Hazing Victims in Wilcox County, Georgia: Your Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help
🚨 Hazing is Not Tradition—It’s Abuse. And Wilcox County Families Deserve Justice.
Wilcox County is known for its tight-knit communities, strong family values, and proud agricultural heritage. Families in places like Rochelle, Abbeville, and Pineview send their children to college with high hopes—hoping they’ll get a good education, make lifelong friends, and build a bright future.
But for too many students from Wilcox County and across Georgia, that dream turns into a nightmare when they’re subjected to hazing. What starts as “tradition” or “brotherhood” too often becomes physical abuse, psychological torture, and life-threatening danger.
If your child has been hazed at a Georgia college or university—whether at the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State, or any other institution—you need to know: This is not just “boys being boys.” This is abuse. This is illegal. And you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these cases work. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Wilcox County families.
🏛️ What Is Hazing? Georgia Law Is Clear.
Georgia has strong laws against hazing, and they apply to students from Wilcox County just as much as they do to students from Atlanta or Savannah.
Georgia Hazing Law (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 endangers the mental or physical health of that student.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beating, paddling, excessive exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats)
- Any activity that creates a risk of harm
Georgia law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held legally responsible.
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor for hazing that creates a risk of injury
- Felony if hazing results in serious bodily harm or death
- Organizations can be fined, suspended, or banned
💔 Wilcox County Families: We’ve Seen What Hazing Does.
In our current case, a young man was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and 100-yard crawls until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to lie in his own vomit
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened in Texas. But the same fraternities operate at Georgia universities. The same “traditions” exist in chapters near Wilcox County. And the same negligence from universities allows it to continue.
Fraternities with Hazing Histories Operating Near Wilcox County:
While we can’t comment on specific incidents at Georgia chapters without evidence, we can and do track national organizations with documented hazing histories that have active chapters at universities near Wilcox County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Wilcox County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021) – $10M settlement; Andrew Coffey (2017) – death | University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths; chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021) | Georgia Tech, University of Georgia |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017) – death; Leonel Bermudez (2025) – our current $10M case | Georgia Southern, Valdosta State |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017) – $6.1M verdict | University of Georgia |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) – $110M+ settlement | Georgia Tech |
These are the same organizations that operate at universities near Wilcox County. And they bring the same hazing culture with them.
⚖️ Who Is Liable When a Wilcox County Student Is Hazed?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible—and Wilcox County families can sue them all.
1. The Local Chapter
The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing.
Example: If your child was hazed at the University of Georgia’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, that local chapter is liable.
2. The National Organization
The national fraternity or sorority that oversees the local chapter.
Why they’re liable:
- They have the power to regulate chapters
- They receive dues and fees from chapters
- They set policies (that they often fail to enforce)
- They have insurance policies that cover hazing incidents
In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant because they knew about a “hazing crisis” and failed to stop it.
3. The University
Colleges and universities near Wilcox County have a duty to protect students.
Why they’re liable:
- They recognize and regulate Greek organizations
- They often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
- They have the power to suspend or ban dangerous organizations
- They have insurance policies that cover student injuries
In our current case, University of Houston is a defendant because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred—and they had a prior hazing incident in 2017 that they failed to prevent from happening again.
4. Individual Members
Every person who participated in, organized, or allowed hazing can be sued personally.
In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
5. Housing Corporations / Property Owners
If hazing occurred at a private residence, the property owners can be held liable.
In our current case, a former member and his spouse are defendants because hazing occurred at their home.
💰 What Can Wilcox County Families Recover?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client.
Types of Damages Available:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Examples for Hazing Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy | ER visit, hospitalization, ongoing kidney monitoring, PTSD therapy |
| Future Medical | Long-term treatment needs | Dialysis, kidney transplant, lifelong therapy |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injuries | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns |
| Mental Anguish | Emotional trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in life | Missed college experiences, social isolation |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, cover-ups |
Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results are possible for Wilcox County families too.
📋 What Should Wilcox County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out.
Step-by-Step Action Plan:
-
Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything—this creates a medical record
- Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning symptoms can be delayed
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete anything—texts, social media, photos, videos
- Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Save clothing, paddles, or other items used in hazing
- Get names and contact information of witnesses
-
Report to Authorities
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in Georgia)
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT sign anything without legal counsel
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Wilcox County families
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
🏆 Why Wilcox County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Wilcox County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny claims, minimize injuries, and avoid responsibility. And we know how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach—Including Wilcox County
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Georgia. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Wilcox County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultation technology for Wilcox County families
4. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)
Wilcox County has a growing Hispanic community. Many hazing victims and their families are more comfortable speaking Spanish. We provide full legal services in Spanish—consultations, case communication, document translation, and courtroom interpretation.
5. We Work on Contingency—$0 Upfront
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We don’t get paid unless you win
- No hourly fees, no retainers
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
6. We Come to You
We don’t make Wilcox County families come to us. We:
- Offer video consultations for families who can’t travel
- Travel to Wilcox County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Make the legal process as convenient as possible
7. We Have a Proven Track Record
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries
- Successful litigation against major corporations
- Experience with complex liability cases
- The skills to take on universities and national fraternities
🎓 Georgia Universities Where Hazing Occurs
While we can’t comment on specific incidents without evidence, we can confirm that the following universities near Wilcox County have active chapters of fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories:
| University | Location | Distance from Wilcox County | Fraternities with Hazing Histories |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | ~150 miles | Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | ~100 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, others |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | ~120 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
| Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA | ~160 miles | Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, others |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | ~120 miles | Multiple Greek organizations |
If your child attends any college or university in Georgia—or anywhere in the country—hazing is a risk. And if it happens, we can help.
📞 Wilcox County Families: Call Us Today
Hazing victims in Wilcox County, Georgia: You are not alone. You have rights. And you have advocates who will fight for you.
Call Attorney 911 Now for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We’re Available 24/7 for Wilcox County Hazing Emergencies
We understand that hazing incidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we’re available nights, weekends, and holidays to help Wilcox County families.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Wilcox County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. Should we still call a lawyer?
A: Yes. Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social consequences. We can help protect your child’s identity and rights while still pursuing justice. The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. Georgia law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: We’re in Wilcox County, and you’re in Texas. Can you really help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Georgia. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Willingness to travel to Wilcox County
- Federal court authority to handle cases across state lines
Q: How much will this cost our family?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to your family.
Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait?
A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. The longer you wait:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget details
- Statutes of limitations run out
- The organization coordinates their defense
Contact us immediately so we can protect your rights.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private college or out-of-state school?
A: It doesn’t matter. We handle hazing cases at:
- Public and private universities
- In-state and out-of-state schools
- Military academies
- Any organization that engages in hazing
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions:
- If the victim was a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18
- If the university or fraternity covered up the hazing, the clock may start when the cover-up is discovered
Don’t wait. Call us today to protect your rights.
🏆 Our Promise to Wilcox County Families
1. We Will Listen
We know this is a difficult time. We’ll listen to your story with compassion and respect.
2. We Will Investigate
We’ll gather all the evidence—texts, photos, medical records, witness statements—to build a strong case.
3. We Will Fight
We’ll take on the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and any individual who harmed your child.
4. We Will Protect Your Child
We’ll do everything we can to protect your child’s identity, reputation, and future.
5. We Will Seek Justice
We won’t stop until the people and institutions responsible are held accountable—and until your family receives the compensation you deserve.
📢 A Message to Georgia Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Wilcox County: We are watching.
To Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and every other national organization with chapters in Georgia: We know your history. We know your playbook. And we will hold you accountable.
To the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State, and every other university in Georgia: You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail—when you allow torture to happen on your campus—you will pay.
The $10 million lawsuit we’ve filed in Texas is just the beginning. If you haze students in Georgia, your chapter could be next.
🏡 Wilcox County: We’re Part of Your Community
While our offices are in Texas, we understand the values and challenges of rural Georgia communities like Wilcox County.
We know that:
- Family comes first in Wilcox County
- Hard work and integrity matter
- When someone is wronged, the community stands together
We stand with Wilcox County families. We fight for Wilcox County values. And we won’t stop until justice is served.
🚨 Wilcox County Families: Act Now
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out.
If your child has been hazed—anywhere in Georgia or across the country—call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We’re available 24/7 for Wilcox County hazing emergencies.
You pay nothing unless we win.
Let’s fight this battle together.
