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

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We

Fannin County families send their children to college with trust — trust that universities and Greek organizations will provide a safe, enriching environment. But for too many students across Georgia and America, that trust is betrayed through a culture of abuse disguised as “tradition.” Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s a dangerous, sometimes deadly practice that leaves victims with physical injuries, psychological trauma, and lifelong consequences.

If your child has been hazed — whether at a university near Fannin County, in Georgia, or anywhere in the country — you have legal rights. And you have powerful allies in the fight for justice.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. This isn’t just a case. It’s a movement. And we’re bringing that same aggressive, compassionate representation to Fannin County families — no matter where the hazing occurred.

What Is Hazing? Fannin County Parents Need to Know

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of whether the person consents.

In Georgia and across the nation, hazing can include:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion (push-ups, squats, runs), paddling, beating, branding
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
• Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, isolation, verbal abuse, threats
• Sexual humiliation: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
• Dangerous stunts: Waterboarding, blindfolded activities, confinement in small spaces
• Servitude: Forced errands, cleaning, or driving members at all hours

This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

The Hazing Crisis in Georgia and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just happening at big schools in other states. It’s happening right here in Georgia, at universities near Fannin County, and across the Southeast. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State, and other institutions have chapters with documented histories of hazing — including the same organization we’re suing in Texas.

Recent Hazing Cases That Should Alarm Fannin County Families:

These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a pattern. And that pattern extends to universities near Fannin County.

Our Current Case: A Warning for Fannin County Families

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospital stay.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue running
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather
• Sprayed with a hose while minimally clothed
• Another pledge collapsed unconscious during a workout — and they kept going

Leonel wasn’t even a student at UH yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer. They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled.

Why This Should Concern Fannin County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Fannin County
• The same organization that waterboarded our client operates in Georgia
• Universities near Fannin County face the same oversight failures
• If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Fannin County, they face the same risks

This happened in Texas. It can — and does — happen in Georgia.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Fannin County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — and we pursue them all.

1. The Local Chapter

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

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They’re responsible for supervising their chapters — and they often fail.

In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National closed the UH chapter immediately after Leonel was hospitalized — proving they knew about the dangerous culture. They had 8 years to fix it after Andrew Coffey died in 2017. They did nothing.

3. The University

Universities have a legal duty to protect students. When they own or control fraternity houses (as UH did), they’re responsible for what happens on their property.

In our case:

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where waterboarding occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (different fraternity, same campus)
• They knew hazing was dangerous — and did nothing to stop it

Universities near Fannin County have the same duty to protect your child.

4. Individual Members

Every person who participated in, directed, or failed to stop the hazing can be held personally liable. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Housing Corporations and Alumni

If hazing occurred at a private residence, the property owners can be sued for premises liability.

What Are Your Legal Rights as a Fannin County Hazing Victim?

If your child has been hazed, you have the right to pursue compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Doctor appointments
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Future medical care (including potential dialysis or transplant if kidney damage is permanent)

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Time missed from work during recovery
• Lost internship opportunities
• Impact on future career earnings

3. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional trauma from abuse
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Fear of retribution (our client is afraid to speak publicly)

4. Punitive Damages

When conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional, courts can award additional damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

In our case:

• Waterboarding is torture — a war crime when done to enemy combatants
• Forcing 500 squats until collapse shows reckless disregard for safety
• Knowing about prior deaths and doing nothing shows deliberate indifference

Punitive damages send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated.

Georgia Hazing Laws: What Fannin County Families Need to Know

Georgia has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Georgia Code § 16-5-61, hazing is a felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

Key Provisions of Georgia Hazing Law:

Fannin County families: If your child was hazed in Georgia, the law is on your side.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Fannin County (or Anywhere)

If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in Georgia, you have only 2 years to file a lawsuit in most cases.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
• Document everything your child tells you about what happened
• Get witness names and contact information

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
• They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
• Do not sign anything without legal counsel

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Fannin County families
• Remote consultations — no need to travel to Houston
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.
• Aggressive, compassionate advocacy — we treat your family like our own

Why Fannin County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Battle — And Winning

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us. It’s personal. And we’re bringing that same fight to Fannin County families.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny or minimize your claim. And we know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Handle Cases Nationwide

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court and have experience in federal litigation. If your child was hazed at a university outside Georgia, we can still represent you.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses — Strategic Advantage

We’re licensed in Texas and New York. This gives us strategic leverage when suing national organizations headquartered in other states.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims are Hispanic or come from immigrant families. We provide bilingual legal services so language is never a barrier to justice.

6. We Come to You

We will travel to Fannin County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. We Treat Your Family Like Our Own

We understand what’s at stake. We’ve seen what hazing does to kids. And we will fight for your family like we would fight for our own.

Frequently Asked Questions from Fannin County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Georgia. Can you still help?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the country. If your child was hazed — whether in Georgia, Texas, Florida, or anywhere else — we can help.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest

This levels the playing field. You get top-tier legal representation without financial risk.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect victims?

A: We take victim protection seriously. In our current case, our client is fearful of doing a media interview due to retribution. We understand the culture of intimidation in Greek organizations.

We:

• Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their lawyers
• Protect your identity when possible
• File motions to prevent retaliation
• Connect you with resources for emotional support

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

A: It doesn’t matter. Both Georgia law and Texas law explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that students often participate out of fear of social exclusion or pressure from peers — not true consent.

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

A: In Georgia, you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. But don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if my child doesn’t want to sue?

A: We respect that. But remember:

• A lawsuit isn’t just about money — it’s about accountability
• It’s about preventing this from happening to another Fannin County family
• It’s about forcing institutions to change

Many victims initially hesitate but later realize that speaking out can save lives.

Fraternities Near Fannin County: We’re Watching

To the fraternities and sororities operating at universities near Fannin County:

We know who you are.

We track 125+ IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas alone, including housing corporations, alumni chapters, and active chapters. We know your corporate structures, EINs, addresses, and insurance policies.

If you haze students near Fannin County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma:

If your chapter operates near Fannin County, know this:

• We’re currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
• We’ve seen your hazing death records
• We know your national organizations have paid millions in settlements
• Your chapter could be next

Clean up your act. Or we will clean you out in court.

Universities Near Fannin County: The Same Accountability Applies to You

To the administrators at University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, Georgia State, and other institutions near Fannin County:

You own the problem.

When you own fraternity houses, when you recognize Greek organizations, when you collect fees and rent — you have a legal duty to protect students.

We’ve seen what happens when universities fail:

• $2.9 million paid by Bowling Green State University
• $110+ million paid by Penn State
• $10 million lawsuit against University of Houston

Fannin County families: If your university failed to protect your child, we will hold them accountable.

Fannin County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and afraid. But you don’t have to face this alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are here to fight for you.

Call Us Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Fannin County hazing emergencies)

📧 ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Fannin County families — and hazing victims nationwide.

Enough Is Enough. It’s Time for Accountability.

If your child has been hazed, don’t wait. Every day you delay is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your child’s future — and the safety of other Fannin County students — depends on it.