Hazing Lawyers in Dodge County, GA | Attorney 911
Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Victims Deserve Justice – No Matter Where You Are
Dodge County families: If your child has been hazed at a college fraternity, sorority, or student organization, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Dodge County, and the same dangers exist here.
We serve Dodge County hazing victims nationwide. While based in Texas, our attorneys have federal court authority and are licensed in Texas and New York, allowing us to pursue justice for Dodge County families no matter where the hazing occurred. If your child was abused, injured, or traumatized by hazing, call us now for a free consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉ ralph@atty911.com
Why Dodge County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1️⃣ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, and we’ll bring the same aggressive representation to Dodge County families.
2️⃣ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know how fraternities, universities, and their insurers minimize claims, deny liability, and intimidate victims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3️⃣ Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and have experience in federal civil rights litigation. This means we can pursue Dodge County hazing cases nationwide, whether the incident happened at a local university or across the country.
4️⃣ Dual-State Licensed – Texas & New York
We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities and sororities (many of which are headquartered in New York).
5️⃣ Proven Results – Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience
- $10 million hazing lawsuit (current case)
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- $6.5 million personal judgment against a fraternity president (Stone Foltz case)
- Hundreds of personal injury and criminal defense cases won
6️⃣ We Travel to Dodge County for Your Case
We will come to Dodge County for:
✔ Depositions
✔ Client meetings
✔ Court hearings
✔ Trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
7️⃣ Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means Dodge County families can fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
8️⃣ Se Habla Español – Bilingual Representation
Our staff is fluent in Spanish, ensuring Dodge County’s Spanish-speaking families receive clear, compassionate legal guidance without language barriers.
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Georgia & Nationwide)
Hazing is any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group. It is illegal in Georgia and most states, and consent is NOT a defense.
Common Hazing Activities That Cause Serious Harm
| Category | Examples | Dodge County Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food items | Alcohol poisoning, choking, internal injuries |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, trauma, long-term psychological damage |
| Extreme Exposure | Cold weather, heat, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heatstroke, suffocation |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Exhaustion, academic decline, missed opportunities |
Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing can lead to:
✔ Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown → kidney failure) – Like our current client
✔ Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
✔ Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
✔ Hypothermia/hyperthermia (from extreme exposure)
✔ Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
✔ PTSD, anxiety, depression (long-term psychological damage)
✔ Death (hundreds of hazing deaths nationwide)
Universities & Greek Organizations Near Dodge County With Hazing Risks
While we don’t fabricate specific incidents, we know that national fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories operate at universities near Dodge County. Some of the institutions where Dodge County students may attend include:
Georgia Universities With Greek Life Near Dodge County
- Mercer University (Macon, GA) – 30 miles from Dodge County
- Active Greek organizations with national fraternity/sorority affiliations
- Known for strong Greek life presence
- Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville, GA) – 40 miles from Dodge County
- Multiple fraternities and sororities with national ties
- Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, GA) – 50 miles from Dodge County
- Historically Black university with active Greek organizations
- Middle Georgia State University (Macon, GA) – 30 miles from Dodge County
- Growing Greek life community
- University of Georgia (Athens, GA) – 120 miles from Dodge County
- One of the largest Greek systems in the country
- Multiple hazing incidents documented over the years
National Fraternities & Sororities With Hazing Histories
These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements and have chapters at universities near Dodge County:
| Fraternity/Sorority | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Dodge County With Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit (current), Andrew Coffey death (2017) | Mercer University, University of Georgia |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths, $1M+ settlements | University of Georgia, Georgia College |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement), multiple hospitalizations | Mercer University, University of Georgia |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death ($6.1M verdict), multiple hazing incidents | University of Georgia |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement) | University of Georgia |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits, recent TBI case (2025) | University of Georgia |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths, $12.6M verdict | University of Georgia, Mercer University |
| Delta Chi | Adam Oakes death ($4M+ settlement) | University of Georgia |
Dodge County parents: If your child is pledging any of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dodge County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/Videos – Document injuries, hazing locations, any items used
✅ Texts/Social Media – Save all messages about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
✅ Witness Information – Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Medical Records – Keep all hospital/doctor records
✅ Fraternity/Sorority Documents – Any pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
DO NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Talk to university administrators alone
Step 3: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines (usually 2 years in Georgia). Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. Call us now for a free consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉ ralph@atty911.com
Who Is Liable in a Dodge County Hazing Case?
We pursue every responsible party to maximize compensation for Dodge County victims:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Dodge County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapter at university near Dodge County |
| National Organization | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of prior incidents | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. – same nationals operate near Dodge County |
| University | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred; failed to supervise Greek life | Universities near Dodge County with Greek life |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities | Chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Active members who hazed your child |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their residence | Former members who facilitated hazing |
| Spouses of Members | Premises liability for allowing hazing at their home | If hazing occurred off-campus near Dodge County |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Fraternity/sorority insurance, university insurance |
Damages We Pursue for Dodge County Hazing Victims
| Category | Examples | Dodge County Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, humiliation, trauma | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation | $200,000 – $2M+ |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | $50,000 – $500,000 |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, etc.) | $1M – $5M+ per defendant |
Total potential recovery for Dodge County victims: $1 million to $10+ million
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
1. Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State) – $10.1 Million
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
- Result: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)
- Why it matters for Dodge County: Same fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) has chapters near Dodge County
2. Maxwell Gruver – Phi Delta Theta (LSU) – $6.1 Million
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink during “Bible Study” ritual; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
- Result: $6.1 million jury verdict; criminal conviction
- Why it matters for Dodge County: Shows juries award millions for hazing deaths
3. Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi (Penn State) – $110+ Million
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Result: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions
- Why it matters for Dodge County: Strong evidence (security cameras) leads to massive payouts
4. Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi (FSU) – Confidential Settlement
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
- Result: Chapter closed; criminal charges; settlement
- Why it matters for Dodge County: Same fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) that hospitalized our current client
5. Our Current Case – Pi Kappa Phi (UH) – $10 Million Lawsuit Pending
- What happened: Pledge waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, hospitalized with kidney failure
- Why it matters for Dodge County: Same fraternities operate near Dodge County; same dangers exist
Georgia Hazing Laws – What Dodge County Families Need to Know
Georgia Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
- Definition: Any intentional act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for initiation or affiliation
- Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine
- Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily harm or death – up to 5 years in prison
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
University Policies Near Dodge County
Most Georgia universities have anti-hazing policies, but enforcement is often weak. If your child was hazed at a university near Dodge County, the school may be legally responsible for failing to protect them.
Why Dodge County Families Should Act Now
⏳ The Clock Is Ticking
- Georgia statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of injury
- Evidence disappears quickly (texts deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records)
- The sooner we act, the stronger your case
🚨 Hazing Can Be Deadly
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the U.S.
- 95% of hazing victims don’t report it due to fear of retaliation
- Your child could be next if these organizations aren’t held accountable
💰 Deep Pockets Are Waiting to Be Sued
National fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance. We know how to pursue every dollar to compensate your family.
🛡️ We Protect You from Retaliation
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was fearful of speaking out due to retribution. We ensure your family is protected throughout the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Dodge County
1. My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?
YES. Georgia law (and most state laws) explicitly state that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.
2. The fraternity said it was “just tradition.” Is that an excuse?
NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Hazing is assault, battery, and reckless endangerment—not “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.”
3. Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
NO. Georgia has anti-retaliation laws protecting hazing victims. We will ensure your child is protected from any backlash.
4. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
YES. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a fraternity house, private residence, or anywhere else, the organization is still liable.
5. How much is my Dodge County hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically settle for $1 million to $10+ million, depending on:
- Severity of injuries
- Whether the university knew about prior hazing
- Number of defendants (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
- Strength of evidence
6. Do we have to go to court?
Most hazing cases settle out of court, but we are prepared to go to trial if the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation.
7. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement.
8. Can you represent us if we’re in Dodge County and the hazing happened in another state?
YES. We have federal court authority and can pursue cases nationwide. We’ve represented clients in Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, and beyond.
9. What if the fraternity tries to intimidate us?
We will not tolerate intimidation. If the fraternity or university tries to silence your family, we will take legal action to protect you.
10. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work as quickly as possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Dodge County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
What Our Clients Say About Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” – Chad Harris
Next Steps for Dodge County Families
1️⃣ Call Us for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
✉ ralph@atty911.com
2️⃣ We’ll Evaluate Your Case
- Review medical records
- Assess evidence (texts, photos, witness statements)
- Determine liable parties (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
3️⃣ We’ll Handle Everything
- File the lawsuit
- Negotiate with defendants
- Take the case to trial if needed
- You focus on your child’s recovery
4️⃣ Get the Compensation You Deserve
- Medical bills paid
- Pain and suffering compensated
- Punitive damages to send a message
- Justice for your family
🚨 Dodge County Families: Act Now Before It’s Too Late
Hazing is not “boys being boys” or “girls being girls.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter. Universities and national fraternities know the risks but choose reputation over safety—until someone gets hurt or killed.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting back.
If your child was hazed at a university near Dodge County, call us now before evidence disappears and your rights expire.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉ ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Serving Dodge County, GA & Nationwide
Attorney 911
📍 Houston, Austin & Beaumont, TX | 🌐 Nationwide Representation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉ ralph@atty911.com
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We fight for Dodge County hazing victims. Let’s fight for you.
