π¨ Hazing Lawyers in Marion County, Georgia β Protecting Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
When “tradition” becomes torture, we fight back.
If your child has been hazed in Marion County, Georgia β whether at a local college, university, or through a national Greek organization with a chapter near Marion County β you are not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in Georgia. And we are fighting this battle right now with a current $10 million hazing lawsuit that proves these cases can be won.
Marion County families: We will bring the same aggressive representation to your case.
π Call Now for Immediate Help: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Marion County hazing victims
π₯ The Hazing Crisis in Georgia β It’s Happening in Marion County Too
Hazing is not harmless. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.”
It is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
And it’s happening to students in Marion County and across Georgia.
The Statistics Don’t Lie β Hazing is Widespread and Deadly
| Statistic | Reality |
|---|---|
| 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing | More than half of all fraternity/sorority members are hazed |
| 40% of student athletes report hazing | Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life |
| At least one hazing death per year since 2000 | 20+ young lives lost this century |
| 95% of hazing victims do NOT report it | Shame, fear, and loyalty keep victims silent |
| Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws | But enforcement is inconsistent β victims need legal representation |
These aren’t just numbers. These are Marion County families’ children at risk.
β οΈ The Landmark Case That Proves Marion County Families Can Win
Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston β $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
This case happened in Texas. But the same hazing happens in Georgia. The same fraternities operate near Marion County. And we will fight for Georgia victims just like we’re fighting this case.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic torture disguised as “pledging”:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose β simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting β then forced to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout β they kept going
- On October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
The Response:
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter immediately β they knew the lawsuit was coming
- The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
- Both admitted violations of their own policies
- And Pi Kappa Phi’s official statement? “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
No apology. No remorse. Just planning their comeback while our client recovers.
Why This Case Matters to Marion County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America β including near Marion County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen in Georgia fraternities
- Universities near Marion County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Georgia, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Texas
- We know how to win these cases β and we’re doing it right now
This isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s a Georgia problem. It’s a Marion County problem. And we are here to fight it.
ποΈ Georgia Hazing Laws β What Marion County Families Need to Know
Georgia’s Strong Anti-Hazing Statute (O.C.G.A. Β§ 16-5-61)
Georgia law defines hazing as:
Any intentional, reckless, or negligent act committed by a student or other person against another student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Calisthenics or physical activities that create risk
- Any activity that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical harm
Criminal Penalties in Georgia
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor hazing | Up to 12 months in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Felony hazing (if serious bodily injury or death occurs) | 1-5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
| Organization liability | Fines up to $10,000; loss of recognition |
Important Note: Consent is NOT a defense in Georgia. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
π° Hazing Settlements & Verdicts β They Will Pay in Georgia Too
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Georgia victims:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Marion County families: These results are possible for Georgia victims too.
π Who Is Liable for Hazing in Georgia?
When hazing occurs, everyone who participated or allowed it can be held accountable:
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers who directed activities
2. The National Organization
- Failed to supervise local chapters
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets β millions in assets and insurance
3. The University or College
- Failed to protect students
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
- Premises liability applies if university owns fraternity house
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster)
- Members who participated in hazing
- Alumni who facilitated hazing
- Personal liability β can be sued individually
5. Insurance Companies
- National organizations have liability insurance
- Universities have institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance may cover off-campus hazing
- We know how to pursue these policies
π₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing β What Georgia Parents Need to Know
Hazing causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries:
Physical Injuries
| Injury | Cause | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls) | Muscle breakdown; kidney failure; potential death |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Organ failure; coma; death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings; falls; head trauma | Cognitive impairment; memory loss; permanent disability |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse; paddling | Surgery; long-term impairment |
| Internal Bleeding | Blows to abdomen | Emergency surgery; organ damage |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to extreme weather | Organ failure; death |
| Burns | Branding; hot objects | Permanent scarring; disfigurement |
Psychological Trauma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and Depression
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trust Issues
- Academic Decline
- Social Withdrawal
Long-Term Health Consequences
- Chronic kidney disease (from rhabdomyolysis)
- Need for dialysis or transplant
- Permanent physical limitations
- Lifelong therapy for trauma
Marion County parents: If your child has been hazed, get them medical attention IMMEDIATELY. Then call us.
π What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Georgia
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek emergency medical attention if needed
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Photos: Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Screenshots: Save all texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts
- Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other pledges/witnesses
- Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, or rules
- Financial: Keep medical bills, therapy receipts, lost wage documentation
Step 3: Report the Incident
- File a police report β hazing is a crime in Georgia
- Report to the university β Title IX may apply
- Report to the national organization β document their response
Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators alone
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
We will:
- Handle all communications with the organization and university
- Preserve evidence and build your case
- File a lawsuit to hold all responsible parties accountable
- Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries
β³ Time Is Critical β Georgia’s Statute of Limitations
Georgia law gives you only 2 YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Marion County families: If your child has been hazed, call us TODAY.
π― Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Georgia Hazing Case?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
- This isn’t theoretical β we’re in the courtroom fighting for victims
- Marion County families get the same aggressive representation
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
- Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims
- We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses
3. Nationwide Reach β We Serve Marion County and All of Georgia
- Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority β can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willing to travel to Georgia for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β mass tort experience against large corporations
- Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
- Same aggressive approach applied to hazing cases
5. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront for Georgia Families
- No payment required to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless you get paid
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- No financial barrier to fighting powerful institutions
6. Compassionate, Bilingual Service
- We speak English and Spanish β Se habla espaΓ±ol
- We treat every client like family
- Marion County families are not just case numbers to us
ποΈ Types of Hazing Cases We Handle in Georgia
We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:
| Organization Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fraternities | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others with chapters near Marion County |
| Sororities | Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and others |
| Sports Teams | College and high school athletic teams |
| Marching Bands | Band hazing incidents |
| ROTC Programs | Military training hazing |
| Clubs & Organizations | Honor societies, service clubs, student government |
| Military Academies | Hazing in service academies |
If your child was hazed in any organization in Georgia, we can help.
π Marion County Families: Call Now for Immediate Help
Hazing is a legal emergency. We respond immediately.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- Immediate case evaluation
- Aggressive legal representation
- $0 upfront cost β we work on contingency
Marion County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
π Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Georgia
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed,” the law says that doesn’t matter.
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault, regardless of tradition.
Q: My child was hazed off-campus. Can the university still be liable?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus.
Q: We’re in Marion County. Can you represent us from Texas?
A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including all of Georgia. We offer video consultations and travel to Georgia for important meetings and court appearances.
Q: How much is our case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- Lost academic time
- Institutional knowledge (did they know about prior hazing?)
- Pattern of abuse
Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to over $100 million.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear social retaliation or academic consequences. We protect our clients’ identities and interests throughout the legal process.
Q: Do we have to go to court?
A: Most cases settle. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to secure maximum compensation.
Q: How long will the case take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others may take 1-2 years if litigation is required. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university?
A: Private universities can be held liable just like public institutions. They have the same duty to protect students.
Q: Can we sue the individual members who hazed our child?
A: YES. Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. This includes chapter officers, members, and alumni.
π’ A Message to Georgia Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities
To the Greek organizations operating near Marion County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma β if your chapter operates in Georgia, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities in Georgia:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the property. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
Act now β or face the same accountability.
π Our Commitment to Marion County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients. We fight for justice.
We fight for the student who was waterboarded and ended up in the hospital.
We fight for the family who lost their child to hazing.
We fight for the next victim who might be saved by holding institutions accountable.
Marion County families: If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.