🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Lamar County, Georgia — Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse

If your child was hazed in Lamar County, Georgia, you’re not alone — and you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting hazing nationwide, including right here in Georgia. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with kidney failure from fraternity hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near Lamar County. The same abuse happens here. We will fight for Lamar County families with the same aggression.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

⚠️ Hazing Happens in Lamar County — And It’s Illegal in Georgia

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” In Georgia, it’s a criminal offense under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61. If your child was subjected to dangerous, humiliating, or abusive initiation rituals at a Lamar County college or university, they were hazed — and the people who did this can be held legally accountable.

Georgia law defines hazing as:

Any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

This includes:

• Forced alcohol consumption
• Extreme physical exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual humiliation
• Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury

Georgia law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal, period.

🏫 Greek Life and Hazing in Lamar County, Georgia

Lamar County is home to a strong community with deep family values. Many Lamar County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to grow, and to have positive experiences. Unfortunately, Greek life at colleges and universities near Lamar County has a dark side: hazing.

Universities Near Lamar County with Greek Life:

While Lamar County itself is a smaller community, it’s surrounded by colleges and universities where Greek life is active — and where hazing occurs:

1. Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) — Approximately 60 miles from Lamar County

   • Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
   • Known for active Greek life culture
   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have chapters here

2. University of Georgia (Athens, GA) — Approximately 100 miles from Lamar County

   • One of the largest Greek systems in the country
   • Over 60 Greek organizations
   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and other high-risk fraternities operate here

3. Mercer University (Macon, GA) — Approximately 40 miles from Lamar County

   • Strong Greek presence with multiple chapters
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others active

4. Columbus State University (Columbus, GA) — Approximately 70 miles from Lamar County

   • Greek organizations present
   • National fraternities with hazing histories operate in the region

5. Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) — Approximately 60 miles from Lamar County

   • Greek life with engineering/technical focus
   • Same national organizations present

The same fraternities that hazed our client in Texas — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha — have active chapters at universities near Lamar County. These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a national culture of abuse that exists right here in Georgia.

💔 Real Hazing Cases — This Could Be Your Child

Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi

Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not from Lamar County, but the same thing happens here)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
University: University of Houston
What Happened: Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse as a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at the university yet). The hazing included:

• Waterboarding 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 forced to continue exercising in his own vomit
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — fraternity did nothing
• Result: Bermudez was hospitalized for 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Why This Matters to Lamar County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Lamar County, including Georgia State and UGA
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez happen in Georgia
• Universities near Lamar County have the same oversight failures as UH
• If your child is being hazed at a Lamar County-area school, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Bermudez

From Ralph Manginello to ABC13:

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

From Lupe Pena to ABC13:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Georgia Hazing Cases — This Happens Here Too

While our current case is in Texas, hazing is a serious problem in Georgia. Here are just a few documented cases:

These aren’t just stories. This is happening to Georgia students — including students from Lamar County families.

⚖️ Georgia Hazing Laws — Know Your Rights

O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 — Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law

Definition of Hazing:

Any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

Criminal Penalties in Georgia:

Important Notes:

• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
• Organizations can be held criminally liable
• Universities can be held civilly liable for failing to prevent hazing

Civil Liability — You Can Sue for Money Damages

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can sue for money damages in civil court. This includes compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Educational disruption
• Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

Who Can Be Sued:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university (if they knew or should have known)
• Individual members who participated
• Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
• Housing corporations

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Lamar County Students

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs that your child may be experiencing it. If you notice these signs, act immediately:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Weight loss or dehydration
• Sleep deprivation (dark circles, constant tiredness)

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear of discussing Greek life
• Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Talking about “traditions” or “tests” they can’t describe

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, paying for events)
• Missing money or valuables
• Being asked to pay for things they can’t explain

Communication Signs:

• Receiving late-night texts or calls from fraternity/sorority members
• Being asked to drive members at odd hours
• Being told to keep secrets from family
• Using coded language (“family events,” “brotherhood activities”)

If you notice these signs, your child may be in danger. Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Lamar County

Step 1: Ensure Their Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
• If they’re injured, take them to the hospital immediately
• Do not let them return to the fraternity/sorority house

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Write down everything your child tells you about what happened
• Get names of other pledges or witnesses
• Do not delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• Report to the university (Title IX office, Dean of Students)
• Report to local law enforcement (Lamar County Sheriff’s Office or city police)
• Report to the national organization (if applicable)

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative
• They may offer money to stay quiet
• They may pressure your child to sign documents
• Nothing they say is in your child’s best interest

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
• We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
• We’ll handle all communications with the university and fraternity
• We’ll fight for maximum compensation

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations is ticking.

💰 How Much Is a Lamar County Hazing Case Worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars. Here are some recent settlements and verdicts from across the country:

Our current case demands $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure. Lamar County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

What Affects Case Value?

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Lamar County

1. My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?

YES. In Georgia, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed a waiver or “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

2. The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. If the activity was dangerous, humiliating, or abusive, it’s hazing — and it’s illegal. The law doesn’t care if “everyone does it.”

3. My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

We understand. Hazing victims often fear retribution for speaking out. We protect our clients:

• We handle all communications with the fraternity/university
• We take legal action against anyone who retaliates
• We maintain confidentiality
• We’ve represented clients who were afraid to speak out — we know how to protect them

4. The university says they didn’t know. Can we still sue them?

YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they had reason to know hazing was happening (like prior incidents) and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they absolutely knew or should have known.

5. My child is an international student. Can we still pursue a case?

YES. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We’ve represented international students in personal injury cases. Your immigration status is protected.

6. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Georgia?

Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of the injury. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and cases get harder to prove over time. Contact us immediately.

7. We can’t afford a lawyer. What are our options?

You don’t pay us unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis — that means:

• $0 upfront
• $0 while the case is ongoing
• We only get paid if we recover money for you
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict

This levels the playing field. You get the same aggressive representation as the fraternity’s insurance company.

8. My child doesn’t want to “ruin” the fraternity. Why should we sue?

We understand your child may feel loyalty to the organization. But consider this:

• This isn’t about ruining the fraternity — it’s about stopping the abuse
• If you don’t act, the next pledge could be seriously injured or killed
• The fraternity won’t change unless they’re forced to
• Your child deserves compensation for what they suffered

Lupe Pena said it best:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

🏆 Why Lamar County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re in the courtroom fighting it right now
• We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability
• We know how to counter them

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know exactly how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims
• We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them

3. We Come to Lamar County

• While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide
• We offer video consultations for Lamar County families
• We travel to Lamar County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

4. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
• We have bilingual staff who can communicate in Spanish
• No language barriers to justice

5. We Care About Our Clients

• We treat our clients like family
• We understand the emotional trauma of hazing
• We’re not just fighting for money — we’re fighting for accountability

6. Proven Track Record

• 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews
• Millions recovered for personal injury clients
• Former clients say:
  

  “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
  “They made me feel like family. I never felt like ‘just another case’.” — Ambur Hamilton

🎯 Our Approach to Lamar County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Action

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Document everything — injuries, communications, expenses

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview witnesses
• Obtain medical records
• Collect text messages, social media, photos
• Research prior incidents at the chapter

3. Identify All Responsible Parties

• Local chapter
• National organization
• University
• Individual members
• Alumni
• Housing corporations

4. Build a Strong Case

• Work with medical experts
• Work with hazing culture experts
• Calculate full damages (medical, emotional, punitive)

5. Aggressive Negotiation

• Demand full policy limits from insurance companies
• Push for maximum settlement
• Refuse lowball offers

6. Trial-Ready Representation

• If defendants won’t settle fairly, we’re ready to go to trial
• We’ve litigated against major institutions before
• We won’t back down

📞 Lamar County Families: Contact Us Now

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Lamar County, Georgia, you have legal rights. We can help.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🔥 A Message to Lamar County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Lamar County:
We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. And we are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Georgia, we will find every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma —
If your chapter operates near Lamar County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We are currently litigating a $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near Lamar County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. The same fraternities operate on your property. The same hazing happens in your buildings.

If you knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, you will be held accountable. Act now — or face the same liability.

💬 Final Words to Lamar County Families

Lamar County parents: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity.

That trust was betrayed.

Your child was abused. Humiliated. Hospitalized. Or worse.

You don’t have to accept this. You have legal rights. You have the power to hold these institutions accountable.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Lamar County families.

Call us. Let’s send a message that this stops now.

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

Serving Lamar County, Georgia and nationwide. We come to you.