🚨 Hazing Victims in Columbia County, Georgia: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims Across Georgia and the Nation
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Columbia County, Georgia, you are not alone. The same fraternities, sororities, and organizations that have caused serious injuries and deaths across America operate right here in our community. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Columbia County families.
🏛️ Hazing in Columbia County: What Local Families Need to Know
Columbia County is home to Augusta University and is near University of Georgia (Athens), Georgia Southern University (Statesboro), and Augusta Technical College. These institutions have active Greek life programs, including chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and others — the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
The reality for Columbia County families:
- Your child could be pledging a fraternity or sorority right now
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist here
- Universities and national organizations know the risks — and do nothing until someone gets hurt
- If your child is being hazed in Columbia County, we will fight for you
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis Hits Home: Our Landmark $10 Million Case
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. What happened to him could happen to any student in Columbia County:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups — until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical abuse
- Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to keep exercising
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened in Texas. It happens in Georgia. It could happen to your child in Columbia County.
Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Columbia County, including:
- University of Georgia (Athens) — Beta Upsilon chapter
- Georgia Southern University (Statesboro) — Iota Rho chapter
- Augusta University — potential chapter presence
The same national organization that allowed Leonel Bermudez to be hospitalized oversees these Georgia chapters. We will hold them accountable.
💰 What Columbia County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Our $10 million demand is supported by precedent:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | LSU | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million |
| Adam Oakes | VCU | Delta Chi | $4+ million |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million (pending) |
Columbia County families can recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization)
- Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)
⚖️ Georgia Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws that protect victims:
Georgia Code § 16-5-61 — Hazing
- Definition: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with an organization
- Penalties: Misdemeanor or felony charges depending on severity
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if the victim “agreed” to participate
Georgia Code § 20-3-519 — Institutional Responsibility
- Universities must adopt anti-hazing policies
- Must provide hazing prevention education
- Must report hazing incidents to law enforcement
Columbia County hazing victims have strong legal protections under Georgia law.
🏢 Who We Sue for Columbia County Hazing Victims
When we represent hazing victims in Columbia County, we pursue every responsible party:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
📞 What Columbia County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed in Columbia County:
- Get medical attention immediately — document all injuries
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, videos, GroupMe chats
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
- Do NOT post on social media — anything you post can be used against you
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
We offer FREE consultations for Columbia County hazing victims. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
🎯 Why Columbia County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit
- Media coverage in ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
- Pi Kappa Phi chapter shut down after our lawsuit
- This is not theoretical — we’re in the fight
2. Nationwide Reach for Columbia County Victims
- Based in Texas but serve hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Will travel to Columbia County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Video consultations available for Columbia County families
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena were both insurance defense attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know how they try to minimize claims
- We use that knowledge to maximize recovery for victims
4. $0 Upfront for Columbia County Families
- Contingency fee — we only get paid if you win
- No hourly fees
- No upfront costs
- You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
5. We Come to Columbia County
- For depositions
- For client meetings
- For trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
6. Bilingual Services for Columbia County
- Se habla español — fluent Spanish-speaking staff
- No language barriers to justice
- Full representation for Spanish-speaking families
📍 Serving Columbia County Hazing Victims
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims across America, including Columbia County, Georgia. We understand the unique challenges faced by Columbia County families:
- Proximity to Augusta University, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern
- Active Greek life presence in the region
- Local attitudes toward hazing
- Georgia-specific laws and regulations
We will fight for Columbia County families as aggressively as we’re fighting in Houston.
📞 Columbia County Hazing Victims: Call Now
Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
If your child has been hazed in Columbia County, call us immediately. The clock is ticking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Columbia County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Augusta University. Can you help?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims at Augusta University, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, and all Georgia institutions. Distance is not a barrier — we serve victims nationwide.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still be held responsible?
A: Absolutely. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney for my Columbia County case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit for hazing in Georgia?
A: Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Q: Can I sue the university if my child was hazed?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?
A: We understand the fear. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution. We protect our clients’ identities and safety. Your child’s well-being is our top priority.
Q: How much is my Columbia County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Our current case seeks $10 million. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- University/fraternity’s prior knowledge
- Egregiousness of conduct
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
A: No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, physical beatings — these are not traditions. They are crimes.
Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and emotional distress
- Academic disruption
- Loss of scholarships or opportunities
Q: What should I do if my child is being hazed right now in Columbia County?
A:
- Get them to safety immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything — take photos, save texts, record witness names
- Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority alone
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
🔥 To Fraternities Operating Near Columbia County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Columbia County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million. We shut down their UH chapter. We will shut down yours if you haze students.
The Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ To Universities Near Columbia County:
Augusta University, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern — the same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
- You have the power to stop hazing
- You have the responsibility to protect students
- You own or control many fraternity houses
- You will be held accountable
Act now — or face the same accountability we’re bringing to UH.
📢 Columbia County Parents: Protect Your Children
Hazing doesn’t have to be deadly to be devastating. Even “minor” hazing can cause:
- Physical injuries — broken bones, burns, internal damage
- Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Academic disruption — failing classes, dropping out
- Financial consequences — lost scholarships, medical bills
- Long-term health issues — chronic pain, organ damage
If your child is joining a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any organization in Columbia County, talk to them about hazing. Tell them:
- It’s okay to say no
- It’s okay to walk away
- It’s okay to report it
- It’s not worth their health, their safety, or their life
🚨 Columbia County Hazing Victims: The Time to Act Is Now
Every day you wait:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Your legal rights expire
- Another student could be hurt
Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Columbia County families: We will fight for you.
