🛡️ Newton County Hazing Lawyer — Fraternity Abuse Attorney Serving Newton County, Georgia

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in or near Newton County, Georgia, you have legal rights. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate at colleges and universities across Georgia — including near Newton County. The same patterns of abuse, the same institutional failures, and the same devastating consequences happen here too.

At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we bring that same aggressive representation to Newton County families. We don’t just talk about hazing. We sue the fraternities, the universities, and the individuals responsible. We make them pay.

If your child was hospitalized, traumatized, or worse because of hazing in Newton County or anywhere in Georgia, call us now for a free consultation.

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

🚨 This Is Happening in Newton County — And We’re Fighting Back

The Same Hazing That Hospitalized Our Client Is Happening Near Newton County

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from weeks of brutal hazing. The fraternity forced him to:

• Be waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed, unable to stand
• Eat until he vomited, then forced to keep running through his own vomit
• Be struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Carry sexual objects as part of humiliating rituals
• Drive fraternity members at all hours, causing sleep deprivation and exhaustion

Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — and they kept going.

This wasn’t an accident. It was systematic abuse disguised as “tradition.” And it’s happening at fraternities near Newton County, Georgia too.

🏛️ Who We Sue for Newton County Hazing Victims

When your child is hazed, everyone who participated or allowed it is responsible. In our current case, we’re suing:

We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the institutions with money — the nationals, the universities, and the insurance companies.

💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions — And Newton County Victims Can Too

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including:

These results are possible for Newton County victims too. If your child was hazed, we will fight for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity and university)
• Accountability (to make sure it never happens again)

📍 Fraternities Near Newton County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases have active chapters at Georgia colleges and universities near Newton County, including:

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements. They know the risks. They choose to look the other way. And when students get hurt, they try to silence the victims.

We won’t let them silence Newton County families.

🔍 How to Know If Your Child Was Hazed in Newton County

Hazing isn’t always obvious. It often starts with “harmless” activities and escalates into abuse. Warning signs your child may be a victim of hazing near Newton County:

✅ Physical injuries — bruises, burns, broken bones, exhaustion
✅ Unexplained pain or difficulty walking (could indicate rhabdomyolysis, like our client)
✅ Dark or brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown — seek medical attention immediately)
✅ Sudden weight loss or gain from forced eating/drinking
✅ Sleep deprivation — up all night, exhausted during the day
✅ Withdrawal from friends and family — ashamed, embarrassed, or threatened
✅ Sudden drop in grades — hazing takes time and energy away from academics
✅ Carrying strange objects (like a fanny pack with sexual items, as in our case)
✅ Fear of talking about Greek life — “I can’t tell you what we do”
✅ References to “traditions” or “tests” that sound dangerous
✅ Social media silence — fraternities often ban pledges from posting during hazing

If your child is exhibiting these signs, they may be a victim of hazing. Don’t wait — call us immediately.

⚖️ Newton County Families: Your Legal Rights

Georgia law protects students from hazing — and provides legal recourse when universities and fraternities fail to protect them.

Georgia Hazing Law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)

Georgia makes hazing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison.

Definition of Hazing in Georgia:

Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a school organization.

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says they cannot consent to being hazed.

Civil Liability for Newton County Hazing Victims

Beyond criminal charges, you can sue for:

• Negligence — the fraternity and university failed to protect your child
• Assault and battery — physical abuse is a crime and a civil wrong
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress — psychological trauma is compensable
• Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university-owned property
• Negligent supervision — the national organization and university failed to oversee the chapter

We know how to build these cases. We’re doing it right now in Texas — and we’ll do it for Newton County families too.

📅 Newton County Hazing Victims: What to Do NOW

If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

Step 1: Get Medical Help

• If your child is injured, go to the emergency room immediately
• Tell the doctor everything — bruises, pain, exhaustion, dark urine
• Get copies of all medical records — these are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries, property damage, or hazing locations
• Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
• Write down everything your child tells you — dates, times, what happened
• Get witness names — other pledges, friends, bystanders
• Do NOT delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing, it’s evidence

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• They will try to control the narrative
• They will pressure your child to stay silent
• They will offer lowball settlements before you know the full extent of injuries
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Call a Newton County Hazing Lawyer

• We offer free consultations — no risk, no obligation
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We travel to Newton County — for meetings, depositions, and trials
• We know how to fight these cases — we’re doing it right now

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com

🏆 Why Newton County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Actively Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case — Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re in the courtroom fighting it. Our current lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is making headlines — and we bring that same aggressive approach to Newton County families.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies — the same companies that defend fraternities and universities. We know all their tricks, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, so we can pursue hazing cases anywhere in America — including against national fraternities headquartered outside Georgia.

4. We’re Dual-Licensed — Texas and New York

This gives us strategic advantages when suing national organizations that operate across state lines.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Newton County are Hispanic. We provide bilingual representation so language is never a barrier to justice.

6. We Travel to Newton County — For Your Case

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we come to Newton County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier.

7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

We understand that Newton County families can’t afford to pay legal fees while fighting powerful institutions. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

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

We’ve won millions for personal injury victims — including in high-profile cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We know how to take on big defendants.

🎯 Our Strategy for Newton County Hazing Cases

1. Identify All Liable Parties

We don’t just sue the local chapter. We sue:

• The national fraternity (they have the money)
• The university (they have a duty to protect students)
• The individual members (they can’t hide behind the organization)
• The alumni and hosts (they enabled the hazing)
• The insurance companies (they have deep pockets)

2. Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

• Text messages — fraternities often delete group chats
• Photos/videos — they’ll try to destroy incriminating evidence
• Witness statements — memories fade; we document immediately
• Medical records — critical for proving injuries

3. Build a Case That Forces Settlement

We:

• Calculate full damages — medical bills, pain and suffering, future care
• Document the pattern — prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Expose institutional knowledge — did the university or nationals know this was happening?
• Leverage media attention — public pressure forces settlements

4. Take It to Trial If Necessary

Most hazing cases settle — but if they don’t, we’re ready to go to trial. We’ve litigated hundreds of cases in court, and we’re not afraid to take on fraternities and universities in front of a jury.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Newton County Hazing Cases

Q: My child consented to pledging. 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, they cannot consent to being abused.

Q: The fraternity is saying this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” is not an excuse for illegal activity. Assault is assault, torture is torture — no matter what they call it.

Q: We’re in Newton County. Can you still help us?

A: ABSOLUTELY. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Georgia. We offer video consultations, and we travel to Newton County for your case.

Q: How much is my case worth?

It depends on:

• The severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage)
• The egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• The defendants’ ability to pay (national fraternities and universities have deep pockets)
• The pattern of prior incidents (has this happened before at the same chapter?)

Most hazing cases settle for six or seven figures. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation for your Newton County family.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?

We understand. Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We:

• Protect your identity when possible
• File restraining orders if necessary
• Hold individuals personally liable — fear of consequences deters retaliation

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

Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

$0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so our interests are aligned with yours.

📢 To Fraternities Near Newton County: We Are Coming for You

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma:

If your chapter operates near Newton County, know this:

• We are actively tracking your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance policies.
• We know your hazing death records — Pi Kappa Phi paid millions after Andrew Coffey died. You haven’t fixed your culture.
• We know your corporate structures — we’ve sued house corporations before.
• We know your insurance policies — we used to work for the insurance companies.
• If you haze students near Newton County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending. That’s what happens when you haze in Georgia too.

🏆 Newton County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone.

• We are fighting this battle right now — and we’re winning.
• We know what you’re going through — our client was hospitalized with kidney failure.
• We know how to hold them accountable — fraternities, universities, and individuals.
• We will fight for you — no matter where you are in Georgia.

If your child was hazed near Newton County, call us now.

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

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you do.

🗓️ Newton County Hazing Resources

Georgia Hazing Hotlines & Reporting

• Georgia Tech Hazing Hotline: (404) 894-2555
• University of Georgia Hazing Reporting: https://conduct.uga.edu/hazing/
• Georgia State University Hazing Policy: https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/hazing/
• Georgia Anti-Hazing Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61

Medical Resources Near Newton County

• Piedmont Newton Hospital (Covington, GA) — (678) 625-1000
• Emory University Hospital Midtown (Atlanta, GA) — (404) 686-4411
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — (404) 785-5437

Mental Health Support

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
• The Summit Wellness Group (Atlanta): (470) 383-5720

📜 Georgia Hazing Law — Full Text (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61)

§ 16-5-61. Hazing

(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Haze” means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.
(2) “School” means any school, college, or university in this state.
(3) “School organization” means any club, society, fraternity, sorority, or a group living together which has students as its principal members.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.

(c) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

(d) Any person who violates this Code section when such violation results in the death of the student shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

(e) It is no defense to prosecution under this Code section that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

Newton County, Georgia — We Will Fight for Your Family

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

It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it ends now.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Newton County, you have legal rights. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate in Georgia. The same patterns of abuse, the same institutional failures, the same devastating consequences happen here.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Newton County families.

📞 Call now for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
✉️ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

No upfront cost. No risk. No obligation. We don’t get paid unless you do.

Newton County families: Enough is enough.