Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Telfair County, Georgia

Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims Across Georgia

Serving Telfair County families from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices — we come to you.

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Telfair County, Georgia, you’re not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in lawsuits nationwide operate right here in Georgia. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Telfair County families.

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Telfair County

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states — it’s happening right here in Georgia. National fraternities with chapters near Telfair County have documented histories of dangerous hazing practices that have led to hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and even deaths across the country. The same organizations that waterboarded a student in Houston, forced pledges to drink until they died, and engaged in other extreme hazing rituals have active chapters at Georgia colleges and universities.

Telfair County families need to know: if your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face real risks.

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Telfair County Victims Too

Attorney 911 is currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, extreme physical punishment, and other dangerous hazing activities.

This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening in Georgia too.

The same national fraternities involved in our case have chapters at universities near Telfair County. The same culture of abuse, the same failure of oversight, and the same life-threatening “traditions” exist in Georgia Greek organizations. Telfair County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re providing in our current case.

Why Telfair County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. Proven Hazing Litigation Experience

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and have specific experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
• Texas A&M University hazing cases
• Hospitalization compensation claims
• Life-threatening hazing incident representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutional defendants try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside — now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal appellate courts. This means we can represent Telfair County hazing victims regardless of where the incident occurred — whether at a Georgia university or anywhere in the country.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Strategic Advantage for National Cases

Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and New York. This gives us a strategic advantage when pursuing cases against national fraternity and sorority organizations, which often have headquarters in multiple states.

5. We Come to Telfair County

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will:

• Travel to Telfair County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Offer remote video consultations for Telfair County families
• Handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies
• Pursue cases in Georgia courts when appropriate

6. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Telfair County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to seeking justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• $0 upfront costs
• $0 if we don’t win your case
• We only get paid if you get paid
• Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery

7. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español

Our staff is fluent in Spanish and we welcome Spanish-speaking clients. We can:

• Conduct consultations in Spanish
• Translate documents
• Communicate with medical providers in Spanish
• Eliminate language barriers to justice

The Hazing Activities That Are Happening Near Telfair County

The hazing that hospitalized our client in Texas is happening right here in Georgia. Based on documented cases and our experience, these are the types of hazing activities that Telfair County students may be subjected to:

Physical Abuse

• Beatings with paddles, belts, or other objects
• Forced exercise to exhaustion (100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls)
• Running drills (“suicides”) until collapse
• Sleep deprivation through forced late-night activities
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (stripping in cold weather)

Forced Consumption

• Alcohol poisoning (forced drinking until vomiting or passing out)
• Food consumption until vomiting
• Non-food substances (peppercorns, hot sauce, other harmful items)
• Being forced to continue activities after vomiting

Psychological Torture

• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Humiliation rituals
• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Carrying sexual objects
• Verbal abuse and threats
• Isolation from friends and family

Medical Consequences

These activities can lead to:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (potentially fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
• Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Death

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Telfair County?

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

1. The Local Chapter — The specific fraternity or sorority chapter that conducted the hazing
2. National Organization — The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
3. University/College — The educational institution that failed to protect students, especially if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
4. Individual Members — Each person who participated in or facilitated the hazing activities
5. Chapter Officers — Leaders who directed or allowed the hazing to occur
6. Alumni — Former members who may have hosted or participated in hazing activities
7. Housing Corporations — Entities that own or manage fraternity/sorority houses

The Legal Rights of Telfair County Hazing Victims

Georgia Hazing Laws

Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities in the state, including those near Telfair County:

• O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 defines hazing as any activity that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into an organization
• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines
• If hazing results in serious injury or death, it becomes a felony
• Consent is not a defense — even if the victim agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal

Civil Liability

In addition to criminal charges, Telfair County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme misconduct)

What Telfair County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

If you suspect your child has been the victim of hazing, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

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

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Save all text messages, social media posts, and emails about hazing
   • Take photos of any injuries
   • Document the names and contact information of witnesses
   • Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do Not Confront the Organization Alone

   • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
   • Do not sign anything from the organization
   • Do not give statements to university administrators without consulting an attorney

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is 2 years
   • Evidence disappears quickly
   • Witnesses forget details
   • Organizations may destroy records

5. Consider Reporting to Authorities

   • File a police report
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Consider reporting to national organization

Recent Hazing Cases That Show What’s Possible for Telfair County Victims

Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• University: Bowling Green State University
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)
• What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning

Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million

• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• University: Louisiana State University
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
• What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” ritual; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)

Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million

• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• University: Penn State University
• Outcome: $110+ million estimated settlement
• What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911

Leonel Bermudez — $10 Million (Our Case)

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
• University: University of Houston
• Status: Lawsuit pending
• What Happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles; hospitalized with kidney failure

The Telfair County Hazing Victim’s Guide to Justice

Step 1: Free Consultation

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
• We’ll explain your legal rights and options

Step 2: Case Investigation

• We’ll gather all evidence (medical records, communications, witness statements)
• We’ll identify all responsible parties
• We’ll build a strong case strategy

Step 3: Demand Letter

• We’ll send a demand letter to all defendants
• We’ll outline the harm caused and the compensation sought
• We’ll begin settlement negotiations

Step 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

• If fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll file a lawsuit
• We’ll handle all court filings, motions, and discovery
• We’ll aggressively pursue your case through trial if needed

Step 5: Resolution

• We’ll negotiate the maximum possible settlement
• If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial and fight for a jury verdict
• We’ll ensure you receive the compensation you deserve

Common Defenses in Hazing Cases — And How We Defeat Them

Defendants in hazing cases often try these arguments to avoid liability. Here’s how we counter them:

1. “The Victim Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing
• Hazing involves coercion, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion
• True consent requires full knowledge of risks — most victims don’t understand what they’re agreeing to
• Even if the victim agreed, the conduct may still be illegal and actionable

2. “It Was Just Tradition — Everyone Goes Through It”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” doesn’t make illegal conduct legal
• Many “traditions” have been exposed as dangerous and abusive
• Organizations have a duty to change harmful traditions
• If the tradition violates the law or university policy, it must stop

3. “The Victim Was Drinking Voluntarily”

Our Response:

• Forced consumption ≠ voluntary participation
• Peer pressure creates duress
• Alcohol impairs judgment, making true consent impossible
• Organizations that provide alcohol to minors or force consumption are liable

4. “The University Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities have a duty to supervise student organizations
• Many universities have prior hazing incidents on record
• Universities often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Failure to investigate complaints or conduct oversight makes them liable

5. “Only the Local Chapter Is Responsible — Not the National Organization”

Our Response:

• National organizations have a duty to supervise local chapters
• They receive dues and fees from chapters
• They set policies that local chapters are supposed to follow
• They have the power to suspend or expel chapters that violate policies
• Pattern evidence shows systemic problems across multiple chapters

What Telfair County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (time missed from work)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career)
• Educational expenses (tuition, books, etc. if education was disrupted)
• Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, counseling)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
• Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD from hazing)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)
• Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

Punitive Damages

• Awarded in cases of extreme misconduct
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Appropriate when defendants acted with malice or reckless indifference

The Telfair County Hazing Victim’s Bill of Rights

As a hazing victim or family member in Telfair County, you have the right to:

1. Be treated with dignity and respect by all parties involved
2. Seek medical treatment without fear of retaliation
3. Report hazing to authorities without fear of retaliation
4. Consult with an attorney before speaking to anyone about the incident
5. Have your case evaluated by an experienced hazing litigation attorney
6. Pursue compensation for your injuries and losses
7. Hold all responsible parties accountable — not just individual members
8. Have your case handled confidentially if you choose
9. Be kept informed about the progress of your case
10. Have your attorney fight aggressively for your rights

Why Telfair County Families Need to Act Now

1. Evidence Disappears Quickly

   • Text messages get deleted
   • Social media posts get removed
   • Witnesses forget details
   • Organizations destroy records

2. Statute of Limitations is Running

   • Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
   • If you don’t file within 2 years, you lose your right to sue forever

3. Organizations Are Already Preparing Their Defense

   • Universities and fraternities have legal teams ready to minimize liability
   • They will try to shift blame to the victim
   • They will try to claim the victim consented

4. Other Victims May Come Forward

   • Hazing often involves multiple victims
   • The sooner you act, the more evidence you can preserve
   • Multiple victims can strengthen each other’s cases

Telfair County Universities and Greek Organizations to Watch

While we can’t name specific incidents without verified information, these are the types of institutions near Telfair County where hazing may occur:

Universities Near Telfair County

• Georgia Southern University (Statesboro)
• Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville)
• Mercer University (Macon)
• Middle Georgia State University (Multiple campuses)
• Valdosta State University (Valdosta)

National Fraternities with Georgia Chapters

• Pi Kappa Phi (involved in our current $10M case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths nationwide)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (involved in multiple hazing cases)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza case)
• Phi Delta Theta (Maxwell Gruver case)
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Nu
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

National Sororities with Georgia Chapters

• Alpha Delta Pi
• Alpha Omicron Pi
• Chi Omega
• Delta Delta Delta
• Kappa Delta
• Kappa Kappa Gamma
• Phi Mu
• Zeta Tau Alpha

Telfair County parents should know: If your child is pledging any of these organizations, they face the same risks that have hospitalized and killed students nationwide.

How Attorney 911 Handles Telfair County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

• 24/7 availability for Telfair County hazing emergencies
• Emergency evidence preservation — we act fast to secure critical evidence
• Medical coordination — we help ensure proper treatment and documentation

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Forensic evidence collection — texts, social media, photos, videos
• Witness interviews — we find and interview other pledges and witnesses
• Expert consultation — medical experts, hazing culture experts, accident reconstruction
• Pattern evidence — we research prior incidents at the same chapter/university

3. Aggressive Litigation

• Multi-defendant strategy — we sue everyone responsible
• Federal court options — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate
• Insurance policy pursuit — we identify and pursue all available insurance coverage
• Asset discovery — we find the money to pay for your damages

4. Maximum Compensation

• Economic damages — medical bills, lost wages, future expenses
• Non-economic damages — pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Punitive damages — to punish egregious misconduct
• Policy limits pursuit — we fight for every dollar available

5. Protection and Support

• Confidentiality — we protect your privacy
• Retaliation protection — we help prevent and respond to retaliation
• Emotional support — we connect you with counseling resources
• Academic support — we help address educational disruptions

The Message to Telfair County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Telfair County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you if you haze our children.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapter. We know your corporate structure. We know your national organization’s hazing death record. We know how much they’ve paid in settlements.

If your chapter harms students in Telfair County, we will pursue every liable entity — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and every individual member.

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near Telfair County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

You have a duty to protect your students. When you own or control fraternity and sorority houses, you have a duty to inspect and regulate. When you have knowledge of prior hazing incidents, you have a duty to implement real oversight.

We will hold you accountable for failing in that duty.

Telfair County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

If you or your child has been the victim of hazing, you may be feeling:

• Shame — for what happened to you
• Fear — of retaliation if you speak out
• Confusion — about what to do next
• Anger — at the people who hurt you
• Helplessness — against powerful institutions

You don’t have to face this alone.

Attorney 911 is here to:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Fight aggressively for justice
• Protect you from retaliation
• Help you recover compensation for your injuries
• Hold the responsible parties accountable

Take the First Step Toward Justice for Your Telfair County Family

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We serve Telfair County hazing victims on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Your rights expire. Call now.

Attorney 911: Fighting for Telfair County’s Hazing Victims

Houston Office:
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 528-9070

Austin Office:
(713) 528-9070

Beaumont Office:
(713) 528-9070

Serving Telfair County, Georgia and nationwide — we come to you.

Se habla español.

24/7 legal emergency response for Telfair County hazing victims.

Former insurance defense attorneys fighting for victims — we know their playbook.

$10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending — Telfair County families get the same aggressive representation.