🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Clayton County, GA – Holding Fraternities and Universities Accountable

Clayton County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?

If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Clayton County, Georgia, you’re not alone. And you’re not powerless.

We are Attorney 911 – a Texas-based law firm with nationwide reach specializing in hazing litigation. While we’re headquartered in Houston, we represent hazing victims across America, including right here in Clayton County. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing. The same fraternities, the same negligence, and the same culture of abuse exist at universities near Clayton County – and we will fight for Clayton County families with the same aggression.

If your child was hazed in Clayton County, we can help. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

The Hazing Crisis in Clayton County: It’s Happening Here

Clayton County is home to Clayton State University, a vibrant campus with active Greek life. But behind the letters and social events lies a dangerous reality: hazing is happening right here in Clayton County.

Clayton County Universities and the Greek Organizations That Operate Here:

While Clayton State University itself has a strong anti-hazing policy, national fraternities and sororities with chapters at nearby universities bring their hazing culture to Clayton County. These include:

Georgia State University (GSU) – Just 15 miles north of Clayton County, GSU has multiple Greek organizations with documented hazing histories.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) – Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech’s Greek life has faced hazing allegations in the past.
Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University – These historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Atlanta University Center Consortium have active Greek life with chapters of major national organizations.
Private colleges in the Atlanta metro area – Many private institutions in the region have Greek organizations with hazing risks.

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters near Clayton County, including:

Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
Phi Delta Theta
Kappa Sigma
Sigma Chi
And many others

These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening at universities near Clayton County – and they could be happening to your child.

What Is Hazing? Georgia Law and the Reality in Clayton County

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

Georgia law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or a former student, of a school, college, or university against another student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization operating under the sanction of a school, college, or university.”

This includes:

Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
Sleep deprivation
Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
Any activity that endangers mental or physical health

Georgia law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal, period.

The Reality of Hazing in Clayton County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. In our current case, we’ve documented:

Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until collapse
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in their mouth
Sleep deprivation and exhaustion from driving fraternity members at all hours

This isn’t tradition. This is trauma. And it’s happening at universities near Clayton County.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Clayton County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

The chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly liable for the abuse. This includes:

Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
Active members who participated
Members who witnessed and failed to stop it

In our current case, we’re suing the UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter and its officers for their direct role in the hazing.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

The national organization that oversees the local chapter is liable for failing to prevent hazing, especially if they knew about prior incidents. In our case:

Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies.
They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter – but they did nothing.
Now, Leonel Bermudez has been hospitalized with kidney failure.

If your child was hazed by a fraternity or sorority with a national organization, we will hold the nationals accountable.

3. The University or College

Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. They can be held liable for:

Failing to supervise Greek life
Ignoring prior hazing incidents
Allowing hazing to occur on university-owned property
Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies

In our case, the University of Houston OWNS the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to inspect and shut down the chapter – but they didn’t.

If your child was hazed at or near a Clayton County university, we will investigate whether the institution failed in its duty to protect.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in, encouraged, or failed to stop hazing can be held personally liable. In our case, we’re suing:

The fraternity president
The pledgemaster
Active members who participated
Former members who hosted hazing at their homes
Even the spouse of a former member who allowed hazing to occur at their residence

Hazing is not just the organization’s fault – it’s the fault of the individuals who did it.

5. Insurance Companies

Most fraternities, sororities, and universities have liability insurance that covers hazing incidents. We know how to:

Identify all insurance policies that may provide coverage
Demand policy limits
Fight insurance companies that try to deny or minimize claims

What Can Clayton County Families Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit?

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
Lost wages (if hazing caused your child to miss work or lose job opportunities)
Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships if hazing disrupted their education)
Future earning capacity (if hazing caused long-term physical or psychological harm)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Physical pain and suffering (the agony of hazing injuries and recovery)
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse)
Humiliation and shame (from degrading hazing activities)
Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Fear of retribution (many hazing victims are afraid to speak out)

Punitive Damages (Punishing the Wrongdoers)

In cases of egregious misconduct, courts can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing. In our case:

The fraternity waterboarded a student (a form of torture).
They forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down.
They knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing.
A jury could award punitive damages to send a message that this conduct is unacceptable.

Georgia law allows punitive damages when defendants act with willful misconduct, malice, fraud, or conscious indifference to the consequences. Hazing often meets this standard.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions

Hazing cases do win – and they win big. Here are just a few examples of multi-million-dollar hazing settlements and verdicts:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha) – $10.1 Million

What happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: The family received $10.1 million in settlements from the university and fraternity.
Why it matters: This is the same amount we’re seeking in our current case. $10 million is a realistic demand for serious hazing injuries.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University (Phi Delta Theta) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What happened: Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. He died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495 (more than 6 times the legal limit).
Outcome: A jury awarded the family $6.1 million. The fraternity member responsible was convicted of negligent homicide.
Why it matters: Juries will award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (Beta Theta Pi) – $110+ Million

What happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” drinking ritual. He fell down basement stairs multiple times and died from traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
Outcome: The family settled for an estimated $110 million. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Why it matters: When evidence is strong (like security camera footage in this case), settlements reach $100+ million.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (Pi Kappa Phi) – Confidential Settlement

What happened: Andrew Coffey was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: The family reached a confidential settlement with Pi Kappa Phi. Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
Why it matters: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey’s death – but they didn’t. Now, Leonel Bermudez has been hospitalized.

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to Clayton County cases.

What Should Clayton County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?

If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what to do right now:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause serious internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible.
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can lead to kidney failure, as we saw in our case.
Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) may not appear right away.
Get your child checked by a doctor. Medical records are critical evidence.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Preserve everything:

Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
Photos and videos (injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house, any physical evidence)
Text messages and social media (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp, iMessage – do not delete anything)
Witness information (names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders, or anyone who saw what happened)
Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules, any written materials)
Financial records (medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments)

Do NOT:

Delete any messages or posts
Talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
Sign anything from the organization or university
Post about the incident on social media

3. Report the Hazing to Authorities

File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Georgia. The police can investigate and press charges.
Report to the university. Most schools have a Title IX office or student conduct office that handles hazing complaints.
Report to the national fraternity/sorority. They may claim to take hazing seriously, but they often protect the organization over victims.

Note: Reporting to the university or fraternity can be intimidating. We can help you navigate this process.

4. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to protect the institution – not your child.
They will try to get your child to sign documents, give statements, or accept lowball settlements.
Anything your child says can be used against them.
Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to sue for more.

Before you talk to anyone, talk to us.

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
Evidence disappears quickly. Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build your case.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Clayton County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We’re not just talking about hazing – we’re actively litigating a $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to pressure defendants, and how to win.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know how the other side thinks, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which gives us the ability to pursue hazing cases in federal court when appropriate. This is critical for cases involving:

National fraternities/sororities (headquartered out of state)
Universities receiving federal funding
Civil rights violations

4. We’re Licensed in Texas AND New York

Our dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) gives us a strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered in New York.

5. We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations

No upfront cost – We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
No obligation – We’ll evaluate your case and tell you if you have a claim.
Confidential – Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege.

6. We Serve Clayton County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including right here in Clayton County. We offer:

Video consultations – Meet with us remotely from the comfort of your home.
Travel to Clayton County – We’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.
Local expertise – We understand Georgia law and Clayton County’s unique community.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, including:

BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
Trucking accidents, car crashes, and workplace injuries
Wrongful death cases
And now, hazing cases

We know how to win against powerful institutions – and we’ll do the same for Clayton County families.

8. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. Our staff is bilingual, and we can communicate with you in Spanish throughout your case.

9. We’re Aggressive, Compassionate, and Relentless

We don’t just file lawsuits – we fight for justice. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families. We’ll be your advocates, your guides, and your champions every step of the way.

Clayton County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling shame, fear, and isolation. Many victims:

Blame themselves
Are afraid of retaliation
Don’t want to “ruin” the fraternity or sorority
Feel pressured to stay quiet
Don’t realize they have legal rights

But you are not alone. And you are not powerless.

What happened to your child was not their fault. It was the fault of the individuals who hazed them and the institutions that allowed it to happen.

You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries.

And we will fight for you.

Clayton County Families: What’s Next?

If your child was hazed in Clayton County or at a nearby university, here’s what will happen when you call us:

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

We’ll listen to your story in a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll evaluate the strength of your case and explain your legal options.
We’ll answer all your questions about the process, timeline, and potential outcomes.

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve evidence.
We’ll help you gather and secure all relevant documents, photos, videos, and communications.
We’ll identify and interview witnesses.

Step 3: Medical and Financial Documentation

We’ll work with medical experts to document your child’s injuries and long-term prognosis.
We’ll calculate your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.).
We’ll prepare a demand package to send to the defendants.

Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with the defendants to reach a fair settlement.
If they refuse to offer a reasonable amount, we’ll file a lawsuit and take them to court.
We’ll prepare for trial, including depositions, expert testimony, and jury selection.

Step 5: Resolution

If we reach a settlement, we’ll ensure you receive your compensation quickly.
If we go to trial, we’ll present your case to a jury and fight for the maximum award.
Either way, we won’t stop until justice is served.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Clayton County

1. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Georgia law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal, and the perpetrators can still be held accountable.

2. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. If the hazing was part of a fraternity, sorority, or student organization activity, it can still be prosecuted and sued over – even if it happened at a private residence or off-campus location.

3. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from the fraternity, sorority, or their peers. We take these concerns seriously and will:

Protect your child’s identity as much as possible.
Take legal action against anyone who retaliates.
Work with the university to ensure your child’s safety.

4. What if the fraternity or sorority claims they didn’t know about the hazing?

Fraternities and sororities often claim ignorance, but they have a duty to supervise their members. If they failed to implement safeguards, ignored prior hazing incidents, or allowed a culture of abuse to exist, they can still be held liable.

5. What if the university claims they didn’t know?

Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If they failed to enforce anti-hazing policies, ignored complaints, or allowed hazing to occur on their property, they can be held liable – even if they claim they didn’t know.

6. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. If your child was hazed, you must act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

You pay nothing upfront.
We only get paid if we win your case.
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we’re motivated to maximize your compensation.

8. Can you help if my child was hazed at a university outside Clayton County?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at universities in Georgia and across the country. We have the resources and experience to handle cases anywhere in America.

9. What if my child was hazed by a sports team, marching band, or other organization?

Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities
Sports teams
Marching bands
ROTC programs
Clubs and organizations
Military academies

If your child was hazed, we can help – no matter the organization.

10. What if my child died from hazing?

If your child died as a result of hazing, you may have a wrongful death claim. These cases often result in higher settlements and verdicts because juries understand the devastating loss of a child. We can help you pursue compensation for:

Funeral expenses
Loss of companionship
Loss of future earnings
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages

Clayton County’s Hazing Lawyers: We’re Here to Fight for You

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not harmless fun.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it has to stop.

If your child was hazed in Clayton County or at a nearby university, we will fight for you. We’ll hold the fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable. We’ll pursue every dollar of compensation your child deserves. And we’ll send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Clayton County or anywhere in America.