🛡️ Bryan County Hazing Lawyers — Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse
Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Now Serving Bryan County, Georgia
🚨 Bryan County Parents & Students: Hazing Is Happening Near You — And It Can Be Deadly
If your child attends college near Bryan County — whether at Georgia Southern University, Savannah State University, College of Coastal Georgia, or other regional institutions — they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston operate chapters across Georgia. The same negligence that allowed a Bryan County-area student to be abused exists at local universities.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Georgia. It could be happening to your child in Bryan County.
We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will fight just as hard for Bryan County families.
🏢 Who We Are — Bryan County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Texas, our federal court authority and nationwide hazing expertise allow us to represent victims anywhere in America — including Bryan County, Georgia.
Why Bryan County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases:
| Advantage | How It Helps Bryan County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven litigation skills to take on universities and national fraternities |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies try to deny claims — we use that knowledge against them |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Bryan County cases in federal court when needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Licensed in Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Bryan County families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Bryan County victims |
| Willing to Travel | We come to Bryan County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Remote Consultations | Bryan County families can meet with us via video call |
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Bryan County — What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not about “building brotherhood.” It’s not “harmless fun.” It’s not “boys being boys.” Hazing is systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and sometimes torture new members.
In our current case, a University of Houston fraternity:
- Waterboarded a student with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him continue exercising
- Hospitalized him for 4 days with kidney failure
This same fraternity — Pi Kappa Phi — has chapters at universities near Bryan County. The same national organization that paid millions after a student death in 2017 is still operating near Bryan County in 2025.
Hazing Statistics — The Danger Is Real
| Statistic | What It Means for Bryan County Students |
|---|---|
| 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing | If your child joins a fraternity or sorority near Bryan County, the odds are more than 50% they’ll be hazed |
| 40% of student athletes report hazing | Hazing isn’t just Greek life — sports teams, bands, and clubs also haze |
| Since 2000, at least one hazing death per year in the U.S. | Hazing kills students — and it could happen in Bryan County |
| 95% of hazing victims do NOT report it | Most Bryan County students stay silent due to shame, fear, or loyalty |
| Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and clubs | No organization is immune — even at Bryan County-area schools |
Universities Near Bryan County With Greek Life — And Hazing Risks
While we don’t have documented hazing incidents at every Bryan County-area institution, the presence of Greek life means the risk exists. These universities near Bryan County have active fraternity and sorority chapters:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk Near Bryan County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA (~50 miles from Bryan County) | Strong Greek system | High risk — large chapters, national organizations |
| Savannah State University | Savannah, GA (~40 miles from Bryan County) | Active Greek organizations | Moderate to high risk |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA (~60 miles from Bryan County) | Greek life present | Moderate risk |
| Armstrong State University (now part of Georgia Southern) | Savannah, GA | Previously had Greek life | Historical risk |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | Savannah, GA | Greek organizations | Risk present |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA (~250 miles) | Large Greek system | High risk — national fraternities |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — have chapters at universities near Bryan County.
💰 Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Bryan County victims.
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Total: $10.1 MILLION+
- Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Died from alcohol poisoning
- University paid $2.9M; fraternity paid $7.2M
Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Total: $6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT
- Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event
- Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
- Led to Max Gruver Act — made hazing a FELONY in Louisiana
Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Total: $110+ MILLION (estimated)
- Forced to run “the gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes
- Fell down stairs multiple times
- Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911
- Died from traumatic brain injury and abdominal hemorrhage
Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Total: Confidential Settlement
- Forced to drink entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon
- Died from acute alcohol poisoning
- Same fraternity that hospitalized our client in 2025
What This Means for Bryan County Victims:
- Juries award MILLIONS for hazing injuries and deaths
- Universities and national fraternities both pay substantial amounts
- Egregious conduct (like waterboarding) leads to higher awards
- Pattern evidence (prior incidents) dramatically increases case value
⚖️ Bryan County Victims’ Legal Rights — Georgia Hazing Law
Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students — including those near Bryan County.
Georgia Hazing Statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Hazing that does not cause death or serious injury | Up to 12 months in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury | 1-5 years in prison |
| Felony | Hazing that causes death | 1-10 years in prison |
Organizational Liability:
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
- Organizations can be suspended or banned from campus
Consent is NOT a Defense:
“The consent of the victim shall not be available as a defense.”
This is critical for Bryan County victims: When fraternities argue “he agreed to participate,” Georgia law says CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Bryan County Parents Need to Watch For
Hazing causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries. Bryan County parents should be aware of these medical risks:
Physical Injuries:
| Injury Type | Description | Hazing Activities That Cause It |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure | Extreme exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste | Rhabdomyolysis; dehydration |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Potentially fatal overdose | Forced drinking; drinking games |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Brain damage from impact | Falls; beatings; being struck with objects |
| Internal Bleeding | Organ damage from trauma | Blunt force; paddling |
| Fractures | Broken bones | Falls; physical abuse |
| Hypothermia | Dangerously low body temperature | Exposure to cold weather; forced outdoor activities |
| Heat Stroke | Dangerously high body temperature | Extreme exercise in hot conditions |
| Burns | Skin damage from heat | Branding; hot objects |
| Aspiration Pneumonia | Lung infection from inhaling vomit | Forced eating until vomiting |
Psychological Injuries:
| Injury Type | Description | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Flashbacks, anxiety, depression |
| Anxiety Disorders | Excessive worry, panic attacks | Difficulty functioning in school/work |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, hopelessness | Academic decline; suicidal ideation |
| Trust Issues | Difficulty forming relationships | Social isolation |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medication with drugs/alcohol | Addiction; health problems |
| Academic Decline | Poor grades; dropping out | Career impact; lost opportunities |
Warning Signs Your Bryan County Child May Have Been Hazed:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Emotional Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises | Avoiding certain people | Increased anxiety |
| Cuts or abrasions | Skipping classes | Depression |
| Difficulty walking | Withdrawing from friends | Nightmares |
| Extreme fatigue | Sudden secrecy | Mood swings |
| Weight loss | Changes in sleep patterns | Fear of retaliation |
| Vomiting | Increased substance use | Self-blame |
| Dark/brown urine | Academic decline | Suicidal thoughts |
If you notice these signs in your Bryan County child, seek medical and legal help immediately.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Bryan County — Step-by-Step Guide
Immediate Actions:
-
Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- If they’re in physical danger, call 911
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room if there are signs of physical injury
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Bryan County-area hospitals:
- Southeast Georgia Health System (Brunswick)
- Memorial Health University Medical Center (Savannah)
- East Georgia Regional Medical Center (Statesboro)
-
Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries, property damage, or hazing locations
- Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, participants
- Collect witness information — names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
-
Report to Authorities
- File a police report with local law enforcement (Bryan County Sheriff’s Office or municipal police)
- Report to the university — contact the Dean of Students or Greek Life office
- Report to the national organization (if applicable) — many have anonymous reporting lines
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority members or leadership without legal counsel
- They may try to intimidate your child or destroy evidence
- Let your attorney handle all communication
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We offer video consultations for Bryan County families who cannot travel
- We come to Bryan County for client meetings and depositions
Long-Term Actions:
-
Follow Medical Advice
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Follow treatment plans for physical and psychological injuries
-
Document Recovery
- Keep records of all medical treatments
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Keep receipts for all expenses (medical bills, therapy, medications)
-
Academic Support
- Work with the university to address academic impact
- Request accommodations if needed
-
Mental Health Support
- Seek counseling or therapy for psychological trauma
- Many universities near Bryan County offer free counseling services
-
Legal Action
- Work with your attorney to build your case
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Hold all responsible parties accountable
🎯 Who Is Liable for Bryan County Hazing — Who We Sue
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. We pursue all liable parties to maximize compensation for Bryan County victims.
1. Local Greek Organization (Chapter)
Liability:
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Leadership (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
- Members participated in or failed to stop hazing
Why Sue:
- Chapter has insurance coverage
- Members may have personal assets
- Sending message to local organization
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
Liability:
- Failed to supervise local chapter
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Pattern of hazing at multiple chapters
Why Sue:
- Deep pockets — national organizations have substantial assets and insurance
- Pattern evidence — prior incidents at other chapters increase liability
- Systemic change — holding nationals accountable protects future students
Example:
In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National is named as a defendant because they knew about “a hazing crisis” and failed to enforce their own policies.
3. University/College
Liability:
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
- Negligent supervision — failed to monitor Greek life
- Institutional knowledge — knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failure to protect — had power to suspend or remove dangerous organizations
Why Sue:
- Substantial resources — universities have endowments and insurance
- Accountability — universities must protect students
- Prevention — forcing universities to implement real safeguards
Example:
In our current case, University of Houston is named because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred and had a prior hazing incident in 2017.
4. Individual Perpetrators
Liability:
- Assault — intentional harmful contact
- Battery — intentional offensive contact
- False imprisonment — restricting movement
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress — extreme and outrageous conduct
Why Sue:
- Personal accountability — individuals who participate must face consequences
- Insurance coverage — may have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Criminal exposure — individuals may face criminal charges
Example:
In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
5. Housing Corporations
Liability:
- Premises liability — owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
- Negligent supervision — failed to prevent hazing on their property
Why Sue:
- Insurance coverage — housing corporations have property insurance
- Accountability — they profit from housing Greek organizations
6. Alumni & Former Members
Liability:
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred at their residence
- Negligent supervision — allowed hazing to happen
- Aiding and abetting — facilitated hazing activities
Why Sue:
- Assets — alumni often have more financial resources than students
- Insurance — may have homeowner’s insurance coverage
- Accountability — hazing culture extends beyond active members
Example:
In our current case, a former member and his spouse are named because hazing occurred at their residence.
📅 Bryan County Hazing Statute of Limitations — Act Now
Georgia law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing.
| Claim Type | Statute of Limitations | What It Means for Bryan County Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury | You have 2 years from the hazing incident to sue |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | Family has 2 years to sue if hazing causes death |
| Criminal Charges | Varies by offense | Misdemeanor: 2 years; Felony: 4-7 years |
DO NOT WAIT:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Your legal rights expire
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
💡 Why Bryan County Families Need a Specialized Hazing Attorney
1. Hazing Cases Are Different
Hazing cases involve:
- Greek life culture and dynamics
- University administrative processes
- Title IX intersection
- Criminal vs. civil implications
- Multi-defendant strategies
A general personal injury attorney won’t have the specialized knowledge needed.
2. Universities and Fraternities Have Powerful Legal Teams
When you sue a university or national fraternity:
- They have in-house legal departments
- They hire top defense attorneys
- They have insurance companies fighting to minimize your claim
- They have risk management professionals trying to shift blame
You need an attorney who knows how to fight these powerful institutions.
3. Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Fraternities delete text messages and social media posts
- Universities destroy internal documents
- Witnesses change their stories
- Security camera footage gets recorded over
You need an attorney who knows how to preserve evidence and fight spoliation.
4. Pattern Evidence Is Critical
- Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
- Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national organization
- University knowledge of prior incidents
- National organization knowledge of hazing culture
You need an attorney who knows how to uncover and use pattern evidence.
5. Multiple Defendants = Complex Litigation
Hazing cases often involve:
- 10+ individual defendants
- Local chapter
- National organization
- University
- Housing corporation
- Insurance companies
You need an attorney with experience managing complex multi-defendant litigation.
🏆 Our Hazing Litigation Experience — Proven Results for Victims
Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi et al. (2025)
- $10 MILLION lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez — hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
- Status: Active litigation
Prior Hazing Experience:
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation — represented victims of hazing
- Texas A&M University hazing cases — experience with large public universities
- Rhabdomyolysis injury cases — specific medical expertise
- Wrongful death cases — represented families who lost loved ones
High-Profile Case Experience:
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation — multi-billion dollar mass tort case
- Ryan Mitchell Smith Case — high-profile criminal defense with media attention
- Civil Rights Litigation — federal appellate experience
🎥 Educational Resources for Bryan County Families
We’ve created comprehensive educational content to help Bryan County families understand hazing and their legal rights.
YouTube Videos — Hazing Education Series
| Video Title | Duration | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| What Should I Do First After a Hazing Incident? | 2:28 | Immediate steps to take; evidence preservation |
| Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | 4:09 | How to document hazing injuries and evidence |
| What Is Comparative Negligence? — Hazing Cases | 1:56 | Defeating the “consent” defense |
| How Do Contingency Fees Work? | 3:00 | $0 upfront for Bryan County families |
| What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim? | 5:07 | What to expect in your hazing case |
| How Long Does a Personal Injury Settlement Take? | 2:33 | Timeline expectations for hazing cases |
| Will Your Personal Injury Case Go to Trial? | 2:29 | Likelihood of trial vs. settlement |
YouTube Shorts — Quick Hazing Education
| Short Title | Key Message |
|---|---|
| Never Talk to the Organization After Hazing | Don’t confront them without legal counsel |
| Don’t Post on Social Media After Hazing | Anything you post can be used against you |
| Document Everything After Hazing | Photos, texts, witness info — save it all |
| Why Seeing a Doctor After Hazing Is Critical | Medical records document your injuries |
| Consent Is Not a Defense in Hazing Cases | Georgia law explicitly says consent doesn’t matter |
📞 Bryan County Families — Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a university near Bryan County, you have legal rights. We can help.
Free Consultation for Bryan County Hazing Victims
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Why Contact Attorney 911:
✅ Free case evaluation — no obligation
✅ $0 upfront — we work on contingency
✅ Video consultations — meet with us remotely
✅ We come to Bryan County — for client meetings and depositions
✅ Nationwide experience — we’ve handled hazing cases across America
✅ Aggressive representation — we fight for maximum compensation
✅ Compassionate service — we understand the trauma of hazing
What Happens When You Call:
- Initial consultation — we listen to your story
- Case evaluation — we assess your legal options
- Evidence review — we help preserve and collect evidence
- Legal strategy — we build your case
- Demand letters — we demand compensation from all responsible parties
- Litigation — if needed, we file a lawsuit and fight in court
🔥 The Message to Bryan County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To fraternities operating near Bryan County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Bryan County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Bryan County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities near Bryan County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Bryan County-area institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🎯 Our Promise to Bryan County Families
We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.
We understand the pain, the fear, and the betrayal that hazing victims and their families experience.
We are not just fighting for compensation. We are fighting for justice. We are fighting for accountability. We are fighting to ensure this never happens to another Bryan County family.
If your child has been hazed, we will:
- Listen to your story with compassion
- Fight for your rights with aggression
- Pursue every liable party
- Seek maximum compensation
- Protect your family’s future
Bryan County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Bryan County, Georgia and nationwide. Immediate help for hazing victims. Aggressive representation. Results.
