Hazing Victims in Fayette County, Georgia — Legal Rights & How to Get Justice
Fayette County Parents & Students: This Is Happening Near You
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Fayette County, Georgia — in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and student organizations at colleges and high schools across our community.
We know this because we’re fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. A student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed, and hospitalized for four days — all as part of what the fraternity called “tradition.”
The same fraternities. The same culture. The same negligence. It’s happening near Fayette County too.
If your child has been hazed — whether at a Fayette County high school, a nearby college, or anywhere in Georgia — you have legal rights, and you deserve justice.
What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Under Georgia law, hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers a student’s physical or mental health
- Is required for membership in a group
- Involves humiliation, degradation, or physical abuse
- Includes forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
- Involves sleep deprivation, isolation, or extreme exercise
Examples of hazing in Fayette County and nearby schools:
- Forced drinking until vomiting or passing out
- Extreme physical punishment (calisthenics, paddling, beatings)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced eating of non-food substances
- Humiliation rituals
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Being struck with objects (paddles, belts, etc.)
This isn’t “building character.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s illegal.
Hazing Laws in Georgia — What Fayette County Families Need to Know
Georgia’s Anti-Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
Georgia law makes hazing a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes bodily harm | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death | 1-5 years in prison, $5,000+ fine |
Key Legal Points for Fayette County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter. Georgia law explicitly states that consent cannot be used as a defense in hazing cases.
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and schools can be sued for failing to prevent hazing.
- Schools have a duty to protect students — If a Fayette County school or college knew (or should have known) about hazing and did nothing, they can be held legally responsible.
- You have 2 years to file a lawsuit — Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of injury. If your child was hazed, time is running out to take legal action.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Fayette County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The Fayette County chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon or Pi Kappa Phi |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, etc. |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority | University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clayton State, etc. |
| High School | Failed to protect students from hazing | Fayette County public/private high schools |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | President, pledge master, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active and former members |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who allowed hazing on their property |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise; ignored signs of hazing | Sports coaches, band directors, club advisors |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- The fraternity chapter
- The national fraternity
- The university (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
- A former member and his spouse (who hosted hazing)
The same legal strategy applies to Fayette County cases.
What Can Fayette County Victims Recover?
Hazing victims and their families can pursue economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical bills — Hospitalization, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work due to injuries
- Future earning capacity — If injuries affect career opportunities
- Educational expenses — Tuition refunds, transfer costs, lost scholarships
- Therapy and counseling — Treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression
Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
- Physical pain — From injuries sustained during hazing
- Emotional distress — Trauma, fear, humiliation
- PTSD and anxiety — Long-term psychological impact
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — Scars, burns, or permanent injuries
- Wrongful death — If hazing results in a fatality
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
If the hazing involved intentional harm, extreme negligence, or a cover-up, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.
Example: In a recent hazing case in Ohio, a fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in a student’s death.
Real Hazing Cases — What Fayette County Families Can Learn
Case 1: $10 Million Lawsuit — Pi Kappa Phi (Houston, TX)
What Happened: A student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during fraternity hazing. He developed rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure, requiring a 4-day hospital stay.
Why It Matters to Fayette County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Fayette County, including the University of Georgia.
- The same national organization that allowed this in Texas operates in Georgia.
- The fraternity’s national leadership knew about prior hazing deaths and did nothing to stop it.
Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025 — we are the attorneys fighting this case right now.
Case 2: $6.1 Million Verdict — Phi Delta Theta (LSU)
What Happened: A student was forced to drink alcohol during a fraternity “Bible Study” event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — more than 6 times the legal limit).
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide.
Why It Matters to Fayette County:
- Shows that juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
- Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony.
- Proves that criminal + civil liability can work together.
Case 3: $110 Million Settlement — Beta Theta Pi (Penn State)
What Happened: A student was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes during a fraternity “gauntlet.” He fell down stairs multiple times, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and died after fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at $110 million; multiple criminal convictions.
Why It Matters to Fayette County:
- Shows that strong evidence leads to massive settlements.
- Led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
- Proves that universities can be held liable for failing to protect students.
What Should Fayette County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor right away.
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Save everything related to the hazing:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Social media posts about the incident
- Names and contact info of witnesses
- Fraternity/sorority documents, pledge manuals, or rules
- Medical records and bills
Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the organization’s leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or school
- Give statements to insurance companies or administrators
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report — Hazing is a crime in Georgia.
- Report to the school — Under Georgia law, schools must investigate hazing complaints.
- Report to the national organization — Many fraternities/sororities have hotlines.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Georgia’s statute of limitations is 2 years — don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Evidence disappears quickly — fraternities, sororities, and schools may destroy records.
- An attorney can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build your case.
We offer FREE consultations for Fayette County hazing victims. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Why Fayette County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re not just any law firm. We’re hazing litigation experts with a proven track record of holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable.
1. We’re Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case Right Now
- We represent the student who was waterboarded and hospitalized by Pi Kappa Phi.
- We know how these organizations operate — and how to beat them.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
- Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers.
- We know exactly how fraternities, sororities, and universities try to avoid liability.
- We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.
3. We Serve Fayette County — No Matter Where the Hazing Happened
- While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Fayette County.
- We offer video consultations for Fayette County families.
- We travel to Fayette County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- We have federal court authority, so we can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- No hourly fees, no retainers.
- We only get paid if you get paid.
5. We Care About Fayette County Families
- We’ve seen what hazing does to students and their families.
- We’re not just fighting for compensation — we’re fighting to stop hazing.
- We treat every client like family.
Fayette County Schools & Colleges Where Hazing Happens
Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. It happens in all types of student organizations across Fayette County and nearby areas:
Nearby Colleges with Greek Life (Where Hazing Occurs)
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia (UGA) | Athens, GA (~1.5 hrs from Fayette County) | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, and many more |
| Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA (~30 min from Fayette County) | Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and others |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA (~30 min from Fayette County) | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA (~20 min from Fayette County) | Active Greek life presence |
| Morehouse College | Atlanta, GA | Historic fraternities like Omega Psi Phi |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | Sororities like Delta Sigma Theta |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | Multiple Greek organizations |
Fayette County High Schools (Where Hazing Also Happens)
- McIntosh High School — Sports teams, clubs, marching band
- Starr’s Mill High School — Athletics, student organizations
- Whitewater High School — Football, other sports
- Fayette County High School — Various student groups
- Private schools (Landmark Christian, etc.) — Sports, clubs, traditions
Hazing isn’t just a college problem. It happens in Fayette County high schools too.
Warning Signs of Hazing in Fayette County
Parents and students should watch for these red flags:
Behavioral Changes
- Sudden withdrawal from family/friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, sprains)
- Changes in sleep patterns (exhaustion, insomnia)
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving (sign of muscle damage)
- Dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Extreme fatigue
Group Dynamics
- Sudden new friendships with older students
- Being required to perform tasks for older members
- Wearing unusual clothing or carrying strange items
- Missing class or work for “mandatory” events
- Being pressured to keep secrets
If you notice these signs, ask questions — and don’t accept “it’s just tradition” as an answer.
What Fayette County Parents Can Do to Prevent Hazing
1. Talk to Your Child
- Ask about their experiences in clubs, sports, or Greek life.
- Explain that hazing is illegal and unacceptable.
- Encourage them to speak up if they see or experience hazing.
2. Research the Organization
- Look up the fraternity, sorority, or team online.
- Search for news articles about hazing incidents.
- Ask the organization about their anti-hazing policies and enforcement.
3. Report Suspected Hazing Immediately
- Contact the school administration.
- File a police report.
- Report to the national organization (if applicable).
4. Know Your Rights
- Georgia law requires schools to investigate hazing reports.
- Schools cannot retaliate against students who report hazing.
- You have the right to pursue legal action if your child is hazed.
Fayette County Hazing Resources
Georgia Anti-Hazing Organizations
- Georgia Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- StopHazing.org — National resource with Georgia-specific information
- HazingPrevention.org — Educational materials and reporting tools
Georgia Law Enforcement
- Fayette County Sheriff’s Office: (770) 461-6353
- Peachtree City Police Department: (770) 487-8866
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI): (404) 244-2600
Georgia Colleges & Universities
- University of Georgia (UGA) Hazing Reporting: https://housing.uga.edu/hazing
- Georgia Tech Hazing Policy: https://www.policylibrary.gatech.edu/student-life/hazing
- Georgia State University Hazing Policy: https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/hazing/
Fayette County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing can feel isolating. Victims often stay silent out of shame, fear, or loyalty. But you don’t have to face this alone.
We are here to help.
If your child has been hazed in Fayette County or anywhere in Georgia:
📞 Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💻 Schedule a free video consultation at attorney911.com
We will:
- Listen to your story
- Explain your legal rights
- Preserve critical evidence
- Fight for justice and compensation
- Hold the responsible parties accountable
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Fayette County
Hazing doesn’t have to be part of the college or high school experience. It’s time for Fayette County to say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
By standing up, speaking out, and holding abusers accountable, we can protect the next generation of Fayette County students.
If your family has been affected by hazing, contact us today. Let’s fight back — together.
