🛡️ Hazing Victims Legal Emergency — Attorney 911 Serving Clinch County, Georgia
When Tradition Becomes Torture: Your Legal Rights After Hazing in Clinch County
Clinch County families: If your child has been hazed, assaulted, or injured in a Greek organization, sports team, or student group — we can help. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Clinch County.
📞 Call Now — Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Clinch County: What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — It Happens in Clinch County Too
Clinch County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the truth is, hazing happens at universities across Georgia — including those near Clinch County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in our region.
Clinch County parents deserve to know:
- The same Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that hospitalized a student in Houston has chapters at universities near Clinch County
- The same Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity that killed a student in Alabama has chapters near Clinch County
- The same Phi Delta Theta fraternity that caused a $6.1 million verdict in Louisiana has chapters near Clinch County
- Your child could be next
What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in Georgia
Georgia law defines hazing as any intentional act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization. This includes:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion, sleep deprivation
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or passing out
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding, humiliation, threats, isolation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous activities: Blindfolded runs, extreme weather exposure, confined spaces
Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61):
- Hazing is a misdemeanor for first offense
- Hazing causing serious bodily injury is a felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison
- Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
⚠️ The Clinch County Hazing Reality: What’s Happening Near You
Universities Near Clinch County with Greek Life Presence
While Clinch County itself is a rural community, many families send their children to larger universities across Georgia where Greek life thrives. These institutions have the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas:
| University | Location | Distance from Clinch County | Greek Life Presence | Notable Hazing History in Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | ~250 miles | Major Greek system | Multiple hazing suspensions |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | ~150 miles | Strong Greek presence | Hazing incidents reported |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | ~90 miles | Active Greek life | Hazing violations documented |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | ~120 miles | Large Greek system | Andrew Coffey hazing death (2017) |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~180 miles | Major Greek presence | Hazing suspensions |
| Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA | ~300 miles | Greek organizations | Hazing incidents reported |
Clinch County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
The Same National Fraternities Operate Near Clinch County
The fraternities involved in major hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at universities near Clinch County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Case | Settlement/Verdict | Chapters Near Clinch County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) | $10M lawsuit pending | UGA, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | $10.1M settlement | UGA, Georgia Tech, Florida State |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) | $6.1M verdict | UGA, Georgia Southern |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple Georgia cases | Various settlements | UGA, Valdosta State, University of Florida |
| Sigma Chi | Recent Georgia cases | Pending | UGA, Georgia Tech |
| Kappa Sigma | Georgia hazing incidents | Various | UGA, Georgia Southern |
These are not isolated incidents. These are national organizations with systemic hazing problems that operate chapters near Clinch County.
💔 What Happens to Hazing Victims: The Clinch County Family’s Nightmare
The Story We’re Fighting Right Now — And It Could Happen to Your Child
Meet Leonel Bermudez. He wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. He just wanted to join a fraternity and make friends.
Instead, over seven weeks in Fall 2025, he was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
What they did to him:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made him continue running
- Forced him to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Made him carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times
- Hog-tied another pledge face-down on a table with an object in his mouth
- Forced him to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, causing exhaustion
- Threatened him with expulsion if he didn’t comply
On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, he was forced through a brutal workout including two-mile warmups, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He collapsed, crawled up the stairs when he got home, and couldn’t move the next day. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical exertion.
He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture.
And it’s happening at universities near Clinch County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Clinch County Hazing Victim
Who Is Legally Responsible for Hazing in Clinch County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally accountable — and we sue them all:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Clinch County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapter at your child’s university |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, etc. — same nationals near Clinch County |
| University | Failed to protect students, owned property where hazing occurred | University your child attends |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility, directed activities | President, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who abused your child |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Former members who hosted events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability | Multiple layers of insurance may apply |
What Can Clinch County Families Sue For?
Economic Damages (Financial Losses):
- Medical bills (hospitalization, treatment, rehabilitation)
- Future medical expenses (ongoing kidney monitoring, potential dialysis)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Lost academic investment (tuition, scholarships)
- Property damage (clothing, personal items destroyed during hazing)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement (scars from paddling, branding, burns)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct):
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
- Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, paddling — all support punitive damages
- Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait to Act
Georgia law requires you to file suit within:
- 2 years from the date of injury for personal injury claims
- 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims
Don’t wait until it’s too late:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Your legal rights expire
Clinch County families: If your child was hazed, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
💰 The Cost of Hazing: What Clinch County Families Can Expect
Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Prove Hazing Cases Win
Clinch County families need to know: Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Clinch County victims.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Year | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | 2021 | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | 2017 | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | 2017 | Settlement | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | 2017 | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | 2021 | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our current case: We’re fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez with kidney failure.
These same results are possible for Clinch County victims.
Why These Cases Settle for Millions
- Juries hate hazing — When they hear about waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and wooden paddles, they award significant damages
- Universities and nationals have deep pockets — They have substantial insurance coverage and assets
- Pattern evidence increases value — Multiple incidents at the same chapter or fraternity dramatically increase case value
- Punitive damages are appropriate — Egregious conduct justifies punitive awards
- Media attention increases pressure — Public scrutiny forces institutions to settle
🏢 Who We Are: Clinch County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Clinch County
We are not just personal injury lawyers. We are hazing litigation specialists.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Clinch County, Georgia.
Why Clinch County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Clinch County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think and fight — now we use that knowledge against them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Clinch County cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case — same strategies available for Clinch County |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Clinch County families |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you get paid |
| Will Travel to Clinch County | For depositions, client meetings, and trials |
Our Attorneys: Fighting for Clinch County Hazing Victims
RALPH P. MANGINELLO — Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience — available for Clinch County cases
- Former insurance defense attorney — knows how insurance companies minimize claims
- Federal court admission — can pursue Clinch County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar admission — Texas AND New York
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
- Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach — understands team culture and pressures that lead to hazing
- Father of three — knows what’s at stake when children are harmed
LUPE ELENO PEÑA — Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience — available for Clinch County cases
- Former national insurance defense attorney — worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending insurance companies
- Federal court admission — can pursue Clinch County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Fluent in Spanish — serves Spanish-speaking Clinch County families
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise — same skills apply to hazing cases
- Third-generation Texan with deep community values — understands Clinch County family priorities
📋 What Clinch County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Clinch County Hazing Victims
⚠️ If your child has been hazed, follow these steps immediately:
-
Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
-
Document Everything
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Preserve physical evidence — clothing, objects used in hazing
-
Report the Incident
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Georgia
- Report to the university — file a formal complaint with Greek life office
- Report to the national organization — if applicable
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not agree to any settlements without consulting an attorney
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Avoid discussing the incident online
- Avoid posting photos that could be misinterpreted
- Avoid engaging with Greek life members online
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for Clinch County hazing emergencies
- Free consultation — we evaluate your case at no cost
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
-
Preserve Evidence for Your Attorney
- Do not delete any messages or posts
- Do not destroy any physical evidence
- Follow your attorney’s instructions for evidence preservation
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing: What Clinch County Parents Should Watch For
Red Flags That Your Child May Be a Hazing Victim
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Clinch County parents should watch for these warning signs:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical Signs | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns • Difficulty walking or moving • Extreme exhaustion • Weight loss • Vomiting • Signs of alcohol poisoning |
| Behavioral Changes | Sudden withdrawal from family/friends • Increased secrecy • Reluctance to discuss activities • Anxiety or depression • Mood swings • Fear of certain people or places |
| Academic Impact | Declining grades • Missing classes • Falling asleep in class • Difficulty concentrating |
| Social Changes | Spending excessive time with the organization • Avoiding other social activities • New group of friends replacing old ones • Wearing unusual clothing or accessories |
| Financial Signs | Unexplained expenses • Requests for money for “group activities” • Missing personal items |
| Communication Patterns | Avoiding phone calls or texts • Being vague about activities • Using coded language • Suddenly deleting social media posts |
If you notice these signs, your child may be a hazing victim. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
🎯 The Message to Clinch County Fraternities and Universities
To Greek Organizations Operating Near Clinch County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Clinch County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Clinch County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Georgia. That’s what happens when you haze near Clinch County.
To Universities Near Clinch County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
- University of Georgia
- Georgia Southern University
- Valdosta State University
- Florida State University
- University of Florida
- Georgia Tech
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. When you fail, you will be held accountable — just like UH.
📞 Clinch County Families: We’re Here to Help
Free Consultation — 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline
If your child has been hazed at a university near Clinch County, call us immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluation — no obligation
- $0 upfront cost — we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win
- Video consultations — meet with our attorneys remotely
- Travel to Clinch County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Aggressive representation — we fight for maximum compensation
Clinch County families: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We serve hazing victims nationwide, and we will bring our expertise to your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Clinch County Hazing Cases
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Clinch County. Can you help us even though we’re in Georgia and you’re in Texas?
A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Clinch County, Georgia. We can evaluate your case through video consultation and travel to Clinch County as needed. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admission allow us to pursue cases across state lines.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation — our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take this seriously. We can:
- File lawsuits to protect your child’s identity when necessary
- Work with university officials to ensure safety
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
- Provide guidance on safe reporting procedures
Q: My child signed a waiver or “consented” to the activities. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. Under Georgia law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed a waiver or agreed to participate, the organization is still legally responsible for any harm caused. We’ve successfully overcome this defense in multiple cases.
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of physical injuries
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Pattern of hazing at the same chapter or university
- Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior incidents?)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, etc.)
- Media attention and public pressure
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. We will pursue maximum compensation for your child.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Georgia, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, you have 2 years from the date of death. However, you should not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your case becomes harder to prove. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: My child doesn’t want to “ruin” the fraternity or their college experience. Should we still pursue legal action?
A: Hazing ruins lives. It sends students to the hospital. It causes permanent physical and psychological damage. It kills. The only way to stop hazing is to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Legal action isn’t about “ruining” anyone — it’s about:
- Getting your child the medical and psychological help they need
- Compensating them for their pain and suffering
- Preventing this from happening to another Clinch County family
- Forcing institutions to implement real change
Your child didn’t ruin the fraternity. The fraternity ruined itself by hazing.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- You pay nothing while we work on your case
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery — you keep the rest
This allows Clinch County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: What should I do if the university or fraternity offers my child a settlement?
A: Do not accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and organizations often offer lowball settlements immediately after an incident, before the full extent of injuries is known. If you accept, you may waive your right to additional compensation.
We can evaluate any settlement offer and negotiate for maximum compensation. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before signing anything.
Q: My child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured. Is it still worth pursuing legal action?
A: Yes. Hazing causes serious psychological trauma even without physical injury. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all compensable damages. We can pursue compensation for:
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Academic disruption
Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.
🏆 Our Commitment to Clinch County Families
What Clinch County Families Can Expect When They Hire Attorney 911
-
Immediate Response
- We answer calls 24/7
- Free consultation within 24 hours
- Rapid evidence preservation
-
Aggressive Investigation
- Immediate evidence collection
- Witness interviews
- Medical record retrieval
- Social media and communication preservation
-
Comprehensive Case Building
- Medical expert consultation
- Economic damage calculation
- Psychological evaluation
- Pattern evidence research
-
Strategic Negotiation
- Demand package to defendants
- Aggressive settlement negotiation
- Willingness to go to trial if necessary
-
Trial-Ready Representation
- Federal and state court experience
- Multi-defendant litigation expertise
- Proven trial record
-
Client-Centered Service
- Regular case updates
- Transparent communication
- Compassionate support
-
Maximum Recovery
- Pursuit of all available damages
- Economic, non-economic, and punitive
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
📞 Clinch County Families: Take Action Now
The Clock Is Ticking — Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today
If your child has been hazed at a university near Clinch County, you have legal rights. But you must act quickly.
⏳ 2-year statute of limitations — Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire
💔 Psychological trauma — The longer you wait, the harder it is to document
🏛️ Institutional pressure — Universities and fraternities will try to silence victims
💰 Maximum compensation — The sooner we start, the stronger your case
Call Attorney 911 Now — Free Consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Clinch County families with the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 Enough Is Enough: The Time to Stop Hazing Is Now
Clinch County families: Your children deserve to attend college without fear of torture. They deserve to join organizations that build them up, not break them down. They deserve institutions that protect them, not betray their trust.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting to stop hazing — in Texas, in Georgia, and across America.
If your child has been hazed, call us. Let’s hold the perpetrators accountable. Let’s get your child the compensation they deserve. Let’s make sure this never happens to another Clinch County family.
