🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Peach County, Georgia: Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Peach County, Georgia and Nationwide

If your child has been hazed at a Peach County college, university, or Greek organization, we can help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal support.

🏛️ Understanding Hazing in Peach County, Georgia

Hazing is a serious issue affecting students across Georgia, including those in Peach County. While Peach County itself is a smaller community, many students from the area attend nearby universities where Greek life and other organizations are active. These institutions include:

• Fort Valley State University (located in Fort Valley, just outside Peach County)
• Middle Georgia State University (with campuses in Macon and Cochran)
• Mercer University (Macon)
• Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville)
• University of Georgia (Athens)
• Georgia Southern University (Statesboro)

These schools all have active Greek systems where hazing can occur. If your child attends or plans to attend any of these institutions, they may be at risk.

⚠️ What Peach County Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing is Illegal in Georgia

Georgia has strict anti-hazing laws. 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 that causes or is likely to cause bodily harm to that student.

Penalties in Georgia:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine
• Felony: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, penalties increase significantly

Important: Consent is not a defense in Georgia. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible.

2. Hazing Can Cause Serious Harm

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” or “tradition.” It can lead to:

• Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, bruises, internal injuries
• Medical emergencies: Alcohol poisoning, heat stroke, hypothermia, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure)
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Death: Tragically, hazing deaths occur every year in the U.S.

Real Case Example:
In 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure due to extreme hazing. The student was waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This same fraternity has chapters at universities near Peach County.

3. Who Can Be Held Liable in Peach County Hazing Cases?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:

Peach County Note: While we’re based in Texas, we can represent Peach County families regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can pursue justice for your child.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Peach County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger or needs medical attention, call 911
• Remove your child from the situation if possible

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are crucial evidence

Step 3: Preserve Evidence

Do NOT delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, etc.
• Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
• Social media posts about hazing
• Any emails or documents from the organization
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Any objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.)

Step 4: Report the Incident

• File a police report with local law enforcement (Peach County Sheriff’s Office or local police)
• Report to the university (Title IX office or student affairs)
• Report to the national organization (if applicable)

Step 5: Contact a Hazing Attorney

Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

Why call us?

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and know how to build strong cases
• We understand the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid responsibility
• We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
• We’ll travel to Peach County for your case

💰 Can You Sue for Hazing in Peach County?

Yes. If your child has been hazed, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for:

Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, Louisiana State University)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State University)

Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is in line with these precedents.

🏛️ Who We Sue in Peach County Hazing Cases

1. The Local Chapter

• Directly responsible for organizing and carrying out hazing
• Typically has some assets and insurance coverage

2. The National Organization

• Has deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage
• Responsible for supervising local chapters
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks

Example: In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.

3. The University or College

• Has a duty to protect students
• May own the property where hazing occurred
• Often has substantial insurance coverage

In our Pi Kappa Phi case: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.

4. Individual Members and Officers

• Can be held personally liable for their actions
• May have homeowner’s insurance that covers liability

Precedent: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

⚖️ Georgia Hazing Laws: What Peach County Families Need to Know

O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 – Hazing Law

Georgia law defines hazing 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 that causes or is likely to cause bodily harm to that student.

Key Points for Peach County Families:

1. Consent is not a defense – Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable
2. Both physical and mental harm are covered
3. Organizations can be held liable for condoning or encouraging hazing
4. Criminal charges can be filed against individuals and organizations

O.C.G.A. § 16-5-62 – Penalties

University Policies

Most Georgia universities have their own anti-hazing policies with additional penalties, including:

• Expulsion from the university
• Suspension or permanent ban of the organization
• Loss of university recognition

🎯 Why Peach County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Actively Fighting Hazing Right Now

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid responsibility
• We’re familiar with the specific organizations that operate near Peach County

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

• Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney – he knows how insurance companies try to minimize claims
• Lupe Pena worked at a national defense firm – he understands how large organizations defend against lawsuits
• Together, they’ve combined 37+ years of legal experience

3. We Fight Aggressively for Maximum Compensation

• We don’t accept lowball settlement offers
• We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary
• We know how to build strong cases that force defendants to take responsibility

4. We Serve Peach County Families

• We offer free consultations for Peach County hazing victims
• We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
• We’ll travel to Peach County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• We offer video consultations for Peach County families who can’t travel

5. We Understand the Emotional Toll

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena

We know how devastating hazing can be for families. We’re not just fighting for compensation – we’re fighting to prevent this from happening to other Peach County families.

📞 Peach County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now

If your child has been hazed at a Peach County school or anywhere in Georgia, call Attorney 911 immediately.

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

Free consultation • No upfront costs • We travel to Peach County

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Peach County

1. My child was hazed but isn’t sure if it’s “bad enough” to report. Should we still contact a lawyer?

Yes. Many hazing victims minimize what happened to them. What may seem “not that bad” to your child could be:

• A violation of Georgia law
• A violation of university policy
• Part of a pattern of abuse that could escalate

Even if your child isn’t sure, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held responsible?

Yes. Under Georgia law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible.

3. We’re worried about retaliation if we report the hazing. What can we do?

This is a very real concern, and we take it seriously. In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out.

We can help protect your child by:

• Filing the lawsuit anonymously (in some cases)
• Requesting protective orders
• Working with university officials to ensure safety
• Documenting any retaliation that occurs

4. My child attends a university near Peach County. Can you still help?

Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Fort Valley State University
• Middle Georgia State University
• Mercer University
• Georgia College & State University
• University of Georgia
• Georgia Southern University
• And many others

Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and travel to meet with Peach County families.

5. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Peach County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

6. 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 the injury. However, there are exceptions, especially for minors.

Important: Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

7. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it’s connected to the organization (fraternity, sorority, sports team, etc.), they can still be held responsible.

8. Can we sue if no one was seriously injured?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, you may still have a case for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Violation of rights

Many hazing cases involve psychological trauma that can be just as damaging as physical injuries.

9. What if the university already punished the organization?

University discipline (suspension, expulsion, etc.) is separate from legal liability. You can still pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation, even if the university has already taken action.

10. How can a lawsuit help prevent future hazing?

Lawsuits serve several important purposes:

1. Financial accountability – Large settlements force organizations to change
2. Public exposure – Media coverage brings attention to the problem
3. Policy changes – Universities and national organizations often reform policies after lawsuits
4. Deterrence – Other organizations see the consequences and change their behavior

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the chapter was shut down within days of the hazing being reported. Lawsuits can create real change.

🏆 Our Track Record Fighting for Victims

While we’re based in Texas, our attorneys have a proven track record of fighting for victims nationwide:

Current Hazing Case:

• $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Client hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles
• Chapter shut down within days of hazing being reported

Other Notable Cases:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
• Millions recovered for victims of catastrophic injuries
• Successful criminal defense cases with dismissals and reduced charges
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience (complex, high-stakes cases)

Client Testimonials:

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

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

📢 A Message to Peach County Fraternities and Sororities

To the Greek organizations operating near Peach County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million 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, Sigma Phi Epsilon – if your chapter operates near Peach County, know this:

• We track your house corporations
• We track your alumni chapters
• We track your national insurance structures
• We know your hazing histories

If your chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?

• Shut down
• Charter surrendered
• Criminal referrals initiated
• $10 million lawsuit pending

That’s what happens when you haze in Georgia or anywhere in America.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has no place in Peach County or anywhere in Georgia. It’s not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse, and it needs to stop.

If your child has been hazed:

1. Get them to safety
2. Seek medical attention
3. Preserve evidence
4. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

We will fight for your child. We will hold the responsible parties accountable. And we will do everything in our power to make sure this never happens to another Peach County family.

Peach County hazing victims: Enough is enough.