Protecting Bulloch County Students: The Hazing Crisis and Your Legal Rights

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — It Happens Right Here in Georgia

Bulloch County families send their children to college with high hopes — for education, for opportunity, for new friendships. What no parent expects is that their child might return home hospitalized, traumatized, or worse — because of hazing.

The shocking truth is that hazing isn’t just happening at distant universities. It occurs right here in Georgia, at institutions near Bulloch County, in fraternities and organizations that many of our local students join. The same national fraternities involved in the recent University of Houston hazing lawsuit — where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure — operate chapters at Georgia universities near Bulloch County.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the devastating impact hazing has on students and families. And we want Bulloch County parents to know: what happened in Texas can happen here. But you don’t have to face this alone.

What Bulloch County Families Need to Know About Hazing

The Reality of Hazing in Georgia

Hazing isn’t harmless “tradition” or “team building.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s happening at Georgia colleges and universities near Bulloch County.

Consider these facts:

55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing
95% of hazing victims don’t report the abuse — often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group
Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
Georgia has its own hazing laws, but enforcement is inconsistent, and victims often feel powerless

The recent University of Houston case shows just how dangerous hazing can be. A young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He was:

Waterboarded with a garden hose — a form of torture
Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to continue exercising
Threatened with expulsion if he refused to participate

This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened at a major university — and the same fraternities, the same culture, and the same risks exist at institutions near Bulloch County.

Hazing at Georgia Institutions Near Bulloch County

Bulloch County is home to Georgia Southern University, and many of our students attend other Georgia colleges and universities. These institutions have active Greek life communities where hazing is a known risk. Some of the fraternities with chapters near Bulloch County include:

Pi Kappa Phi (the fraternity involved in our current lawsuit)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Sigma Chi
Beta Theta Pi

These aren’t just names on a list — they’re national organizations with documented histories of hazing incidents. For example:

Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State). Eight years later, they’re facing another lawsuit for nearly killing a student at University of Houston.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
Pi Kappa Alpha was involved in a 2017 hazing case at the University of Houston that resulted in a student being hospitalized with a lacerated spleen.

The message is clear: if your child is joining a fraternity or sorority near Bulloch County, they’re at risk of the same abuse that hospitalized our client.

Why Hazing Goes Unreported in Bulloch County

Hazing thrives in silence. Many Bulloch County students who experience hazing don’t report it because:

Fear of Retaliation — Our client in the UH case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real and widespread.
Shame and Embarrassment — Victims often blame themselves, even though the abuse is never their fault.
Loyalty to the Group — Students may feel they’ve invested too much to walk away.
Normalization of Abuse — Hazing is often dismissed as “tradition” or “just how things are.”
Lack of Awareness — Some students don’t even realize they’re being hazed until it’s too late.

This culture of silence allows hazing to continue — and it’s why so many Bulloch County families are caught off guard when their child is harmed.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “a little roughhousing.” It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. In our current case, the victim suffered:

Rhabdomyolysis — a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood, which can cause kidney failure
Acute kidney failure — requiring hospitalization for three nights and four days
Severe muscle pain and inability to walk — symptoms that worsened over several days
Psychological trauma — including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Other common medical consequences of hazing include:

Alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking (a leading cause of hazing deaths)
Traumatic brain injuries — from beatings or falls
Heat stroke or hypothermia — from exposure to extreme temperatures
Broken bones — from physical abuse
Sexual assault injuries — from forced sexual acts or humiliation
Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
Suicide — from the psychological toll of abuse

These injuries aren’t rare. They’re the direct result of a culture that prioritizes “tradition” over student safety.

Your Legal Rights as a Bulloch County Hazing Victim

Georgia Hazing Laws: What Every Parent Should Know

Georgia has specific laws against hazing, designed to protect students. Under Georgia Code § 16-5-61, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution, and which is intended to have the effect of humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of a student.”

Key Points of Georgia’s Hazing Law:

Hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Consent is not a defense — Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, and other groups can face criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
Institutions have a duty to protect students — Universities and colleges can be held accountable if they fail to prevent hazing.

Important Note: While criminal charges can be filed against individuals, civil lawsuits allow victims and families to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. This is where Attorney 911 can help.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Case?

In our current $10 million lawsuit, we’re pursuing multiple defendants — and the same legal strategies apply to Bulloch County victims. Potential defendants in a hazing case include:

The Local Chapter — The fraternity or sorority that directly organized and conducted the hazing.
National Organization — The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise the local chapter and enforce anti-hazing policies.
University or College — The institution that failed to prevent hazing, especially if they knew or should have known about prior incidents.
Individual Members — The students who participated in or facilitated the hazing.
Chapter Advisors or Alumni — Adults who knew about or enabled the hazing.
Housing Corporations — The entities that own or control the property where hazing occurred.
Insurance Companies — The carriers that provide liability coverage for the above entities.

In our UH case, we’re suing:

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
Individual fraternity members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster
A former member and his spouse (where some hazing occurred)

Bulloch County families should know: if your child is hazed, you can pursue all responsible parties — no matter where they’re located.

What Compensation Can Bulloch County Victims Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses — Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
Pain and Suffering — Compensation for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the hazing.
Mental Anguish — Treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm.
Lost Wages — If the victim missed work due to injuries or trauma.
Educational Disruption — If the hazing caused the victim to drop out, fail courses, or lose scholarships.
Punitive Damages — Additional compensation meant to punish the defendants for egregious conduct and deter future hazing.

In our UH case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages — and precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big

Hazing lawsuits aren’t just symbolic — they result in real compensation for victims and real consequences for perpetrators. Some recent examples:

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
- Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement
- Details: Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event. The university and fraternity paid $10.1 million to his family.
- Why It Matters for Bulloch County: This case shows that universities and fraternities will pay millions when students are harmed.
Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
- Details: Maxwell Gruver died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a “Bible Study” hazing event. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
- Why It Matters for Bulloch County: Juries will hold fraternities accountable for hazing deaths.
Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)
- Outcome: $110+ million (estimated settlement)
- Details: Timothy Piazza died after falling down stairs during a hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call for help. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a massive settlement.
- Why It Matters for Bulloch County: When hazing is caught on camera (as it was in this case), the evidence is undeniable, and the consequences are severe.
Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017)
- Outcome: Confidential settlement
- Details: Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. Nine fraternity members were criminally charged.
- Why It Matters for Bulloch County: This is the same fraternity involved in our current UH case. They had eight years to fix their culture — and they didn’t.

The message to Bulloch County families is clear: hazing cases win. Victims receive compensation. And institutions are held accountable.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Bulloch County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

Remove them from the situation immediately. If they’re in physical danger, call 911.
Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
Document everything. Take photos of injuries, save medical records, and keep any physical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Preserve everything:

Text messages, emails, and social media posts — Screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, or other communications about hazing.
Photos and videos — From hazing events, injuries, or the location where hazing occurred.
Witness information — Names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses.
Fraternity/sorority documents — Pledge manuals, calendars, or rules.
Medical records — Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and therapy records.

Do not delete anything. Even messages that seem harmless could be critical evidence.

Step 3: Report the Hazing

Report to the university. Most schools have a Title IX office or student conduct office where you can file a complaint.
File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Georgia. Reporting it to law enforcement can help build your case.
Report to the national organization. If the hazing occurred in a fraternity or sorority, report it to the national headquarters.

Important: If your child is hesitant to report due to fear of retaliation, let them know that Georgia law protects whistleblowers, and we can help ensure their safety.

Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers

Do not sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university without consulting an attorney.
Do not give a statement to their lawyers or insurance representatives. Anything you say can be used against you.
Do not accept a settlement offer without legal advice. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements to make the case go away.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Hazing cases are complex. They involve multiple defendants, institutional negligence, and often parallel criminal investigations. You need an attorney who:

Understands hazing culture and how fraternities operate
Has experience with multi-million dollar cases (like our current $10 million lawsuit)
Isn’t afraid to take on universities and national organizations
Will travel to Bulloch County to meet with you and your family

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, and we’re ready to fight for Bulloch County families. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Bulloch County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Advocates for Change

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent hazing victims — we fight to change the culture that allows hazing to happen. In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, our goals are:

Justice for our client — Compensation for his medical bills, pain and suffering, and trauma.
Accountability for the defendants — Holding the fraternity, the university, and the individuals responsible.
Prevention for future students — Sending a message that hazing won’t be tolerated.

Bulloch County families deserve the same aggressive representation. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your case:

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

While many attorneys talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million case right now. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability — and we know how to counter them.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Companies

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies think, how they value cases, and how they try to minimize payouts. We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

3. We’re Willing to Travel to Bulloch County

We’re based in Houston, but we represent clients nationwide, including in Bulloch County. We’ll travel to Statesboro for meetings, depositions, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. We Offer Free Consultations and Contingency Fees

We understand that hazing victims and their families are often facing financial strain. That’s why:

Consultations are free — You pay nothing to discuss your case with us.
We work on contingency — You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:

Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking accidents
Significant verdicts in wrongful death cases
Successful outcomes in complex litigation against large corporations

We bring that same level of expertise to hazing cases.

6. We Understand the Emotional Toll of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a deeply personal trauma. We treat our clients with compassion and respect, and we’re committed to helping them heal, both emotionally and financially.

7. We’re Bilingual (Se Habla Español)

Many hazing victims come from diverse backgrounds. We offer bilingual services in Spanish and English to ensure all families can access justice.

What Sets Us Apart: Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Step 1: Immediate Action

When you contact us, we’ll:

Assess your case during a free consultation
Send preservation letters to all potential defendants, demanding they preserve evidence
Begin gathering documentation, including medical records, communications, and witness statements

Step 2: Building a Strong Case

We’ll work with experts to:

Document the hazing activities — What happened, who was involved, and how it caused harm.
Establish liability — Proving that the fraternity, university, and individuals are responsible.
Calculate damages — Including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Step 3: Aggressive Negotiation

We’ll:

Demand fair compensation from all defendants and their insurance companies
Reject lowball settlement offers — We won’t let them take advantage of your family
Prepare for trial — Because we’re always ready to take your case to court if necessary

Step 4: Trial (If Needed)

If the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we’ll:

File a lawsuit in the appropriate court
Conduct depositions of fraternity members, university officials, and other witnesses
Present your case to a jury — And fight for the compensation you deserve

Step 5: Accountability and Change

Our goal isn’t just compensation — it’s preventing future hazing. We’ll:

Push for policy changes at the university and national organization levels
Work with legislators to strengthen hazing laws
Raise public awareness to change the culture that enables hazing

Common Questions from Bulloch County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to pursue legal action. Should we still call an attorney?

A: Yes. Even if your child is hesitant, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Hazing is a crime, and institutions often try to silence victims. An attorney can help protect your child’s rights and ensure they’re not pressured into unfair agreements. We offer free, confidential consultations — there’s no obligation to move forward.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a valid defense?

A: No. Under Georgia law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal. Fraternities often use this argument to avoid accountability, but Georgia law explicitly rejects it.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, and they can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing risks. In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — and they had a prior hazing incident in 2017. If the university failed to act despite knowing the risks, they can be held accountable.

Q: My child was hazed at a Georgia school, but you’re based in Texas. Can you still help?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Bulloch County. We can:

Offer video consultations so you don’t have to travel
Travel to Georgia for depositions, meetings, and trials
Coordinate with local experts to build your case
Pursue your case in federal court if necessary

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions, especially if the victim was a minor at the time of the hazing. It’s critical to act quickly — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

A: At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

You pay nothing upfront.
We only get paid if we win your case.
Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.

This arrangement ensures that all families — regardless of financial situation — can access justice.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t result in physical injuries?

A: Hazing often causes psychological trauma, even without physical injuries. Victims may experience:

PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal ideation
Trust issues

These injuries are just as real and compensable as physical injuries. We’ll work with mental health experts to document the impact of the hazing and pursue compensation for your child’s suffering.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

A: You can — and should — sue both. National fraternities often try to distance themselves from local chapters, but they have a duty to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies. In our UH case, we’re suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters because they both failed to prevent the hazing.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university or college?

A: Private universities can be held liable for hazing just like public institutions. In fact, private universities often have more resources and insurance coverage, which can mean larger settlements for victims.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing is a pervasive problem, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Bulloch County families have the power to hold institutions accountable and demand change. By pursuing legal action, you’re not just seeking compensation for your child — you’re sending a message that hazing won’t be tolerated.

If your child has been hazed, here’s what to do next:

Preserve all evidence — Don’t delete anything.
Seek medical and psychological care — Document everything.
Report the hazing — To the university, law enforcement, and the national organization.
Contact Attorney 911 — For a free, confidential consultation.

We’re ready to fight for you. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

A Message to Bulloch County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Bulloch County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. And we know that if you haze students in Georgia, we will find every liable entity and hold you accountable.

To the universities near Bulloch County:
You have a duty to protect your students. If you fail to stop hazing, you will face the same accountability as the University of Houston. We are watching. And we will sue.

The message is clear: Hazing ends now. And the cost of abuse is $10 million.

About Attorney 911

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Bulloch County.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are both former insurance defense lawyers, giving us unique insight into how insurance companies and institutions try to avoid accountability. We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

Our Commitment to Bulloch County Families:

Free consultations — No obligation, no upfront cost.
Contingency fee representation — You pay nothing unless we win.
Nationwide reach — We represent clients across America, including in Georgia.
Travel to you — We’ll come to Bulloch County for meetings, depositions, and trials.
Bilingual services — Se habla español.

Contact Us:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Justice for hazing victims starts with a phone call. Let’s talk.