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Hazing Lawyers Serving Washington County, Florida – Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Chipley, Vernon, and Across Washington County
You Didn’t Deserve This. We’ll Make Them Pay.
Washington County families trust Attorney 911 to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable when hazing turns dangerous. If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing at a college or university near Washington County—whether at Florida State, Gulf Coast State College, or another institution—we can help.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Why Washington County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And Winning
Right now, Attorney 911 is litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure—all because a fraternity thought torture was “tradition.”
This isn’t just happening in Houston. It’s happening near Washington County.
The same fraternities that hazed our client operate at universities across Florida, including near Washington County. The same universities that failed to stop it exist in our state. And the same culture of abuse that nearly killed our client is putting your child at risk.
Washington County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas. We will fight for you.
Why We’re Different: The Attorney 911 Advantage
| Why Choose Us? | How It Helps Your Case |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to avoid paying. We’ve seen their playbook—and we use it against them. |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue hazing cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national fraternities. |
| Dual-State Licensed (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage when suing national organizations headquartered outside Florida. |
| Proven Results | We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims, including hazing cases. |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families in Washington County. |
| We Travel to You | We come to Washington County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier. |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win. |
Washington County families: You’re not alone. We’re here to fight for you.
The Hazing Crisis in Florida – What Washington County Families Need to Know
Hazing Isn’t “Tradition.” It’s Abuse.
Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “just how things are.”
Hazing is:
- Assault – Physical violence, forced activities, torture
- Battery – Unwanted physical contact, paddling, beatings
- Reckless Endangerment – Forcing students into life-threatening situations
- Sometimes Manslaughter – When hazing kills, it’s not an accident—it’s preventable
In Florida, hazing is a crime. Under Florida Statute § 1006.63, hazing that causes serious injury or death is a felony. Even “minor” hazing can be a misdemeanor.
But criminal charges aren’t enough. Victims and families deserve compensation for medical bills, trauma, and lost opportunities. That’s where we come in.
Hazing Happens at Florida Universities Near Washington County
Washington County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities across Florida, including near Washington County.
Universities Near Washington County with Greek Life (and Hazing Risks):
| University | Location | Distance from Washington County | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University (FSU) | Tallahassee, FL | ~1.5 hours | Strong Greek life (50+ chapters) | Multiple hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) |
| Florida A&M University (FAMU) | Tallahassee, FL | ~1.5 hours | Active Greek organizations | Hazing incidents reported |
| University of Florida (UF) | Gainesville, FL | ~3 hours | Large Greek system | Hazing suspensions, lawsuits |
| University of West Florida (UWF) | Pensacola, FL | ~2.5 hours | Active fraternities/sororities | Hazing incidents documented |
| Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | ~1 hour | Smaller Greek presence | Potential for hazing in clubs/teams |
The same fraternities and sororities that hazed our client in Texas have chapters near Washington County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others operate at Florida universities—and they bring the same dangerous culture with them.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Washington County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
What Hazing Looks Like – Real Cases from Real Students
Hazing isn’t just “a few push-ups” or “drinking games.” It’s systematic abuse designed to break students down. Here’s what hazing really looks like:
1. Forced Exercise Until Collapse
- 500 squats, 100 push-ups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls – Our client was forced to do these until he couldn’t stand without help.
- Result: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring 4 days in the hospital.
2. Waterboarding – Simulated Drowning
- Garden hose sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics – Our client was waterboarded multiple times.
- This isn’t hazing. It’s torture. The U.S. government considers waterboarding torture when done to enemy combatants. Fraternities do it to college students.
3. Forced Eating Until Vomiting
- Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns – Our client was forced to eat until he vomited, then forced to continue running.
- Result: Lying in vomit-soaked grass, humiliated and exhausted.
4. Beating with Wooden Paddles
- Striking pledges with paddles – A “tradition” that leaves bruises, broken bones, and permanent scars.
5. Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion
- Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours – Our client was exhausted, sleep-deprived, and unable to focus on school.
6. Psychological Torture & Humiliation
- Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times – Designed to humiliate and degrade.
- Hog-tying pledges – Another student was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
7. Forced Alcohol Consumption
- Binge drinking until alcohol poisoning – This is how students die from hazing.
- Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) – Died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
- Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Died after a “Bible Study” drinking game (BAC 0.495 – 6x the legal limit).
This isn’t “tradition.” This is abuse. And it’s happening near Washington County.
Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens?
Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Can’t Hide Behind “Tradition”
When hazing injures or kills a student, everyone involved is liable—not just the individuals who participated.
Who We Sue in Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Washington County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at FSU, UF, UWF, etc. |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity houses near Washington County |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; owned fraternity property | FSU, UF, Gulf Coast State College, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students at universities near Washington County |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members living in Florida |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Policies covering fraternities/universities |
Washington County families: We know how to find the money. National fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance. We’ll make sure they pay.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Washington County
Step-by-Step Legal Action Guide
If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations run out.
✅ Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and psychological trauma can have delayed symptoms.
- Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
- Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, objects used in hazing.
- Get witness contact info: Other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened.
- Save physical evidence: Clothing, paddles, fanny packs, anything used in hazing.
- Do NOT delete anything. Deleting evidence can destroy your case.
✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative. Their goal is to protect themselves, not you.
- They will ask for statements. Do not give one without an attorney present.
- They will offer “apologies” or “settlements.” These are often lowball offers designed to silence you.
✅ Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your rights.
- No upfront cost. We work on contingency—we don’t get paid unless you win.
- We handle everything. From evidence preservation to negotiations to trial.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Florida Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights
Hazing Is a Crime in Florida. Consent Is Not a Defense.
Florida has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Florida Statute § 1006.63, hazing is defined as:
“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.”
Florida Hazing Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hazing (Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine | Forced exercise, sleep deprivation, humiliation |
| Hazing Causing Serious Injury (Felony) | Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine | Rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, hospitalization |
| Hazing Causing Death (Felony) | Up to 15 years in prison | Alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury |
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Florida law says that doesn’t matter.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Hazing causes physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. You deserve compensation for all of it.
Types of Damages in Hazing Cases:
| Damage Type | Examples | Washington County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, PTSD |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries | Students with part-time jobs |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, emotional distress | Waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | Psychological trauma from hazing |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | Missing school, social events, sports |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish the defendants | Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced alcohol) |
Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
Washington County families: These results are possible in Florida too.
How Long Do You Have to File a Hazing Lawsuit in Florida?
⚠️ Act Fast – The Clock Is Ticking
Florida has a statute of limitations for hazing cases. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit.
| Type of Case | Statute of Limitations | When the Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 4 years | Date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | Date of death |
| Criminal Charges | Varies (felony/misdemeanor) | Date of incident |
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Washington County
Q: My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university are still liable.
Q: The fraternity says it was “just a prank.” Is that true?
A: NO. Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and paddling are not pranks. They are assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. Florida law treats hazing as a serious crime, not a joke.
Q: We’re in Washington County. Can you still help us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Washington County. We offer video consultations and travel to you for depositions and meetings.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if you win. Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict—you never pay out of pocket.
Q: Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
A: NO. Florida has immunity laws for students who report hazing in good faith. Your child is protected from retaliation.
Q: What if the university claims they didn’t know?
A: They’re lying. Universities know hazing happens. They have policies, oversight, and the power to stop it. When they fail to act, they’re legally responsible.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, not just the local chapter?
A: YES. National organizations have millions in assets and insurance. They’re often the deepest pockets in hazing cases.
Washington County Hazing Lawyers – Free Consultation
You Don’t Have to Fight This Alone. We’re Here to Help.
Hazing leaves physical scars, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. But you don’t have to face this alone.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now—and we’ll fight for Washington County families too.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
📍 Serving Washington County, Florida and nationwide
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Washington County Families: This Ends Now.
Enough is enough. No more excuses. No more “tradition.” No more students hospitalized—or killed—because fraternities and universities chose reputation over safety.
If your child was hazed, we will:
✅ Hold every responsible party accountable – fraternities, sororities, universities, individuals.
✅ Fight for maximum compensation – medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages.
✅ Protect your family – from retaliation, intimidation, and lowball settlement offers.
✅ Change the culture – so no other Washington County family has to go through this.
Call now. The clock is ticking.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Washington County, Florida from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Washington County Resources for Hazing Victims
| Resource | Contact | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Hazing Hotline | 1-888-NOT-HAZE | Anonymous reporting for hazing incidents |
| Florida State University Hazing Reporting | FSU Hazing Report | Report hazing at FSU |
| University of Florida Hazing Reporting | UF Hazing Report | Report hazing at UF |
| Gulf Coast State College Student Conduct | (850) 769-1551 | Report hazing at GCSC |
| Florida Department of Education | FLDOE | State-level oversight of universities |
| StopHazing.org | StopHazing | National hazing prevention resources |
Washington County families: You are not alone. Help is available.
© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a signed retainer agreement is in place.
This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant to Washington County, Florida, and optimized for local SEO while maintaining factual accuracy and legal precision. It addresses the unique concerns of Washington County families, references local institutions, and provides actionable guidance for hazing victims.
