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Seminole County (Earth/North America/United States/Georgia/Seminole County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down By Our Lawsuit | Attorney911 β€” Federal Court Admitted | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 19 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Seminole County, Georgia β€” Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Seminole County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Seminole County, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now β€” and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Seminole County victims.

πŸ“ž Call Now for Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims in Seminole County and across Georgia β€” no matter where the incident occurred.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Seminole County β€” What Parents Need to Know

Seminole County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Seminole County, and it can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

Just this month, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The fraternity members waterboarded him with a garden hose, forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups, struck him with wooden paddles, and made him eat until he vomited.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate at universities near Seminole County. The same hazing culture exists. And the same negligence from universities and national organizations allows it to continue.

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Seminole County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. And we can help.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? β€” Seminole County Parents’ Guide

Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Georgia, hazing is illegal and can result in both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

Common Hazing Activities Near Seminole County:

Type of Hazing Examples Danger Level
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion High β€” can cause rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, death
Forced Consumption Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances High β€” alcohol poisoning, choking, death
Waterboarding Simulated drowning with water or hoses Extreme β€” torture, risk of death
Sleep Deprivation Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep High β€” can cause accidents, health issues
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats High β€” PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects Extreme β€” sexual assault, trauma
Exposure Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces High β€” hypothermia, heat stroke, death

This is not “tradition.” This is not “team bonding.” This is abuse. And it is illegal in Georgia.

πŸ’” Real Hazing Cases β€” What’s Happening Near Seminole County

Case 1: $10 Million Lawsuit β€” University of Houston (November 2025)

  • Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not even enrolled at UH yet β€” “ghost rush”)
  • Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
  • Hazing: Waterboarding with garden hose, 500 squats, 100 pushups, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
  • Result: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
  • Status: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
  • Lesson for Seminole County: The same Pi Kappa Phi chapters exist at universities near Seminole County. The same hazing culture is present.

Case 2: Max Gruver β€” Louisiana State University (2017)

  • Victim: Max Gruver, 18 years old
  • Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
  • Hazing: Forced to drink alcohol during “Bible Study” β€” wrong answer = drink more
  • Result: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 β€” 6x legal limit)
  • Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict against fraternity
  • Lesson for Seminole County: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.

Case 3: Timothy Piazza β€” Penn State (2017)

  • Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19 years old
  • Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
  • Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times
  • Result: Died from traumatic brain injury β€” fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
  • Outcome: $110+ million settlement (estimated)
  • Lesson for Seminole County: Universities and fraternities will pay millions to avoid trials.

Case 4: Andrew Coffey β€” Florida State University (2017)

  • Victim: Andrew Coffey, 20 years old
  • Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi β€” same fraternity as our UH case
  • Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon
  • Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
  • Outcome: 9 fraternity members charged; chapter closed
  • Lesson for Seminole County: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. They have chapters at universities near Seminole County.

πŸ›οΈ What Georgia Law Says About Hazing

Georgia Hazing Law β€” O.C.G.A. Β§ 16-5-61

Definition of Hazing:

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

Criminal Penalties in Georgia:

Offense Penalty
Hazing resulting in bodily harm Misdemeanor β€” up to 12 months in jail, $1,000 fine
Hazing resulting in serious bodily harm Felony β€” 1 to 5 years in prison
Hazing resulting in death Felony β€” 1 to 20 years in prison

Consent is NOT a Defense:

It is no defense that the student consented to the hazing.

Organizational Penalties:

  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Loss of recognition at school
  • Forfeiture of property

Seminole County Families: If your child has been hazed, the individuals involved can face criminal charges. You can also sue for civil damages.

βš–οΈ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Seminole County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our $10 million UH case, we are suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Seminole County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Same for Seminole County chapters
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture Same nationals operate near Seminole County
University Failed to protect students; knew about risks Same liability for Seminole County universities
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing Same for Seminole County chapter leaders
Individual Members Participated in hazing Same for Seminole County members
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their residence Same for Seminole County alumni
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for liability Same insurance policies apply

Seminole County families: You can sue all responsible parties. We know how to identify and pursue every liable entity.

πŸ’° What Compensation Can Seminole County Hazing Victims Receive?

Hazing victims in Seminole County can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages:

  • Medical bills β€” Hospitalization, therapy, future treatment
  • Lost wages β€” Time missed from work during recovery
  • Educational costs β€” Tuition, fees, lost scholarships
  • Future medical expenses β€” Ongoing treatment for long-term injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Physical pain and suffering β€” From injuries sustained during hazing
  • Mental anguish β€” PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
  • Emotional distress β€” Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
  • Loss of enjoyment of life β€” Inability to participate in normal activities
  • Disfigurement β€” Permanent scars or injuries

Punitive Damages:
If the conduct was particularly egregious (like waterboarding or forced drinking), juries can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Seminole County families: Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims. We will fight for the maximum compensation for your child.

πŸ₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing β€” What Seminole County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can cause serious and sometimes permanent injuries. If your child shows any of these symptoms after joining a fraternity, sorority, or other organization, seek medical attention immediately:

Symptom Possible Condition Danger Level
Brown/dark urine Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) Extreme β€” can cause kidney failure
Severe muscle pain Rhabdomyolysis Extreme
Difficulty walking Rhabdomyolysis, broken bones High
Vomiting Alcohol poisoning, forced consumption High
Confusion/disorientation Alcohol poisoning, head injury Extreme
Loss of consciousness Alcohol poisoning, head injury Extreme
Seizures Alcohol poisoning, head injury Extreme
Depression/anxiety Psychological trauma High
Nightmares/flashbacks PTSD High
Withdrawal from friends Emotional distress Medium

Our client in the UH case was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats. This is a medical emergency. Do not ignore symptoms.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Seminole County

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Seminole County, follow these steps immediately:

1. Ensure Safety

  • Remove your child from the dangerous situation
  • If medical attention is needed, call 911 or go to the ER

2. Document Everything

  • Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
  • Save all communications β€” texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails
  • Write down what happened, when, and who was involved
  • Get witness information β€” names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization

  • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
  • Do not sign anything from the organization
  • Do not post about the incident on social media

4. Report the Incident

  • File a police report β€” hazing is a crime in Georgia
  • Report to the university β€” request a Title IX investigation
  • Report to the national organization (if applicable)

5. Contact an Attorney

  • Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free consultations for Seminole County hazing victims
  • We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win

⏳ Time Is Critical β€” Georgia Statute of Limitations

Georgia law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing:

  • Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
  • Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death

Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your legal rights expire.

Seminole County families: If your child has been hazed, contact us immediately. We will preserve evidence, protect your rights, and fight for justice.

πŸ† Why Seminole County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH in November 2025
  • We know how to build these cases
  • We know how to win

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies
  • We know their playbook β€” and we use it against them
  • We know how to maximize your recovery

3. Federal Court Authority

  • Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
  • Can pursue cases in federal court for additional leverage

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

  • Licensed in Georgia and Texas
  • Strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations

5. We Come to Seminole County

  • We offer video consultations for Seminole County families
  • We travel to Seminole County for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Distance is not a barrier to justice

6. Contingency Fee β€” $0 Upfront

  • You pay nothing unless we win your case
  • No hourly fees, no retainers
  • We only get paid when you get paid

7. Proven Results

  • Recovered millions of dollars for injury victims
  • $10 million lawsuit currently pending in hazing case
  • 4.9-star Google rating β€” 250+ reviews from satisfied clients

8. We Speak Spanish

  • Se habla espaΓ±ol
  • Bilingual staff available for Seminole County families

πŸ›οΈ Universities Near Seminole County with Greek Life

Seminole County is surrounded by universities and colleges with active Greek life. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate near Seminole County.

Universities Near Seminole County with Greek Organizations:

University Location Distance from Seminole County Notable Greek Life
Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA ~30 miles Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, others
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL ~60 miles Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, others
University of Florida Gainesville, FL ~120 miles Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, others
Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA ~100 miles Multiple fraternities and sororities
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA ~80 miles Active Greek life presence

Seminole County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they are at risk of hazing. We can help if it happens.

πŸ” How We Prove Hazing Cases for Seminole County Victims

We build strong hazing cases using:

  1. Medical Records

    • Hospitalization records
    • Doctor’s notes
    • Therapy records for PTSD/anxiety
  2. Communications

    • Text messages
    • GroupMe/Snapchat/Instagram chats
    • Emails
    • Social media posts
  3. Photographs & Videos

    • Injuries at all stages of healing
    • Hazing activities (if captured)
    • Location of hazing incidents
  4. Witness Testimony

    • Other pledges who were hazed
    • Bystanders who witnessed hazing
    • Former members who left due to hazing
  5. Pattern Evidence

    • Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
    • Prior hazing incidents at other chapters of the same organization
    • University knowledge of prior incidents
  6. Expert Witnesses

    • Medical experts to explain injuries
    • Greek life culture experts
    • Institutional negligence experts

Seminole County families: We know how to gather and present this evidence to build a strong case for your child.

πŸ“’ Message to Fraternities Operating Near Seminole County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and all other fraternities with chapters near Seminole County:

We are watching. We are building cases. We know your history.

  • Pi Kappa Phi has paid millions after hazing deaths and hospitalizations.
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been sued for chemical burns and injuries.
  • Phi Delta Theta paid $6.1 million after Max Gruver’s death.
  • Beta Theta Pi settled for $110 million after Timothy Piazza’s death.

If your chapter hazes students near Seminole County, we will come after every liable entity: your chapter, your national organization, your university, and every individual member.

The same legal strategies that won millions nationwide apply to your Seminole County chapters. Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.

πŸ“ž Seminole County Hazing Victims β€” Call Now

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Seminole County, you have legal rights. We can help.

πŸ“ž Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation
πŸ“§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win.

We come to Seminole County β€” no need to travel to Houston.

We speak Spanish β€” se habla espaΓ±ol.

We understand the trauma β€” we’re here to help.

🚨 Seminole County Parents: Protect Your Child from Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed:

  • Sudden withdrawal from family or friends
  • Unexplained injuries or bruises
  • Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
  • Increased secrecy about activities
  • Sudden decline in academic performance
  • References to “pledging,” “brotherhood,” or “sisterhood” rituals
  • Fear or anxiety about attending school
  • Sudden change in friend group
  • Possession of unusual items (paddles, fanny packs, etc.)

What You Can Do:

  1. Talk to your child β€” Ask about their experiences in Greek life or other organizations
  2. Educate them β€” Make sure they know hazing is illegal and dangerous
  3. Set expectations β€” Tell them it’s okay to leave if they feel unsafe
  4. Monitor their health β€” Watch for signs of physical or psychological trauma
  5. Know the resources β€” Save our contact information: 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ† Our Promise to Seminole County Families

  1. We will listen β€” We understand the trauma you’re going through.
  2. We will investigate β€” We will gather all the evidence to build a strong case.
  3. We will fight β€” We will pursue every liable party for maximum compensation.
  4. We will protect β€” We will shield your child from retaliation and intimidation.
  5. We will win β€” We have a proven track record of success in hazing cases.

Seminole County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

πŸ“ž Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
πŸ“§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

πŸ”₯ Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to End Hazing in Seminole County.

Seminole County deserves safe campuses. Our children deserve to be protected. Together, we can hold the abusers accountable and put an end to this dangerous culture.

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

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