If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college in Polk County, Georgia, or perhaps a university just a short drive away, hoping for friendship, community, and the promise of a bright future. Instead, they encountered brutality disguised as “tradition,” leaving them injured, traumatized, or tragically, gone forever. We understand what you’re going through, the anger, the fear, and the profound sense of betrayal. We’re here to offer help to families in Polk County whose children have been victimized by hazing, and we’re actively fighting to hold every responsible institution and individual accountable.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is systematic abuse, torture, and a grave violation of trust that can lead to lifelong physical and psychological scars, and even death. Many parents believe hazing is a thing of the past, or that their child’s university in Georgia would never tolerate such behavior. Sadly, the reality is far more insidious. Hazing continues to plague fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations across the country, including institutions that draw students from communities like Cedartown, Rockmart, and Aragon here in Polk County.

We are Attorney 911, and we are at the forefront of this battle. We are currently engaged in a landmark $10 million lawsuit in Texas against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members, vigorously fighting for a young man whose college dream turned into a nightmare of waterboarding, forced physical exertion leading to kidney failure, and psychological torture. This is not a hypothetical fight for us; it is a live, ongoing case that showcases our aggressive, data-driven approach to holding powerful institutions accountable. We bring this same unwavering commitment, this same deep expertise, and this same righteous fury to every hazing case we take on, including for families right here in Polk County, Georgia.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Polk County Families Need Attorney 911

The problem of hazing extends far beyond any single university or state line. Students from Polk County attend colleges and universities across Georgia, including institutions like Shorter University in Rome, Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia Highlands College with campuses in Rome and Cartersville, and major state universities like the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, and Georgia State in Atlanta. Many national fraternities and sororities, including those with a documented history of hazing incidents, have active chapters at these very schools.

The cultural fabric of Polk County, with its close-knit communities, strong family values, and traditions rooted in respect, makes the reality of hazing particularly unsettling. Parents in Polk County send their children to these institutions expecting them to flourish in a safe and supportive environment. They trust that the colleges and universities their children attend, whether close to home or farther afield, will protect them. All too often, that trust is shattered.

Statistics paint a sobering picture of a crisis that is often swept under the rug:

• Over half of students involved in Greek life experience hazing.
• Alarmingly, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.
• Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of a deeply entrenched, dangerous culture.

This isn’t about “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” This is about assault, battery, psychological manipulation, and often, life-threatening abuse. When universities and national Greek organizations fail to provide adequate oversight, when they prioritize reputation over student safety, they become complicit in these acts. And when a child from Polk County is harmed, we believe every single responsible party must be held accountable.

The Landmark Case: Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Polk County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

Our ongoing lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., filed in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, represents the heart of our mission. It’s a powerful warning to every parent in Polk County and across America, demonstrating the severe consequences of hazing and our aggressive commitment to justice.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Despite not being a registered student, he accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi chapter. What followed was an horrific seven-week period of systematic abuse and torture that led to his hospitalization.

Consider these facts, which have been widely reported by major Houston news outlets:

• Leonel was subjected to simulated waterboarding with a garden hose, a practice internationally recognized as torture.
• He was forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, and then made to continue physical exertion in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• He endured extreme physical punishment, including 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls, all while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion. A fellow pledge even lost consciousness and collapsed during a similar forced workout just weeks earlier, yet the hazing continued.
• He was struck with wooden paddles.
• He suffered psychological torture and humiliation, including being forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• The relentless abuse caused severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, leading to a four-day hospitalization. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a damaging protein into the bloodstream that can cause permanent kidney damage or even death. Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign of this life-threatening condition.

Within weeks of this hazing being reported, the UH chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was suspended, its members voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals against the perpetrators were initiated. Yet, the national fraternity’s public statement, issued just days after the lawsuit—and days after they’d quietly closed the chapter—declared, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This chilling lack of remorse underlines why aggressive legal action is so vital.

Our $10 million lawsuit names not only Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters and its local chapter and housing corporation, but also the University of Houston, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members, including the president, pledgemaster, and even a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence. This comprehensive approach is what we believe it takes to ensure true accountability.

Why does this Houston case matter to families in Polk County, Georgia?

• The same national fraternities operate at universities attended by students from Polk County. Pi Kappa Phi, for example, has over 150 chapters nationwide. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez could be, and likely are, happening in Georgia.
• Universities and colleges in Georgia face the same challenges and potential liability failures as the University of Houston. Many institutions own or have significant oversight over fraternity houses and Greek life activities.
• The aggressive, data-driven legal strategies we are deploying in Houston are precisely the strategies we will bring to bear for families in Polk County. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many people in Polk County might still picture hazing as innocent pranks or a bit of roughhousing. The reality is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing today is often about systematic abuse designed to break individuals down, instill fear, and enforce absolute submission. It often escalates in severity and secrecy, making it difficult for victims to escape or report.

Here’s a closer look at the types of hazing incidents that victimize students, often leading to tragic outcomes:

• Physical Abuse: This is not a harmless tap on the back. It includes forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, beatings, paddling, branding, and exposure to extreme temperatures. Our client Leonel Bermudez endured this type of physical abuse, suffering rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise.
• Forced Consumption: This category extends beyond mere binge drinking. It involves being compelled to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, food (sometimes until vomiting), or even non-food substances. These acts often target vulnerable pledges who fear repercussions if they refuse, and can lead to alcohol poisoning, choking, or severe internal injuries.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days at a time, forced into activities that extend late into the night and begin before dawn. This exhaustion compromises their mental and physical health, making them more susceptible to accidents and further abuse. Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion.
• Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This form of hazing can be especially devastating, leaving lasting emotional scars. It encompasses verbal abuse, public degradation, isolation, threats, and forced acts that are deeply humiliating. The hog-tying incident and the forced wearing of sexually explicit items in Leonel’s case are stark examples of this.
• Waterboarding or Simulated Drowning: This is torture, pure and simple. As Leonel’s case tragically illustrates, pledges are subjected to simulated drowning or having water violently forced into their airways, creating extreme terror and physical distress.
• Exposure: Hazing can involve forced exposure to harsh elements, such as stripping to minimal clothing in freezing temperatures or being locked in confined, uncomfortable spaces.
• Sexual Hazing: This is perhaps the most egregious form, involving forced nudity, sexual harassment, or assault. The fanny pack containing sexual objects that Leonel was forced to carry highlights the degrading nature of such acts.
• Servitude: Pledges are often made to act as personal servants for older members, performing errands, cleaning, or driving, further stripping them of their autonomy and dignity.

The medical consequences of these acts are severe and often include:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure (as seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case).
• Alcohol Poisoning, a leading cause of death in hazing incidents.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries from falls or direct physical trauma.
• Broken Bones, Burns, and Internal Bleeding.
• Hypothermia or Heatstroke from exposure.
• Cardiac Arrest due to extreme physical exertion or substance abuse.
• Profound Psychological Trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

Polk County parents, it is crucial to understand that these are not isolated incidents but patterns of behavior often protected by secrecy and institutional inaction until it is too late.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Party Accountable

For families in Polk County, when hazing inflicts such devastating harm, the question of who is responsible can seem overwhelming. The answer is often multi-layered, encompassing individuals as well as institutions. Our strategy at Attorney 911 is to identify and pursue every entity that allowed, enabled, or perpetrated the abuse.

Based on our current $10 million lawsuit and extensive experience, here are the parties we typically target and why they are liable:

1. Individual Perpetrators: The student members who actively participate in, organize, or incite hazing acts are directly responsible. This includes chapter officers like the president and pledgemaster, who often direct these activities, as well as general members. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, we’ve named 13 individuals, including a former member and his spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their home, highlighting that liability extends even beyond current students. These individuals can be held personally liable for assault, battery, and negligence.
2. The Local Chapter: The specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved is responsible for the actions of its members and for fostering a culture where hazing occurs. They are typically unincorporated associations that act through their officers and members, and thus can be sued.
3. National Fraternity or Sorority Organizations: These large, well-funded organizations have a paramount duty to oversee their chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. When they fail to adequately supervise, train, or discipline their chapters—especially when they have prior knowledge of hazing problems—they are directly liable. Pi Kappa Phi National’s history, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence that we are exposing in our lawsuit. These national organizations often have substantial assets and robust insurance policies, making them a primary target for significant damages.
4. University or College Administration: Educational institutions have a non-delegable duty to protect their students where a special relationship exists, such as on campus or within recognized student organizations. This includes providing a safe environment, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and intervening when hazing is known or suspected. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston is a defendant because it owned the fraternity house where significant hazing occurred. The university knew hazing was a problem on its campus, having faced a previous hazing-related lawsuit and hospitalization in 2017. Their failure to act after prior incidents constitutes institutional negligence.
5. Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate housing corporations that own or manage the chapter houses. These entities have premises liability for ensuring the safety of their properties. If hazing occurs on their property due to their negligence or failure to create a safe environment, they too can be held accountable.
6. Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, many of the significant settlements and verdicts in hazing cases are paid by the various insurance policies held by the national organizations, universities, and sometimes even individuals (such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance). Our legal team, comprised of former insurance defense attorneys, possesses invaluable “insider” knowledge of how these entities operate, enabling us to effectively navigate their tactics and maximize compensation for our clients.

For families in Polk County, understanding that there are multiple layers of responsibility is key. This is rarely just about a few “bad apples.” It’s often about systemic failures, and we are committed to uncovering every thread of negligence that contributed to your child’s suffering.

What These Cases Win: A History of Multi-Million Dollar Accountability

When institutions and individuals fail to protect students from hazing, the financial consequences can be staggering. We know that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one or the trauma of a severe injury, but significant verdicts and settlements serve as powerful deterrents and provide crucial long-term support for victims and their families. This track record of multi-million dollar recoveries proves that justice can indeed be achieved, and the same aggressive pursuit of justice is available for Polk County families.

Here are just a few landmark hazing cases from across the nation that demonstrate the financial accountability imposed on negligent parties:

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) — Over $10.1 Million Total. Stone Foltz was tragically killed after a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event where he was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol. His family received a $2.9 million settlement from Bowling Green State University and another $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and its individual members. In December 2024, a jury also ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to pay the Foltz family an additional $6.5 million in personal liability. This monumental case, with its combined settlements and judgments exceeding $10.1 million, directly underpins our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that even in serious injury cases that don’t result in death, substantial compensation is warranted. The family’s tireless advocacy also led to Ohio’s “Collin’s Law,” strengthening anti-hazing penalties.

• Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017) — $6.1 Million Verdict. Max Gruver was only 18 when he died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing ritual. During this horrific event, pledges were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, a powerful condemnation of the fraternity’s actions. This case directly led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony and increasing penalties.

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017) — Over $110 Million (Estimated). Timothy Piazza’s death galvanized the nation. During a Beta Theta Pi initiation, he was forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol rapidly, then fell down a flight of stairs repeatedly, suffering fatal brain injuries. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling for help, a delay captured on surveillance video. While the exact settlement is confidential, it is widely reported to be over $110 million. This case also spurred Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law,” a comprehensive increase in anti-hazing legislation. The immense settlement in this case highlights the potential for massive accountability when gross negligence and egregious conduct are involved.

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) — Confidential Settlement. Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University, where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. This case is profoundly significant to Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. Despite their national organization having a death on its record just eight years prior, Leonel Bermudez still suffered severe hazing injuries. This pattern of repeated, deadly negligence strengthens our argument for substantial damages.

• Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi, 2021) — Over $4 Million Settlement. Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event. His family recently settled their lawsuit for over $4 million, with a significant portion going to their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which works to end hazing. This case, like many others, demonstrates that multi-million dollar settlements are a common outcome in these tragic incidents.

These precedents send an unmistakable message: universities, national fraternities, and individuals who enable or perpetrate hazing will be held financially accountable. The amounts awarded reflect not only the devastating medical expenses and lost potential, but also the profound pain, suffering, and emotional anguish inflicted upon victims and their families. For families in Polk County, these cases serve as powerful proof that justice is attainable, and our firm is equipped to pursue it with the same level of legal expertise and aggression.

Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights

While our firm is based in Texas, and Georgia, including Polk County, has its own specific anti-hazing statutes, the core legal principles and protections for hazing victims are remarkably consistent across the United States. Furthermore, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases with national implications, ensuring that families in Polk County have access to top-tier representation, no matter where the hazing occurred.

In Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 broadly defines hazing as any act that “willfully or recklessly endangers the bodily safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization.” This includes forced consumption of food or alcohol, physical brutality, and any activity that risks physical or mental harm. Notably, Georgia law specifically states that “the express or implied consent of a student to hazing shall not be a defense in any action brought under this Code section.” This mirrors the crucial Texas statute.

Here’s how the legal framework, broadly applicable for Polk County families, empowers victims:

1. Hazing is Illegal: Consent is NOT a Defense.
This is an absolutely critical point for families in Polk County to understand. As with Texas Education Code § 37.154, Georgia’s law explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to hazing is not a defense. This means that fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators cannot claim the victim “knew what they were signing up for” or “agreed to participate.” The law recognizes that true consent is impossible under conditions of duress, peer pressure, and fear of social ostracism or retaliation. We will aggressively counter any attempts by defendants to blame the victim.

2. Criminal Penalties:
Hazing is not just a civil wrong; it’s a crime. In Georgia, hazing can be a misdemeanor, and in some cases, serious hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death can lead to felony charges. Our lawsuit seeks criminal referrals because we believe those who engage in hazing deserve to face the full force of the law. While criminal prosecutions punish perpetrators, they do not compensate victims, which is where civil litigation becomes essential.

3. Civil Causes of Action for Compensation:
Beyond criminal prosecution, victims and their families in Polk County have the right to pursue civil lawsuits for substantial compensation through various legal theories:

• Negligence: This is often the cornerstone of a hazing lawsuit. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and local chapter owed a “duty of care” to the student to protect them from harm. Their breach of this duty through inaction or inadequate oversight, directly causing injuries, makes them liable.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation, these entities have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Our lawsuit against the University of Houston is particularly strong on this point, as the university owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where the hazing took place. The same principle applies to universities in Georgia, including those whose students hail from Polk County.
• Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be directly sued for intentional acts that cause physical harm, such as beatings, paddling, or forced physical exertion.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When hazing involves extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress (such as the psychological torture Leonel endured), perpetrators and culpable institutions can be held liable under IIED.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, where hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover economic and non-economic damages, including lost future earnings, funeral expenses, and compensation for loss of companionship and emotional suffering.

4. Who Can Be Held Responsible:
The legal framework allows us to pursue multiple layers of defendants, just as we are doing in the Bermudez case. This includes individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and the educational institution itself. Our ability to identify and target all responsible parties ensures that victims from Polk County have the best chance at comprehensive recovery.

The laws are on your side, Polk County families. They recognize the inherent power imbalance in hazing, the severe harm it causes, and the responsibility of those in authority to prevent it. We are here to navigate this complex legal landscape for you, transforming your pain into purposeful action and holding those who enabled this abuse fully accountable.

Why Attorney 911: Your Fierce Advocates in Polk County and Beyond

For families in Polk County reeling from the trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal team is a profoundly important decision. You need advocates who are not only empathetic and understanding, but also aggressive, experienced, and relentlessly focused on accountability. Attorney 911 offers a unique blend of legal prowess, insider knowledge, and a genuine commitment to justice for hazing victims that sets us apart.

Here’s why families grappling with hazing in institutions across Georgia, including students from Polk County, choose Attorney 911:

1. We Are Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now.
We aren’t just theoretically interested in hazing cases. We are in the trenches, actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This ongoing case, with its high stakes and egregious details, proves our deep expertise and unwavering commitment. Polk County families looking for a hazing lawyer near them don’t have to wonder if we understand the nuances of this fight; we are leading it, with real consequences unfolding daily in a Houston courtroom.

2. Unequaled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys.
Both of our founding partners, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, began their careers working for insurance defense firms. This isn’t just a detail; it’s a strategic advantage for you.
– Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against corporate giants like BP. He knows how to build a case against formidable opponents.
– Lupe Pena, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned their valuation methods, delay tactics, and denial strategies inside and out. He saw their internal playbook – the precise maneuvers they use to lowball victims. Now, he uses that battlefield intelligence to dismantled their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
This means we approach every hazing case not from the outside looking in, but with an intimate understanding of how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance carriers will try to deflect blame and minimize payouts. We know their weaknesses, and we exploit them for your benefit.

3. Nationwide Reach and Federal Court Authority for Polk County Families.
While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our ability to represent hazing victims extends far beyond. We regularly serve clients in Polk County and across the nation through:
– Federal Court Admissions: We are fully admitted to the U.S. District Court, giving us the authority to pursue complex hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, regardless of state lines.
– Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph is licensed in both Texas AND New York. This gives us a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities often headquartered outside of Texas.
– Commitment to Travel: Justice knows no geographical boundaries. We will travel to Polk County, to Rome, to Atlanta, or wherever your case demands, for depositions, key meetings, and trials.
– Remote Consultations: For your convenience, especially during times of distress, families in Polk County can easily conduct video consultations with our team. Distance will never be a barrier to securing the aggressive representation your family deserves.

4. Data-Driven Litigation and a Proprietary Hazing Intelligence Database.
We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS data, EINs, legal names of house corporations and alumni chapters, and detailed insurance structures.

• When hazing happens, we immediately know the corporate structure behind the Greek letters, who to target for discovery, and who holds the insurance policies.
• We track documented hazing incidents and settlements for every national fraternity, building a powerful case for pattern evidence and foreseeability. This intelligence is crucial to proving that these organizations knew the risks and failed to act.

5. Comprehensive Experience Against Powerful Defendants.
Ralph Manginello’s background, including litigation in the BP Texas City Refinery Explosion disaster, demonstrates his capacity to successfully take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. This is precisely the kind of experience needed to go head-to-head with multi-million dollar universities and national Greek organizations. We aren’t intimidated by their size or their legal teams.

6. Deep Understanding of Medical Traumas.
Our explicit focus on cases involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure stems from direct experience, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s situation. We are well-versed in the medical complexities of such injuries, ensuring that your child’s physical and psychological suffering is fully documented, understood by the court, and adequately compensated.

7. Spanish-Speaking Services (Se Habla Español).
Polk County is a diverse community, and we recognize the importance of providing comprehensive legal services to all families. Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language barriers never prevent access to justice for our Hispanic clients.

8. Transparent and Accessible Fee Structure: Contingency Means No Upfront Cost.
We know families facing medical crises and emotional trauma shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees. We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
– You pay $0 upfront to hire us.
– We don’t get paid unless and until we WIN your case.
– This aligns our interests directly with yours and allows you to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
[Learn more about how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc]

At Attorney 911, we are more than just lawyers; we are fierce advocates committed to changing the culture of hazing. When you choose us, you are choosing a team that understands the gravity of your situation, respects the pain your family is enduring, and possesses the strategic insight and aggressive drive to secure the justice and accountability you deserve.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Polk County Families

Witnessing a child suffer from hazing is an unthinkable nightmare for any parent in Polk County. In these critical moments, your actions can significantly impact the strength and success of your legal case. Time is of the essence, and preserving evidence is paramount.

Here are the immediate, actionable steps we advise every Polk County family to take if your child has been a victim of hazing:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention.
Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the absolute priority. If there is any question of injury, even if it seems minor or delayed, seek medical attention immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and the full extent of injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not be immediately apparent.

• Go to the emergency room or urgent care. This creates an official medical record of the injuries and their connection to the hazing incident.
• Follow all medical advice. Attend every follow-up appointment, physical therapy session, or specialist referral. Inconsistent medical treatment will be used by defense attorneys to argue that the injuries weren’t serious.
• Document everything. Keep meticulous records of all medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and medical bills.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence, Relentlessly.
Hazing thrives in secrecy, and evidence can disappear quickly. You must become a meticulous documentarian.

• Photos and Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling, marks). Continue to photograph the healing process. If your child has any photos or videos related to the hazing activities or the environment where it occurred, preserve them.
  [We emphasize the importance of using your phone to document evidence in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs]
• Communications: This is often the most vital evidence. Do NOT delete any text messages (individual or group chats), GroupMe messages, Snapchat histories, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Screenshots are essential. These communications can reveal instructions, threats, coercion, and the identities of those involved.
• Witness Information: Identify and collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or those who might have knowledge of the chapter’s hazing history.
• Documents: Collect any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or written materials provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
• Financial Records: Keep track of all expenses related to the hazing, including medical bills, travel for treatment, lost wages (if your child missed work), or any academic losses such as tuition for a dropped semester.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University (Alone).
This is a critical misstep many families make. Universities and Greek organizations prioritize protecting their own interests and reputation, not yours.

• Do NOT give any statements to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their attorneys without your own legal counsel present. They are trained to elicit information that can be used against you.
• Do NOT sign any documents presented by the organization or university. These may contain waivers of liability that could severely harm your case.
• Do NOT confront individual perpetrators. This could be misconstrued and jeopardize your case.

Step 4: Stay Off Social Media.
Anything posted online can and will be used against you.

• Do NOT post about the hazing incident. This includes sharing your anger, your pain, or any details of what happened.
• Do NOT post photos or videos that could be misinterpreted, such as appearing to be enjoying yourself after the incident, as defense attorneys might use these to argue your injuries or emotional distress are not severe.
• Do NOT delete old posts. This could be seen as spoliation of evidence.
  [We cover common client mistakes, including social media, in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY]

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately.
The sooner you engage experienced legal counsel, the better.

• Time is of the essence due to the statute of limitations. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including hazing, is generally two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death claims, it’s typically also two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline means losing your right to pursue compensation forever.
  [Understanding deadlines is crucial, as discussed in our video on Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c]
• Evidence Disappears. As time passes, digital records might be automatically deleted, witness memories fade, and physical evidence can vanish. An attorney can send preservation letters, legally requiring defendants to retain evidence.
• We will provide a free, confidential consultation. This allows us to assess your case, understand the specifics of what happened to your child, and outline your legal options without any financial obligation on your part.

For Polk County Families: We understand that seeking legal help might feel daunting, especially from a firm based out of Houston. However, our nationwide reach, federal court admission, and commitment to traveling for cases like yours mean that we are perfectly positioned to represent you. We offer video consultations for your convenience, making it easy to connect with our team regardless of your location in Polk County.

Do not try to navigate this complex and painful situation alone. Let us be your first responder to this legal emergency. We are here to listen, to fight, and to secure the justice your family deserves.

Contact Us: Your Lifeline for Justice in Polk County

If your child or a loved one in Polk County, Georgia, has been a victim of hazing, the time to act is now. You are not alone in this fight, and you do not have to endure this trauma in silence. At Attorney 911, we are ready to stand with you, offering aggressive, experienced, and compassionate representation to secure justice and hold every responsible party accountable.

Our attorneys are currently taking on powerful institutions in a significant hazing lawsuit, and we bring that same level of dedication and expertise to every case we handle, including those originating from Polk County. We know the tactics of the national fraternities, the inner workings of universities, and the strategies of their insurance defense teams because we’ve been on both sides of the table. Now, we use that knowledge to fight for you.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and the statute of limitations can expire. Every day that passes can make your case more challenging.

🚨 Polk County Families: Call Our Hazing Victim Hotline 24/7!

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Connect with Our Team Directly:

• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: attorney911.com (for more information and resources)

Why Contact Us Now?

1. FREE, Confidential Consultation: We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation. You can discuss your child’s experience in confidence, understand your legal options, and get expert advice without any cost.
2. No Upfront Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket, ever. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This commitment ensures that financial concerns never stand between your family and justice.
3. Immediate Evidence Preservation: Once retained, we can immediately send legal preservation letters to all potential defendants, compelling them to retain critical evidence like texts, emails, social media, and surveillance footage that pertains to your child’s case.
4. Protection from Intimidation: We will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their legal and insurance representatives. This protects you from tactics designed to minimize your claim or coerce you into statements that could harm your case.
5. Expert Navigation of Complex Cases: Hazing litigation is intricate, involving overlapping areas of personal injury, institutional negligence, and often criminal law. Our team has the specialized knowledge and proven track record to navigate these complexities, no matter how powerful the defendants may be.
6. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: Though headquartered in Houston, our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), and commitment to travel mean we can effectively represent families and victims in Polk County, Georgia, and nationwide. We’ll offer video consultations to make the process convenient for you.

Whether your child attends a local institution like Shorter University or Berry College, or a larger university across Georgia or another state, if they have suffered due to hazing, we are here to help. Hazing is a betrayal of trust, and those responsible must face the consequences. We are prepared to bring the same aggressive, data-driven fight for your child that we are currently bringing in our $10 million lawsuit. Let us be your champions.

Polk County, Georgia Hazing Victims – Enough is Enough. Let Us Fight For You.