Hazing Victims in Crisp County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

If your child has been hazed at a Crisp County college or university, Attorney 911 can help. We’re currently fighting 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 Crisp County families.

The Hazing Crisis in Crisp County

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in Texas or Florida—it happens right here in Crisp County and at colleges across Georgia. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters at Georgia universities near Crisp County. The same culture of abuse, humiliation, and physical danger exists in our community.

Crisp County families need to know: Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

What Crisp County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can take many forms, and it often starts subtly before escalating to dangerous levels. Some warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing at a Crisp County college include:

• Sudden changes in sleep patterns (exhaustion, dark circles under eyes)
• Unexplained bruises, injuries, or soreness
• Avoiding questions about their activities or Greek life involvement
• Sudden weight loss or signs of disordered eating
• Increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
• Fear of certain people or locations on campus
• Unexplained expenses or requests for money
• Sudden academic decline

If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing.

The Devastating Case We’re Fighting Right Now

Right now, Attorney 911 is 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 Crisp County.

The Timeline of Abuse

• September 16, 2025: Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at UH as a “ghost rush”—someone not even enrolled at the university yet
• September-November 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• October 15, 2025: A pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout
• November 3, 2025: Bermudez was punished with extreme physical exercise—100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and more—until he collapsed
• November 6, 2025: Bermudez was rushed to the hospital with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis
• November 6-10, 2025: Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days

The Specific Hazing Activities

The fraternity subjected Bermudez to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose—simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced consumption—milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Extreme physical punishment—500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
• Sleep deprivation—forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture—carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied, threats of expulsion
• Wooden paddles—being struck with wooden objects

This is not hazing. This is torture. And it happens at colleges near Crisp County.

Why Crisp County Families Need Legal Representation

1. Universities and Fraternities Will Protect Themselves, Not Your Child

When hazing incidents come to light, universities and fraternities immediately go into damage control mode. The University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi coordinated their response to Bermudez’s hospitalization, closing the chapter before our lawsuit was even filed. They’ll do the same for Crisp County incidents.

They don’t care about your child. They care about their reputation.

2. The Legal System is Complex and Intimidating

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants:

• The local fraternity chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members and officers
• Housing corporations

Each has their own legal team and insurance company working to minimize liability. You need experienced attorneys who know how to fight these institutions.

3. Evidence Disappears Quickly

Text messages get deleted. Social media posts vanish. Witnesses change their stories. Memories fade.

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build your case.

4. There Are Strict Deadlines

Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Don’t let the fraternity or university pressure you into waiting. Contact us immediately.

Georgia Hazing Laws: What Crisp County Families Need to Know

Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Statute

Georgia law defines hazing as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary educational institution.

This includes:

• Physical brutality
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions
• Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury

Criminal Penalties in Georgia

Hazing is a misdemeanor in Georgia, punishable by:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Fines up to $5,000

If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony, punishable by:

• 1-5 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000

Civil Liability: Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, victims can sue for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages

Georgia has no cap on damages for pain and suffering in personal injury cases.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Crisp County?

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter

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

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
• Members who participated
• Members who failed to stop the abuse

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

National organizations are responsible for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Allowing a culture of abuse to continue

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization admitted knowing about “a hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies.

3. The University

Universities can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise Greek life
• Failing to investigate reports of hazing
• Allowing dangerous conditions to exist on campus property
• Failing to protect students despite prior knowledge of hazing incidents

The University of Houston owned the house where Bermudez was tortured. Crisp County universities have the same responsibility.

4. Individual Members

Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued individually. This includes:

• Members who organized the hazing
• Members who participated
• Members who witnessed and failed to stop it
• Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes

In the Stone Foltz case, a former chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Housing Corporations

If hazing occurred at a fraternity or sorority house, the housing corporation that owns the property can be held liable for premises liability.

The Devastating Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort—it can have lifelong medical consequences. In Bermudez’s case, the extreme physical exertion led to:

Rhabdomyolysis: When Muscles Break Down

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream. This protein can damage the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure.

Symptoms include:

• Severe muscle pain
• Weakness
• Dark, brown urine (from myoglobin)
• Difficulty moving
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment requires:

• Immediate hospitalization
• Intravenous fluids to flush the kidneys
• Potential dialysis if kidney failure occurs
• Monitoring for cardiac complications

Long-term risks:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Need for dialysis
• Kidney transplant
• Increased risk of future rhabdomyolysis episodes

Other Medical Risks of Hazing

• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries from physical abuse or falls
• Internal injuries from beatings
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure to extreme weather
• Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Crisp County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records create crucial evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:

• Text messages and social media posts about hazing
• Photos or videos from hazing activities
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Medical records

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel

Universities and fraternities will try to get your child to sign statements or accept settlements that protect them, not your child. Anything your child says can be used against them.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com. We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Crisp County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases.

2. We Have Unique Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which allows us to pursue cases anywhere in the country, including Crisp County.

4. We’re Bilingual

We offer comprehensive legal services in both English and Spanish. No language barriers to justice.

5. We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Crisp County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

6. We Travel to Crisp County

We’ll come to Crisp County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Experience with complex cases against large institutions
• Former insurance defense attorneys—we know their playbook

The Attorney 911 Approach to Crisp County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

The moment you contact us, we:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Collect and secure all available evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Obtain medical records

2. Comprehensive Investigation

We work with:

• Medical experts to document injuries
• Hazing culture experts to explain the institutional failures
• Accident reconstruction specialists (for physical hazing incidents)
• Mental health professionals to document psychological trauma

3. Aggressive Negotiation

We negotiate from a position of strength. Our current $10 million demand shows institutions we’re serious about holding them accountable.

4. Willingness to Go to Trial

If defendants won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We don’t back down from powerful institutions.

5. Protecting Your Family Throughout the Process

We handle all communications with:

• The fraternity
• The university
• Insurance companies
• Media (if necessary)

You focus on your child’s recovery. We’ll handle the legal fight.

Common Defenses and How We Defeat Them

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Georgia law recognizes that consent is not a defense to hazing
• Peer pressure and social coercion negate true consent
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to
• Fear of retaliation prevents victims from leaving

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity
• Hazing is assault, battery, and sometimes torture
• Institutions have a duty to stop dangerous traditions

Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities and national organizations have oversight responsibility
• Prior incidents show they should have known
• Failure to investigate is negligence

Defense 4: “The Victim Was Partially at Fault”

Our Response:

• Georgia follows comparative negligence rules
• Even if the victim participated, if they were less than 50% at fault, they can still recover
• The organization’s negligence is almost always greater

What Crisp County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work)
• Educational costs (tuition, fees if education was disrupted)
• Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement (if permanent scars or injuries)
• Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

Punitive Damages

In cases of egregious conduct, juries can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

Our $10 million demand includes punitive damages because:

• Waterboarding is torture
• The fraternity knew about prior hazing deaths
• The university owned the house where the abuse occurred
• They showed conscious indifference to student safety

The Message We’re Sending to Crisp County Fraternities

To every fraternity and sorority operating near Crisp County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.

• If you haze students in Crisp County, we will sue you.
• If you allow a culture of abuse to continue, we will hold you accountable.
• If you think you can hide behind “tradition” or “brotherhood,” think again.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi’s UH chapter is already shut down. Your chapter could be next.

How Crisp County Families Can Take Action

1. Call Us Immediately

1-888-ATTY-911 — Available 24/7 for Crisp County hazing emergencies

2. Schedule a Free Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

3. Let Us Handle Everything

We’ll:

• Preserve evidence
• Deal with the fraternity and university
• File the lawsuit
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Take your case to trial if necessary

4. Focus on Your Child’s Recovery

While we fight for justice, you can focus on supporting your child through this traumatic experience.

Crisp County Universities: The Warning is Clear

To administrators at Crisp County colleges and universities:

The University of Houston is currently being sued for $10 million because they failed to stop hazing on their campus. They owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They had prior knowledge of hazing incidents. They did nothing.

If your institution:

• Allows Greek organizations to operate on your campus
• Owns or controls fraternity/sorority property
• Has any prior knowledge of hazing incidents
• Fails to implement effective oversight

You could be next.

The same institutional negligence that made UH a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

The Time to Act is Now

Hazing victims in Crisp County often delay seeking help because of:

• Shame and embarrassment
• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure from members to stay quiet

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

Crisp County families: Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. The community deserves to know the truth.

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

About Attorney 911

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Crisp County.

Our Attorneys

Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney
• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing case

Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Fluent in Spanish

Our Offices Serving Crisp County

Houston Headquarters
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 528-9070

Austin Office
Phone: (713) 528-9070

Beaumont Office
Phone: (713) 528-9070

Crisp County Service:
We offer video consultations and travel to Crisp County for client meetings, depositions, and trials.

Contact Information for Crisp County Families

Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Se habla español

Crisp County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we’re ready to fight for you.