Hazing Lawyers in Candler County, GA – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Candler County Families: You Are Not Powerless Against Hazing

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization near Candler County, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure where to turn. The institutions responsible—national Greek organizations, local chapters, and even universities—often try to silence victims and protect their own reputations. But you have legal rights. And we are fighting this battle right now.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities and sororities that operate near Candler County have the same dangerous cultures. The same universities have the same failures to protect students. And we will fight for Candler County families with the same aggression.

What Is Hazing? What Happens in Candler County?

Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse—often rising to the level of assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to keep running
• Threatened with expulsion if he stopped
• Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure

This is not an isolated incident. The same activities happen at fraternities and sororities near Candler County. The same organizations—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others—operate chapters at universities in Georgia. The same universities fail to intervene until it’s too late.

Why Candler County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While many law firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is making headlines across the country. We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win.

2. We Know How to Sue National Fraternities & Universities

Hazing cases are complex. They involve:

• National organizations with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams
• Universities that will claim they had no knowledge
• Insurance companies that will try to minimize your claim

We know their playbook because we used to defend them. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys—we know exactly how they will try to deny your claim. Now, we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. We Serve Candler County Families Nationwide

While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across America, including in Candler County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases anywhere. We offer:

• Video consultations for Candler County families
• Willingness to travel to Candler County for depositions and meetings
• Remote case management so you don’t have to leave home

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can be a barrier, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, including:

• $10+ million in hazing-related cases (current litigation)
• Millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience against major corporations)

Our experience in high-stakes litigation means we know how to take on powerful institutions—and win.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Candler County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have policies, training programs, and oversight responsibilities. When they fail to enforce anti-hazing rules—like Pi Kappa Phi did after Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017—they are liable.

3. The University

Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to investigate or intervene after prior incidents
• Allowed Greek organizations to operate without oversight

…they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

4. Individual Members & Officers

Every person who participated in, directed, or failed to stop the hazing can be sued individually. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Housing Corporations & Alumni

If hazing occurred at an off-campus location owned by alumni or a housing corporation, those entities can also be held liable.

What Damages Can Candler County Families Recover?

Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. You may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (emergency room, hospitalization, follow-up care)
• Future medical expenses (ongoing treatment, therapy, potential complications)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career prospects)
• Educational disruption (tuition for missed classes, transfer costs)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, etc.)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse)
• Humiliation and shame (from degrading hazing activities)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities you once loved)
• Fear of retribution (many victims are afraid to come forward)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing involved torture, extreme physical abuse, or a cover-up, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct. In Georgia, punitive damages are capped at $250,000 in most cases, but there are exceptions for intentional harm or malice.

Georgia Hazing Law: What Candler County Families Need to Know

Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)

Georgia law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act which endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any school-sanctioned organization.”

Key Provisions:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
• If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison.
• Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
• Universities must report hazing incidents to law enforcement.

Civil Liability in Georgia

In addition to criminal penalties, victims can sue for:

• Negligence (failure to protect students)
• Assault & Battery (intentional harmful contact)
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (extreme and outrageous conduct)
• Premises Liability (if hazing occurred on university-owned property)
• Wrongful Death (if hazing results in death)

What Should Candler County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?

If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
• Medical records are crucial evidence.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails).
• Document everything (dates, times, locations, names of perpetrators).
• Do not delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company.
• Do not give a recorded statement without legal counsel.

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will guide you through the next steps and protect your rights.
• The statute of limitations in Georgia is 2 years—don’t wait until it’s too late.

Universities Near Candler County with Greek Life

Candler County is home to East Georgia State College, and nearby universities with active Greek organizations include:

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate at these schools. If your child was hazed at any of these institutions, we can help.

Fraternities & Sororities with Hazing Histories Near Candler County

The following organizations have documented hazing incidents and operate chapters at universities near Candler County:

If your child was hazed by any of these organizations, we have experience holding them accountable.

What Happens Next? The Legal Process for Candler County Families

1. Free Consultation

• We evaluate your case at no cost.
• We explain your legal rights and options.
• We determine who is liable (fraternity, university, individuals).

2. Investigation & Evidence Gathering

• We obtain medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
• We preserve text messages, social media posts, and other digital evidence.
• We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and accident reconstructionists.

3. Demand Letter & Negotiation

• We send a demand letter to the defendants outlining your damages.
• We negotiate with insurance companies and legal teams to reach a fair settlement.
• Most cases settle without going to trial.

4. Litigation (If Necessary)

• If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we file a lawsuit.
• We conduct depositions, gather additional evidence, and prepare for trial.
• We fight for maximum compensation in court.

5. Resolution

• You receive compensation for your damages.
• The defendants are held accountable.
• Your case helps prevent future hazing incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions for Candler County Families

1. “My child was hazed, but they ‘consented’ to it. Can we still sue?”

Yes. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal, and the perpetrators can still be held liable.

2. “The fraternity says this was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

No. “Tradition” does not justify assault, battery, or reckless endangerment. If the activities endangered your child’s health, they are illegal—regardless of whether they’ve been done before.

3. “The university claims they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?”

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:

• Own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Had prior knowledge of hazing risks (e.g., past incidents at other fraternities)
• Failed to implement proper oversight

…they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

4. “How much is my hazing case worth?”

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts, including:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

Factors that increase case value:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, paddling, forced consumption)
• Pattern of prior incidents (if the chapter had a history of hazing)
• University involvement (if they owned the property or failed to intervene)

5. “How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. Do not wait—contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

6. “Will my child have to testify in court?”

Most cases settle before trial, meaning your child may never have to testify. If the case does go to trial, we prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

7. “Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in serious physical injury?”

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:

• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and degradation (from hazing activities)
• Educational disruption (missed classes, failed courses)

8. “What if the hazing happened off-campus?”

Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, the homeowner (and their insurance) may also be liable.

9. “How much will hiring a lawyer cost?”

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.

10. “Can we still sue if the fraternity was suspended or shut down?”

Yes. Even if the chapter is closed, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be held liable. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter before the lawsuit was filed—but we are still pursuing them for $10 million.

Candler County Families: We Are Your Legal Emergency Response

Hazing is not just a “college issue”—it is a public health crisis. Every year, students are hospitalized, traumatized, or killed because universities and Greek organizations prioritize reputation over safety.

You don’t have to fight this alone. We are Attorney 911—your legal emergency response. We know how to take on the institutions that hurt your child, and we will fight for justice, accountability, and compensation.

Call Us Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

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

We serve Candler County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.