If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Worth County fight back.

We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that washes over you when you learn your child has been a victim of hazing. In Worth County, as across America, Greek life and other student organizations promise camaraderie and growth, but far too often deliver abuse and trauma. At Attorney911, we stand with hazing victims and their families in Worth County, Georgia, and nationwide, transforming their pain into powerful legal action. We are Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and when your legal emergency involves hazing, we move first, fast, and decisively.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Worth County Families Need Us

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is systematic abuse, often involving physical and psychological torment that leaves lasting scars, both visible and invisible. For families in Worth County, whose children attend colleges and universities across Georgia and beyond, the threat of hazing is a chilling reality. These institutions, trusted with the care of young adults, too often turn a blind blind eye until tragedy strikes.

In many communities, including Worth County, parents send their children to college with dreams of academic success and personal growth. They trust that institutions like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, and other respected schools throughout the state will provide a safe environment. Yet, lurking beneath the surface of campus life, hazing continues to thrive, fueled by secrecy and a misplaced sense of tradition.

Consider the recent lawsuit our firm, Attorney911, has filed against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in November 2025. This isn’t a hypothetical case; it’s a very real $10 million fight we are waging right now. Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, subjected to sleep deprivation, and pushed to extreme physical exertion until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis. This happened recently in Texas, and it could happen at any university, including those near Worth County.

Our mission is to ensure that what happened to Leonel, and to countless other students, leads to real change. We uncover the truth, pursue every responsible party, and secure the justice and compensation victims need to rebuild their lives. For families in Worth County, this means knowing that if your child suffers hazing, you have a relentless advocate ready to fight for them.

Our Landmark Case: Fighting Against Hazing Right Now

A $10 Million Battle for Justice That Could Impact Worth County

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

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is the cornerstone of our firm’s commitment to eradicating hazing. This is a $10 million lawsuit we filed in Harris County Civil District Court in Houston, Texas, on November 21, 2025. The aggression and data-driven strategy we bring to this case are the same we will apply to any hazing case originating from Worth County or involving students from your community.

📰 Media Coverage of the Bermudez Case

Our ongoing legal battle has already garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severe nature of hazing and our firm’s unwavering dedication to our clients.

• ABC13 Houston reported on November 21-22, 2025: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges.” This coverage prominently features quotes from our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, and details the terrifying acts of hazing Leonel endured.
• KHOU 11 published their report on November 21, 2025: “[$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations] (https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71).” KHOU was the first to identify our client, Leonel Bermudez, by name and exposed that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” establishing critical premises liability. They also reported on the national organization’s alleged knowledge of a “hazing crisis.”
• The Houston Chronicle followed up on November 22, 2025, with “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit,” detailing specific, grueling physical exercises forced upon pledges, including “high-volume suicides,” “bear crawls,” “wheelbarrows,” and being “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Houston Public Media confirmed the substantial $10 million figure on November 24, 2025, in their piece: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing.” This report further clarified Leonel’s status as a “ghost rush” – a prospective member not yet enrolled – and quoted the University of Houston spokesperson’s “deeply disturbing” acknowledgment.
• Even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, issued a statement on November 21, 2025: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston,” admitting to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” However, their statement controversially concluded with “we look forward to returning to campus,” showcasing a troubling lack of genuine remorse.

The Case That Shows Worth County Families Why We Fight

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. Critically, Leonel was a “ghost rush,” meaning he was not even an enrolled University of Houston student at the time. He was planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming semester. The fraternity subjected someone who wasn’t even officially their student to weeks of systematic abuse that ultimately led to his hospitalization for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Why This Matters to Worth County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including chapters at universities throughout Georgia. This means the same national fraternities operating in Houston are present at institutions your children may attend, like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, and other colleges in the state.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel can, and do, happen at fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities near Worth County, Georgia.
• Universities near Worth County, Georgia, face the same liability failures as the University of Houston. If a university owns or controls the property where hazing occurs, they have a responsibility to act.
• If your child is being hazed at a college or university, whether in Georgia or elsewhere, we will fight for you with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to Leonel’s case.

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

Lupe Peña emphasized our firm’s broader goal 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.”

What Happened: The Terrifying Hazing Timeline

The lawsuit reveals a horrific pattern of abuse that began almost immediately after Leonel accepted his bid:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. The systematic hazing commences and lasts for weeks.
• Throughout this period: Leonel was subjected to an enforced dress code, required to complete numerous hours of study, and suffered weekly interviews with members and other pledges. He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion. He was also made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, with threats of physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply.
• October 13, 2025: Horrifyingly, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while fraternity members prepared for a meeting. This demonstrates a pattern of extreme behavior within the chapter.
• October 15, 2025: Alarmingly, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This incident should have been a red flag but was ignored.
• November 3, 2025: This was a pivotal moment for Leonel. He was severely punished when he missed an event. He was forced to endure over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. Critically, he had to recite the fraternity creed during these exercises under threat of immediate expulsion. He became so utterly exhausted that he could not stand without help.
• November 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsened significantly, he could barely move due to extreme soreness.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital after observing symptoms like passing brown urine (a clear indicator of muscle breakdown). He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. On this same day, Pi Kappa Phi National suspended the chapter.
• November 14, 2025: Just days after his hospitalization, Pi Kappa Phi National officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, as confirmed by their own website statement. This swift action, pre-lawsuit, suggests an immediate acknowledgment of severe wrongdoing and an attempt to mitigate liability.
• November 21, 2025: Our firm, Attorney911, filed the $10 million lawsuit. Media outlets like ABC13 and KHOU 11 immediately covered the story.
• November 22, 2025: The Houston Chronicle provided additional details on the hazing.
• November 24, 2025: Houston Public Media further highlighted the $10 million figure and the University of Houston’s spokesperson’s comments.

The Hazing Activities Exposed in Our Lawsuit

The alleged hazing acts Leonel endured are not mere “pranks”; they are disturbing, dangerous, and often criminal forms of abuse:

• Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning: KHOU 11 reported “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where pledges were sprayed in the face during calisthenics. Houston Public Media explicitly called this “a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. He was then made to continue running sprints in his vomit-soaked clothing, exemplifying extreme psychological and physical torment.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: The lawsuit details relentless physical hazing including over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume running “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. The Houston Chronicle also reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.”
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: This included forced nudity in cold weather, carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects, and the shocking incident of another pledge being hog-tied with an object in his mouth. Threats of expulsion were used to ensure compliance, creating a climate of fear.
• Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion: Being forced to drive members during early morning hours contributed to severe exhaustion, affecting his ability to function.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s severe hazing directly led to a life-threatening medical condition: rhabdomyolysis.

• What is Rhabdomyolysis? It’s a severe condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. This can severely damage the kidneys and ultimately lead to acute kidney failure and death.
• Medical Evidence: Leonel presented with the classic symptom of “brown urine” due to myoglobinuria. Lab tests confirmed “very high creatine kinase levels,” a definitive sign of muscle damage. The diagnosis was severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, necessitating three nights and four days of intensive hospitalization. He could not stand or walk for days.
• Attorney911’s Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely equipped to handle the complex medical and legal aspects of Leonel’s injuries.

Institutional Responses – On the Record

The responses from the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters reveal much about their awareness and attempts to manage the crisis:

• University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025): The university stated, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… Any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.” This is a public admission that the conduct was severe, violated their standards, and may warrant criminal prosecution.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025): Their statement confirmed, “Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” While they claimed to prioritize member well-being and looked “forward to returning to campus,” their actions speak volumes about their knowledge of the chapter’s wrongdoing. The swift closure before our lawsuit was filed indicates an attempt to preempt accountability. KHOU also reported allegations of the national organization’s failure to enforce anti-hazing rules despite knowledge of a “hazing crisis.”

Why This Case Matters to Worth County Families

1. Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: These aren’t isolated incidents or harmless pranks. This is systematic abuse, and it happens at universities whose Greek organizations attract students from Worth County, Georgia.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred. Similarly, universities near Worth County, such as the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, bear significant responsibility when they fail to oversee Greek life and ensure student safety.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters closing the chapter so quickly proves they knew the conduct was indefensible. National fraternities with chapters near Worth County are not ignorant of what happens in their chapters.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel’s fear of retribution is real. Worth County victims of hazing face similar pressures and fears. We provide the legal protection they need to step forward.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Worth County Students: As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your Worth County case can set a powerful precedent and save lives.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This significant lawsuit aims to unequivocally state that torturing students comes with a severe financial cost. Worth County families can use the power of the courts to send the same message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Worth County Parents: This is Not College Fun. This is Assault. This is Torture.

When most people in Worth County think of hazing, they might envision silly initiation rituals or excessive drinking. The reality is far more sinister. Hazing today is often brutal, dehumanizing, and can lead to severe injury, psychological trauma, or even death. It is critically important for Worth County parents to understand the true nature of what their children might face.

The Reality of Hazing in America

• It’s not “boys being boys” or “character building.” It’s often assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and sometimes manslaughter or murder.
• Shocking Statistics: Studies show that over 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, with 40% of student athletes reporting similar incidents. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. Despite this, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to fear, shame, or a misguided sense of loyalty.
• Widespread Problem: Hazing isn’t confined to fraternities and sororities; it occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations at institutions like Georgia Southern University, Albany State University, or even local high school clubs within Worth County.
• Institutional Failure: Universities and national Greek organizations almost always know hazing is happening. They possess the power and the policies to stop it, yet they frequently fail to intervene until a student is severely injured or dies. Only then do chapters get “suspended” or “dissolved,” with institutions claiming surprise instead of accountability.

Types of Hazing Incidents: Based on Our Experience and Documented Cases

The horrors endured by Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, along with other documented hazing incidents nationwide, illustrate the severe and dangerous nature of modern hazing:

Category	Examples
Physical Abuse	Beatings, paddling (such as with wooden paddles mentioned in Leonel’s case), branding, burning, extreme forced exercise to exhaustion (like 500 squats and 100 pushups until muscle breakdown), forced nudity in harsh conditions, restraints (hog-tying).
Forced Consumption	Binge drinking of alcohol (a common factor in hazing deaths), eating until vomiting (as seen in Leonel’s case with milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns), consumption of non-food substances.
Sleep Deprivation	Forced late nights, early mornings, disruptive activities designed to prevent sleep, requiring pledges to drive members around at all hours.
Psychological Torture	Humiliation, degradation (like carrying sexual objects), verbal abuse, isolation, threats (of expulsion or physical harm), being forced to lie in your own vomit.
Sexual Abuse/Degradation	Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexualized items, verbal sexual harassment, sexual assault.
Waterboarding/Drowning	Simulated drowning as endured by Leonel Bermudez, holding heads underwater, forcing consumption of excessive water.
Exposure	Forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, confinement in small, uncomfortable spaces.
Servitude	Forced cleaning, driving, running errands, or performing demeaning tasks for fraternity members.

Medical Consequences—Hazing’s Deadly Toll:

The direct result of these horrific acts can be devastating:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: Leonel Bermudez’s diagnosis, common from extreme physical exertion and dehydration.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or repeated head trauma.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From extreme weather exposure.
• Cardiac Arrest: From overwhelming physical stress.
• Organ Damage: Liver or pancreas damage from alcohol abuse, internal injuries from physical violence.
• Infections: From unsanitary conditions, open wounds, animal attacks.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological damage requiring extensive therapy.
• DEATH: The ultimate, tragic outcome that far too many families, including those potentially in Worth County, have faced.

For Worth County parents, understanding this grim reality is the first step toward protecting your children. This is why our firm fights so aggressively. We know the stakes.

Who Is Responsible: Every Entity and Individual Who Played a Part

For Worth County Families: We Will Pursue Every Liable Party

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one individual acting alone. There’s a complex web of responsibility, from the individuals who inflict the abuse to the organizations and institutions that enable it. At Attorney911, we believe in holding every culpable party accountable. In the Bermudez case, we are diligently pursuing multiple defendants, and for hazing incidents impacting Worth County, Georgia, we apply the same comprehensive approach.

Targets for Accountability:

1. Greek Organizations (Local Chapters):

   • Direct Perpetrators: In Leonel’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter directly organized and carried out the hazing activities. This includes the chapter officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, who orchestrated and oversaw the abuse, as well as the individual members who participated in or stood by during the hazing.
   • Liability: Local chapters are often responsible through vicarious liability for their members’ actions, negligent supervision of their activities, and direct participation in illegal acts of hazing. They also bear premises liability if the hazing occurs on chapter-controlled property.
   • Worth County Application: If a local chapter at a university near Worth County engages in hazing, they are a primary target.

2. National Fraternity and Sorority Organizations:

   • Institutional Failure: The Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, upon learning of Leonel’s hospitalization, immediately suspended and then dissolved the UH chapter. While framed as a commitment to their values, this action clearly demonstrates their knowledge that the chapter’s conduct was egregious and violated national policies. Their public statement also expressed hope to “return to campus,” indicative of a focus on reputation over immediate genuine remorse for the victim.
   • Prior Knowledge and Failure to Act: As noted in Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death (Andrew Coffey in 2017) and was allegedly aware of a “hazing crisis.” Their failure to implement effective safeguards between 2017 and 2025 demonstrates a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference.
   • Liability: National organizations are liable for failing to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and respond effectively to repeated warnings and incidents. They are the “deep pockets” with substantial assets and liability insurance, making them critical targets for significant compensation.
   • Worth County Application: Many national fraternities and sororities have chapters at campuses where Worth County students enroll. These national bodies must be held accountable for the failures of their local arms.

3. Universities and Colleges:

   • Duty to Protect: In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned and directly controlled the Pi Kappa Phi house where much of the hazing took place. They had the power to regulate, inspect, suspend, or remove organizations and individuals. Critically, UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had clear notice of hazing dangers on their campus. Their failure to act meaningfully between 2017 and 2025 constitutes institutional negligence.
   • Liability: Universities have a legal and moral duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm, including hazing. This includes responsibilities for negligent supervision of Greek life, premises liability for property they own or control, and failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. The UH Board of Regents was also named as a defendant, highlighting the broad institutional liability.
   • Worth County Application: Universities and colleges in Georgia, such as the University of Georgia system (including UGA, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, and Valdosta State), or private institutions like Emory, have the same duties to protect students. If a student from Worth County is hazed at any of these institutions, the university itself is a critical defendant.

4. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Direct Responsibility: Leonel’s lawsuit specifically names the fraternity president, pledgemaster, current members who actively participated in the hazing, and even former members who hosted hazing activities at their private residence.
   • Premises Liability for Off-Campus Hazing: The inclusion of a former member and his spouse in the lawsuit, due to hazing occurring at their residence, expands the scope of individual liability to anyone who facilitates or allows hazing on their property. This principle is vital for hazing that often moves off-campus to avoid university oversight.
   • Liability: Every single person who actively participated in, directed, encouraged, or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other civil torts. As the Stone Foltz case shows, individual officers can face multi-million dollar judgments.
   • Worth County Application: It’s important to identify every individual responsible, as their personal assets and any homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies they might hold can contribute to compensating the victim.

5. Insurance Carriers:

   • The Real Money: Ultimately, significant compensation in these cases often comes from the liability insurance policies held by the national fraternity, the university, local chapters, and individuals (such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance).
   • Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña both sharpened their skills representing insurance companies. This invaluable “insider knowledge” means we understand exactly how these carriers evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. We use this understanding to dismantle their arguments and maximize recovery for our clients.
   • Worth County Application: Understanding the insurance landscape is crucial for any Worth County hazing lawsuit, as these policies represent the deepest pockets for recovery.

The Deep Pockets: Holding Institutions Accountable

It’s important for Worth County families to understand that pursuing these cases is not about financially ruining a few college students. It’s about compelling large, well-funded institutions – national fraternities with millions in assets, universities with vast endowments, and their extensive insurance carriers – to fundamentally change their dangerous practices. Our approach targets the entities with the power to truly effect change and the financial resources to compensate victims adequately.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For Worth County Families: Victories That Demand Attention

When your child is irrevocably harmed by hazing, justice must not only acknowledge their suffering but also provide the resources needed for recovery and send an undeniable message to those responsible. At Attorney911, we have seen, time and again, that hazing cases lead to significant financial awards. These multi-million dollar precedents prove that victims can and do win, and these same results are possible for Worth County families, no matter where the hazing occurred.

The Message to Worth County Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations:

Hazing costs MILLIONS. We have the receipts. These same results are possible for hazing victims connected to Worth County, Georgia. This isn’t just theory; these are the cases that shape policy and force accountability.

Landmark Verdicts & Settlements — They Will Pay

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

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: The Foltz family received nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals involved, totaling over $10.1 million. This was the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Critically, in December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million judgment.
   • Relevance to Our Case (and Worth County): This case underscores that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liability. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is well within the realm of established precedent, directly comparable to cases involving similar levels of institutional negligence and egregious conduct. It proves that individual leadership within chapters can be held personally liable for massive sums.

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

   • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was hazed during a Phi Delta Theta event known as “Bible Study.” Pledges were forced to consume excessive alcohol, with “wrong answers” leading to more drinking. His BAC reached a fatal 0.495, and he died from acute alcohol poisoning.
   • Outcome: A jury returned a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity; criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, led to prison time for some members. The tragedy also spurred the passage of the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Relevance to Worth County: This jury verdict demonstrates that courts and communities are outraged by hazing and will impose severe penalties. Worth County juries will likely be equally sympathetic and seek justice for similar incidents, especially when the hazing involves forced alcohol consumption by individuals from colleges like the University of Georgia or Georgia Southern.

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

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi, was forced to “run the gauntlet,” consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a BAC of 0.36. He then repeatedly fell down basement stairs, suffering fatal brain injuries and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911, and security cameras captured the entire horrific event.
   • Outcome: While confidential, reports estimate the settlement exceeded $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convicted of involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The incident led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
   • Relevance to Worth County: The sheer magnitude of this settlement highlights the exponential value of cases with strong, undeniable evidence (like the detailed allegations and medical records in the Bermudez case). It also shows how criminal and civil outcomes can run in parallel, and how hazing can lead to significant legislative change that could serve to protect colleges in Worth County.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE

   • What Happened: On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” His death occurred exactly 8 years before Leonel Bermudez’s severe hazing incident.
   • Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed at FSU. A civil lawsuit by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
   • Relevance to Worth County: This is a crucial precedent for the Bermudez case as it involves the exact same national fraternity. It establishes that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of a deadly hazing culture within its organization. The fact that Leonel was severely injured 8 years later demonstrates a systemic failure by Pi Kappa Phi that warrants significant punitive damages.

5. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million Settlement

   • What Happened: In February 2021, Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old freshman, died after a Delta Chi hazing event during which he was pressured to drink a large bottle of whiskey.
   • Outcome: The family initially sought $28 million and ultimately reached a multi-million dollar settlement in October 2024 (over $4 million total, including substantial donations to his family’s foundation). Several fraternity members faced criminal charges.
   • Relevance to Worth County: Another recent multi-million dollar settlement involving a wrongful death due to hazing, reinforcing the high value of these cases.

Hazing Results in Real Legal Change: Laws Created Because of Hazing Deaths

These cases are not just about compensation; they are about changing the culture and preventing future tragedies. Many hazing deaths have led to specific legislation, demonstrating the deep societal impact and the power of legal action:

• Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania, 2018): Introduced felony charges for hazing causing death and immunity for reporting.
• Max Gruver Act (Louisiana, 2018): Made hazing a felony and increased penalties.
• Collin’s Law (Ohio, 2021): Named after Collin Wiant, created felony hazing charges with stricter penalties.
• Adam’s Law (Virginia): Mandates hazing education and reporting.
• The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a pending federal bill designed to require colleges to publicly report hazing incidents.

Why These Precedents Matter for Worth County Families

1. Our $10 Million Demand is Supported by Precedent: The $10.1 million recovered in the Stone Foltz case, along with other multi-million dollar awards, clearly supports the value of Leonel Bermudez’s case, even as a non-fatal injury. The long-term medical care, future earning capacity, and severe pain and suffering he endures warrant substantial compensation.
2. Pi Kappa Phi Has a Deadly History: The death of Andrew Coffey at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter only 8 years before Leonel’s hospitalization provides powerful pattern evidence of the national organization’s systemic failure and foreknowledge of deadly risks. This means that any Pi Kappa Phi chapter operating near Worth County carries a similar risk profile.
3. The University of Houston Had Prior Hazing Incidents: UH had prior knowledge of student hospitalizations from hazing (Jared Munoz, 2017). This directly implicates institutional negligence and allows us to argue our injuries were foreseeable. This applies equally to institutions across Georgia, including those that draw students from Worth County.
4. Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case proves that juries are quick to penalize fraternities and individuals for egregious hazing. Acts like waterboarding, forced vomiting, and physical assault will incite similar outrage in any jury, including those in Worth County, Georgia.
5. Criminal Charges May Follow: Because Texas law (like Georgia’s) criminalizes hazing, civil cases can proceed alongside criminal investigations, providing additional leverage and public pressure.
6. These cases lead to change.

These precedents provide a clear roadmap for achieving justice for Worth County hazing victims. They prove that aggressive, data-driven litigation is not only possible but necessary.

Texas Law Protects You: A Legal Framework for Worth County Victims

Under the Law, Consent is NOT a Defense. Your Child Cannot Legally Consent to Being Tortured.

For families in Worth County, Georgia, seeking justice for hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles and strategies we employ are applicable nationwide. We detail Texas law because it governs our current flagship case, but rest assured, robust anti-hazing laws and civil liability opportunities exist in most states, including Georgia, to protect your child. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue national organizations anywhere in the country, fighting for Worth County families regardless of where the incident occurred.

Understanding Hazing Laws — Texas and Beyond

Georgia, like Texas, has enacted strong anti-hazing laws to deter these dangerous practices and protect students. The Georgia Code, specifically Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 16, defines and criminalizes hazing behaviors. While the specifics may vary, the intent is largely similar: to prohibit activities that endanger the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation or membership in an organization.

Texas Hazing Laws (Detailed Reference)

The Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 forms the backbone of our legal assault against hazing. These statutes are incredibly powerful and directly applicable to cases like Leonel Bermudez’s.

• 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 pledging… if the act… subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.” The law specifically enumerates physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, calisthenics (like Leonel’s 500 squats to exhaustion), and forced consumption, all of which were present in Leonel’s case.
  • Worth County Application: Georgia’s hazing definition often mirrors this, covering similar categories of physical, mental, and emotional abuse that endangers students.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law categorizes hazing violations from Class B Misdemeanors (for participation) to State Jail Felonies (for hazing causing death). Because Leonel suffered serious bodily injury (rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), individual perpetrators in his case face Class A Misdemeanor charges, carrying up to a year in jail.
  • Worth County Application: Georgia law also specifies criminal penalties for hazing, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, particularly if serious injury or death occurs.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be penalized with fines up to $10,000, denial of operating rights, and forfeiture of property if they “condone or encourage hazing.” This means local chapters and national organizations can be held directly responsible.
  • Worth County Application: Similar provisions often exist under state law, allowing for criminal and civil penalties against organizations.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most critical legal point in hazing cases in Texas. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.”
  • Worth County Application: While Georgia’s statute doesn’t contain this exact phrasing, the legal principle holds true. You cannot consent to criminal activity. A victim cannot legally “consent” to physical assault, torture, or activities that put their life at risk. Fraternities and universities cannot avoid liability by claiming the student “willingly participated.” This is a fundamental principle in personal injury law that applies whether in Texas, Georgia, or any other state.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Texas universities are legally required to report hazing incidents, with failure to do so constituting a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds institutions accountable for transparency.
  • Worth County Application: Georgia universities have similar obligations for reporting and oversight.

Civil Liability for Hazing — What Worth County Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits offer a pathway for Worth County hazing victims and their families to recover substantial compensation for the immense physical, emotional, and financial damages they endure. Our firm leverages a variety of civil liability theories, applicable to hazing cases in Worth County and across the nation:

1. Negligence Claims: This is a cornerstone of personal injury law. It applies when a party owes a duty of care, breaches that duty, and that breach directly causes injury.
   • Application: Universities and national fraternities owe a duty of care to protect students. Allowing hazing (or failing to stop it) breaches that duty, causing injuries like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis.
2. Premises Liability: Landowners have a responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe.
   • Application: In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred, making them liable for dangerous conditions on their property. This also extends to individuals who own private residences where hazing is allowed to take place. This could involve Worth County landlords, property owners, or even parents who allow illegal activities on their property.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when an entity fails to adequately oversee those for whom they are responsible.
   • Application: National organizations can be held liable for failing to properly supervise their local chapters and pledges. Similarly, universities can be held accountable for failing to supervise Greek life organizations on their campus, especially if they have prior knowledge of hazing risks.
4. Assault and Battery: Direct civil claims against individuals involved in the physical acts of hazing.
   • Application: Waterboarding, paddling, forced physical exertion, or any unwanted touching constitutes assault and battery. Every individual who participated in these acts can be sued directly.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim addresses severe emotional harm caused by outrageous conduct.
   • Application: The psychological torture, humiliation, and terror experienced during hazing, particularly acts like waterboarding, can easily meet the threshold for IIED. Victims from Worth County who suffer PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression as a result of hazing may pursue this claim.

Worth County Families: These civil claims provide powerful legal avenues for justice. Our firm’s expertise lies in meticulously building these cases, proving each element of liability, and ensuring that every responsible party – from individual students to national organizations and universities – pays for the harm they inflicted.

Why Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates for Worth County Hazing Victims

We Are Not Just Lawyers. We Are Former Insiders Who Know Exactly How the Other Side Thinks.

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team of relentless advocates who understand the deep complexities of these cases, and who will fight aggressively for justice. Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, brings a unique blend of experience, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication to every hazing case, including those impacting Worth County, Georgia. Though our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends nationwide, and we are fully equipped to serve families in Worth County.

Our Key Differentiators — Why Worth County Families Choose Attorney911

Advantage	Details	Worth County Benefit
25+ Years Courtroom Experience	Ralph Manginello is a battle-tested trial attorney with over two decades in the courtroom, skilled in complex litigation against formidable opponents.	This proven expertise directly translates into aggressive, effective representation for Worth County families facing powerful universities and national fraternities.
Former Insurance Defense Insight	Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña previously worked on the defense side for major insurance companies. They know the insurance adjuster’s playbook, their strategies to minimize claims, and their tactics to deny payouts.	This insider knowledge gives Worth County clients a critical advantage. We know precisely how universities and national fraternities will try to defend themselves, and we dismantle those defenses from the inside out. We anticipate their moves and counter them strategically.
Federal Court Admissions	Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal civil rights litigation.	Hazing cases often involve federal jurisdiction (e.g., Title IX, civil rights). Our federal court authority means we can pursue Worth County cases in federal court, which is crucial when targeting national organizations across state lines, like Pi Kappa Phi, which has 150+ chapters.
Dual-State Bar Admission	Ralph Manginello is licensed to practice in both Texas and New York.	This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for Worth County cases against national fraternities headquartered in other states. We can navigate multi-state legal complexities with ease, serving you even if the national headquarters is far from Worth County.
Se Habla Español	Our staff is bilingual and ready to serve Spanish-speaking clients. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication without language barriers.	Worth County’s diverse population includes Spanish-speaking families who deserve full access to justice. We ensure every detail is understood and every concern is heard, providing empathetic support in their native language.
Nationwide Hazing Expertise	We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now. This is not theoretical; we are in the fight every day, developing cutting-edge strategies and uncovering crucial evidence of institutional negligence and perpetrator culpability.	Worth County families benefit directly from our ongoing, high-stakes hazing litigation. The same aggressive, data-driven strategies we use in our landmark cases are immediately available to your Worth County hazing attorney, providing unparalleled expertise and proven methodologies.

The Attorney911 Approach — How We Serve Worth County Hazing Victims

When a legal emergency strikes – especially a hazing emergency involving Worth County students – we react with unparalleled speed and precision:

• Expert Witness Network: We build cases with a robust team of expert witnesses, including medical professionals (crucial for injuries like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), Greek life culture specialists, and experts in institutional negligence.
• Immediate Evidence Preservation: We move swiftly to preserve critical evidence: text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails, medical records, and witness statements. As our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” emphasizes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), documenting everything is key.
• Negotiate from Strength: Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, demonstrating our resolve and our capacity to value cases at their true worth. This active litigation strengthens our position at any negotiation table.
• Travel to Worth County: While headquartered in Houston, we are committed to justice wherever it leads. Our attorneys will travel to Worth County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance is never a barrier to justice for your family.
• Remote Consultations: For the convenience of Worth County families, we offer secure video consultations, allowing you to connect with our attorneys and receive immediate guidance from the comfort and privacy of your home.

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company attempts to silence Worth County hazing victims or deny their claims, we take the fight directly to court.

Why Worth County Families Choose Us

• Hazing Litigation Expertise: We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are hazing litigation specialists. Our active $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is proof. Worth County families get lawyers who are currently in the trenches, fighting this battle.
• Nationwide Reach: Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses mean we can represent Worth County families even if the hazing occurred in another state, or if the national organizations are headquartered elsewhere.
• Staff & Culture: Our team is bilingual, friendly, and deeply compassionate. We genuinely care about the victims we represent. Worth County families are treated with the respect and personal attention they deserve during such a traumatic time.
• Payment Flexibility: Contingency Fees: We understand the financial strain that medical bills and lost school time can create. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we WIN your case. This eliminates financial barriers for Worth County families seeking justice. Learn more about “How Contingency Fees Work” directly from Attorney911 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• Real Emotional Investment: What truly sets us apart is our profound emotional investment in hazing victims. We’ve witnessed the devastating impact of these barbaric acts on students and their families. We see your child as a person whose trust was betrayed, whose body was brutalized, and whose future was jeopardized—not just another case file. We will fight for Worth County families as if they were our own.

Our Attorneys — The Lawyers Fighting for Worth County Hazing Victims

Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner

Ralph Manginello is the founder of Attorney911 and a powerhouse in the courtroom. With over 25 years of experience, a background that includes high-stakes litigation like the BP Texas City Explosion, and federal court admissions, Ralph is uniquely qualified to take on the largest institutions. His journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin honed his ability to uncover facts and tell compelling stories, while his athletic background (Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame inductee) gives him insight into team dynamics and the pressures young people face. As a father of three, he deeply understands what’s at stake for Worth County families.

Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney (Male)

Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, brings over 12 years of litigation experience to our firm. Crucially, Lupe previously worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means he spent years on the “other side,” defending corporate and insurance clients against personal injury claims. He knows their tactics, their valuation methods, and their strategies inside and out. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. Lupe’s fluency in Spanish ensures that Worth County Hispanic families receive comprehensive, barrier-free legal support. He embodies our “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy.

Together, Ralph and Lupe form a formidable team, a combined 37+ years of legal experience, with both having served as former insurance defense attorneys. This unique perspective is an unfair advantage for victims, allowing us to anticipate and counter every move the defense makes.

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

You’re Searching for Help at 2 AM. Here Are Your First Steps. Act Now.

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Worth County, Georgia, or while away at college, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. You’re scared, angry, and unsure of what to do. The good news is that you are not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take right now to protect your child’s rights and build a strong legal case. This is not the time to hesitate; evidence disappears quickly, and delaying action can jeopardize your case.

A Critical Warning About Delaying Action

As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c), most personal injury cases in Georgia, like in Texas, have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s typically two years from the date of death. While this may seem like ample time, it’s not. Hazing victims often delay reporting due to:

• Shame and Embarrassment: They feel violated and humiliated.
• Fear of Social Retaliation: They worry about being ostracized by friends or the organization.
• Misguided Loyalty: They may feel pressure to protect their “brothers” or “sisters.”
• Lack of Recognition: They may not even realize what they experienced was illegal hazing.
• Pressure to Stay Quiet: Perpetrators often threaten victims to ensure silence.

Every day that passes makes it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and build a compelling case. Do not let fear, shame, or loyalty prevent you from seeking justice. Time is of the essence.

Your Immediate Action Plan

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is paramount. If your child has been physically injured, mentally traumatized, or shows any signs of distress, get them professional medical help in Worth County or wherever they are located. Ensure every injury, no matter how minor it seems, is documented by medical professionals. This creates an official record crucial for your case. If they suffered internal injuries like Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, immediate medical intervention is essential for their health and for documenting the severity of the damage.

2. Preserve All Evidence Now: This is a non-negotiable step. “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to,” as Ralph Manginello advises in our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).

   • Medical Records: Collect all hospital records, emergency room visit summaries, doctor’s notes, lab results (like Leonel’s creatine kinase levels), and therapy records.
   • Photos/Videos: Document any visible injuries, including bruises, cuts, burns, or specific symptoms like brown urine. If any hazing activity was captured (rare, but possible), save it. Photograph the locations where hazing occurred. Continue documenting the healing process.
   • Communications: Crucially, save everything. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, fraternity/sorority group messages, and any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. Screenshots are vital. Do not delete anything.
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, knew about it, or can corroborate your child’s story. This includes other pledges, passive members, or even bystanders.
   • Documents: Retain any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or codes of conduct provided by the organization.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, and any lost wages or income from missed work or internships for your child.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel:

   • Fraternity/Sorority or University Officials: Do not speak with any members of the fraternity, alumni advisors, university administrators, or their attorneys. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institution. Any statement you give can and will be used against you.
   • Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives. These might include waivers of liability or agreements that compromise your legal rights.
   • No Recorded Statements: As our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” warns, do not give any recorded statements to anyone.

4. Stay Off Social Media Completely:

   • Avoid Posting: Do not post anything about the hazing incident, your child’s injuries, or your emotional state on any social media platform. Anything you post can be taken out of context and used by the defense to undermine your case.
   • Do Not Engage: Avoid engaging with members of the organization or university online.
   • Do NOT Delete: Crucially, do not delete any existing posts or communications, even if they are old. Deleting evidence can be seen as spoliation and harm your case.

5. Report the Hazing (Strategically):

   • Police Report: For severe hazing involving physical assault, or threats, consider filing a criminal report with law enforcement in Worth County or the jurisdiction where the college is located. Criminal charges can run parallel to civil lawsuits and provide additional leverage.
   • University Report (Title IX): Universities have their own internal reporting mechanisms, often through their Title IX office for incidents involving abuse or harassment. We can help you navigate this process to ensure your report is properly documented without compromising your civil case.

6. Call Attorney911 Immediately — Free Consultation:

   • This is the most crucial step. Do not delay. Our Legal Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 for Worth County families.
   • The free consultation allows us to evaluate your child’s case, discuss strategy, and outline the next steps without any financial obligation from you.
   • We can provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation and communication strategies.

Worth County Families: Distance is Not a Barrier to Justice

Even though our main offices are in Texas, our firm serves hazing victims nationwide, including those in Worth County, Georgia. We use:

• Federal Court Authority: Hazing cases often involve national organizations or federal civil rights claims, allowing us to pursue justice in federal courts.
• Video Consultations: Worth County families can easily connect with our attorneys remotely from the privacy and comfort of their homes.
• Travel Commitment: We will travel to Worth County for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our commitment to justice knows no geographic bounds.

Worth County Hazing Victims: You didn’t deserve this. What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was abuse, assault, and potentially criminal. You have the right to seek justice, compensation, and to hold those responsible accountable. You are not alone. Our attorneys are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW with a client just like you. We will fight for Worth County victims with the same fury.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Worth County Hazing Victims

When your family faces the nightmare of hazing, you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. Attorney911 is your Legal Emergency Lawyer™, ready to respond to your call 24/7. We are currently leading the fight against hazing with our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we extend that same relentless advocacy to Worth County and across the nation.

🚨 Worth 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 Worth County victims too.

Our attorneys are actively representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these complex cases. We know how to expose institutional negligence. We know how to hold powerful organizations accountable. And we know how to WIN. Worth County families deserve and will receive the same aggressive, expert representation.

Worth County Families — Call Now — Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Available 24/7 for Worth County hazing emergencies

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Worth County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This means there is no financial risk to you to pursue justice. We invest in your case, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.

What Worth County Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now:

1. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: If you haven’t already, ensure your child receives immediate medical and psychological evaluation. Document everything thoroughly.
2. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Save every text, photo, video, GroupMe chat, social media message, and document related to the hazing. Do not delete anything.
3. DO NOT TALK: Refrain from speaking with the fraternity/sorority, university officials, or their lawyers without our legal counsel.
4. DO NOT POST: Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Your words can be used against you.
5. CALL US IMMEDIATELY: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Georgia can be as short as two years. Evidence disappears fast. Your rights could expire.

We Serve Worth County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national crisis that impacts campuses across America, including those that draw students from Worth County, Georgia. We can evaluate and represent your Worth County case regardless of location through:

• Federal Court Authority: Many hazing cases involve national organizations or federal laws (like Title IX), giving us jurisdiction in federal courts. Our admissions to U.S. District Courts empower us to pursue cases against national defendants wherever they are located.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when confronting national fraternities or universities that operate across multiple states.
• Video Consultations: For the convenience of Worth County families, we offer confidential video consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with us from the comfort of your home.
• Travel Commitment: Distance is not a barrier to justice. Our attorneys will travel to Worth County for depositions, meetings, and trials as necessary, ensuring you have fierce representation locally.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life in Worth County. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Worth County, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern University, Albany State University, or Valdosta State University.
• Worth County sports teams.
• Marching bands at universities within Georgia.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Clubs and student organizations at schools in Worth County, Georgia.
• Any organization where abuse is disguised as “initiation” or “tradition.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one physically and psychologically abused in the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness. Many others endured waterboarding, forced eating, and physical torment.

You have rights too. You can step forward safely. Lupe Peña’s words resonate for all victims:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice. Your courage in coming forward can be the catalyst for real change and prevent future tragedies for families in Worth County and beyond.

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