Hazing Lawyers in Irwin County, GA – Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable

Irwin County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

If your son or daughter has been the victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Irwin County, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a student at the University of Houston in November 2025 are happening right here in Georgia. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis nationwide—including right here in Irwin County—and we’re ready to stand with your family.

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that left a student with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The same fraternities, the same negligence, and the same life-threatening risks exist at institutions near Irwin County. Your child could be next.

⚠️ Hazing is NOT Tradition. It’s Abuse.

• Waterboarding – Simulated drowning with hoses
• Forced consumption – Eating until vomiting, then forced to continue
• Extreme physical punishment – 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls
• Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities causing exhaustion
• Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats, and degradation

These aren’t “rites of passage.” They’re criminal acts. And the institutions that allow them must be held accountable.

Why Irwin County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just theory—we’re in the fight right now, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Fight Anywhere

Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, we can pursue cases in federal court nationwide. Whether the hazing occurred at a university near Irwin County or across the country, we have the authority to hold defendants accountable.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission – Texas & New York

Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternities and sororities headquartered in different states.

5. Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español

Hazing doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we. Our staff is bilingual, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families in Irwin County can communicate comfortably and confidently throughout the legal process.

6. Contingency Fee Representation – $0 Upfront Costs

We understand that the financial burden of medical bills and legal fees can be overwhelming. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Hazing in Georgia: The Reality for Irwin County Families

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states. It’s happening right here in Georgia, including at institutions near Irwin County. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in high-profile hazing cases—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have active chapters at universities across Georgia.

Universities Near Irwin County with Greek Life Presence

While Irwin County itself may not have a major university, several institutions within driving distance have active Greek organizations where hazing risks exist:

• Valdosta State University (~60 miles from Irwin County)
• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) (~30 miles from Irwin County)
• Georgia Southwestern State University (~90 miles from Irwin County)
• Columbus State University (~120 miles from Irwin County)
• University of Georgia (UGA) (~150 miles from Irwin County)

These institutions—and the Greek organizations operating on their campuses—face the same oversight challenges and liability risks as universities in other states. If your child was hazed at any of these schools, we can help.

Georgia Hazing Laws: What Irwin County Families Need to Know

Georgia has strict anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Georgia Code § 16-5-61, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or by a former student, against another student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in, any school organization.”

Key Provisions of Georgia Hazing Law:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines.
• Felony Charges: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if a student “agrees” to participate, they cannot legally consent to hazing.
• Institutional Liability: Universities and Greek organizations can be held civilly liable for failing to prevent hazing.

For Irwin County Families: If your child was hazed at a Georgia institution, they have legal rights—and we can help you enforce them.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Irwin County

If you suspect your child has been the victim of hazing, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Hazing injuries—like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or alcohol poisoning—can have delayed symptoms.
• Document everything. Medical records are crucial evidence in hazing cases.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns).
• Save all communications—text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
• Document witness names and contact information.
• Do NOT delete anything. Even old social media posts can be critical evidence.

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
• Do NOT sign any documents from the organization.
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you say can be used against you.

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call our 24/7 legal emergency hotline: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Free consultation: We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Irwin County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants—all of whom can be held accountable. In our current $10 million lawsuit, we are pursuing:

For Irwin County Families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.

Damages Available for Irwin County Hazing Victims

Hazing can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm. In our current case, we are seeking compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition refunds, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries cause long-term limitations)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, or burns)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse)
• Deterrence for other organizations (to prevent future hazing)

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million in damages—and we will pursue the same level of compensation for Irwin County families.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims CAN and DO Win

Hazing cases result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some of the most significant cases—and what they mean for Irwin County families:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha) – $10.1 Million

• What happened: A pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol and died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity).
• Takeaway: $10 million is a realistic demand for serious hazing cases.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University (Phi Delta Theta) – $6.1 Million

• What happened: A pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a “Bible study” hazing ritual.
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide.
• Takeaway: Juries award millions for hazing deaths—and serious injuries.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (Beta Theta Pi) – $110+ Million

• What happened: A pledge was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, and died after fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
• Outcome: Estimated $110 million settlement; multiple criminal convictions.
• Takeaway: Strong evidence = massive outcomes. Our case has detailed documentation.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (Pi Kappa Phi) – Confidential Settlement

• What happened: A pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon and died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: Chapter closed; multiple criminal charges.
• Takeaway: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing—and did nothing to stop it.

The $10 Million Fight: Our Current Case

📰 Breaking: University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Sued for $10 Million Over Hazing

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
• Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis—a life-threatening condition caused by muscle breakdown

Why this matters for Irwin County families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including in Georgia.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client are happening at universities near Irwin County.
• The national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing to stop it.
• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred—just like many universities in Georgia.

Our message to fraternities near Irwin County:

“We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Georgia, we will find every liable entity—and we will make you pay.”

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We

While our firm is headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Irwin County. Here’s how we serve Georgia families:

1. Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—we can pursue cases in federal court anywhere in the country.

2. Dual-State Bar Admission

• Licensed in Texas and New York—strategic advantage for pursuing national fraternities and sororities.

3. Remote Consultations for Irwin County Families

• Video consultations available—no need to travel to Texas.
• Phone consultations available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

4. We Come to You

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

5. Contingency Fee Representation

• $0 upfront costs—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions for Irwin County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

• Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. This is understandable, but it’s critical to act quickly before evidence disappears.
• You can report the incident confidentially. We can help you navigate the process while protecting your child’s identity.
• Georgia law protects whistleblowers. Some states have immunity provisions for those who report hazing.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?

• No. Under Georgia Code § 16-5-61, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that even if a student agreed to participate, they cannot legally consent to hazing.
• This is a common defense tactic—but it fails in court. We will defeat it.

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

• Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
• Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
• Contact us immediately—even if you’re unsure whether to pursue legal action.

4. Can I sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?

• Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable.
• In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred—giving them direct liability.

5. What if the fraternity claims they’ve “reformed” or “closed the chapter”?

• Fraternities often close chapters temporarily to avoid liability, then reopen under a new name.
• Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement after our lawsuit said they “look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
• Closing a chapter does not absolve them of responsibility. We will pursue the national organization, individual members, and any successor entities.

6. My child is an international student. Can you still help?

• Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation.
• We have bilingual staff and experience representing international students.
• We will protect your child’s privacy and ensure their visa status is not jeopardized.

7. How much is my child’s case worth?

• Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts.
• Factors that increase case value:
  • Severity of injuries (e.g., hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
  • Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
  • Institutional knowledge (e.g., prior hazing incidents at the same chapter/university)
  • Pattern of abuse (e.g., systematic hazing over weeks or months)
  • Psychological harm (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Irwin County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is a national crisis, and the institutions that allow it must be held accountable. At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now—and we’re ready to fight for Irwin County families too.

📞 Call Our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

We will travel to Irwin County. We will fight for your child. And we will make them pay.

To Fraternities and Sororities Near Irwin County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma—if your chapter operates near Irwin County, know this:

• We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure.
• We have tracked 125+ IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, including house corporations and alumni chapters.
• We know your corporate structures, your insurance policies, and your documented history of hazing deaths and injuries.
• If your chapter harms a student near Irwin County, we will pursue every liable entity—including you, your national organization, your housing corporation, and your individual members.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in America. And if you haze near Irwin County, your chapter could be next.

To Universities Near Irwin County: The Choice Is Yours

University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Columbus State University—you have the power to stop hazing on your campuses.

• You own the fraternity houses. You have the authority to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
• You have prior hazing incidents. You know the risks, yet you allow this culture to continue.
• You have the duty to protect your students. When you fail, you share liability.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized. They are now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.

Will your institution be next?

To Irwin County Parents: Trust Us to Fight for Your Child

We understand the pain, the anger, and the fear you’re feeling. Your child trusted these institutions. They trusted that they would be safe. That trust was betrayed.

We also understand that the legal system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here—to guide you through every step, to fight for your child, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Why Irwin County Families Choose Attorney 911:

✅ We’re already fighting this battle—our $10 million hazing lawsuit is ongoing.
✅ We know how to win—our attorneys have 37+ years of combined experience.
✅ We know their playbook—both attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers.
✅ We go the distance—we will travel to Irwin County, and we will take your case to trial if necessary.
✅ We care—we see your child as a person, not a paycheck.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Child’s Future

Time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and the statute of limitations runs out. If your child has been hazed, contact us immediately.

🚨 Irwin County Families: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. $0 upfront costs.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Final Message to Irwin County: Enough Is Enough

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not a rite of passage.

It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s time to stop.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis one case at a time. We’ve taken on Pi Kappa Phi. We’ve taken on the University of Houston. And we’re ready to take on any institution that allows hazing near Irwin County.

Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves accountability. And the next student deserves to be safe.

Call us now. Let’s end this together.

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