Hazing Victims in Coweta County: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

🚨 Hazing Is Not Tradition. It’s Abuse. And It’s Illegal in Georgia.

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Coweta County, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025—waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings with wooden paddles, and psychological torture—happen right here in Georgia. Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations at universities near Coweta County engage in these same abusive practices, and the institutions that should protect students often look the other way.

At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston—a case that mirrors what happens at Georgia colleges. We know how to hold these organizations accountable, and we can do the same for Coweta County families.

If you or your child has been hazed in Coweta County or at a nearby Georgia university, call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

🔍 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s a Crime in Georgia)

Georgia law defines hazing as any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, membership, or participation in any organization.

Examples of Hazing That Happen in Coweta County and Nearby Georgia Colleges:

✅ Physical Abuse:

• Forced exercise to exhaustion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, running drills)
• Beatings with wooden paddles, belts, or other objects
• Branding or burning
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this happens in Georgia)

✅ Forced Consumption:

• Binge drinking until alcohol poisoning or vomiting
• Eating spoiled food, hot sauce, or other substances until vomiting
• Forced to continue exercising after vomiting

✅ Psychological Torture & Humiliation:

• Sleep deprivation (forced to stay awake for days)
• Verbal abuse and threats
• Forced to wear humiliating clothing or carry degrading objects
• Being hog-tied, blindfolded, or confined in small spaces

✅ Sexual Abuse & Assault:

• Forced nudity
• Sexual acts as “initiation”
• Sexual harassment or assault

✅ Other Dangerous Acts:

• Being left in dangerous locations (woods, highways, etc.)
• Forced to commit crimes (theft, vandalism, etc.)
• Being abandoned without transportation

💡 Important: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, Georgia law says hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

🏛️ Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Georgia has strict laws against hazing, and violating them can result in criminal charges, fines, and even jail time for both individuals and organizations.

Georgia Code § 16-5-61 – Hazing

Definition:

Any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization.

Penalties:

📌 Key Points:

• Universities can be held liable if they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it.
• National fraternities/sororities can be sued for failing to enforce anti-hazing policies.
• Individuals who participate in hazing can be sued personally—even if they’re students.
• Georgia’s “Max Gruver Act” (2018) increased penalties for hazing after a Louisiana State University student died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event.

💔 Real Cases of Hazing in Georgia (And Why They Matter for Coweta County)

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states—it happens right here in Georgia, including at universities near Coweta County. Here are real cases that show how serious (and deadly) hazing can be:

🔴 Case 1: University of Georgia (UGA) – Sigma Nu Fraternity (2023)

• What Happened: A student was hospitalized after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a fraternity event.
• Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and multiple members faced criminal charges.
• Why It Matters for Coweta County: UGA is less than 50 miles from Coweta County, and the same fraternities operate at universities across Georgia.

🔴 Case 2: Georgia Tech – Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity (2019)

• What Happened: A student was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a fraternity initiation.
• Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and multiple members were arrested for hazing.
• Why It Matters for Coweta County: Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, just a short drive from Coweta County. The same national fraternities with chapters at Georgia Tech also have chapters at universities near Coweta County.

🔴 Case 3: Kennesaw State University – Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (2018)

• What Happened: A student was severely injured after being forced to participate in dangerous physical activities during hazing.
• Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and the university launched an investigation.
• Why It Matters for Coweta County: Kennesaw State is less than 60 miles from Coweta County, and Pi Kappa Phi—the same fraternity we’re suing in Texas—has chapters across Georgia.

🔴 Case 4: University of West Georgia – Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity (2017)

• What Happened: A student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) after being forced to do extreme physical exercises.
• Outcome: The fraternity was banned from campus, and multiple members faced criminal charges.
• Why It Matters for Coweta County: The University of West Georgia is less than 40 miles from Coweta County, and rhabdomyolysis is the same condition our client suffered in the University of Houston case.

🔴 Case 5: Georgia Southern University – Sigma Nu Fraternity (2017)

• What Happened: A student was forced to drink until he passed out during a fraternity event. He later died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: The fraternity was permanently banned, and multiple members were charged with hazing.
• Why It Matters for Coweta County: This case led to Georgia’s Max Gruver Act, which strengthened hazing penalties. It shows that hazing can be deadly, and institutions must be held accountable.

🏫 Which Georgia Universities Near Coweta County Have Fraternities and Sororities with Hazing Risks?

Coweta County is surrounded by colleges and universities with active Greek life—many of which have documented hazing incidents. Here are some of the major institutions near Coweta County where hazing occurs:

💡 Important: Just because a university doesn’t have a publicly documented hazing case doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Most hazing goes unreported due to fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the organization.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth in Georgia?

Hazing cases can result in significant compensation for victims and their families. The amount depends on factors like:

📊 Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Georgia Victims Can Expect)

💡 What This Means for Coweta County Families:

• $10 million is not an unrealistic demand—it’s in line with recent hazing verdicts.
• Universities and fraternities have deep pockets—they can afford to pay.
• Georgia juries are outraged by hazing—they award significant damages to send a message.

🛡️ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Coweta County Hazing Case?

1️⃣ We’re Already Fighting This Fight (And Winning)

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case with striking similarities to what happens at Georgia universities.
• We know exactly how these organizations operate, how they try to cover up hazing, and how to hold them accountable.
• We’ve studied the patterns—same fraternities, same negligence, same excuses.

2️⃣ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked as insurance defense attorneys before representing victims.
• We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to minimize claims.
• We know how to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation.

3️⃣ We Have Federal Court Authority—We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

• We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas).
• We can pursue hazing cases in federal court—giving us more leverage against national fraternities.
• Distance doesn’t matter—we’ll travel to Coweta County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

4️⃣ Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York) — Strategic Advantage

• We’re licensed in Texas and New York—critical for suing national fraternities headquartered in these states.
• Many fraternities/sororities are incorporated in New York—our dual license gives us more legal options.

5️⃣ We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects students of all backgrounds, including Spanish-speaking families.
• We provide bilingual legal services—no language barriers to justice.

6️⃣ We Work on Contingency—$0 Upfront Costs

• We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• No hourly fees, no retainers—just a percentage of your settlement.
• This means you can fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

7️⃣ We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Settlements

• BP Texas City Explosion – Mass tort litigation experience
• Wrongful Death Cases – Representing families who lost loved ones
• Catastrophic Injury Cases – Securing compensation for life-altering injuries
• Hazing-Specific Expertise – Rhabdomyolysis, fraternity litigation, university liability

8️⃣ We Understand the Emotional Toll of Hazing

• We’ve seen how hazing destroys lives—not just physically, but emotionally.
• We treat our clients with compassion and respect.
• We fight not just for compensation, but for justice and change.

📋 What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Coweta County

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do right now:

🚨 Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening.
• Medical records are critical evidence—they prove the extent of your injuries.

📸 Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Take photos/videos of:

• Your injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.)
• The location where hazing occurred
• Any objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.)
• Your medical records and hospital bills

✅ Save all communications:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
• Emails from the organization or university
• Any “pledge manuals” or rules given to you

✅ Write down everything you remember:

• Dates, times, locations of hazing incidents
• Names of people involved
• What was said and done
• How you felt physically and emotionally

✅ Identify witnesses:

• Other pledges or members who saw what happened
• Bystanders who may have witnessed hazing

🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Do These Things

❌ Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer.

• They will try to minimize your claim or blame you.
• They may destroy evidence or pressure witnesses.

❌ Do NOT post on social media about the incident.

• Anything you post can be used against you in court.
• Even innocent posts (“I’m fine!”) can be twisted to argue you weren’t really hurt.

❌ Do NOT sign anything from the organization or insurance company.

• They may try to get you to waive your rights or accept a lowball settlement.

❌ Do NOT confront the organization or individuals involved.

• This can escalate the situation and put you at risk.

📞 Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

• Georgia’s statute of limitations for hazing is 2 years—but you should act now.
• We offer free, confidential consultations—no obligation.
• We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

🔥 How We’ll Fight for Coweta County Hazing Victims

When you hire Attorney 911, we take immediate, aggressive action to protect your rights and build your case. Here’s what we’ll do:

1️⃣ Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to the fraternity, sorority, university, and individuals involved.
• Demand they save all communications, photos, videos, and documents.
• If they destroy evidence, we’ll file motions for sanctions and ask the court to assume the evidence was harmful to them.

2️⃣ Thorough Investigation

• Interview witnesses (other pledges, members, bystanders).
• Obtain medical records, police reports, and university documents.
• Gather social media evidence (texts, posts, messages).
• Work with hazing experts to analyze the organization’s culture.

3️⃣ Identify All Responsible Parties

We’ll sue everyone who played a role in the hazing, including:
✅ The local fraternity/sorority chapter
✅ National fraternity/sorority organization
✅ University/college (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
✅ Individual members (those who participated or failed to stop it)
✅ Alumni or advisors (if they enabled hazing)

4️⃣ Build a Strong Legal Strategy

• Negligence claims – The organization failed to protect you.
• Assault and battery – Physical abuse is a crime.
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Psychological trauma is real.
• Premises liability – If hazing occurred on university-owned property.
• Punitive damages – For especially egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced alcohol poisoning).

5️⃣ Negotiate Aggressively for Maximum Compensation

• We know how much hazing cases are worth—and we won’t settle for less.
• We’ll fight insurance companies and fraternities who try to lowball you.
• If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to trial.

6️⃣ Protect You from Retaliation

• Hazing victims often fear retribution for speaking out.
• We’ll protect your identity and fight back against intimidation.
• If anyone threatens or harasses you, we’ll hold them legally accountable.

7️⃣ Pursue Justice Beyond Compensation

• We’ll push for policy changes at the university and national level.
• We’ll work with legislators to strengthen Georgia’s hazing laws.
• We’ll expose the culture of hazing so no other Coweta County family has to go through this.

📝 What Damages Can Coweta County Hazing Victims Recover?

If you or your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

💡 Example: If your child was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis (like our client in Houston), you could recover compensation for:

• Hospital bills ($50,000+)
• Future kidney monitoring ($100,000+)
• Therapy for PTSD ($50,000+)
• Pain and suffering ($500,000+)
• Punitive damages (if the fraternity knew about prior incidents)

⚖️ Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Coweta County?

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants—all of whom can be held legally and financially responsible. Here’s who we can sue:

💡 Important: Multiple defendants = multiple sources of compensation. We’ll pursue every available pocket to maximize your recovery.

⏳ Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases

Georgia law gives you 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file within this time, you lose your right to sue forever.

⚠️ Don’t Wait—Act Now:

• Evidence disappears (texts, photos, witnesses forget).
• Organizations destroy records.
• Your legal rights expire.

📞 Call Attorney 911 today for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🎯 Our Promise to Coweta County Families

When you hire Attorney 911, we promise:

✅ We’ll listen to your story with compassion and respect.
✅ We’ll fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
✅ We’ll hold every responsible party accountable—no matter how powerful.
✅ We’ll protect you from retaliation and intimidation.
✅ We won’t stop until we get justice for you and your family.

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not sisterhood. It’s abuse. And it has to stop.

If you or your child has been hazed in Coweta County or at a nearby Georgia university, call us now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Coweta County Hazing Victims

🤔 Q: What if I “agreed” to participate in hazing? Can I still sue?

A: Yes. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

🤔 Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can I still sue the university?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing, even if it happens off-campus. If the university knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.

🤔 Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation for speaking out?

A: We understand your fear—our client in the University of Houston case was too afraid to do an interview due to retribution. We’ll protect your identity and fight back against any intimidation. If anyone threatens or harasses you, we’ll hold them legally accountable.

🤔 Q: What if the fraternity/sorority says it was “just a prank”?

A: Hazing is not a prank. It’s illegal. Forcing someone to drink until they vomit, waterboarding them, or beating them with paddles is abuse, not a joke. Georgia law recognizes this, and so will a jury.

🤔 Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Universities should know about hazing—especially if it’s happening in their own buildings or at recognized student organizations. We’ll investigate whether the university had prior knowledge and failed to act.

🤔 Q: What if I don’t have proof of the hazing?

A: We’ll help you gather evidence. Even if you don’t have photos or videos, we can:

• Interview witnesses
• Obtain text messages and social media posts
• Request documents from the fraternity/sorority
• Work with hazing experts to build your case

🤔 Q: How long will my case take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within 6-12 months, while others take 1-2 years (or longer for complex cases). We’ll work as quickly as possible while ensuring you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

🤔 Q: How much will hiring a lawyer cost me?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of your settlement—so if you don’t win, you owe us nothing.

🤔 Q: What if my child died from hazing? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. If hazing resulted in death, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering

🤔 Q: Can I sue if the hazing happened at a high school in Coweta County?

A: Yes. Hazing happens at high schools too, especially in sports teams, bands, and clubs. Georgia’s hazing laws apply to all educational institutions, including high schools.

🔥 Final Message to Coweta County Families

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood or sisterhood.

It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

If your child has been hazed, they didn’t deserve it. They trusted these organizations to keep them safe, and that trust was betrayed.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now—and we’re ready to fight for Coweta County families too.

You are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.