🛡️ Attorney 911 — Hazing Victims Legal Representation for Johnson County, Georgia
Aggressive, Nationwide Legal Support for Hazing Victims and Families
📞 Immediate Help: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
🚨 HAZING IS NOT TRADITION. IT’S ABUSE. IT’S ILLEGAL. YOU HAVE RIGHTS.
Johnson County families send their children to college expecting safety, growth, and opportunity. Tragically, for many students in Georgia and across the nation, Greek life and other student organizations turn that trust into trauma. Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s a dangerous, illegal practice that has hospitalized and killed students nationwide — and it happens right here in Georgia.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a hazing victim hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate at universities near Johnson County. The same negligence exists at Georgia institutions. And we will fight for Johnson County victims with the same aggression.
If you or your child has been hazed in Johnson County or anywhere in Georgia, you are not alone. You have legal rights. And we are here to help.
🏢 WHO WE ARE — Georgia’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
We are a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Johnson County, Georgia, through our federal court authority and commitment to justice.
We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas — and we bring that same expertise and determination to Georgia families.
WHY JOHNSON COUNTY FAMILIES CHOOSE ATTORNEY 911
| Advantage | How It Helps Johnson County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven trial attorneys with decades of litigation success |
| Former Insurance Defense Insight | We know how insurance companies and institutions fight claims — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Johnson County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage for national fraternity litigation |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Georgia victims |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Johnson County families |
| 24/7 Availability | Johnson County emergencies don’t wait — neither do we |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win your case. |
“We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it RIGHT NOW. And we’ll fight for Johnson County families with the same fury.”
— Ralph Manginello, Attorney 911
🚨 THE HAZING CRISIS IN GEORGIA — WHAT JOHNSON COUNTY FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW
Hazing Happens at Georgia Universities — Including Near Johnson County
Hazing is not limited to Texas or the Northeast. It happens at Georgia universities, including institutions near Johnson County. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters in Texas — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, and others — have active chapters across Georgia.
Universities near Johnson County with Greek life include:
- Augusta University (Augusta, GA)
- Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA)
- University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
- Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)
- Mercer University (Macon, GA)
- Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
- Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
- Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA)
- Columbus State University (Columbus, GA)
If your child attends or plans to attend college near Johnson County, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Types of Hazing in Georgia — What Johnson County Families Should Watch For
Hazing takes many forms, and it’s often hidden under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” Georgia parents should be aware of these common hazing activities:
| Category | Examples | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, extreme exercise | Unexplained bruises, limping, exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Vomiting, alcohol poisoning, choking |
| Sleep Deprivation | Late-night activities, forced driving, disrupted sleep | Extreme fatigue, falling asleep in class, irritability |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation | Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Withdrawal, shame, reluctance to discuss activities |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning with water or hoses | Coughing, difficulty breathing, fear of water |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces | Frostbite, heat stroke, claustrophobia |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Missing classes, unexplained absences |
If your child exhibits any of these warning signs, ask questions. If they won’t answer or seem afraid, they may be a hazing victim.
Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Johnson County Families Risk
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun.” It can cause serious, life-altering, and even fatal injuries. Common medical consequences include:
| Injury | Description | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown releasing toxic proteins into bloodstream | Kidney failure, dialysis, transplant |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys unable to filter waste from blood | Hospitalization, lifelong monitoring |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Dangerously high blood alcohol levels | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or paddling | Cognitive impairment, memory loss |
| Heat Stroke/Hypothermia | From exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ damage, death |
| Cardiac Arrest | From extreme physical exertion | Death, permanent heart damage |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse or falls | Surgery, permanent impairment |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | From psychological trauma | Therapy, medication, lifelong impact |
| Suicide | From extreme emotional distress | Irreversible loss |
Our client in Houston was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This could happen to a Johnson County student.
⚠️ THE LANDMARK CASE — WHY THIS MATTERS TO JOHNSON COUNTY
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
This case is happening now. And it could happen to a Johnson County student.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next 7 weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout on October 15
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to exercise until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent 4 days in the hospital.
What This Means for Johnson County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including in Georgia.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Georgia fraternities.
- Universities near Johnson County face the same liability failures as UH.
- If your child is being hazed in Georgia, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston.
This happened in Texas. It could happen in Georgia. And we are ready to fight for Johnson County victims.
Media Coverage of the Case
| Outlet | Headline | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| ABC13 Houston | “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” | “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move.” — Ralph Manginello |
| KHOU 11 | “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” | “Both the national organization and local housing corporation are alleged to have enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” |
| Houston Chronicle | “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” | “The lawsuit described the workout as including ‘high-volume suicides,’ bear crawls, wheelbarrows, ‘save-you-brother’ drills, two-mile warmups, repeated 100-yard crawls, forced consumption of milk and food to the point of vomiting, and being struck with wooden paddles.” |
| Houston Public Media | “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” | “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” |
⚖️ GEORGIA HAZING LAWS — KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Georgia Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)
Georgia law explicitly prohibits hazing and provides both criminal and civil penalties.
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any school organization.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Felony (if serious bodily injury or death) | 1–5 years in prison |
Organizational Liability:
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
- Organizations can be suspended or banned from campus
Consent is NOT a Defense:
It is not a defense that the victim consented to the hazing.
This is critical. When fraternities argue, “He agreed to participate,” Georgia law says consent does not matter.
Civil Liability — What Johnson County Victims Can Sue For
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Georgia can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Negligence — Duty of care owed by university and fraternity
- Assault & Battery — Intentional harmful contact
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Extreme and outrageous conduct
- Premises Liability — If hazing occurred on university-owned property
- Negligent Supervision — Failure to monitor or control the organization
- Wrongful Death — If hazing results in death
Damages Available:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death damages (for families)
💰 PRECEDENT CASES — MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROOF
Hazing Cases Win Big — And Georgia Victims Can Too
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4M+ |
What This Means for Johnson County:
- $10 million settlements are real — our current case seeks the same
- Juries award millions for hazing injuries and deaths
- Universities and fraternities pay — they have deep pockets and insurance
- Georgia victims can win — the same laws apply
📋 WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS HAZED IN JOHNSON COUNTY
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Georgia Families
If you suspect your child is being hazed, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the situation immediately | Prevent further harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Get a full medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis symptoms can be delayed |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Save all texts, emails, social media, photos, videos | Critical for building your case |
| 4. Document Everything | Write down dates, times, locations, witnesses, descriptions | Memory fades; written records are powerful |
| 5. Do NOT Confront the Organization | Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel | They will try to control the narrative |
| 6. Report to Authorities | File a police report; report to university Title IX office | Creates official record |
| 7. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 | Protect your rights; preserve evidence |
| 8. Do NOT Sign Anything | Do not sign waivers, settlements, or NDAs without legal review | You may waive your right to compensation |
| 9. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Avoid discussing the incident online | Insurance companies will use posts against you |
“Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.”
— Lupe Pena, Attorney 911
🎯 WHO IS LIABLE — HOLDING JOHNSON COUNTY INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held liable. We pursue every responsible entity to maximize compensation for Johnson County victims.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; owned property where it occurred |
| University Officials | Failed to monitor Greek life; ignored prior incidents |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
We don’t just sue students. We sue the institutions that enable them.
🏛️ GEORGIA UNIVERSITIES — THEY HAVE THE POWER TO STOP HAZING
Universities near Johnson County have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they share liability.
How Universities Enable Hazing:
- Own fraternity/sorority houses but fail to inspect or regulate
- Ignore prior hazing incidents and fail to implement safeguards
- Lack meaningful oversight of Greek life activities
- Prioritize reputation over safety — covering up incidents to avoid bad publicity
- Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing the risks
Georgia universities with Greek life must do better. And when they don’t, we hold them accountable.
📢 MESSAGE TO GEORGIA FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES
To the chapters operating near Johnson County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in Texas apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi — if your chapter is operating near Johnson County, know this:
- We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures.
- We know your documented history of hazing deaths and injuries.
- If you haze students in Georgia, we will pursue every liable entity.
- We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in Houston. Your chapter could be next.
Enough is enough. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
💬 CLIENT TESTIMONIALS — WHY GEORGIA FAMILIES TRUST US
**”Attorney 911 doesn’t just handle cases — they fight for families. When my son was injured, they treated us like family and fought for every penny. I
