Hazing Lawyers in Ben Hill County, Georgia – Protecting Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

If your child was hazed in Ben Hill County, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Hazing isn’t just “tradition” or “harmless fun.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in too many cases, it’s deadly. At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. We’re ready to bring that same fight to Ben Hill County.

The Hazing Crisis in Ben Hill County

Hazing happens everywhere—including right here in Ben Hill County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at universities near Ben Hill County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across the country. The same “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis exist in Greek organizations near Ben Hill County.

Ben Hill County Families: This Could Be Your Child

• Forced drinking until alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
• Waterboarding—simulated drowning with a garden hose
• Forced eating until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
• Psychological torture—humiliation, threats, isolation

This isn’t hazing. This is abuse. And it’s happening near Ben Hill County.

Why Ben Hill County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to win these cases—and we’ll bring that same expertise to Ben Hill County.

2. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Ben Hill County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Ben Hill County. We have:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Willingness to travel to Ben Hill County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote consultation technology for Ben Hill County families

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Ben Hill County families.

3. 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 exactly how they think, strategize, and try to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook—and now we use it against them.

4. $0 Upfront Cost – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We take hazing cases on contingency—you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Ben Hill County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Ben Hill County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide bilingual legal services—no language barriers stand between you and justice.

What Makes a Strong Hazing Case for Ben Hill County Families?

Not all hazing incidents rise to the level of a lawsuit. Here’s what we look for in Ben Hill County cases:

✅ Clear hazing conduct – Activities that meet the legal definition of hazing (physical abuse, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, etc.)
✅ Documented injuries – Medical records proving physical or psychological harm (hospitalization, therapy records, etc.)
✅ Identifiable defendants – Knowing who did it, which organization was involved, and which university failed to stop it
✅ Evidence – Texts, photos, videos, witness statements
✅ Pattern of abuse – Not a one-time incident; systematic hazing
✅ Institutional knowledge – Did the university or national organization know about prior hazing incidents?

Our current case has ALL of these factors—and we’re ready to build a strong case for Ben Hill County families too.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Ben Hill County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable:

Fraternities & Sororities Near Ben Hill County

• Local chapters – The individuals who organized and participated in hazing
• National organizations – They set the culture and failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about prior incidents
• Housing corporations – They own or control the property where hazing occurred

Universities Near Ben Hill County

• The university itself – They have a duty to protect students and often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Greek life offices – They oversee fraternities and sororities and failed to prevent hazing
• Board of regents – Institutional oversight failure

Individuals

• Chapter presidents – Leadership responsibility
• Pledgemasters – Directly organized hazing activities
• Active members – Participated in hazing
• Alumni – Hosted hazing at their homes

In our current case, we’re suing 10 different defendants—including the national fraternity, the local chapter, the university, and individual members.

Ben Hill County Hazing Laws – Know Your Rights

Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Georgia law:

• Hazing is a criminal offense (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal
• Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing
• Individuals can be held personally liable for participating in hazing

Georgia law defines hazing as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a school organization.

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Ben Hill County

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause serious injuries that aren’t immediately apparent:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• PTSD, anxiety, depression (long-term psychological damage)

If your child is showing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe muscle pain
• Dark/brown urine
• Difficulty walking
• Confusion or disorientation
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

2. Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Any communications about hazing
• Photos and videos – Of injuries, hazing activities, or the location where hazing occurred
• Medical records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
• Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Fraternity/sorority documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do NOT give statements to university administrators without an attorney
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media

Anything you say or post can be used against you.

4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines—typically 2 years from the date of the incident in Georgia. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

What Compensation Can Ben Hill County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships lost)
• Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, mental health treatment)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, burns, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

In cases of egregious conduct (like waterboarding or forced drinking), courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future hazing.

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million—and we’re prepared to fight for similar compensation for Ben Hill County families.

Recent Hazing Cases – What Ben Hill County Families Can Expect

$10.1 Million Settlement – Stone Foltz (2021)

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, Bowling Green State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement; fraternity permanently expelled

$6.1 Million Jury Verdict – Maxwell Gruver (2017)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, Louisiana State University
• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• Hazing: Forced drinking game (“Bible Study”); wrong answer = drink more
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; criminal conviction

$110+ Million Settlement – Timothy Piazza (2017)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, Penn State University
• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement; 18 fraternity members charged

$10 Million Lawsuit – Leonel Bermudez (2025) – OUR CASE

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, University of Houston
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
• Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, forced eating until vomiting, wooden paddles
• Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending; chapter permanently closed

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families CAN and DO win big. Ben Hill County families deserve the same justice.

The Attorney 911 Difference – Why Ben Hill County Families Trust Us

1. We’re Not Afraid to Fight Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize claims. We have 25+ years of experience taking on institutions like these—and winning.

2. We’ve Been on Their Side – Now We’re on Yours

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. We Travel to Ben Hill County

We don’t just serve Ben Hill County remotely. We will:

• Come to Ben Hill County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Offer video consultations for your convenience
• Handle all communications with the university and fraternity

4. We Speak Your Language – Literally

Many hazing victims in Ben Hill County come from Spanish-speaking families. Se habla español—we provide bilingual legal services so language barriers don’t stand in the way of justice.

5. We Care About More Than Just the Money

We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. We’re fighting to:

• Hold the abusers accountable
• Prevent this from happening to other Ben Hill County families
• Change the culture of hazing in Greek life

Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Defeat Them

Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to avoid responsibility. Here are their most common defenses—and how we counter them:

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Their Argument: “He knew what he was getting into. He could have left at any time.”

Our Response:

• Georgia law says consent is NOT a defense (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
• Peer pressure and coercion negate true consent
• Fear of social retaliation (losing friends, being ostracized) is a form of duress
• “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity

Defense 2: “It Was Just a Prank – No Harm Intended”

Their Argument: “We didn’t mean to hurt anyone. It was just tradition.”

Our Response:

• Intent doesn’t matter—what matters is the harm caused
• Waterboarding is torture—not a prank
• Forced drinking can be deadly—not a joke
• The law doesn’t care about “intent” when serious injuries occur

Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”

Their Argument: “We had no idea this was happening.”

Our Response:

• Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life—especially if they own the fraternity house
• Prior incidents prove they knew—many universities have hazing histories
• They have the power to inspect and regulate—failure to do so is negligence

Defense 4: “It Was Just a Few Bad Apples”

Their Argument: “Only a few members were involved. The organization shouldn’t be held responsible.”

Our Response:

• Organizations are vicariously liable for the actions of their members
• Leadership sets the culture—if hazing is tolerated, it’s the organization’s fault
• National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney 911

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We’ll listen to your story
• We’ll evaluate your case
• We’ll explain your legal options
• $0 cost – no obligation

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

• We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save evidence
• We’ll help you gather and protect all relevant documents, photos, and communications

Step 3: Investigation

• We’ll interview witnesses
• We’ll obtain medical records
• We’ll research the fraternity’s and university’s hazing history
• We’ll build a strong case

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

• We’ll send a demand letter to the defendants outlining your damages
• We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

• If the defendants refuse to settle fairly, we’ll file a lawsuit
• We’ll handle all court proceedings
• We’ll fight for you at trial if needed

Step 6: Resolution

• We’ll recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
• You pay nothing unless we win

Ben Hill County Hazing Resources

Immediate Help

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225 (24/7 mental health support)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (for emotional distress)
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (for sexual assault victims)

Reporting Hazing in Ben Hill County

• Local law enforcement – File a police report
• University Title IX office – Report sexual assault or harassment
• Georgia Department of Education – Report hazing at public schools/colleges

Hazing Prevention Organizations

• Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
• StopHazing.org – Resources for students and families
• Clery Center – Campus safety information

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Ben Hill County

Q: My child doesn’t want to report the hazing. What should I do?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. But reporting is important for:

• Your child’s safety – Hazing often escalates
• Other students’ safety – Reporting could prevent future incidents
• Legal protection – The sooner we act, the stronger the case

We can help your child report anonymously if needed.

Q: Can we sue even if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Yes. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Georgia, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of the recovery.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it’s part of a school organization’s activities, the university and fraternity can still be held liable.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Absolutely. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters.

Q: What if my child was injured but not hospitalized?

A: You can still pursue compensation for:

• Medical treatment (even if not hospitalized)
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Educational disruption

Q: Can we sue for emotional distress even if there were no physical injuries?

A: Yes. Hazing often causes severe psychological harm, including:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation

These injuries are just as real as physical injuries—and just as compensable.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university?

A: Private universities can still be held liable for hazing. They have the same duty to protect students as public universities.

Q: Can we sue individual members of the fraternity/sorority?

A: Yes. Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable. In our current case, we’re suing multiple individual members.

Q: What if the hazing happened years ago?

A: The 2-year statute of limitations typically starts when the injury is discovered. If you’re unsure whether your case is still valid, contact us for a free evaluation.

Ben Hill County Universities – Greek Life Hazing Risks

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at Ben Hill County institutions, we can tell you this:

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate at universities near Ben Hill County.

Fraternities Near Ben Hill County with Hazing Histories

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Ben Hill County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

What Ben Hill County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Doesn’t Always Look Like “Hazing”

Many parents think hazing involves extreme physical abuse. But hazing can be:

• Subtle pressure (“It’s tradition—everyone goes through it”)
• Forced drinking (“Just have a few shots—it’s no big deal”)
• Sleep deprivation (“You have to stay up all night for your brothers”)
• Humiliation (“Carry this around all day—it’s funny”)
• Isolation (“Don’t tell anyone what happens here”)

2. Hazing Happens in Sororities Too

While fraternity hazing gets more attention, sorority hazing is just as common and just as dangerous. It often involves:

• Forced drinking
• Extreme dieting
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual coercion

3. Hazing Isn’t Just for Fraternities and Sororities

Hazing happens in:

• Sports teams (high school and college)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Honor societies
• Clubs and organizations
• Military academies

4. Hazing Can Be Deadly

Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. Hazing kills through:

• Alcohol poisoning (forced drinking)
• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling)
• Extreme exercise (rhabdomyolysis)
• Neglect (failure to seek medical help)

5. Universities Often Cover Up Hazing

Universities have a financial incentive to downplay hazing:

• They don’t want to lose tuition money
• They don’t want to lose donations from alumni
• They don’t want negative publicity

Don’t trust the university to investigate fairly. Get your own legal representation.

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

For Parents of High School Students Considering College Greek Life:

• Ask questions: “What does ‘pledging’ involve?”
• Set boundaries: “If you’re ever pressured to do something dangerous, call me immediately.”
• Research the organization: Look up the fraternity/sorority’s hazing history
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is

For Parents of College Students in Greek Life:

• Check in regularly: “How’s pledging going?”
• Watch for warning signs:
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Withdrawal from friends/family
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Fear of talking about Greek life
• Encourage reporting: “If something bad happens, you won’t be in trouble for reporting it.”

If Your Child Admits to Being Hazed:

• Stay calm – They’re already traumatized; don’t make them feel ashamed
• Believe them – Hazing is often minimized by those who experience it
• Get medical attention – Even if they seem “fine”
• Preserve evidence – Save texts, photos, videos
• Contact a lawyer – Before talking to the university or fraternity

The Attorney 911 Promise to Ben Hill County Families

When you hire Attorney 911, we promise:

✅ We will listen – Your story matters
✅ We will fight – No institution is too powerful to take on
✅ We will communicate – You’ll never be left in the dark
✅ We will travel to Ben Hill County – We’re not just a phone call away; we’ll be there in person
✅ We will win – We don’t back down from tough cases

You’re not just a case to us. You’re a family that deserves justice.

Contact Attorney 911 – Ben Hill County’s Hazing Lawyers

If your child was hazed in Ben Hill County, call us now for a free consultation.

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

Se habla español

We serve Ben Hill County and all of Georgia. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Ben Hill County Families: Enough Is Enough

For too long, universities and Greek organizations have gotten away with hazing. They’ve prioritized “tradition” over safety. They’ve protected their institutions over our children.

That ends now.

With your courage and our legal firepower, we can:

• Hold the abusers accountable
• Change the culture of Greek life
• Prevent this from happening to another Ben Hill County family

Call Attorney 911 today. The fight starts now.