🚨 Hazing Victims in Laurens County, Georgia: You Have Rights and You Are Not Alone
This Happens in Georgia Too. The Same Fraternities Operate Here. We Will Fight for Laurens County Families.
To the Students of Laurens County:
You didn’t deserve this. What happened to you wasn’t “tradition.” It wasn’t “brotherhood.” It wasn’t “building character.”
It was abuse. It was assault. It may have been a crime.
And you have the right to seek justice.
To the Parents of Laurens County:
Your child trusted these people. They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.
That trust was betrayed.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage.
We are here to turn that pain into accountability.
The Hazing Crisis Has Come to Laurens County, Georgia
Right now, in Houston, Texas, our law firm is fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. A young man named Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Georgia too.
The same national fraternities operate at universities near Laurens County. The same negligence exists at Georgia institutions. And the same culture of silence protects the abusers.
If your child has been hazed in Laurens County, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to the Houston case.
What Is Hazing? Georgia Law Explains
Georgia Code § 16-5-61 defines hazing as:
“Any intentional or reckless act in Georgia on or off the property of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in Georgia by one student against another student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a school organization.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological torture (humiliation, isolation, threats)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Georgia law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
The Same Fraternities Are in Georgia
The fraternities involved in national hazing scandals have active chapters at universities near Laurens County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Case | Georgia Universities With Chapters* |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Bermudez (2025) — waterboarding, kidney failure; Coffey (2017) — death | University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Foltz (2021) — $10M settlement; Bogenberger (2012) — $14M settlement | University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths and injuries | University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern |
| Phi Delta Theta | Gruver (2017) — $6.1M verdict | University of Georgia, Georgia State, Emory |
| Beta Theta Pi | Piazza (2017) — $110M+ settlement | University of Georgia, Georgia Tech |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple lawsuits | University of Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Southern |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple deaths | University of Georgia, Georgia Tech |
*This list includes major universities near Laurens County with active chapters. Smaller colleges and community colleges in the region may also have chapters.
If your child is pledging a fraternity at a Georgia school near Laurens County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Universities Near Laurens County Have the Same Liability
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel Bermudez was tortured. They collected rent while students were being waterboarded. They had the power to inspect and shut down the chapter — but they didn’t.
Universities near Laurens County have the same power — and the same liability when they fail to protect students.
Georgia Universities With Greek Life Near Laurens County:
| University | Location | Distance from Laurens County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | ~150 miles | Major Greek system |
| Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA | ~150 miles | Active Greek life |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | ~150 miles | Active Greek life |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | ~100 miles | Major Greek system |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | ~60 miles | Active Greek life |
| Middle Georgia State University | Multiple campuses | Varies | Greek organizations |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | ~60 miles | Sororities |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | ~80 miles | Active Greek life |
These institutions have a duty to protect your child. When they fail, they can be held legally accountable.
What Laurens County Families Need to Know About Hazing Laws
Georgia Criminal Law: Hazing Is a Crime
Under Georgia Code § 16-5-61, hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $5,000
If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony punishable by:
- 1 to 5 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
Organizations can also be criminally charged and face fines up to $10,000.
Georgia Civil Law: You Can Sue for Damages
Even if criminal charges are not filed, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Georgia has no cap on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases.
Title IX: Sexual Harassment and Assault in Hazing
If hazing involved sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, you may have a Title IX claim against the university.
Title IX requires schools to protect students from sex-based discrimination, including sexual violence. Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to act.
The Devastating Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just “a few pranks.” It causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries.
Physical Injuries We’ve Seen in Hazing Cases:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — caused by extreme exercise like 500 squats, bear crawls, or forced runs; can lead to kidney failure and death
- Acute kidney failure — requires hospitalization, dialysis, sometimes transplant
- Alcohol poisoning — can cause coma or death; BAC levels over 0.30 are potentially fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen
- Broken bones — from physical abuse or dangerous activities
- Internal bleeding — from blunt force trauma
- Heat stroke/hypothermia — from exposure to extreme temperatures
- Compartment syndrome — swelling that cuts off blood flow; can require amputation
- Choking/asphyxiation — from waterboarding, being hog-tied, or forced consumption
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression — feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal
- Anxiety disorders — panic attacks, social anxiety
- Suicidal ideation — hazing victims are at increased risk of suicide
- Trust issues — difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline — inability to focus, dropping out
- Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope with trauma
These injuries don’t just go away. They can last a lifetime.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Laurens County
STEP 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the emergency room if injuries are severe
- See a doctor even if injuries seem minor — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away
- Document everything — get copies of all medical records
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, any items used in hazing
- Write down everything — dates, times, locations, names of people involved, what happened
- Identify witnesses — get names and contact information of other pledges or bystanders
- Do NOT delete anything — even old messages or posts could be important
STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
- They may ask you to sign documents — do not sign anything
- They may offer to “handle it internally” — this is a cover-up
- Anything you say can be used against you
STEP 4: Report the Hazing
- To the police — file a report; hazing is a crime in Georgia
- To the university — file a Title IX report or student conduct report
- To the national organization — report to the fraternity/sorority’s national headquarters
STEP 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, statutes of limitations expire
- Do not talk to insurance companies — they will try to minimize your claim
- We offer free consultations — call 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Laurens County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
Right now, in Houston, we are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client with kidney failure.
Laurens County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Build Hazing Cases
- We understand Greek life culture and dynamics
- We know how to preserve evidence that fraternities try to destroy
- We have experience with rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other hazing injuries
- We know how to hold national organizations accountable
3. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
We know how they think. We know their playbook. We know how to beat them.
4. We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia and other federal courts.
This means we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction if needed — especially important for cases involving national fraternities or Title IX claims.
5. We Have Dual-State Bar Admission
We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages in cases against national organizations.
6. We Will Travel to Laurens County
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we will travel to Laurens County for your case.
- For depositions
- For client meetings
- For trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Laurens County Families
We understand that cost can be a barrier to seeking justice.
We take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront
- $0 unless we win
- We only get paid if you get paid
8. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Hazing affects students from all backgrounds. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.
What Laurens County Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past and future) — hospital stays, doctor visits, therapy, medications, rehabilitation
- Lost wages — time missed from work due to injuries
- Lost earning capacity — if injuries affect future career prospects
- Educational expenses — tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of injuries and recovery
- Mental anguish — trauma from the hazing experience
- Emotional distress — anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — scars, burns, or other permanent marks
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Applicable in cases involving waterboarding, beatings, forced consumption, or extreme physical abuse
Georgia has no cap on non-economic damages or punitive damages in personal injury cases.
The $10 Million Precedent — This Is What Hazing Costs
In Houston, we are currently seeking $10 million for our client who was hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing at Pi Kappa Phi.
This isn’t just a number. It’s what juries and courts are awarding for hazing.
Recent Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Year | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | 2021 | $10.1M+ | Death from forced alcohol consumption; fraternity and university both paid |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | 2017 | $6.1M | Death from forced drinking; jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | 2017 | $110M+ | Death from traumatic brain injury; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911 |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | 2017 | Confidential | Death from forced alcohol consumption; same fraternity as our Houston case |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | 2021 | $4M+ | Death from hazing; lawsuit recently settled |
These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win. The same legal strategies apply to Laurens County cases.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Laurens County?
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledge master) are personally liable
- Individual members who participated are personally liable
2. The National Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Deep pockets — millions in assets and insurance
3. The University
- Failed to protect students
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
- Premises liability — responsible for unsafe conditions
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Each person who participated in the hazing can be sued personally
- May have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that provides coverage
5. Alumni and Advisors
- May have hosted hazing events
- May have provided alcohol or other resources
- May be personally liable for facilitating hazing
The Timeline: How Long Do Hazing Cases Take?
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 1-2 weeks | Free case evaluation; sign retainer |
| Investigation | 1-3 months | Gather evidence; interview witnesses; obtain records |
| Medical Treatment | 2-12+ months | Complete treatment; reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) |
| Demand Package | 1-2 months | Compile damages; send demand to defendants |
| Negotiation | 1-6 months | Settlement discussions with defendants |
| Litigation (if needed) | 6-18 months | File lawsuit; discovery; depositions |
| Mediation | 1 day | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement |
| Trial (if needed) | Days to weeks | Present case to judge/jury |
| Resolution | Varies | Settlement or verdict; payment |
Total Timeline: 6 months to 3+ years
Why Some Cases Take Longer:
- Severe injuries require longer treatment
- Multiple defendants complicate negotiations
- Insurance companies delay to pressure victims
- Some cases require trial for full justice
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, but we will never rush your case at the expense of full compensation.
Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Our Response:
- Georgia law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
- Even if your child “agreed,” they didn’t truly consent — they were coerced by peer pressure, threats of expulsion, or fear of social ostracism.
- No one consents to torture. Waterboarding, beatings, and 500 squats are not “voluntary” activities.
Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”
Our Response:
- “Tradition” doesn’t make illegal activity legal.
- Assault is assault. Battery is battery. Torture is torture.
- If the activity is dangerous, it’s hazing — regardless of “tradition.”
Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”
Our Response:
- Universities and national organizations have a duty to know.
- They have oversight responsibility.
- They have the power to inspect and regulate.
- Ignorance is not an excuse when they had the power to prevent it.
Defense 4: “It Wasn’t That Bad”
Our Response:
- Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury — these are not “minor” injuries.
- Psychological trauma can last a lifetime.
- Juries understand the seriousness of hazing. They’ve awarded millions in similar cases.
The Message to Fraternities Near Laurens County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and All Other Fraternities Operating Near Laurens County:
We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
If your Georgia chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and the individuals involved.
We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
Frequently Asked Questions from Laurens County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue now, evidence disappears quickly. Talking to a lawyer preserves your rights and options. We can also help with reporting to police, Title IX, or the university — without filing a lawsuit.
Q: The fraternity said this was “just a few pranks.” Is it really that serious?
A: Hazing causes serious injuries and deaths every year. What happened to our Houston client wasn’t “pranks” — it was waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, and kidney failure. If your child was injured, it’s serious enough to pursue legal action.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do we protect our child?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. That fear is itself evidence of the psychological harm caused by hazing. We can help protect your child by:
- Reporting to police (criminal charges can deter retaliation)
- Filing Title IX reports (universities must protect students from retaliation)
- Requesting no-contact orders
- Documenting any threats or intimidation
Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait?
A: No. Universities protect their own interests, not yours. Their “investigation” is often a delay tactic. Evidence disappears every day. Contact a lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees or retainers.
Q: My child is an international student. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?
A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if they knew or should have known about it and failed to act. They have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm.
Q: What if the fraternity says my child was “partially at fault”?
A: Georgia follows comparative negligence rules. Even if your child was partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as they were less than 50% responsible. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to the victim.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Laurens County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing makes victims feel isolated. Shamed. Powerless.
But you are not alone.
- Other students have been through this. Many are too afraid to speak up — but they’re out there.
- Other parents have felt this pain. They’ve turned their grief into action.
- Other families have fought back. They’ve won millions in compensation and changed laws.
We are here to help Laurens County families fight back too.
Take Action Today — Free Consultation for Laurens County Families
If your child has been hazed at a Georgia university near Laurens County, contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free case evaluations
- Video consultations for Laurens County families
- Willingness to travel to Laurens County
- $0 upfront — we only get paid if you win
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Protect your child from retaliation
- Hold the responsible parties accountable
- Fight for the compensation your family deserves
Final Message to Laurens County
To the Students of Laurens County:
You joined a fraternity or sorority to make friends. To find brotherhood or sisterhood. To be part of something bigger than yourself.
You did not join to be tortured. You did not join to be humiliated. You did not join to end up in the hospital.
What happened to you was wrong. It was illegal. And it was preventable.
You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold those who hurt you accountable.
To the Parents of Laurens County:
You sent your child to college to learn, to grow, to be safe.
Instead, they were abused. They were traumatized. They were betrayed.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the anger.
We are here to turn that pain into power.
To the Fraternities and Universities Near Laurens County:
We see you. We know what you’re doing. We know you’re trying to silence victims and protect your reputation.
We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that are winning $10 million in Houston will be used in Georgia. The same pressure that shut down the UH chapter will be applied to your chapters.
Enough is enough.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Fighting for Hazing Victims in Laurens County and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
