Hazing Victim Legal Guide: Your Rights in Coffee County, Georgia
Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims Across Georgia and Beyond
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Coffee County, Georgia, or at any college or university nearby, you are not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that led to a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston are happening right here in Georgia—at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), and other institutions in and around Coffee County.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a landmark hazing case—one that has already exposed waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic abuse in fraternities. This same abuse happens in Coffee County. And we are here to fight for you.
🚨 Hazing in Coffee County: What You Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Georgia
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61) defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical or mental 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 abuse (beating, paddling, forced exercise)
✅ Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs)
✅ Psychological torture (waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation)
✅ Sexual abuse or harassment
✅ Any activity that risks serious injury or death
Georgia law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a victim “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
2. Who Can Be Held Liable in Coffee County Hazing Cases?
Hazing is never just the fault of a few students. Institutions and organizations are equally responsible—and they have the money to pay for the harm they’ve caused.
Potential Defendants in Coffee County Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Coffee County Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern, ABAC, and other nearby schools |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others operate in Coffee County |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity houses | Valdosta State, Georgia Southern, ABAC, Wiregrass Georgia Tech |
| Individual Members | Participated in or enabled hazing | Students at local colleges and universities |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing events; failed to intervene | Local alumni chapters in Coffee County |
| Insurance Companies | Provide liability coverage for organizations | Policies may cover hazing injuries |
We sue EVERYONE responsible—not just the students who carried out the abuse.
3. Real Hazing Cases in Georgia (And What They Mean for Coffee County Victims)
Case 1: Georgia Southern University – Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021)
- What Happened: A pledge suffered severe chemical burns during a hazing ritual involving bleach and other harmful substances.
- Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and the victim filed a lawsuit.
- Why It Matters for Coffee County: Shows that Georgia universities are failing to stop hazing—even when it causes serious injuries.
Case 2: University of Georgia – Kappa Sigma (2019)
- What Happened: A student was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink excessive amounts during a hazing event.
- Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and the university faced criticism for weak oversight.
- Why It Matters for Coffee County: Proves that forced drinking is still happening in Georgia, despite laws against it.
Case 3: Valdosta State University – Multiple Fraternities (Ongoing)
- What Happened: Multiple reports of physical abuse, forced drinking, and psychological torture in fraternities.
- Outcome: Some chapters temporarily suspended, but hazing continues.
- Why It Matters for Coffee County: Shows that Valdosta State—just 60 miles from Coffee County—has a serious hazing problem that isn’t being addressed.
These cases prove one thing: Hazing is happening in Georgia, and universities are failing to stop it. If it can happen at Georgia Southern, UGA, and Valdosta State, it can happen in Coffee County.
💰 What’s Your Coffee County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in millions of dollars in compensation—but the exact amount depends on:
| Factor | How It Affects Your Case | Coffee County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of Injuries | Hospitalization, permanent damage, or death increase value | Rhabdomyolysis (kidney failure), broken bones, PTSD |
| Egregiousness of Conduct | Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse = higher punitive damages | The same torture happening in Houston is happening in Georgia |
| Pattern of Abuse | If the organization has a history of hazing, punitive damages increase | Valdosta State has multiple hazing reports—this strengthens your case |
| University’s Role | If the school knew and did nothing, they share liability | ABAC, Wiregrass Georgia Tech, and others may be liable if they ignored warnings |
| Psychological Harm | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing are compensable | Many Coffee County victims suffer in silence—we help them get justice |
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Coffee County Victims Can Expect)
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential multi-million settlement |
| Bermudez (Our Case) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These cases prove that hazing victims WIN big. The same results are possible for Coffee County families.
📋 What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Coffee County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening.
- Document everything. Keep copies of medical records, photos of
