🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Thomas County, Georgia
Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice Against Fraternity Hazing in Thomas County
🛡️ You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now.
Thomas County families: if your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization, you have legal rights. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Thomas County.
The same fraternities that operate in Houston have chapters at universities near Thomas County. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at Thomas County institutions. We know how to fight these cases, and we will fight for Thomas County families.
🏢 Who We Are — Thomas County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Thomas County, Georgia.
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers who know exactly how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for hazing victims.
Why Thomas County Families Choose Attorney 911:
✅ 25+ Years of Litigation Experience — Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know their playbook and use it against them
✅ Federal Court Authority — Can pursue Thomas County cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas AND New York licensed for national fraternity litigation
✅ Hazing-Specific Expertise — Currently litigating $10M hazing lawsuit; rhabdomyolysis case experience
✅ Contingency Fee Representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
✅ Se Habla Español — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Thomas County families
✅ Nationwide Service — We travel to Thomas County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Thomas County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide locally. We will fight for you.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Thomas County
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Hazing is not just a Texas problem — it’s a national epidemic. The same fraternities and sororities that operate at the University of Houston have chapters at universities near Thomas County, including:
- Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA — 30 minutes from Thomasville)
- Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL — 45 minutes from Thomasville)
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Tifton, GA — 25 miles from Thomasville)
These institutions — right here in South Georgia — have active Greek life programs where the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide maintain chapters.
What Hazing Looks Like in Thomas County
Hazing in Thomas County takes many forms, but it often includes:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, organ damage |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Exhaustion, cognitive impairment, accidents |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, long-term psychological trauma |
| Extreme Workouts | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
This is not “tradition.” This is not “building brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is sometimes manslaughter.
💰 The Case That Shows Thomas County Families What’s Possible
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
We are currently litigating this case in Houston — and the same legal strategies apply to Thomas County victims.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student expected to enroll at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. Over the following weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and hazing that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities:
- Waterboarding — Simulated drowning with a garden hose
- Forced Eating — Consuming milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Extreme Physical Punishment — 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides”
- Wooden Paddles — Struck with wooden paddles
- Psychological Abuse — Forced to carry sexual objects, stripped in cold weather
- Sleep Deprivation — Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Threats — Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
The Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis — Breakdown of muscle tissue releasing myoglobin into bloodstream
- Acute Kidney Failure — Myoglobin damaged his kidneys; life-threatening condition
- Hospitalized for 4 Days — Required intensive medical treatment
- Couldn’t Walk or Move — Severe muscle pain and weakness
The Institutional Failures:
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house and failed to prevent hazing
- Individual Members participated in and facilitated the abuse
The Result:
- Pi Kappa Phi National closed the chapter after Bermudez was hospitalized
- We filed a $10 MILLION lawsuit on November 21, 2025
- Multiple media outlets covered the case: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Why This Matters to Thomas County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Thomas County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Thomas County universities
- Universities near Thomas County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Thomas County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
⚖️ Thomas County Hazing Victims’ Legal Rights
Georgia Anti-Hazing Law — O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61
Georgia has a strong anti-hazing statute that provides both criminal and civil remedies for hazing victims.
Definition of Hazing (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60):
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student or other person in connection with:
- Pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization
- Which is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or serious mental harm to any student or other person
This definition includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of harm
Criminal Penalties (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61):
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Hazing that creates risk of harm | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $5,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death | 1-5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Civil Liability (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-62):
Any person who participates in hazing is liable for civil damages to the victim.
This means Thomas County hazing victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
Consent is NOT a Defense (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60):
“The consent of the victim shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this article.”
Critical for Thomas County Families:
When fraternities argue:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew the risks”
- “He could have left at any time”
GEORGIA LAW SAYS: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
Who Can Be Sued in Thomas County Hazing Cases?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Thomas County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Valdosta State, FSU, ABAC chapters |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability | Valdosta State, FSU, ABAC |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, members |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority house owners |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their residence | Alumni who facilitate hazing |
| Insurance Companies | Policies covering organizational liability | National orgs, universities, individuals |
💰 What Thomas County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses — Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, medications, future treatment
- Lost Wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational Impact — Tuition refunds, scholarship loss, academic disruption
- Rehabilitation Costs — Physical therapy, counseling, future care
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical Pain and Suffering — The agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.
- Mental Anguish — Trauma from waterboarding, humiliation, degradation
- Emotional Distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — Impact on college experience, social life, activities
Punitive Damages:
- Punishing Defendants — When conduct is egregious (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)
- Deterring Future Hazing — Sending a message to other organizations
- No Cap in Georgia — Unlike Texas, Georgia has no statutory cap on punitive damages
📋 What Thomas County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Immediate Action Steps:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear right away
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or social media posts
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save photos/videos from hazing events
- Get names and contact info of witnesses
- Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- The statute of limitations in Georgia is 2 years — but evidence disappears fast
-
Report to Authorities (Optional)
- Consider filing a police report
- Consider reporting to university Title IX office
- Consult with your attorney before making any reports
🎯 Why Thomas County Families Need Attorney 911
1. We Are Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to hold institutions accountable
- Thomas County families get the same aggressive representation
2. We Know How to Defeat the “Consent” Defense
- Fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate”
- Georgia law says consent is NOT a defense
- We know how to dismantle this argument in court
3. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies
- We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to minimize payouts
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for victims
4. We Can Pursue Cases Nationwide
- While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide
- We have federal court authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- We offer video consultations for Thomas County families
- We travel to Thomas County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- No upfront cost — Thomas County families pay nothing to hire us
- No hourly billing — We don’t charge by the hour
- We take the risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- We only get paid if you win — Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
6. We Offer Free Consultations
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation
- Email ralph@atty911.com to schedule a consultation
- We will review your case and explain your legal options
📞 Thomas County Families — Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Thomas County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations runs out.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Thomas County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🏆 Our Track Record — We Fight for Justice
Recent Case Results:
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| BP Texas City Explosion | Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation |
| Trucking Accident | Multi-million dollar settlement |
| Car Accident | $1 million+ settlement for client with brain injury |
| Wrongful Death | Significant confidential settlement |
| Hazing Lawsuit | $10 million lawsuit filed (pending) |
Client Testimonials:
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz
“My case was handled as said and their office helped in every way possible to help me and my case.” — Brian Cheevis
“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 come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“They treat you like family. They made me feel like I mattered throughout the entire process.” — Stephanie Hernandez
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Thomas County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Valdosta State. Can you help us even though you’re in Texas?
A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Thomas County and Valdosta. We offer video consultations and travel to Thomas County for your case.
Q: My child is afraid to come forward because of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We can:
- File the lawsuit under seal to protect identities
- Use pseudonyms in court documents
- Request protective orders to prevent harassment
- Advise on university reporting options
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Your child cannot “consent” to being a victim of a crime.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if you win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: The statute of limitations in Georgia is 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Georgia’s anti-hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing was connected to the organization, it’s covered.
Q: Can we sue the university even if the hazing happened at a fraternity house?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: You can still pursue a claim. Psychological harm (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. We can also pursue claims for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some cases settle in 6-12 months. More complex cases with multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible.
Q: What if the fraternity or university offers us a settlement?
A: Do NOT accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and institutions often offer lowball settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your damages. We will negotiate for fair compensation.
🎓 Hazing at Thomas County Universities — What Parents Need to Know
Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA — 30 minutes from Thomasville)
Greek Life Presence:
- 14 fraternities
- 10 sororities
- Active Greek community with national fraternities/sororities
Hazing Risks:
- National fraternities with documented hazing histories (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.)
- Pressure to conform to “traditions”
- Alcohol consumption risks
- Physical and psychological abuse
University Oversight:
- Valdosta State has a Greek Life office responsible for oversight
- They have the power to suspend or revoke recognition of Greek organizations
- They have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm
If Your Child Is Hazed at VSU:
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately
- Valdosta State can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing
- National fraternities have deep pockets and insurance coverage
Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL — 45 minutes from Thomasville)
Greek Life Presence:
- One of the largest Greek systems in the nation
- 26 fraternities
- 17 sororities
- High-profile hazing incidents in recent years
Hazing History:
- Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi) died from hazing in 2017
- Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta) died from hazing in 2017
- Multiple other hazing incidents and lawsuits
University Oversight:
- FSU has faced multiple lawsuits over hazing
- They have increased oversight in recent years
- They still face liability for failing to protect students
If Your Child Is Hazed at FSU:
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately
- FSU has a history of hazing incidents — they should have known the risks
- We have experience litigating against FSU fraternities (Andrew Coffey case)
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Tifton, GA — 25 miles from Thomasville)
Greek Life Presence:
- Smaller Greek community
- 5 fraternities
- 4 sororities
- National fraternities present
Hazing Risks:
- Smaller schools often have less oversight
- Hazing can be more hidden but just as dangerous
- Students may be more vulnerable to peer pressure
University Oversight:
- ABAC has a Student Activities office that oversees Greek life
- They have a duty to investigate and prevent hazing
- They can be held liable for failing to protect students
If Your Child Is Hazed at ABAC:
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately
- Even smaller schools have insurance coverage for liability
- We can pursue claims against the national organization if applicable
🔥 Warning to Fraternities Near Thomas County
To the fraternities operating at Valdosta State, FSU, ABAC, and other Thomas County-area universities:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Thomas County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
- We have 25+ years of litigation experience
- We know how to pierce the corporate veil and hold individuals personally liable
- We know how to pursue insurance policies and maximize recovery
- We are not afraid to take cases to trial
If you haze students in Thomas County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the chapter, the nationals, the university, and every individual who participated.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Closed. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
Your chapter could be next.
📢 Thomas County Families — Enough Is Enough
Hazing has no place in Thomas County. It has no place in Valdosta. It has no place in Tifton. It has no place in Tallahassee.
If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Thomas County families.
Call Attorney 911 today:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for Thomas County.
