🛡️ Hazing Victims Legal Guide: Justice for Dade County Families

Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims in Dade County and Beyond

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Dade County

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities—it happens right here in Dade County. Whether your child attends a local college or is considering Greek life at nearby institutions like Dalton State College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, or even larger universities in neighboring counties, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

The same national fraternities with documented hazing histories operate chapters near Dade County. The same dangerous “traditions” that led to our client’s kidney failure exist in organizations across North Georgia. And the same institutional failures that allowed hazing at the University of Houston happen right here in our community.

Dade County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re providing in our landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit.

⚠️ What Dade County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

This includes:

Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
Dangerous activities (waterboarding, extreme weather exposure)

Georgia law makes hazing a misdemeanor offense, and more severe cases can result in felony charges.

Why It’s Dangerous

Hazing can cause:

Physical injuries (broken bones, burns, internal damage)
Medical emergencies (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, alcohol poisoning)
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Death (at least one hazing death has occurred every year since 2000)

Our client was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises while being waterboarded with a garden hose.

This could happen to your child in Dade County.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Dade County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. Local Chapters

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.

2. National Organizations

The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise its local chapters and enforce anti-hazing policies.

Example: Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization is currently being sued in our $10 million case for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

3. Universities and Colleges

Educational institutions can be liable when:

They own or control the property where hazing occurred
They fail to implement adequate oversight of Greek organizations
They ignore prior hazing incidents on campus

Example: The University of Houston is being sued in our case because they owned the fraternity house where our client was hazed.

4. Individual Members

Every person who participated in, organized, or failed to stop hazing activities can be held personally liable.

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

5. Alumni and Property Owners

Former members or property owners who allow hazing to occur at their homes can be sued for premises liability.

💰 What Dade County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment)
Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
Educational costs (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
Future earning capacity (if injuries affect long-term career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering (from injuries sustained during hazing)
Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from the trauma)
Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme misconduct, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing. These can reach millions of dollars when:

The conduct was intentional or reckless
The organization had prior knowledge of hazing risks
The university failed to implement adequate safeguards

Our current case seeks $10 million in damages—an amount consistent with recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Dade County

Immediate Steps

Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are crucial evidence
Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used
- Save all communications (texts, emails, social media messages about hazing)
- Document everything (dates, times, locations, witnesses, what happened)
Report the Incident
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in Georgia)
- Report to the university’s Title IX office or student affairs department
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
Do NOT Sign Anything
- Organizations may try to get you to sign waivers or settlement agreements
- Never sign documents without consulting an attorney
Avoid Social Media
- Don’t post about the incident
- Don’t delete old posts (this could be seen as destroying evidence)
- Defense attorneys will use social media against you

Long-Term Steps

Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Dade County hazing victims
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
Understand Your Legal Rights
- Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
- Criminal charges may also be pursued
- Multiple parties may be liable
Consider Therapy or Counseling
- Hazing can cause long-term psychological trauma
- Document all mental health treatment

⚖️ Georgia Hazing Laws: What Dade County Families Need to Know

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

Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization.

Criminal Penalties:

Misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
Felony: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, up to 5 years in prison

Civil Liability:
Victims can sue for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Key Legal Principles

Consent Is Not a Defense
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, this does not excuse the hazing
- Organizations cannot avoid liability by claiming the victim “consented”
Organizational Liability
- Fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations can be sued for hazing
- National organizations can be held responsible for failing to supervise local chapters
Institutional Liability
- Universities can be liable if they knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Premises liability applies if hazing occurs on university-owned property

🎯 Why Dade County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom fighting for hazing victims today.

2. Nationwide Reach, Dade County Focus

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Dade County. We can:

Represent Dade County victims through federal court authority
Offer video consultations for Dade County families
Travel to Dade County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know:

How insurance companies value claims
What tactics they use to minimize payouts
How to outmaneuver their strategies

4. Proven Track Record

$10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
Former national defense firm attorney (Lupe Pena)

5. We Understand the Culture

Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and former youth coach. He understands:

Team dynamics
Locker room culture
The pressures young people face in Greek life and athletics
How hazing thrives in these environments

6. Compassionate Representation

We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families, and we’re committed to providing supportive, respectful representation throughout the legal process.

7. No Upfront Costs

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows Dade County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial barriers.

🏆 Recent Hazing Cases: What Dade County Families Can Expect

Case 1: University of Houston (Our Current Case)

Victim: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with kidney failure)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
University: University of Houston
Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating
Damages Sought: $10 million

Case 2: Bowling Green State University

Victim: Stone Foltz (died from alcohol poisoning)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
University: Bowling Green State
Settlement: $10.1 million

Case 3: Louisiana State University

Victim: Maxwell Gruver (died from alcohol poisoning)
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
Verdict: $6.1 million jury award

Case 4: Penn State University

Victim: Timothy Piazza (died from traumatic brain injury)
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
Settlement: $110+ million (estimated)

These cases show that hazing victims and their families can—and do—win significant compensation when they have experienced legal representation.

📞 Dade County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed in Dade County or at any nearby institution, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Dade County hazing emergencies

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

📍 Serving Dade County from our offices in:

Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Beaumont, TX

We will travel to Dade County for your case.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Dade County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a college near Dade County. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Yes! We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Dade County. We can represent you through federal court authority, offer video consultations, and travel to Dade County as needed.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?

A: We understand this fear—our current client is also afraid of retribution. We will protect your child’s identity and take steps to prevent retaliation. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward, but speaking out is often the only way to stop the abuse.

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

A: We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes from the settlement or verdict. This allows Dade County families to fight back without financial risk.

Q: What if the fraternity claims my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense under Georgia law. Even if your child agreed to participate, this does not excuse the hazing or protect the organization from liability.

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

A: Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations may destroy records.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is also compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage even without physical injuries.

Q: Can we sue the university as well as the fraternity?

A: Yes. Universities can be liable if:

They own or control the property where hazing occurred
They failed to implement adequate oversight
They ignored prior hazing incidents

In our current case, we’re suing both the fraternity and the university.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Dade County?

A: Hazing occurs in high schools as well. We can evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategy.

🔍 How to Spot Hazing in Dade County

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Watch for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes

Sudden secrecy about activities
Withdrawal from family and friends
Increased anxiety or depression
Sudden changes in sleep patterns
Unexplained injuries or illnesses

Physical Signs

Bruises, cuts, or burns
Difficulty walking or moving
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Signs of alcohol or drug use
Weight loss or changes in appetite

Organizational Red Flags

Sudden new “pledge” status
Required late-night activities
Mandatory “retreat” or “bonding” events
Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
Physical challenges or tests

If you notice these signs, ask questions—and don’t accept “it’s just tradition” as an answer.

📢 Message to Dade County Fraternities and Sororities

To the Greek organizations operating near Dade County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements oversee your activities. The same universities that faced institutional liability could be held responsible for your actions.

If you haze students in Dade County, we will pursue every liable entity—including your chapter, your national organization, your university, and every individual member involved.

We have already shut down one Pi Kappa Phi chapter. Your chapter could be next.

Clean up your act now—or face the consequences in court.

📚 Additional Resources for Dade County Families

National Organizations

HazingPrevention.org (hazingprevention.org)
StopHazing (stophazing.org)
Gordie Center (gordie.org) – Focuses on alcohol-related hazing

Georgia-Specific Resources

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) – Report hazing crimes
Georgia Department of Education – School safety resources
University System of Georgia – Policies on hazing prevention

Books

Hazing: Destroying Young Lives by Hank Nuwer
Broken Pledges: The Deadly Rite of Hazing by Hank Nuwer

📜 Dade County Families: Your Legal Rights

You have the right to:

Seek justice for the harm done to your child
Hold organizations accountable for their actions
Compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
Prevent future hazing by shining a light on these practices
Be treated with dignity and respect throughout the legal process

We are here to protect those rights.

🚀 Take Action Today: Protect Your Child and Others

Hazing in Dade County won’t stop unless victims and families stand up. Every case we file makes it harder for organizations to ignore the problem.

If your child has been hazed:

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Preserve all evidence (photos, messages, medical records)
Don’t sign anything without legal advice
Report the hazing to authorities and the university
Stand up for what’s right—your child deserves justice

Together, we can stop hazing in Dade County.

Attorney 911: Fighting for Dade County Families Affected by Hazing

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Dade County with the same aggressive representation we provide nationwide.