Hazing Lawyers for McIntosh County Families – Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 steps in. If your child was hazed at a college or university near McIntosh County, we can help. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – the same fight we’ll bring to McIntosh County families.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

The Hazing Crisis in McIntosh County – What Local Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless initiation rituals.” In our current case, a University of Houston student was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles – all as part of fraternity “tradition.” He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, spending four days fighting for his life.

This isn’t happening just in Houston. The same national fraternities and sororities operate at colleges and universities near McIntosh County. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist right here in Georgia. And the same institutional failures that allowed hazing at UH are happening at McIntosh County-area institutions.

The Shocking Truth About Greek Life Near McIntosh County

Many McIntosh County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and national Greek organizations have safeguards in place to prevent abuse. That trust is being betrayed.

Consider these facts about hazing near McIntosh County:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of hazing victims do not report the abuse – often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations near McIntosh County

The same fraternities involved in our current lawsuit have chapters at universities near McIntosh County, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Phi Delta Theta
• Beta Theta Pi
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• And many others

These organizations have paid millions of dollars in settlements for hazing incidents across the country. The same legal strategies that won those cases apply to McIntosh County victims.

Our Current Case: The $10 Million Warning to McIntosh County Fraternities

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

What happened to our client could happen to your child at a college near McIntosh County.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client

The abuse our client endured was not an isolated incident – it was a systematic, weeks-long campaign of torture disguised as “pledge activities.” These are the same types of activities happening at fraternities and sororities near McIntosh County:

On November 3, 2025, our client was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other extreme exercises while being threatened with expulsion if he stopped. He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. 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.” The day after that was worse. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

This is not hazing. This is torture. And it’s happening at colleges near McIntosh County.

Why This Case Matters for McIntosh County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near McIntosh County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Georgia
   • The same national organizations that allowed waterboarding at UH have chapters at universities near McIntosh County
   • If it happened at UH, it can happen at a college near McIntosh County

2. Universities Near McIntosh County Have the Same Liability Failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • They had the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down the chapter
   • They failed to act despite a prior hazing incident in 2017
   • Universities near McIntosh County have the same power – and the same liability when they fail to use it

3. The National Organization Knew About the “Hazing Crisis”

   • In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University
   • Pi Kappa Phi National had 8 years to fix their culture after that death
   • They failed to act, and now Leonel Bermudez has been hospitalized
   • They admitted knowing about “a hazing crisis” in their own statements
   • This pattern of negligence exists at fraternities near McIntosh County too

4. $10 Million Sends a Message – McIntosh County Families Can Send the Same Message

   • The $10 million we’re seeking isn’t just compensation – it’s a warning
   • A warning to every fraternity and sorority near McIntosh County
   • A warning to every university that turns a blind eye to hazing
   • A warning that says: If you haze students, you will pay

Legal Rights for McIntosh County Hazing Victims

What Qualifies as Hazing in Georgia?

Georgia law defines hazing as any intentional act that endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with an organization. This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to the elements (forcing students to stay outside in extreme weather)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation, threats)
• Any activity that creates an unreasonable risk of harm

Georgia law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Hazing Near McIntosh County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share liability, including:

Types of Compensation Available for McIntosh County Hazing Victims

If your child was hazed at a college or university near McIntosh County, you may be entitled to compensation for:

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages. This amount is supported by precedent – other hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, including:

• $10.1 million for the family of Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million jury verdict for the family of Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million for the family of Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near McIntosh County

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near McIntosh County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations can expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent
• Medical records are critical evidence in hazing cases
• If your child is experiencing brown or dark urine, severe muscle pain, or difficulty walking, seek emergency care immediately – these are signs of rhabdomyolysis

2. Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Preserve the following:

WARNING: Do not confront the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel. They may try to destroy evidence or get your child to sign away their rights.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• The fraternity/sorority will likely reach out to your child
• They may offer apologies, explanations, or even settlements
• Do not engage with them without an attorney present
• Anything your child says can be used against them
• The organization’s goal is to protect themselves, not your child

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Stay off social media entirely until your case is resolved
• Do not post about the incident
• Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
• Do not engage with fraternity/sorority members online
• Do not delete old posts (this can be seen as destruction of evidence)
• Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for anything they can use against your child

5. Report the Incident

• Consider filing a police report – hazing is a crime in Georgia
• File a Title IX report with the university (if applicable)
• Report to the national organization (though they may not act)
• Do not rely on the university to handle this internally – they have a conflict of interest

6. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Call Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

We can:

• Advise you on your legal rights and options
• Handle all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university
• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your child’s rights
• Pursue maximum compensation for your child’s injuries

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why McIntosh County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• This isn’t theoretical for us – we’re in the fight right now
• We know the legal strategies that work
• We know how to hold institutions accountable
• McIntosh County families get the same aggressive representation

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. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to minimize claims.

We’ve seen their playbook from the inside – now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Can Help McIntosh County Families Anywhere

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including McIntosh County families. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

We offer:

• Video consultations for McIntosh County families
• Willingness to travel to McIntosh County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote case management for out-of-state clients
• Experience litigating against national Greek organizations

4. Proven Results in Complex Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – Multi-billion dollar mass tort case
• $10 million hazing lawsuit – Currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
• Aggressive trial experience – We’re not afraid to take cases to court

5. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. We treat every client with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Our clients say:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way.” – Kiwi Potato

“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person.” – Ambur Hamilton

6. We Work on Contingency – No Upfront Cost for McIntosh County Families

We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a barrier, especially for families dealing with the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How it works:

• $0 upfront – No retainer, no hourly fees
• We advance all case expenses – Investigation, experts, court costs
• We only get paid if we win – Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
• You keep the rest – After expenses and fees, the remaining compensation is yours

7. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. Our staff is bilingual, and we can provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Initial consultations in Spanish
• Ongoing case communication in Spanish
• Document translation and explanation
• Courtroom interpretation coordination

No language barriers – just justice.

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Handle Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

When you call us about a hazing incident, we act immediately. We know evidence disappears fast, so we:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence
• Obtain medical records quickly
• Identify and interview witnesses before they forget details
• Secure social media evidence before it’s deleted

2. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case. Our investigation includes:

• Medical expert review – Documenting the full extent of injuries
• Hazing culture experts – Explaining the dynamics of Greek life abuse
• Institutional negligence analysis – Proving the university knew or should have known
• Pattern evidence research – Documenting prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
• Financial discovery – Identifying all available insurance and assets

3. Aggressive Negotiation

We negotiate from a position of strength. We:

• Know the true value of hazing cases
• Understand the insurance coverage available
• Are prepared to take cases to trial if necessary
• Won’t accept lowball settlement offers

Remember: The first settlement offer is always the lowest. Insurance companies and Greek organizations will try to settle quickly and cheaply. We won’t let them take advantage of your child.

4. Trial-Ready Preparation

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This means:

• Taking depositions of all key witnesses
• Hiring expert witnesses to testify about injuries and institutional failures
• Creating compelling visual presentations for juries
• Developing persuasive legal arguments that resonate with judges and juries

Our trial experience gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. Defendants know we’re not afraid to go to court – and they’re more likely to offer fair settlements when they know we’re prepared to win at trial.

5. Protecting Your Child from Retaliation

Hazing victims often fear retribution for speaking out. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” – this fear is real, and we take it seriously.

We protect our clients by:

• Handling all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university
• Ensuring your child doesn’t have to confront their abusers directly
• Filing motions to protect your child’s identity if necessary
• Pursuing claims against individuals who retaliate

Common Questions from McIntosh County Families

Q: My child signed a waiver or “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

The Georgia General Assembly recognized that peer pressure, coercion, and the desire to belong make true consent impossible in hazing situations. That’s why they eliminated the consent defense entirely.

Q: The fraternity/sorority says this was just “tradition” or “team building.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault, battery is battery, and hazing is hazing – regardless of what the organization calls it.

Consider this: If a coach waterboarded a player as part of “team building,” would that be acceptable? Of course not. The same standards apply to Greek organizations.

Q: My child was hazed at a private university near McIntosh County. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Private universities have the same duty to protect students as public universities. In fact, some private universities have even more control over Greek life because they own the fraternity and sorority houses.

Q: The hazing didn’t happen on campus. Does that matter?

A: NO. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus or off. The location doesn’t change the fact that it’s hazing.

Many hazing incidents occur at:

• Fraternity/sorority houses (often owned by the university)
• Off-campus apartments
• Hotels
• Retreat centers
• Private residences

Wherever it happens, it’s still hazing – and it’s still illegal.

Q: My child is afraid of being expelled or facing academic consequences if we sue. What should we do?

This is a common fear, but it’s important to know:

• Retaliation is illegal. Universities cannot punish students for exercising their legal rights.
• We can file confidentiality protections to keep your child’s identity private.
• Many hazing cases result in policy changes that protect other students.

The real risk is staying silent. If you don’t speak up, the hazing will continue – and the next victim could be seriously injured or killed.

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

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 2 years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions:

• If the victim was a minor at the time of hazing, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• If the injury wasn’t immediately apparent (like psychological trauma), the clock may start when the injury is discovered
• If the university or Greek organization concealed the hazing, the clock may be extended

DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights can expire. Contact us immediately for a free consultation to protect your child’s rights.

Q: How much is our case worth?

Every hazing case is unique, and the value depends on many factors, including:

• The severity of the injuries (physical and psychological)
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)
• Whether there were prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
• The assets and insurance coverage of the defendants
• The impact on your child’s life (academic, social, career)

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million, and we believe that amount is justified by the severity of the conduct and the institutional failures involved. Other hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $100 million.

During your free consultation, we’ll evaluate the specifics of your case and provide an estimate of its potential value.

Q: We’re not in Texas. Can you still help us?

ABSOLUTELY. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including McIntosh County families. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

We offer:

• Video consultations for out-of-state clients
• Willingness to travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Experience litigating against national Greek organizations
• Remote case management capabilities

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The Warning to Fraternities and Sororities Near McIntosh County

To every fraternity and sorority operating near McIntosh County:

We are watching. We are building cases. We are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma – if your chapter operates near McIntosh County, know this:

• We track your house corporations
• We know your national organizations’ assets
• We know your insurance coverage
• We know your history of hazing incidents
• We know how to hold you accountable

Every national fraternity with chapters near McIntosh County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won. We are currently litigating a $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi. Your chapter could be next.

The Warning to Universities Near McIntosh County

To every college and university near McIntosh County:

The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You have the power to stop hazing. You choose not to use it.

• You own the fraternity and sorority houses – you control what happens there
• You grant recognition to Greek organizations – you can revoke it
• You receive tuition dollars – you have a duty to protect students
• You have police and security forces – you can investigate hazing

When you fail to act, you become liable. When a student is hazed on your campus, you share responsibility.

The University of Houston is learning this lesson right now. They owned the house where waterboarding occurred. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They did nothing. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

Will your university be next?

Call Attorney 911 – The Hazing Lawyers for McIntosh County Families

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near McIntosh County, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we can fight for your family too.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Serving McIntosh County and all of Georgia – because no family should have to face this alone.

Remember the Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing often starts with subtle signs and escalates. Be alert for these red flags in your child:

If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be too afraid to speak up.

Georgia Colleges and Universities with Greek Life Near McIntosh County

Many colleges and universities near McIntosh County have active Greek life programs, including:

If your child attends any of these institutions – or any college with Greek life – they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client.

Final Message to McIntosh County Families

Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted that the fraternity or sorority would provide brotherhood or sisterhood. They trusted that the university would keep them safe. They trusted that the national organization would enforce its own rules.

That trust was betrayed.

But you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold them accountable. You have the power to protect other families from going through what you’ve endured.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now – and we’re ready to fight for McIntosh County families too.

Call us today: 1-888-ATTY-911

Because no child should have to endure what our client endured. And no family should have to face this alone.