🛡️ Hazing Victims in Jefferson County, Georgia: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

Attorney 911: Fighting for Jefferson County Families Affected by Hazing

Jefferson County, Georgia, is a tight-knit community with deep family values and a strong sense of tradition. Many of our children grow up with dreams of attending college, joining organizations, and building lifelong friendships. But when those dreams are shattered by the brutal reality of hazing—when our children are subjected to physical abuse, psychological torture, or life-threatening rituals—it’s not just a personal tragedy. It’s a violation of trust, a betrayal of community values, and a legal emergency that demands immediate action.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed the horrific abuse students endure in the name of “tradition.” This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Jefferson County, Georgia. The same culture of abuse exists here. And we are ready to fight for Jefferson County families with the same relentless determination we’re bringing to our current case.

If your child has been hazed, injured, or traumatized by a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in or near Jefferson County, you are not alone. You have legal rights. And we are here to help you enforce them.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in America—and Why Jefferson County Families Should Be Concerned

Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not “boys being boys” or “girls bonding.” It’s a systematic, institutionalized form of abuse that has led to hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and deaths across the country—including right here in Georgia.

The Alarming Statistics:

• 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and Greek organizations experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed.
• Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S.
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it—often out of fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization.
• Georgia has seen multiple hazing incidents, including high-profile cases at major universities.

Hazing Happens in Jefferson County, Too

While Jefferson County may not have a large university within its borders, many of our students attend colleges in nearby cities where Greek life and student organizations thrive. Some of the universities near Jefferson County with active Greek organizations include:

• Augusta University (Augusta, GA)
• Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA)
• University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
• Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)
• Mercer University (Macon, GA)

These are the same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. If your child attends—or plans to attend—any of these institutions, they are at risk.

⚠️ The Landmark Case That Shows What Hazing Really Looks Like

Right now, Attorney 911 is litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of brutal hazing.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose—simulated drowning, a form of torture.
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed.
• Struck with wooden paddles—physical abuse with weapons.
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising in his own vomit.
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout—yet the hazing continued.
• Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure, unable to walk or move.

This didn’t happen in some far-off state. This happened in 2025. This is what hazing looks like today.

Why This Case Matters to Jefferson County Families:

1. The same fraternities operate near Jefferson County.

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and other Georgia schools.
   • Other national fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and Sigma Chi—all with documented hazing histories—also have chapters near Jefferson County.

2. Universities near Jefferson County face the same liability.

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Many Georgia universities have similar relationships with Greek organizations.
   • If a university knows—or should know—about hazing and fails to act, they can be held legally responsible.

3. The national organizations know about the problem—and do nothing.

   • Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their hazing culture after a student died in 2017. They failed.
   • How many more students will be hurt before they act?

4. $10 million sends a message.

   • This is the price for torturing our children. Jefferson County families can send the same message.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hazing Victim in Georgia

If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County or at a university near Jefferson County, you have legal rights under Georgia law and federal civil rights statutes. Here’s what you need to know:

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

Georgia has a strong anti-hazing law that makes hazing a criminal offense. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with an educational institution, and which is intended to have the effect of humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of a student.”

Key Provisions:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor—but can be a felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death.
• Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.
• Organizations can be held liable—including fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and universities.
• Universities are required to report hazing incidents—failure to do so can result in penalties.

2. Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

Georgia has no cap on pain and suffering damages—meaning juries can award millions to victims of severe hazing.

3. Federal Civil Rights Claims

In some cases, hazing may violate federal civil rights laws, including:

• Title IX (if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault)
• 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (if a university or public institution failed to protect your child)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (if your child was denied accommodations due to injuries)

These claims can be pursued in federal court, where damages may be even higher.

4. Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a hazing case, multiple parties can be held responsible, including:

💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Hazing Cases Win

Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts have repeatedly awarded millions to victims and their families. Here are some of the largest hazing settlements and verdicts in U.S. history—and why Jefferson County families can expect similar results:

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

• What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big Brother” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: The university and fraternity settled for $10.1 million—the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
• Why It Matters for Jefferson County: This case involved the same fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) that operates at UGA and other Georgia schools. $10 million is the new benchmark for hazing cases.

2. Maxwell Gruver (LSU / Phi Delta Theta) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink during a “Bible Study” hazing ritual. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495—more than 6 times the legal limit. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. The state of Louisiana also passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
• Why It Matters for Jefferson County: This case shows that juries will award millions for hazing deaths—and that cases can drive legislative change.

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

• What Happened: Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a bid acceptance night. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
• Outcome: The family settled for an estimated $110 million—one of the largest hazing settlements in history.
• Why It Matters for Jefferson County: This case shows that when hazing is egregious and well-documented, settlements can reach $100 million or more.

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

• What Happened: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: The family settled for an undisclosed amount (likely in the millions). The fraternity was permanently closed at FSU.
• Why It Matters for Jefferson County: This is the same fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) that has chapters at UGA and other Georgia schools. They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew’s death—and failed.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in or Near Jefferson County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries—like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, or concussions—can worsen over time.
• Medical records are critical evidence in any legal case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. You must preserve everything:

⚠️ DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts.
• Confront the fraternity or university without legal counsel.
• Sign anything from the organization or their insurance company.
• Post about the incident on social media.

Step 3: Report the Incident

• File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Georgia.
• Report to the university. Most schools have a Title IX office or student conduct department.
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority. They may claim they’ll “investigate,” but do not trust them to act in your child’s best interest.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Do not talk to insurance companies or the fraternity’s lawyers without an attorney.
• Do not accept a settlement offer without legal advice.
• Call Attorney 911 immediately for a free consultation.

Step 5: Know Your Rights

• You have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia (statute of limitations).
• The fraternity cannot retaliate against your child for reporting hazing.
• Consent is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate.
• You can sue multiple parties—the chapter, the national organization, the university, and individual members.

🏢 Why Jefferson County Families Choose Attorney 911

When your child is hazed, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal emergency response team—attorneys who understand the urgency, the trauma, and the stakes. Here’s why Jefferson County families trust us:

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We are actively fighting Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston right now.
• We know the defenses they’ll use—and how to defeat them.
• We are not afraid to take on national organizations with deep pockets.

2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
• We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims.
• We’ve seen their playbook from the inside—and now we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court, giving us the power to pursue federal civil rights claims against universities and national organizations.
• We can represent Jefferson County families no matter where the hazing occurred.

4. We Are Dual-State Licensed (Texas and New York)

• Our dual licenses give us strategic advantages in cases involving out-of-state defendants (like national fraternities).
• We can pursue cases in multiple jurisdictions if necessary.

5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Many hazing victims in Georgia are Hispanic or Latino.
• We provide bilingual legal services to ensure no family is left behind due to language barriers.

6. We Work on Contingency—$0 Upfront

• You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• We advance all costs of litigation—medical records, expert witnesses, court fees.
• If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• $10 million in our current hazing case.
• Millions recovered in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation—handling complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporations.

8. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach—he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
• We know how to expose the “tradition” excuse for what it really is: abuse.

9. We Will Travel to Jefferson County

• We serve Jefferson County families no matter where the hazing occurred.
• We offer video consultations for families who cannot travel.
• We will come to Jefferson County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

10. We See Your Child as a Person—Not a Paycheck

“When we take a hazing case, we don’t see a client. We see a child who was betrayed by people they trusted. We see a family that’s hurting. And we fight like hell to make it right.” — Ralph Manginello

📞 Jefferson County Families: Call Us Now—Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed, do not wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And your legal rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

✉️ ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Jefferson County hazing emergencies.

🎯 What Happens Next?

When you call Attorney 911, here’s what to expect:

1. Free Case Evaluation – We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options.
2. Evidence Preservation – We’ll send immediate preservation letters to the fraternity, university, and individuals to ensure no evidence is destroyed.
3. Medical Coordination – We’ll help you document all injuries and connect you with specialists if needed.
4. Investigation – We’ll gather all evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.
5. Demand Letter – We’ll send a demand for compensation to the defendants.
6. Negotiation – We’ll fight for a fair settlement—but we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.
7. Justice – Whether through settlement or verdict, we’ll hold the responsible parties accountable.

🔥 A Message to Fraternities Near Jefferson County

To the fraternities operating at universities near Jefferson County—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and others:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

If your chapter harms a student in or near Jefferson County, we will pursue every liable entity.

• We will sue your local chapter.
• We will sue your national organization.
• We will sue the university.
• We will sue the individuals who participated.
• We will sue the alumni who hosted hazing events.

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ A Message to Universities Near Jefferson County

To the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Augusta University, Georgia Southern University, and other institutions near Jefferson County:

You own the buildings. You control the organizations. You have the power to stop hazing.

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded.
• They collected rent while students were tortured.
• They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down—and they failed.

If you know hazing is happening on your campus and you do nothing, you are complicit. And you will be held accountable.

💔 A Final Message to Jefferson County Families

To the parents, siblings, and loved ones of hazing victims in Jefferson County:

We know what you’re going through. We’ve seen the fear, the anger, the helplessness. We’ve seen the shame that victims feel—the belief that they “should have known better” or that they “brought this on themselves.”

This is not your child’s fault.

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

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture.

And it must stop.

At Attorney 911, we don’t just fight for compensation. We fight for change. We fight to make sure no other Jefferson County family has to go through what you’re going through.

Call us. Let’s fight this together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

✉️ ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

Justice for Jefferson County starts now.