🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Atkinson County, Georgia Families — When Tradition Becomes Torture
Immediate help for legal emergencies — 24/7 free consultations
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com
Atkinson County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters at universities near Atkinson County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Georgia colleges. And the same negligence that allows hazing to continue exists at institutions across America — including those your child may attend.
We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for torturing a pledge so severely he ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. Atkinson County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.
What Hazing Really Looks Like — And Why Atkinson County Families Need to Pay Attention
The University of Houston Case: A Warning for Atkinson County
In November 2025, our client — a young man named Leonel Bermudez — accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day stay.
This is what happened to him:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to continue exercising in his own vomit
✅ Stripped to underwear in cold weather — exposure and humiliation
✅ Another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
✅ A pledge collapsed and lost consciousness — they kept going
The result? Leonel Bermudez crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with kidney failure from muscle breakdown.
This didn’t happen in some distant state. This happened at a major university. And it can happen to your child at a Georgia college near Atkinson County.
Why This Case Matters to Atkinson County Families
1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Atkinson County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Atkinson County. If they’re waterboarding students in Houston, how many other chapters are doing the same?
Fraternities with documented hazing deaths and lawsuits have active chapters at Georgia universities near Atkinson County, including:
- University of Georgia
- Georgia Southern University
- Valdosta State University
- Georgia College & State University
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
These are the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Atkinson County, they face the same risks.
2. Universities Near Atkinson County Have the Same Liability Failures
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter. They chose not to.
Universities near Atkinson County have the same responsibility to protect students. When they fail, they can be held legally and financially accountable — just like UH.
In 2017, another UH student was hospitalized from hazing at a different fraternity. UH knew hazing was dangerous. They had eight years to fix their oversight. They did nothing. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized.
How many hazing incidents have happened at Georgia universities near Atkinson County that we don’t know about?
3. The National Organization Knew — And Did Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement admits they closed the UH chapter for “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy.” They knew about the hazing. They knew it was wrong. They did nothing to stop it until after a student was hospitalized.
And now? They’re already planning to return to campus.
This isn’t just a UH problem. It’s a systemic problem across all fraternities and sororities. The nationals have the power to stop hazing. They choose not to.
4. Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities
While fraternity hazing makes headlines, hazing happens in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations too.
Atkinson County families should know: If your child is joining any organization with “initiation rituals,” they could be at risk.
The Devastating Medical Reality of Hazing
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s assault, battery, and reckless endangerment that can cause permanent, life-threatening injuries.
Rhabdomyolysis — The Silent Killer in Hazing
Our client was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis — the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the bloodstream. This is the same condition that has killed multiple hazing victims across America.
How it happens in hazing:
- Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Trauma (being struck with paddles)
- Prolonged muscle compression
Why it’s dangerous:
- Myoglobin (muscle protein) clogs kidney tubules
- Leads to acute kidney failure — our client spent four days in the hospital
- Can be fatal if untreated
- May cause permanent kidney damage, requiring lifelong dialysis or transplant
Symptoms parents should watch for:
- Severe muscle pain and weakness
- Dark brown or tea-colored urine
- Difficulty moving or walking
- Nausea, vomiting, confusion
If your child shows these symptoms after hazing activities, get them to an emergency room immediately. Delaying treatment can be deadly.
What Georgia Law Says About Hazing
Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Hazing is a crime in Georgia.
Georgia Code § 16-5-61 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Georgia:
Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a school organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical harm
Georgia Law is Clear: Consent is NOT a Defense
“The implied or express consent of a person to acts which constitute hazing shall not be a defense to prosecution under this Code section.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal. Fraternities cannot use “tradition” or “consent” to justify abuse.
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Georgia
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Hazing that does not cause serious bodily injury | Up to 12 months in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury | 1-5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing that causes death | 1-5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Individuals who participate in or fail to report hazing can be criminally charged.
Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Georgia
If your child is hazed near Atkinson County, multiple parties can be held financially responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; had power to regulate Greek life |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies covering injuries |
These defendants have deep pockets. National fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance. They can afford to pay — and they will pay when held accountable.
Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Hazing Cases Win Big
Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers — they’re proof that the legal system takes hazing seriously.
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is directly in line with these precedents.
These cases prove:
- Juries award millions for hazing injuries and deaths
- Universities pay when they fail to protect students
- National fraternities pay when they fail to supervise chapters
- Individuals can be held personally liable — Stone Foltz’s chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million
Atkinson County families: These same results are possible for your child.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Atkinson County
If you suspect your child is being hazed, act immediately. Evidence disappears fast, and your legal rights have strict deadlines.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
If your child shows any signs of injury — especially severe muscle pain, dark urine, or difficulty moving — take them to the emergency room immediately.
Document everything:
- Take photos of injuries
- Keep all medical records
- Request copies of all test results
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- All text messages and group chats (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp)
- All photos and videos from hazing events
- All social media posts about hazing
- Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Names and contact information of witnesses
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
Do not:
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Give statements to university administrators alone
- Post about the incident on social media
Why? The organization will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses. Let your attorney handle all communication.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately
Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years. But evidence disappears fast — act now.
Call Attorney 911 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
- Free case evaluation — no obligation
- Contingency fee representation — you pay nothing unless we win
- Remote consultations — we can meet by phone or video
- Travel to Atkinson County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
Why Atkinson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the defendants. We know their playbook. We know how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Tricks
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, deny liability, and lowball victims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Can Help Atkinson County Families Anywhere
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Georgia. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities anywhere in America.
We will travel to Atkinson County for your case.
4. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
We don’t just file lawsuits. We fight for justice. We expose the truth. We hold institutions accountable. And we make sure this never happens to another Atkinson County family.
From our client’s mother: “When I rushed my son to the hospital with kidney failure, I never thought I’d have to sue to get answers. But Attorney 911 fought for us when no one else would.”
5. No Upfront Costs — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Hazing cases are taken on contingency — you pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you. We front all costs, including:
- Medical record retrieval
- Expert witnesses
- Court filing fees
- Investigation expenses
We only get paid if you get paid.
What You Can Recover in a Georgia Hazing Lawsuit
If your child was hazed near Atkinson County, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, treatment, rehabilitation
- Future medical costs — ongoing care, potential dialysis/transplant
- Lost wages — time missed from work or internships
- Educational disruption — tuition for missed semesters, scholarship loss
- Property damage — if personal items were destroyed during hazing
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, injuries, recovery
- Mental anguish — trauma from waterboarding, paddling, humiliation
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience, social life
- Disfigurement — scars from branding, burns, or injuries
Punitive Damages
For egregious conduct like:
- Waterboarding (torture)
- Forced exercise until collapse
- Striking with weapons (paddles)
- Cover-up attempts
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendants and prevent future hazing.
Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Our Response:
- Georgia law explicitly says consent is not a defense (Georgia Code § 16-5-61)
- Coercion negates consent — social exclusion, threats, power dynamics
- Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens
- “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity — assault is assault
Defense 2: “It Was Just a Prank / Tradition”
Our Response:
- Waterboarding is not a prank — it’s torture
- Forced exercise until kidney failure is not a tradition — it’s reckless endangerment
- The law doesn’t care about “tradition” — it cares about safety
- Juries don’t accept “boys will be boys” as an excuse for abuse
Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- Universities have a duty to protect students
- They own fraternity houses — they can inspect, regulate, shut down
- They receive hazing reports — they know it happens
- They have Greek life oversight offices — they’re supposed to monitor
- If they didn’t know, it’s because they chose not to look
Defense 4: “The National Organization Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017 — they’ve known for years
- They admitted to a “hazing crisis” — they knew about systemic problems
- They dissolved the UH chapter immediately — they knew it was wrong
- They have 150+ chapters — they have the resources to monitor
- They failed to enforce their own policies — this is negligence
The Time to Act Is Now
Evidence Disappears Fast
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts get taken down
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
Legal Deadlines Are Strict
- Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years
- If you don’t file in time, you lose your right to sue forever
The Sooner You Act, the Stronger Your Case
- We can send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- We can interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- We can document injuries at all stages of healing
- We can build a case that maximizes your recovery
Atkinson County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel shame, embarrassment, and fear. They worry about retaliation. They worry about being ostracized. They worry about ruining their future.
But you are not alone.
Our client at UH was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. That fear is real — but it’s also proof of the psychological harm hazing causes.
We protect our clients. We guide them through the legal process. We fight for them when no one else will.
And we win.
Next Steps for Atkinson County Families
If your child was hazed — or if you suspect they were — contact Attorney 911 immediately.
Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com
What to Expect:
- Initial call — We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case
- Evidence review — We’ll assess what evidence you have and what we need
- Legal strategy — We’ll explain your options and next steps
- No pressure — You decide whether to move forward
- No upfront costs — We only get paid if we win
We Come to You
- Video consultations available for Atkinson County families
- We travel to Georgia for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier — we represent hazing victims nationwide
The Message to Fraternities Near Atkinson County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and every other fraternity with chapters near Atkinson County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in Ohio and Louisiana apply to your chapters. The same punitive damages that punished Beta Theta Pi at Penn State apply to you.
If you haze students near Atkinson County, we will find every liable entity — the national organization, the local chapter, the university, and every individual who participated.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know your playbook. We know your insurance policies. We know your corporate structures.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is shut down. Your chapter could be next.
The Message to Universities Near Atkinson County
To the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State, Georgia College, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and every other institution near Atkinson County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you become liable.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They knew about hazing because another student was hospitalized in 2017. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
If your university owns or controls fraternity properties, you are responsible for what happens there.
If your Greek life office receives hazing reports and fails to act, you are negligent.
If your administration allows dangerous hazing cultures to persist, you will pay.
We are coming for institutional accountability.
Atkinson County Parents: This Is Your Wake-Up Call
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity.
That trust was betrayed.
Hazing doesn’t build character. It destroys lives.
It’s not tradition. It’s torture.
It’s not bonding. It’s battery.
And it has to stop.
If your child was hazed near Atkinson County, call us. We will fight for you. We will expose the truth. And we will make sure this never happens to another family.
🚨 Atkinson County Hazing Victims: Call Now — Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7. No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Atkinson County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
🌐 attorney911.com
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We protect victims like you throughout Georgia and nationwide.
