Hazing Lawyers Serving Barrow County, Georgia – Protecting Students and Families
Aggressive Legal Representation for Hazing Victims in Barrow County
If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Barrow County, Georgia, 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 are ready to bring the same aggressive representation to Barrow County families.
While based in Texas, our attorneys serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Barrow County, Georgia. We understand the unique challenges Barrow County families face when their children are hazed at nearby universities, and we are committed to holding institutions accountable for failing to protect students.
Why Barrow County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
✅ Proven Hazing Litigation Experience – We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
✅ Nationwide Service – We represent hazing victims across America, including Barrow County, Georgia
✅ Federal Court Authority – Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – able to pursue federal claims
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims – and we know how to fight back
✅ Dual-State Bar Admission – Licensed in Texas and New York – strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities
✅ Will Travel to Barrow County – For depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Remote Consultations Available – Video meetings for Barrow County families who cannot travel
✅ Se Habla Español – Bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking families in Barrow County
✅ Contingency Fee Representation – $0 upfront – we don’t get paid unless you win
The Hazing Crisis in Georgia and Near Barrow County
Hazing is not just a problem in Texas – it happens at universities and colleges across Georgia, including near Barrow County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate in Texas have active chapters at Georgia institutions, and they bring the same dangerous hazing culture with them.
Universities Near Barrow County with Greek Life
While Barrow County itself is home to smaller community colleges, major universities with Greek organizations are located within driving distance, including:
- University of Georgia (Athens, GA) – One of the largest Greek systems in the country
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) – Active fraternities and sororities
- Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) – Urban campus with Greek life presence
- Emory University (Atlanta, GA) – Prestigious private university with Greek organizations
- University of North Georgia (Dahlonega, GA) – Public university with Greek life
- Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA) – Large Greek community
- Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville, GA) – Growing Greek presence
- Brenau University (Gainesville, GA) – Private university with Greek organizations
These same fraternities have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M lawsuit)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
If your child attends or plans to attend college near Barrow County, they could be at risk of hazing at these institutions.
What Is Hazing? Georgia Law and Your Rights
Georgia Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
Georgia law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act which endangers the physical health of a student, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any school, college, university, or other educational organization.”
Hazing is a criminal offense in Georgia:
- Misdemeanor: Hazing that does not cause serious bodily harm
- Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily harm or death (punishable by 1-5 years in prison)
Consent is NOT a defense – even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Georgia
In addition to criminal charges, victims and families can sue for financial compensation through civil lawsuits. Potential defendants include:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter (directly responsible for hazing)
- The national fraternity/sorority organization (failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture)
- The university/college (failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred)
- Individual members (participated in or facilitated hazing)
- Alumni or house corporations (allowed hazing on their property)
Damages available in Georgia hazing lawsuits include:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death damages (if hazing results in death)
Real Hazing Cases – What Happens Near Barrow County
Our Current Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective Pi Kappa Phi pledge at the University of Houston, was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing, including:
✔ Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✔ Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck with wooden paddles
✔ Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
✔ Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
✔ Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour
This same fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) has chapters at universities near Barrow County, Georgia. If they hazed a student in Texas, they could be hazing students in Georgia too.
Other Recent Hazing Cases in the Southeast
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 – Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State (OH) | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| 2017 – Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State (LA) | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| 2017 – Timothy Piazza | Penn State (PA) | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million settlement |
| 2023 – Sigma Chi | University of Alabama | Sigma Chi | Lawsuit filed for TBI |
| 2024 – UT Austin | University of Texas | Sigma Chi | Wrongful death lawsuit filed |
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win – and that universities and fraternities will pay millions when they fail to protect students.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Barrow County, Georgia
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Hazing can cause internal injuries, organ damage, or psychological trauma that may not be immediately apparent
- Document everything – medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
- Write down everything – dates, times, what happened, who was involved
- Get witness names and contact information
- Do NOT delete anything – even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure you to stay quiet
- They will destroy evidence if they can
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call our hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- We offer free, confidential consultations
- We will travel to Barrow County for your case
Why Barrow County Families Need a Lawyer for Hazing Cases
1. Fraternities and Universities Have Lawyers – You Need One Too
- Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability
- They will blame the victim and claim “consent”
- You need an experienced hazing attorney to level the playing field
2. Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts vanish
- Fraternities destroy internal records
- The sooner you act, the better your case
3. Georgia Has a 2-Year Statute of Limitations
- You have only 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
- If you wait, you lose your right to compensation forever
- Do not let time run out
4. We Know How to Maximize Your Compensation
- We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate damages
- We know how to prove pain and suffering
- We know how to pursue punitive damages for egregious conduct
5. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case in Texas
- We know exactly how these organizations operate
- We know how to expose their lies and cover-ups
Common Hazing Injuries in Barrow County Cases
Hazing can cause serious, life-altering injuries, including:
| Injury Type | Examples | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Injuries | Broken bones, burns, bruises, cuts | Scarring, chronic pain, disability |
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise | Kidney failure, permanent organ damage |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Brain damage, death |
| Head Injuries | Concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI) | Memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes |
| Heat Stroke / Hypothermia | Extreme physical exertion in heat/cold | Organ failure, death |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | PTSD, depression, trust issues |
| Psychological Trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts | Long-term therapy, medication, inability to function |
| Wrongful Death | Death from hazing activities | Loss of life, loss of future earnings, funeral expenses |
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Barrow County?
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
- Members who participated can be sued individually
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Knew about hazing culture but did nothing
- Have deep pockets – millions in assets and insurance
3. The University or College
- Failed to protect students from hazing
- Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
- Had power to suspend or expel organizations – failed to act
4. Individual Members
- Each person who participated in hazing can be sued personally
- Stone Foltz case: Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
5. Alumni and House Corporations
- Allowed hazing on their property
- Premises liability – responsible for safety on their property
Barrow County Hazing Lawyers – Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Barrow County, Georgia, you have legal rights – and we can help.
Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – no obligation
✔ $0 upfront fees – we work on contingency
✔ Video consultations – no need to travel
✔ Aggressive representation – we fight for maximum compensation
✔ Nationwide service – we come to Barrow County for your case
Don’t wait – evidence disappears, and the statute of limitations is running out. Call us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Barrow County
Q: What is the first thing I should do if my child is hazed?
A: Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Then preserve all evidence (photos, texts, witness names) and contact a hazing lawyer before talking to the fraternity, sorority, or university.
Q: Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?
A: Yes. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable for any harm caused.
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- Whether the university/fraternity knew about prior hazing
- Egregiousness of the conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking)
Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Georgia?
A: 2 years from the date of injury. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever. Contact a lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
A: No. Many states, including Georgia, have hazing immunity laws that protect victims and witnesses who report hazing. Additionally, Georgia law makes hazing a crime – the perpetrators, not the victims, should be punished.
Q: Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the fraternity, sorority, or university was involved, they can be held liable.
Q: What if the fraternity/sorority is already suspended?
A: That doesn’t protect them from liability. In fact, their quick suspension may be an admission of guilt. We can still pursue compensation from the national organization, the university, and individual members.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there is no financial risk to you.
Barrow County Hazing Lawyers – We Fight for Justice
Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “brotherhood.” It is abuse, and it has no place in Barrow County or anywhere in Georgia.
If your child has been hazed, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable. Our attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today
Or Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Barrow County, Georgia, and all surrounding areas. We will travel to you. We will fight for you. We will get justice for you.
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Barrow County, Georgia, and Nationwide
1-888-ATTY-911 | attorney911.com