Hazing Lawyers Serving Dawson County, Georgia – Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorneys
Dawson County Parents: Your Child’s Safety Should Never Be a Gamble
If your son or daughter attends North Georgia Technical College, University of North Georgia (Dahlonega or Gainesville campuses), or any nearby university, they may be at risk of hazing abuse. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a student at the University of Houston—waterboarding, forced exercise, physical beatings, and psychological torture—are happening right here in Dawson County and across North Georgia.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just a case—it’s a warning to every fraternity, sorority, and university near Dawson County: Hazing will not be tolerated.
🚨 This Could Happen to Your Child in Dawson County
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun.” It’s assault, battery, and sometimes manslaughter. And it’s happening at universities near Dawson County, including:
- University of North Georgia (UNG) – Dahlonega & Gainesville (home to multiple Greek organizations)
- Brenau University (Gainesville) (active Greek life)
- Georgia State University – Perimeter College (Alpharetta & Clarkston) (commuter students from Dawson County)
- Kennesaw State University (KSU) (large Greek system)
- University of Georgia (UGA) – Athens (students from Dawson County attend)
The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters near Dawson County. If your child is pledging—or even considering pledging—a Greek organization, they are at risk.
💔 What Happened in Houston Can Happen in Dawson County
The Case That Proves Hazing is Out of Control
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet. Over seven weeks, he was subjected to:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✅ Forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and bear crawls until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
✅ Stripped to his underwear in cold weather
✅ Carried a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
Result? He developed rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization.
This wasn’t an accident. It was torture.
🔥 Why This Matters to Dawson County Families
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The same fraternities operate near Dawson County.
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and others have active chapters at UNG, Brenau, UGA, and KSU.
- If they hazed in Houston, they’re hazing in North Georgia.
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Universities near Dawson County are failing to protect students.
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred.
- UNG, Brenau, and other schools near Dawson County have the same power—and the same duty—to stop hazing.
- If they don’t, they are just as liable as the fraternity.
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Hazing is illegal in Georgia—and consent is NOT a defense.
- Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61) makes hazing a misdemeanor or felony, depending on severity.
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does NOT matter.
- Universities and Greek organizations can be sued for millions.
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This is not just “boys being boys.” It’s a crime.
- Waterboarding? Assault.
- Forced exercise until collapse? Reckless endangerment.
- Striking with paddles? Battery.
- These are not “traditions.” They’re crimes.
📜 Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law: What Dawson County Parents Need to Know
O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 – Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Statute
Under Georgia law, hazing is a crime—and universities, fraternities, and individuals can be held criminally and civilly liable.
What Counts as Hazing in Georgia?
Any activity that:
✔ Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
✔ Involves physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise)
✔ Involves forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food to the point of risk
✔ Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, or confinement
✔ Is done for the purpose of initiation into a student organization
Criminal Penalties in Georgia
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Hazing | Up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine |
| Felony Hazing (causing serious bodily harm or death) | 1-5 years in prison and $5,000+ fine |
| Organization Hazing | Fines up to $10,000 and loss of recognition |
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Millions
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, Dawson County families can sue for:
✅ Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✅ Lost wages (if your child misses work or internships)
✅ Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity/university for gross negligence)
✅ Wrongful death (if hazing leads to fatal injuries)
Precedent: Hazing lawsuits in other states have resulted in $6 million to $110 million in settlements and verdicts.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Dawson County?
1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority at UNG, Brenau, etc.)
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing.
- Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.) can be sued personally.
- Individual members who participated can be held liable.
2. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
- Failed to supervise their Dawson County-area chapters.
- Knew about hazing risks but did nothing to stop it.
- Have deep pockets—millions in assets and insurance.
3. The University (UNG, Brenau, UGA, etc.)
- Failed to monitor Greek life despite knowing hazing happens.
- May own or control fraternity/sorority houses (premises liability).
- Have substantial insurance policies to cover damages.
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Fraternity/sorority members who directly hazed your child.
- Chapter officers who allowed or encouraged hazing.
- Alumni who hosted hazing events at their homes.
⚠️ Important: Even if your child was partially at fault, Georgia law does not allow defendants to escape liability by claiming “consent.”
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Dawson County
Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags Dawson County parents should watch for:
Physical Signs
✔ Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
✔ Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
✔ Weight loss or signs of dehydration
✔ Difficulty walking or moving (could indicate rhabdomyolysis)
✔ Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
Behavioral Signs
✔ Sudden withdrawal from friends/family
✔ Increased secrecy about activities
✔ Fear of retaliation if they speak up
✔ Depression, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms
✔ Dropping grades or skipping classes
What Your Child Might Say
- “It’s just tradition—everyone goes through it.”
- “I can’t tell you what happens, or I’ll get kicked out.”
- “It’s not that bad—it’s just a little embarrassing.”
- “I have to do this to be part of the group.”
If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
💰 What Is Your Dawson County Hazing Case Worth?
Every hazing case is different, but Dawson County families can recover significant compensation, including:
| Damage Type | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|
| Medical Bills (Past & Future) | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | $250,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression) | $250,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity | $50,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages (to punish the fraternity/university) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death (if hazing is fatal) | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential multi-million settlement |
If your child was hazed in Dawson County, you could be entitled to similar compensation.
🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Dawson County Hazing Victims
1. We Know Hazing Cases Inside and Out
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- We have experience with rhabdomyolysis, forced alcohol consumption, and physical abuse cases.
- We understand the psychology of hazing—why victims stay silent, and how to break the cycle of fear.
2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability.
- We’ve seen their playbook—and we know how to dismantle it.
- We understand insurance policies and how to maximize your recovery.
3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- We sue everyone responsible: the local chapter, national organization, university, and individual members.
- We pursue punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
- We don’t settle for lowball offers—we take cases to trial if necessary.
4. We Serve Dawson County Families—No Matter Where You Are
- Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide.
- We offer free consultations via phone or video.
- We travel to Dawson County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
5. We Protect Your Privacy & Safety
- Hazing victims often fear retaliation. We ensure your identity is protected.
- We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
- We guide you through the legal process with compassion and discretion.
📞 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dawson County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts.
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Write down everything your child remembers—dates, times, names, what was said.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to get your child to sign documents or make statements that hurt their case.
- Their insurance companies will try to lowball you.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 Hazing Hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
- Free, confidential consultation.
- No upfront costs—we only get paid if we win.
- We handle everything—you focus on your child’s recovery.
🎯 Why Dawson County Families Choose Attorney 911
✅ Proven Results in Hazing Cases
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit (Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston).
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis, forced alcohol consumption, and physical abuse cases.
- Track record of multi-million-dollar personal injury verdicts.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability.
- We’ve seen their playbook—now we use it against them.
✅ Aggressive, Nationwide Representation
- We don’t just settle—we take cases to trial if necessary.
- We sue everyone responsible: fraternities, universities, and individuals.
- We serve Dawson County families no matter where the hazing occurred.
✅ Compassionate, Bilingual Service
- Se habla español—we serve Spanish-speaking families in Dawson County.
- We understand the fear and shame hazing victims feel.
- We protect your privacy and fight for justice with discretion.
✅ No Upfront Costs—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
- Contingency fee: We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
- No hourly fees, no retainers.
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
📢 A Message to Dawson County Fraternities & Sororities
To the Greek Organizations Operating Near Dawson County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Dawson County, we will find every liable entity—and we will sue them for everything they’re worth.
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Tau, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Chi Alpha, Delta Tau Delta, and every other fraternity with chapters near Dawson County: Your time is running out.
- Universities near Dawson County (UNG, Brenau, UGA, KSU, etc.): You own the houses. You have the power to stop hazing. If you don’t, you will be held accountable.
- Individual members: You can be sued personally. Your future careers, your finances, your reputations—all at risk.
The choice is yours: Clean up your chapters now, or face the consequences in court.
🚨 Dawson County Parents: Act Now—Before It’s Too Late
⏳ The Clock is Ticking
- Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years.
- Evidence disappears—texts get deleted, witnesses forget, fraternities destroy records.
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
💔 This Could Happen to Your Child
Hazing isn’t just happening at “big name” schools. It’s happening at UNG, Brenau, and other universities near Dawson County.
If your child is pledging—or even thinking about pledging—a Greek organization, they are at risk.
📞 Call Attorney 911 Today
1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 Hazing Hotline)
ralph@atty911.com
- Free, confidential consultation.
- No upfront costs—we only get paid if we win.
- We serve Dawson County families across North Georgia.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child was hazed, call us now.
🏆 Our Promise to Dawson County Families
- We will listen to your story with compassion.
- We will investigate aggressively to uncover the truth.
- We will hold every responsible party accountable.
- We will fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries.
- We will protect your privacy and your child’s future.
Dawson County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
🔴 BREAKING: We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
The same fraternities involved in our Houston case have chapters near Dawson County. The same negligence exists at Dawson County-area universities. The same justice is possible for Dawson County families.
Call now before the evidence disappears. 1-888-ATTY-911.