🚨 Hazing Victims in Banks County, Georgia: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

Banks County families: If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Banks County, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Banks County.

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Banks County

Hazing isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening right here in Georgia. The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have active chapters at universities near Banks County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client with kidney failure exist at Georgia institutions.

Banks County parents: Your children face the same risks. The same negligence. The same betrayal of trust.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Banks County

In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

The abuse he endured included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
• Carrying objects of a sexual nature — psychological humiliation
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours

This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “brotherhood.” This is torture.

And it’s happening at universities near Banks County.

Georgia Universities With Greek Life — The Same Hazing Risks Exist

While we don’t have evidence of specific hazing incidents at these institutions, we know the same national fraternities operate at universities near Banks County. These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — including $10 million in our current case.

Universities near Banks County with Greek life include:

University of North Georgia (UNG) – Dahlonega Campus

• Location: ~40 miles from Banks County
• Greek Organizations: Multiple fraternities and sororities, including national organizations with histories of hazing
• Why It Matters: UNG has a significant Greek presence, and the same national fraternities that hazed our client operate on this campus.

Brenau University (Women’s College)

• Location: ~45 miles from Banks County (Gainesville, GA)
• Greek Organizations: Sororities with national affiliations
• Why It Matters: Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities — sororities engage in dangerous hazing practices too.

Piedmont University

• Location: ~30 miles from Banks County (Demorest, GA)
• Greek Organizations: Smaller Greek system but still includes national organizations
• Why It Matters: Even smaller schools aren’t immune to hazing culture.

Georgia State University – Perimeter College (Clarkston Campus)

• Location: ~70 miles from Banks County
• Greek Organizations: Large Greek system with national fraternities and sororities
• Why It Matters: Major universities with Greek life have higher hazing risks due to larger chapter sizes and more entrenched cultures.

University of Georgia (UGA) – Athens

• Location: ~75 miles from Banks County
• Greek Organizations: One of the largest Greek systems in the country
• Why It Matters: Large Greek systems often have more extreme hazing practices due to competition between chapters.

Banks County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client. The same fraternities. The same culture. The same negligence.

Georgia Hazing Laws: What Banks County Families Need to Know

Georgia has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights. Here’s what Banks County families should understand:

Georgia Anti-Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)

Definition of Hazing:

Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse
• Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in jail and/or $5,000 fine
• Felony (if death or serious injury results): 1-5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine

Consent is NOT a Defense:

Like Texas, Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Georgia

Banks County families can sue for damages if their child is hazed. You can hold the following parties accountable:

1. The Local Chapter — The fraternity or sorority that organized the hazing
2. National Organization — The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
3. University/College — The institution that failed to protect students
4. Individual Members — The people who directly participated in the hazing

Types of Damages You Can Recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
• Wrongful death (if the hazing results in death)

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Banks County

If your child has been hazed at a university near Banks County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Immediate Steps for Banks County Families:

1. Get Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor.
   • Rhabdomyolysis (like our client suffered) can have delayed symptoms.
   • Medical records are crucial evidence.

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, any items used.
   • Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails.
   • Document everything — write down dates, times, what happened, who was involved.
   • Get witness names — other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative.
   • They may pressure your child to sign documents or make statements.
   • Anything your child says can be used against them.

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media.
   • Even innocent posts can be twisted to undermine your case.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

   • Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
   • We offer free, confidential consultations for Banks County families.
   • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Banks County Families Choose Attorney 911

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

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — we’re in the fight right now. Banks County families get the same aggressive representation.

We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. We know their playbook because we used to be on their side.

• Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney — he knows how they think.
• Lupe Pena worked at a national defense firm — he knows their strategies.
• Together, they represent 37+ years of experience taking on powerful defendants.

We Have the Resources to Take on Banks County Cases

• Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York (strategic for national fraternity litigation).
• Willingness to travel — We will come to Banks County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
• Remote consultations — Banks County families can meet with us via video.

We Protect Our Clients

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We understand that fear. We will protect your child’s privacy and safety throughout the legal process.

We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs for Banks County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. We take hazing cases on contingency:

• $0 upfront — You pay nothing to hire us.
• $0 unless we win — We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
• No financial risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Banks County Hazing Cases We Can Handle

We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:

If your child was hazed in Banks County or at a university near Banks County, we can help.

Common Hazing Injuries in Banks County Cases

Hazing can cause serious, life-altering injuries. Banks County families should be aware of these risks:

These injuries are preventable. When they happen, someone must be held accountable.

Banks County Families: You Have Options

If your child has been hazed near Banks County, you have several paths to justice:

1. Criminal Complaint

• File a report with local law enforcement.
• Georgia hazing law provides for criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony).
• The district attorney can prosecute the perpetrators.

2. University Complaint

• File a complaint with the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office.
• The university may investigate and discipline the organization/members.

3. Civil Lawsuit

• Sue for damages to recover compensation for injuries.
• Hold the organization, national fraternity, and university accountable.
• This is where Attorney 911 can help Banks County families.

4. Media Exposure

• Share your story with local media (we can help with this).
• Public pressure can force institutions to act.

5. Legislative Advocacy

• Work with Georgia legislators to strengthen hazing laws.
• Support the Stop Campus Hazing Act at the federal level.

We can guide Banks County families through all of these options.

Banks County Hazing: What NOT to Do

If your child has been hazed, avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Don’t confront the organization alone — They’ll coordinate their story and intimidate witnesses.
❌ Don’t sign anything — They may try to get you to sign a waiver or settlement.
❌ Don’t post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you.
❌ Don’t wait to act — Evidence disappears, and the 2-year statute of limitations runs out.
❌ Don’t assume it’s “not that bad” — Hazing often escalates; what seems minor can become life-threatening.
❌ Don’t try to handle it alone — Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers. You need your own team.

Banks County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now

The 2-year statute of limitations in Georgia means you have limited time to take legal action. Every day you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• The organization destroys records
• Your legal rights expire

Banks County families: Don’t let them get away with it.

Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Banks County Families

If your child has been hazed at a university near Banks County, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• Remote consultations for Banks County families
• Willingness to travel to Banks County
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront

Banks County parents: You trusted these institutions to keep your children safe. They failed. Now trust us to hold them accountable.

Banks County Families: We Will Fight for You

This is what we’re fighting for in our current case — and what we’ll fight for in Banks County:

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

Banks County: Enough is enough. It’s time to end hazing. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for justice.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.