Hazing Lawyer in Twiggs County, GA | Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Twiggs County and Beyond
Has your child been hazed at a college or university near Twiggs County, Georgia? Were they forced to endure dangerous, humiliating, or life-threatening initiation rituals? You are not alone. Hazing is not “tradition” – it’s abuse. And at Attorney 911, we are fighting to hold fraternities, sororities, universities, and national organizations accountable.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – proving that hazing causes real harm, and institutions must pay when they fail to protect students. Twiggs County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Free Consultation: Contact Us
Why Twiggs County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the courtroom, fighting for justice. The same hazing that hospitalized our client happens at universities near Twiggs County. We will bring the same fight to your case.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they try to deny claims, minimize injuries, and blame victims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Nationwide Representation – Including Twiggs County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Twiggs County and across Georgia. We have:
✅ Federal court authority – Can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
✅ Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
✅ Willingness to travel – We’ll come to Twiggs County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Remote consultations – Video calls available for Twiggs County families
4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront Costs
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win. No hourly fees. No retainers. We only get paid if you get paid.
5. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)
Our staff is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Twiggs County receive clear, compassionate legal guidance without language barriers.
6. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how to dismantle their defenses
- Federal court experience – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- 25+ years of litigation experience – Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Georgia)
Hazing is any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Common Hazing Activities That Are Illegal in Georgia:
❌ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., hot sauce, milk, peppercorns)
❌ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, or extreme exercise (e.g., 500 squats, 100 pushups)
❌ Waterboarding or simulated drowning – Torture disguised as “tradition”
❌ Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities, early-morning driving
❌ Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats, sexual degradation
❌ Exposure to extreme conditions – Forced to strip in cold weather, confined in small spaces
❌ Servitude – Forced to clean, drive members, or perform personal tasks
Georgia Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know
Georgia has strict anti-hazing laws under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61. Hazing is a misdemeanor, but if it causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony.
Key Points:
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
- Organizations can be fined – Up to $5,000 per violation.
- Individuals can face jail time – Up to 12 months for misdemeanor hazing; 1-5 years for felony hazing.
- Universities can be held liable – If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it.
Twiggs County families: If your child was hazed, you have legal rights – and we can help you enforce them.
Real Cases, Real Results – Hazing Lawsuits That Won Millions
1. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 Million Lawsuit (Our Current Case)
Victim: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston)
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Hazing Activities:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing
Result: $10 million lawsuit filed against Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, and individual members.
Why This Matters for Twiggs County Families:
✅ Same fraternities operate near Twiggs County – Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across Georgia.
✅ Same hazing happens in Twiggs County – Waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse are not unique to Houston.
✅ Universities near Twiggs County face the same liability – If they own fraternity houses or fail to supervise Greek life, they can be sued.
2. Stone Foltz – $10.1 Million Settlement (Pi Kappa Alpha)
Victim: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University)
Cause of Death: Acute alcohol poisoning (forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol)
Result: $10.1 million settlement from the university and fraternity.
Why This Matters for Twiggs County Families:
- Same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) has chapters near Twiggs County.
- Universities were held liable – Just like universities near Twiggs County can be held liable.
- Individuals were held personally responsible – Chapter officers faced criminal charges.
3. Maxwell Gruver – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Phi Delta Theta)
Victim: Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University)
Cause of Death: Alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 – more than 6x the legal limit)
Result: $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity.
Why This Matters for Twiggs County Families:
- Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
- Criminal charges followed – Hazing that causes serious injury or death can lead to felony charges in Georgia.
- Led to new laws – The “Max Gruver Act” made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
4. Timothy Piazza – $110 Million+ Settlement (Beta Theta Pi)
Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State University)
Cause of Death: Traumatic brain injury, abdominal hemorrhage (fell down stairs after forced drinking)
Result: $110 million+ settlement (confidential amount).
Why This Matters for Twiggs County Families:
- Security cameras captured everything – Strong evidence = big settlements.
- Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911 – Gross negligence = punitive damages.
- Led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” – Shows that hazing cases drive legislative change.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Twiggs County?
If your child was hazed, multiple parties can be held liable, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing culture |
| University/college | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse |
| Alumni members | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Twiggs County families: If your child was hazed at a university near Twiggs County, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Twiggs County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing injuries can be life-threatening – Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries require urgent care.
- Document everything – Hospital records, doctor’s notes, and medical bills are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/videos – Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
✅ Text messages/GroupMe/Snapchat – Screenshots of all communications about hazing
✅ Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
✅ Social media posts – Any posts about hazing (do NOT delete anything)
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They may offer a quick settlement – but it will be far less than you deserve.
- They may pressure your child to sign documents – never sign anything without legal review.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Statute of limitations in Georgia: 2 years from the date of injury (or from the date of death in wrongful death cases).
- Evidence disappears quickly – Witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records.
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Twiggs County
1. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?
YES. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
2. What if the hazing didn’t happen at a university near Twiggs County?
It doesn’t matter. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:
- Fraternities/sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
- Sports teams (football, basketball, baseball, etc.)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Honor societies and clubs
If your child was hazed at any organization near Twiggs County, we can help.
3. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
✔ Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
✔ Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in death)
✔ Institutional knowledge (if the university or national organization knew about prior hazing)
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse)
✔ Cover-up attempts (if the organization tried to hide the hazing)
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. We will fight for the maximum compensation for your Twiggs County family.
4. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand. Many hazing victims fear speaking out because of threats from fraternity/sorority members. We protect our clients by:
- Handling all communications with the organization and their lawyers
- Ensuring confidentiality – Your child’s identity can be protected
- Pursuing legal action to prevent retaliation
- Connecting clients with counseling for trauma support
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take these concerns seriously.
5. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
- Minor injuries, clear liability: 6-12 months
- Moderate injuries, single defendant: 12-18 months
- Severe injuries, multiple defendants: 18-36 months
- Wrongful death, institutional defendants: 2-4 years
We push for the fastest resolution possible, but we will not settle for less than your case is worth.
6. Do I need a lawyer for a hazing case?
YES. Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an experienced hazing attorney to:
✔ Investigate the incident – Gather evidence, interview witnesses
✔ Identify all liable parties – Fraternity, university, individuals
✔ Calculate full damages – Medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
✔ Negotiate with insurance companies – They will try to lowball you
✔ Take the case to trial if needed – Many hazing cases settle, but we’re prepared to fight in court
Without a lawyer, you risk leaving millions on the table.
Universities Near Twiggs County Where Hazing Occurs
Twiggs County is home to many families whose children attend colleges and universities across Georgia. Hazing happens at institutions near Twiggs County, including:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Notable Hazing Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer University | Macon, GA (~30 min from Twiggs County) | Strong Greek system | Fraternities with national hazing histories |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA (~1 hour from Twiggs County) | Active Greek life | Sorority and fraternity hazing incidents reported |
| Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA (~30 min from Twiggs County) | Growing Greek system | Hazing in emerging Greek organizations |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, GA (~45 min from Twiggs County) | Historically Black Greek organizations | Hazing in Divine Nine fraternities/sororities |
| University of Georgia (UGA) | Athens, GA (~2 hours from Twiggs County) | One of the largest Greek systems in the U.S. | Multiple hazing incidents over the years |
| Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA (~2 hours from Twiggs County) | Strong engineering Greek culture | Hazing in professional and social fraternities |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA (~2 hours from Twiggs County) | Urban Greek life | Hazing in multicultural Greek organizations |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA (~2 hours from Twiggs County) | Elite Greek system | Hazing in high-profile fraternities/sororities |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA (~2.5 hours from Twiggs County) | Large Greek presence | Hazing in newer Greek chapters |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA (~3 hours from Twiggs County) | Major Greek system | Multiple hazing incidents reported |
Twiggs County families: If your child attends any of these universities (or others), they are at risk of hazing. The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit operate at these schools.
Fraternities Near Twiggs County with Hazing Histories
The following fraternities have been involved in hazing deaths, hospitalizations, or lawsuits – and they have chapters at universities near Twiggs County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Universities Near Twiggs County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Our $10M lawsuit (UH 2025); Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017) | UGA, Georgia Tech, Mercer |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Max Gruver death (LSU 2017 – $6.1M verdict) | UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021 – $10.1M settlement) | UGA, Georgia Tech, Mercer |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (Penn State 2017 – $110M+ settlement) | UGA, Georgia Tech |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death (LSU 2017) | UGA, Georgia Southern |
| Sigma Chi | Hazing lawsuits at multiple universities | UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory |
| Kappa Sigma | Hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide | UGA, Georgia Tech, Mercer |
| Delta Chi | Adam Oakes death (VCU 2021 – $4M+ settlement) | Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State |
| Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) | Danny Santulli blindness (Missouri 2021) | UGA, Georgia Tech |
Twiggs County parents: If your child is pledging any of these fraternities, they are at risk. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at universities near Twiggs County.
What Makes Attorney 911 Different?
1. We Know Hazing Cases Inside and Out
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Deep knowledge of Greek life culture – We understand how fraternities/sororities operate
- Pattern evidence expertise – We prove that hazing is systemic, not isolated
2. We’re Not Afraid of Big Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and powerful lawyers. Most law firms won’t take them on. We will.
3. We Fight for More Than Just Money
We want real change. Our lawsuits:
✅ Hold abusers accountable
✅ Force universities to implement real oversight
✅ Push for stronger anti-hazing laws
✅ Prevent future hazing victims
4. We Protect Our Clients
- Confidentiality – Your child’s identity can be protected
- No retaliation – We take legal action against anyone who intimidates our clients
- Compassionate representation – We understand the trauma of hazing
Twiggs County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”
It is:
❌ Assault
❌ Battery
❌ Torture
❌ Reckless endangerment
❌ Sometimes manslaughter
❌ Sometimes murder
Twiggs County families: Your child did not deserve this. The people who hurt them must be held accountable.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Free Consultation: Contact Us
We will fight for your Twiggs County family. We will not back down. And we will make them pay.
Serving Twiggs County, GA and Nationwide
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – Representing Hazing Victims Everywhere
Twiggs County families: Distance is not a barrier. We come to you.
