Hazing Victims in Quitman County, Georgia: You Are Not Alone

Attorney 911 fights for Quitman County families whose children have been harmed by fraternity and sorority hazing

If your child was hospitalized, traumatized, or worse after joining a Greek organization at a college near Quitman County, Georgia, we can help. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we bring that same aggressive representation to Quitman County families.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

What Quitman County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in Georgia, it’s against the law.

At colleges near Quitman County — including Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, and others — fraternities and sororities continue dangerous hazing rituals that have sent students to the hospital and worse. These organizations know the risks. They’ve been warned. And yet, they keep doing it.

The same fraternities that hazed our client in Texas operate chapters near Quitman County. The same negligence exists at Georgia institutions. And we will fight for Quitman County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current $10 million case.

The Hazing Crisis in Georgia: What’s Happening Near Quitman County

While Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws, incidents continue to occur at colleges throughout the state. Recent years have seen:

• Hospitalizations from forced alcohol consumption and extreme physical exertion
• Traumatic injuries from paddling, beatings, and other physical abuse
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Deaths that could have been prevented

Georgia law is clear: Hazing is a crime. Yet universities and national fraternities often fail to enforce these laws until it’s too late.

What Counts as Hazing in Georgia?

Georgia law defines hazing as any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is used for initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in an organization
• Includes but is not limited to:
  • Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
  • Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions
  • Psychological abuse or humiliation
  • Any activity that creates excessive fatigue or physical harm

Important: In Georgia, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

The Medical Dangers of Hazing: What Quitman County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening medical conditions including:

Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)

• Caused by: Extreme physical exertion (forced exercise, paddling)
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, kidney problems
• Danger: Can lead to kidney failure and death
• Our client in Texas suffered this exact condition after being forced to do 500 squats

Alcohol Poisoning

• Caused by: Forced alcohol consumption
• Symptoms: Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, unconsciousness
• Danger: Can be fatal

Traumatic Brain Injury

• Caused by: Beatings, falls, paddling
• Symptoms: Headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood changes
• Danger: Permanent brain damage

Hypothermia/Hyperthermia

• Caused by: Exposure to extreme cold or heat
• Symptoms: Shivering, confusion, dizziness, unconsciousness
• Danger: Organ failure, death

Psychological Trauma

• Caused by: Humiliation, threats, isolation, assault
• Symptoms: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Danger: Long-term mental health issues

If your child shows any of these symptoms after joining a Greek organization, seek medical attention immediately.

Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Quitman County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

The Local Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Individual members who participated
• Chapter officers who allowed or encouraged it

The National Organization

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew about hazing risks but did nothing
• Had policies that weren’t enforced

The University

• Failed to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks
• Didn’t enforce anti-hazing policies
• Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred

Individuals

• Chapter presidents and officers
• Members who participated in hazing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events

In our current case, we’re suing all of these parties — and we’ll do the same for Quitman County families.

What Quitman County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Therapy and mental health treatment
• Lost wages (if your child had to miss work)
• Educational expenses (if hazing disrupted their education)
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

Punitive Damages

• In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm
• Meant to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future hazing
• Can significantly increase the total award

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and we believe Quitman County families deserve the same level of compensation.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Quitman County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are crucial evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Do NOT delete any communications (texts, emails, social media messages)
• Save all photos and videos
• Document all injuries with photos
• Get names and contact information of witnesses
• Keep all medical records and bills

3. Do NOT Speak to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative
• They may pressure you to sign documents
• Anything you say can be used against you

4. Report the Incident

• File a police report
• Report to the university’s Title IX office
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• We offer free, confidential consultations
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We have experience with hazing cases and know how to fight these organizations

Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Quitman County Families Choose Attorney 911

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. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now, and we bring that same aggressive representation to Quitman County families.

We Have the Experience

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
• Federal court admission — we can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Experience with high-profile cases and media scrutiny

We Understand the Culture

• We know how Greek organizations operate
• We understand the power dynamics at play
• We know how to gather evidence from reluctant witnesses

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

• We don’t settle for lowball offers
• We pursue every possible defendant
• We seek punitive damages when appropriate
• We fight for the full value of your case

We Protect Our Clients

• We handle all communications with the other side
• We protect you from intimidation and pressure
• We keep you informed at every step
• We fight for your rights aggressively

We Serve Quitman County Families

• We offer free consultations — no cost to discuss your case
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We travel to Quitman County for meetings and depositions
• We offer video consultations for your convenience

The Hazing Case That’s Changing Everything: Our Current $10 Million Fight

Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded 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
• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, causing exhaustion
• Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing a few weeks earlier
• Spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure

Why This Case Matters for Quitman County:

• The same fraternities that hazed Leonel operate chapters near Quitman County
• The same negligence exists at Georgia institutions
• The same national organizations have failed to stop hazing for years
• We’re using the same legal strategies that can help Quitman County families

What We’re Fighting For:

• $10 million in damages
• Holding every responsible party accountable
• Sending a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
• Preventing this from happening to other students

Quitman County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

Common Excuses Used to Defend Hazing — And Why They’re Wrong

“It’s just tradition.”

The law doesn’t care about “tradition.” Hazing is illegal, and no amount of tradition justifies breaking the law. Would you accept “tradition” as an excuse for theft or assault?

“He agreed to participate.”

In Georgia, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to hazing activities, the organization can still be held liable. The law recognizes that peer pressure and the desire to belong can override true consent.

“It wasn’t that bad.”

Hazing doesn’t have to be fatal to be illegal or cause serious harm. Psychological trauma, humiliation, and physical injuries all count. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure — that’s “that bad.”

“We didn’t know it was happening.”

Ignorance is not a defense. Universities and national organizations have a responsibility to supervise their chapters. If they choose not to know what’s happening, that’s negligence.

“It was just a prank.”

Hazing is not a prank. It’s abuse. When a “prank” sends someone to the hospital, it’s not funny — it’s illegal.

Georgia Hazing Laws: What Quitman County Families Should Know

Georgia has strong laws against hazing:

O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 — Hazing

• Makes hazing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $5,000 fine
• If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison
• Consent is NOT a defense

O.C.G.A. § 20-3-519 — Hazing at Public Institutions

• Requires public colleges and universities to adopt anti-hazing policies
• Requires institutions to report hazing incidents
• Allows institutions to discipline students and organizations involved in hazing

Max Gruver Act (Federal)

• Named after a hazing victim at LSU
• Requires colleges to publicly report hazing incidents
• Provides immunity for reporting hazing

These laws exist to protect students like yours. When organizations violate them, they must be held accountable.

What to Expect When You Work With Attorney 911

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We’ll listen to your story
• We’ll evaluate your case
• We’ll explain your legal options
• No cost, no obligation

Step 2: Case Investigation

• We’ll gather evidence
• We’ll interview witnesses
• We’ll build your case
• We’ll handle all communications with the other side

Step 3: Medical Treatment

• We’ll help you get the medical care you need
• We’ll document all injuries and treatment
• We’ll calculate all medical expenses

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

• We’ll send a demand to the defendants
• We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• If they won’t offer a fair amount, we’ll file a lawsuit

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

• We’ll file your lawsuit
• We’ll conduct discovery (gathering evidence from the other side)
• We’ll take depositions
• We’ll prepare for trial

Step 6: Resolution

• We’ll try to settle your case
• If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial
• We’ll fight for the maximum compensation

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand that victims often feel pressure to stay silent. Your child may fear retaliation, social ostracism, or that they’ll be blamed. You can report the hazing on their behalf. We can also help you understand your legal options without putting pressure on your child.

Q: The fraternity/sorority says this was just a “misunderstanding.” Should I believe them?

A: No. Organizations that haze will say anything to protect themselves. They’ll downplay the severity, blame the victim, or claim it was “just a prank.” Don’t believe their excuses. We can help you get to the truth.

Q: The university says they’re investigating. Should I wait for their report?

A: Be very careful. Universities often conduct internal investigations that are designed to protect the institution, not the victim. Do not wait to take action. The statute of limitations is running, and evidence is disappearing. Contact us immediately so we can protect your rights.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How can we pursue a case?

A: You don’t need to pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — that means we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Q: This happened at a college far from Quitman County. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we can represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are licensed in multiple states. We’ll travel to you for meetings and depositions, and we offer video consultations for your convenience.

Q: The hazing happened last year. Is it too late to do anything?

A: It might not be. Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, there are exceptions that might extend this deadline. Contact us immediately to discuss your options.

Q: My child was drinking. Will that hurt our case?

A: No. Even if your child consumed alcohol voluntarily, that doesn’t excuse the organization’s conduct. If the drinking was forced or part of a hazing ritual, that strengthens your case. We know how to handle these defenses.

Q: The fraternity/sorority has already suspended the chapter. Shouldn’t that be enough?

A: No. Suspending a chapter is not justice — it’s damage control. The individuals who perpetrated the hazing often face no consequences. The national organization continues to operate. The university continues to collect fees. Suspension is not enough. We fight for real accountability.

Q: What if other students were hazed too? Can we work together?

A: Yes. If multiple students were hazed by the same organization, we can explore options for working together. This can strengthen your case and send a stronger message to the defendants.

Q: How long will this take?

A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months. Others take years, especially if they go to trial. We’ll work as efficiently as possible while fighting for the maximum compensation for your family.

Quitman County Hazing Resources

Reporting Hazing

• Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI): Report hazing crimes
• Local Police: File a police report
• University Title IX Office: Report to your child’s school
• National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Report to the national organization

Medical Resources

• Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Albany): 229-312-1000
• Coliseum Medical Centers (Macon): 478-746-4646
• Georgia Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222 (for alcohol poisoning and drug-related hazing)

Mental Health Resources

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225 (24/7 mental health support)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• The Jed Foundation: jedfoundation.org (mental health resources for college students)

Legal Resources

• Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Georgia Legal Aid: georgialegalaid.org

The Message We’re Sending to Fraternities and Sororities Near Quitman County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Quitman County, Georgia:

We are watching. We are documenting. And we are coming for every organization that thinks it can haze our children and get away with it.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all the others:

If your chapter is hazing students near Quitman County, know this:

• We have successfully sued your organizations before
• We are currently litigating a $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi
• We know your playbook — we were insurance defense attorneys
• We will pursue every defendant — the chapter, the nationals, the university, the individuals
• We will fight for every penny your victims deserve

The waterboarding, the 500 squats, the paddles, the forced drinking — it stops now. If you don’t clean up your chapters, we will clean them out in court.

To the universities near Quitman County:

You own the buildings. You collect the fees. You have the power to stop hazing. If you don’t use that power, you will pay.

Quitman County Families: You Have the Power to Stop Hazing

Every time a family stands up and says “enough is enough,” it makes it harder for hazing to continue. Every lawsuit sends a message. Every verdict changes the culture.

Your case could save lives.

When we filed our $10 million lawsuit, Lupe Pena said:

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

Your Quitman County family can be part of that change.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

Hazing victims in Quitman County, Georgia deserve justice. We can help you get it.

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation • No upfront costs • We travel to Quitman County

Serving Quitman County families and hazing victims nationwide

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
We protect the injured and defend the accused across Georgia and America. When hazing happens, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

Quitman County families: We are your first responders for legal emergencies.