lost academic time, and the devastating emotional cost. But beyond compensation for these losses, hazing litigation is about sending a message. That message is often delivered in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that force institutions to take responsibility and, hopefully, implement meaningful changes. These are not hypothetical outcomes; they are documented results from real cases, demonstrating that justice can be served.

Stone Foltz: A $10.1 Million+ Statement at Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha)

In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at Bowling Green State University, tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. His family’s relentless pursuit of justice resulted in significant victories:

• Bowling Green State University settled for $2.9 million.
• Pi Kappa Alpha National and individual members reached a separate settlement of $7.2 million.
• In December 2024, a jury ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay $6.5 million personally in damages for his role in Foltz’s death.

This case alone demonstrates that settlements and judgments in hazing cases can easily surpass $10 million, involving multiple accountable parties. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with these established precedents.

Maxwell Gruver: A $6.1 Million Jury Verdict at Louisiana State University (Phi Delta Theta)

In 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol (his BAC was 0.495, more than six times the legal limit). His family’s civil suit resulted in a $6.1 million jury verdict. Furthermore, the tragedy led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, proving that justice can indeed drive legislative change.

Timothy Piazza: An Estimated $110 Million+ at Penn State University (Beta Theta Pi)

One of the most horrific hazing cases involved Timothy Piazza at Penn State in 2017. Forced to “the gauntlet,” he consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs multiple times, and was left to suffer for 12 hours before fraternity members called 911. He died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. The evidence, much of it captured on security cameras, was damning. The various settlements in the Piazza case are estimated to be over $110 million, and it spurred Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. This case underscores that clear evidence of egregious conduct can lead to massive recoveries.

Andrew Coffey: The Same Fraternity, A Previous Death (Pi Kappa Phi at Florida State)

Crucially, in 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. Criminal charges followed, and the chapter was permanently closed. The civil settlement amount remains confidential.

The significance for our case, and for Warren County families, cannot be overstated: This means Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters had eight years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to address its deadly hazing culture. They knew the risks. They failed to act. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference, strengthening the case for significant punitive damages in the Bermudez lawsuit.

These powerful precedent cases, combined with our ongoing $10 million litigation in Houston, clearly demonstrate Attorney911’s commitment to delivering justice and securing substantial compensation for hazing victims. The legal strategies and precedents that resulted in these multi-million dollar outcomes apply directly to hazing cases originating from or affecting students from Warren County.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

While our firm’s headquarters are in Houston, we serve clients nationally, including families in Warren County, because the principles of justice and accountability transcend state borders. However, understanding the specific legal framework is crucial. In Texas, robust anti-hazing laws provide significant protections for victims and avenues for civil redress. These laws are an important part of our legal strategy, showing a clear public policy against hazing that resonates with juries nationwide.

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

These statutes define hazing broadly and establish criminal penalties, organizational liability, and critical protections for victims.

• Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership that:

  • Involves physical brutality (whipping, beating, striking, branding, etc.).
  • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or excessive calisthenics that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect mental/physical health.
  • Involves consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol that poses an unreasonable risk of harm.
  • Induces or requires a student to violate the Penal Code.
  • Involves coercing consumption of drugs or excessive alcohol.

  Application to the Bermudez Case: Leonel’s ordeal meets multiple of these criteria, including physical brutality (paddles, physical exertion to collapse), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, and forced food consumption until vomiting. This thorough definition strengthens our civil claims.

• Criminal Penalties: Individuals who engage in hazing that causes serious bodily injury can face Class A misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Hazing that causes death can be a State Jail Felony, with penalties up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. The University of Houston spokesperson has already indicated “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Texas law explicitly states that an organization is liable if it “condones or encourages hazing” or if its officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 and the denial of permission to operate on campus. This provision directly targets the chapter and national organizations.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most powerful provisions for victims. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This is crucial. Hazing organizations often claim victims “chose” to participate. Texas law unequivocally rejects this argument, recognizing that the power dynamics and coercion inherent in hazing negate true consent. This means we can defeat this common defense quickly and decisively in court.

Civil Liability: Warren County Victims Can Sue For More

Beyond criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families from Warren County to pursue significant financial compensation. The legal theories we employ are common across state lines and include:

• Negligence: This is the cornerstone of most personal injury claims. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individuals had a duty of care to protect students, that they breached that duty through their actions or inactions (such as failing to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies), and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (like the UH-owned fraternity house in the Bermudez case), these entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when an organization or institution fails to adequately supervise its members or entities, leading to foreseeable harm. This is a primary theory against national fraternities and universities.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact, including physical beatings, forced consumption, or simulated drowning.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses the severe psychological trauma caused by “extreme and outrageous” hazing conduct, such as torture, humiliation, and terror.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, families can file wrongful death lawsuits seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and the profound emotional anguish of losing a loved one due to hazing.

For Warren County families, our approach is clear: we leverage every available legal mechanism to hold accountable every party, big or small, that contributed to your child’s suffering.

Why Attorney911: Your Unfair Advantage in Hazing Litigation

When you are searching for legal help after a hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need strategic allies who understand the nuances of these complex cases, who are not intimidated by powerful institutions, and who are willing to fight relentlessly for justice. Attorney911 offers Warren County families a distinct advantage: a battle-tested team with unparalleled experience, insider knowledge, and a deep commitment to hazing victims.

Experience That Matters: Ralph P. Manginello

Our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. He is an aggressive trial attorney who has dedicated his career to representing the injured and the wronged.

• Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Ralph began his career working for insurance companies, giving him invaluable, firsthand knowledge of how the defense strategizes, evaluates claims, and attempts to minimize payouts. He knows their playbook inside out and uses that insight to dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients.
• Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Ralph was involved in the mass tort litigation surrounding the BP Texas City explosion, a case that resulted in 15 deaths and over 180 injuries. This experience in high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants is directly applicable to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities.
• Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar: Ralph is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and is licensed in both Texas and New York. This gives us the federal court authority and jurisdictional reach essential for pursuing national fraternities and complex, multi-state hazing cases, including those originating from Warren County.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience litigating rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified to handle the medical complexities involved in Leonel Bermudez’s case and similar injuries.
• Journalism Background: With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ralph is trained to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories, a critical skill when exposing the hidden truths of hazing to a jury.
• Community Roots and Family Values: A third-generation Texan and father of three, Ralph understands the profound impact of hazing on families. His personal commitment to protecting young people, evidenced by his youth coaching and support of Crime Stoppers, informs his fierce advocacy.

Insider Knowledge: Lupe Eleno Peña

Associate attorney Lupe Peña bolsters our team with his unique perspective and aggressive litigation style. It is important to note: Lupe Eleno Peña is male.

• Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Like Ralph, Lupe spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP. He defended insurance companies and corporate defendants across a wide array of practice areas, learning their internal processes, valuation methods, and litigation strategies. This insider perspective is an “unfair advantage” we bring to our clients, knowing exactly how the other side thinks and operates.
• Extensive Litigation Experience: With over 12 years of experience, Lupe has recovered millions of dollars for clients in complex personal injury cases, including wrongful death and dram shop liability (cases involving alcohol providers who over-serve). This experience is critical in hazing cases that often involve forced alcohol consumption leading to severe injury or death.
• Finance Background: Lupe’s pre-law career in finance provides a sharp understanding of economic damages, lost earning capacity, and the financial impact of catastrophic injuries—expertise invaluable when calculating the true cost of hazing.
• Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): With fluency in Spanish, Lupe ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Warren County and beyond receive comprehensive and culturally sensitive legal representation, eliminating language barriers to justice.
• Aggressive Philosophy: Lupe’s litigation philosophy is to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side,” an approach essential for taking on well-resourced fraternities, universities, and their legal teams.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

When a family in Warren County or anywhere in the nation chooses Attorney911, they are choosing a firm that:

• Moves First, Fast, and Decisively: We understand the urgency of hazing cases. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations are strict. We act immediately to preserve evidence and stake your claim.
• Builds Cases with Expert Witnesses: We collaborate with medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, and institutional negligence specialists to build an ironclad case.
• Negotiates from Strength: Our reputation, our active litigation in cases like Bermudez, and our insider knowledge give us leverage in negotiations. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to go to trial.
• Travels to You: While headquartered in Houston, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We conduct remote consultations and will travel to Warren County for depositions, client meetings, or trials as needed. Distance is never a barrier to justice.
• Offers Contingency Fees: We understand the financial strain families face. You pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and removes any financial barrier to hiring top-tier legal representation.
• Is Driven by Compassion: We treat every Warren County family like our own. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we are genuinely invested in healing, justice, and preventing future harm.

With Attorney911, you don’t just get lawyers; you get advocates who know the enemy, who have fought these battles before, and who bring an unmatched level of dedication to ensuring that your child’s suffering leads to meaningful accountability.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Warren County Families

If your child from Warren County has been impacted by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, quick and strategic action can significantly impact the strength of your legal case. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor or only psychological, consult a doctor or mental health professional. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis, as suffered by Leonel Bermudez, can have delayed symptoms and severe consequences.

   • Document everything: Ensure medical professionals document the hazing as the cause of injury.
   • Keep all records: Save all medical bills, treatment plans, diagnoses, and therapist notes.

2. Preserve All Evidence: Hazing organizations will often try to destroy or hide evidence. You must act fast.

   • Digital Communications: Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Screenshots are crucial. This includes messages from the perpetrators, other pledges, or anyone discussing the activities.
   • Photos and Videos: If you have any pictures or videos related to the hazing activities or your child’s injuries, secure them immediately. Continue to photograph injuries as they heal.
   • Physical Evidence: Keep any clothing, items, or substances involved in the hazing.
   • Names of Witnesses: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing, current or former members, or other pledges.
   • Organizational Documents: Keep any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications from the fraternity/sorority or university.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions:

   • No Contact with Fraternity/Sorority: Do not talk to chapter members, alumni, or national leadership without legal counsel. They may try to coerce, intimidate, or mislead you into making statements that could harm your case.
   • No Contact with University Administration (Alone): The university’s primary interest is protecting itself. Do not provide statements or sign any documents without consulting an attorney. Any statements made can be used against you.
   • Avoid Social Media Posts: Do not post about the incident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can be used to discredit your claim.

4. Understand the Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (including hazing) is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s two years from the date of death. This deadline can vary by state, but it is always critical. Do not delay. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and your legal rights can expire. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case filed his lawsuit within weeks of his hospitalization; this swift action is how you protect your rights.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately: This is the single most important step. We offer a free, confidential consultation.

   • We will evaluate your case: We’ll assess the facts, potential defendants, and legal options.
   • We will protect your rights: We’ll send preservation letters to all potential defendants, preventing further destruction of evidence.
   • We will handle communications: All communication with the fraternity, university, and their legal teams will go through us, shielding you from further harassment.
   • We will build your case: We’ll begin immediately gathering evidence, identifying experts, and preparing for aggressive litigation.

For Warren County families, remember: Your child is not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle alone. The institutions responsible for hazing count on victims remaining silent. By taking action, you not only seek justice for your child but also play a critical role in preventing future tragedies.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Warren County

If your family in Warren County has been devastated by hazing, you need immediate, decisive action. You need advocates who understand the trauma, who know the law, and who are not afraid to fight the most powerful institutions. We are Attorney911, and we are ready to stand with you.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a landmark $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. Warren County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

Warren County Families, Call Now — Your Free, Confidential Consultation Awaits:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Warren County hazing emergencies. When you call, you’ll speak directly with our experienced team, ready to listen and provide immediate guidance.

Why Contacting Us Is Critical:

• $0 Upfront Cost (Contingency Fee): Warren County families pay nothing to hire us. We cover all litigation costs and only get paid if we win your case. This ensures everyone has access to top-tier representation, regardless of financial means.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While based in Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims in Warren County, Georgia, and across the United States. We offer remote video consultations and will travel to Warren County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.
• Empathetic and Aggressive: We combine a warm, understanding approach for victims and their families with aggressive, relentless advocacy against those responsible for the harm.
• Proven Track Record: Our recent $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, backed by our extensive experience and knowledge of hazing precedents nationwide, demonstrates our capability to handle massive institutional defendants.
• Se Habla Español: We have bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña, to provide comprehensive legal services to Hispanic families in Warren County and ensure no language barriers impede access to justice.

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

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Warren County, such as Augusta University or Georgia College & State University.
• Sports teams in collegiate and community settings.
• Marching bands and other performance groups.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and other student organizations.
• Military academies.
• Any organization where abuse is disguised as “initiation.”

If you are another victim of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston: We know there are more of you. Leonel was not the only one. Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout. Others faced the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse. You have rights, and we can help. Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice.

Your legal emergency is our call to action. Don’t suffer in silence. Contact Attorney911 today.