The Complete Guide to Hazing & Fraternity Abuse Lawsuits: A National Resource for Parents & Students

If This Just Happened: Immediate Crisis Response

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed evidence, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Part 1: The Modern Reality of Hazing in America

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: It’s Happening Right Now

Imagine this scenario: Your son, a first-year student at a major university, accepts an invitation to join what he believes is a prestigious fraternity. What begins as exciting “bonding” quickly turns darker. He’s handed a “pledge fanny pack” he must carry 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items. He’s assigned overnight chauffeuring duties, forced to miss classes for mandatory “study sessions,” and receives threatening texts at 3 AM demanding immediate compliance.

The physical demands escalate: forced sprints, bear crawls in freezing weather, being sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” consuming milk and hot dogs until vomiting followed by immediate exercise. Then comes the breaking point: a November workout demanding 100+ push-ups and 500 squats. Your child collapses afterward, unable to stand without help. Days later, he’s passing brown urine. You rush him to the emergency room where doctors diagnose rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He spends four days hospitalized facing the risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025 – a case Attorney911 is litigating right now in a $10 million lawsuit.

For parents across the United States, this case represents a terrifying reality: the hazing your child faces isn’t “boys will be boys” horseplay. It’s organized, systematic abuse that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage. At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern repeat from coast to coast – the same fraternities, the same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups.

What This Guide Offers American Families

This comprehensive guide provides what every family needs when facing a hazing crisis:

Understanding Modern Hazing: What it really looks like in 2025 beyond the stereotypes
Legal Frameworks: How hazing laws work in different states and what federal laws apply everywhere
National Case Patterns: What we’ve learned from major hazing deaths and injuries across the country
University Realities: What’s happening at campuses nationwide and how institutions respond
Organizational Histories: How national fraternity patterns create legal liability
Practical Guidance: Exactly what to do if your child is being hazed
Legal Strategy: How experienced hazing attorneys build cases against powerful institutions

Whether your child attends school in California, New York, Florida, Illinois, or anywhere in between, the patterns are disturbingly similar. The national fraternities operating at your child’s school are the same organizations that have faced multi-million dollar lawsuits elsewhere. The insurance companies defending them use the same tactics everywhere. And the experienced legal counsel you need understands these national patterns.

Part 2: Hazing in 2025 – Beyond the Stereotypes

What Hazing Actually Looks Like Today

Hazing has evolved far beyond the paddle-wielding caricatures of old movies. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, digitally coordinated, and often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.” For American families, understanding these modern forms is critical for recognizing danger.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the most deadly category. The pattern we see nationwide includes:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to consume
“Bible study” or trivia drinking games where wrong answers mandate drinking
Lineup formations where pledges must chug alcohol in sequence
Forced consumption of unknown mixed substances or drugs

Physical Hazing has become more extreme while trying to avoid visible injuries:

Extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning”
“Smokings” involving hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall-sits
Exposure to extreme temperatures (locked in freezers, left outside in cold)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or mandatory tasks
Food and water restriction as punishment

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing creates lasting psychological trauma:

Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
“Roasted pig” positions, elephant walks, or other humiliating formations
Racial, sexist, or homophobic role-playing and slurs

Digital Hazing represents the newest frontier of abuse:

24/7 group chat monitoring with mandatory immediate responses
Social media humiliation through forced posts or challenges
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
Recording and sharing embarrassing videos on private channels
Cyberstalking and harassment if pledges don’t comply

Psychological Hazing breaks down resistance through:

Systematic isolation from non-members
Verbal abuse and degradation sessions
Threat of expulsion for non-compliance
Manipulation of loyalty and belonging needs

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternities

While fraternities dominate hazing headlines, dangerous initiation practices occur across campus organizations:

Sororities: Often involve subtler but equally damaging psychological hazing, sleep deprivation, forced servitude, and alcohol consumption, though physical violence is less common.

Athletic Teams: From football to swimming, team hazing frequently involves forced drinking, physical abuse, sexualized rituals, and humiliation disguised as “team bonding.”

Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Numerous universities have faced band hazing scandals involving physical beatings, sexual abuse, and alcohol coercion.

Military and Corps Programs: ROTC and military-style organizations sometimes inherit dangerous traditions from actual military hazing culture.

Spirit and Tradition Groups: Organizations like Texas Cowboys, cheer squads, and other campus icons often have hidden hazing rituals.

Cultural and Academic Clubs: Even service organizations and honor societies have documented hazing incidents.

The common thread across all these groups: power imbalance, tradition justification, secrecy, and the exploitation of young people’s desire to belong.

Part 3: The Legal Framework – Criminal and Civil Liability

Understanding Hazing Laws Nationwide

Hazing laws vary by state, but certain principles apply everywhere. For families across America, understanding both your state’s specific laws and the universal legal concepts is essential.

State Hazing Statutes: All 50 states have some form of anti-hazing law, but they range dramatically in severity:

Felony States: Pennsylvania (Timothy Piazza Law), Louisiana (Max Gruver Act), Ohio (Collin’s Law), Florida (Chad Meredith Law), and others treat severe hazing as felonies
Enhanced Penalty States: Many states increase penalties when hazing causes injury or death
Misdemeanor States: Some states still treat most hazing as misdemeanors

Texas Law as an Example: Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for initiation purposes that endangers physical or mental health. Consent is not a defense. Penalties range from Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony for serious injury or death.

What’s Universal: Regardless of your state’s specific statute, certain principles apply everywhere:

Criminal Liability: Individuals can face criminal charges for hazing
Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face criminal and civil consequences
Good Faith Reporting Protections: Most states protect those who report hazing or call for medical help
Duty to Report: Many states require universities to report hazing incidents

Federal Laws That Apply Everywhere

Regardless of state law, several federal frameworks create liability nationwide:

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Publicly report hazing incidents
Maintain hazing prevention programs
Provide transparent hazing data (phased implementation through 2026)
This creates national standards for transparency and prevention

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, gender-based hostility, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must:

Investigate promptly and thoroughly
Take immediate action to protect victims
Prevent recurrence
Remedy effects

The Clery Act: Requires universities to:

Report certain crimes occurring on or near campus
Maintain public crime logs
Issue timely warnings about ongoing threats
Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes like assault, sexual assault, or alcohol crimes

Section 1983 Civil Rights Claims: When state universities act with “deliberate indifference” to known hazing, they may face civil rights liability.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases: Understanding the Difference

For families facing hazing, understanding the two parallel legal tracks is crucial:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt
Common charges: Hazing, assault, battery, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome: Criminal record, possible incarceration

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Standard: Preponderance of evidence
Common claims: Negligence, wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent supervision
Outcome: Monetary damages, policy changes, closure of organizations

Critical Insight: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases proceed civilly even when criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in conviction.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Civil Hazing Lawsuits

The legal strategy in hazing cases involves identifying EVERY potentially responsible party:

Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or supervised hazing
Those who supplied alcohol or drugs
Those who participated in cover-ups
Individual officers (presidents, risk managers, pledge educators)

Local Chapters:

The fraternity/sorority chapter as an entity
Chapter housing corporations
Local alumni boards
Chapter bank accounts and assets

National Organizations:

National fraternity/sorority headquarters
National housing corporations
National insurance policies
National databases showing prior incidents

Universities and Colleges:

Public universities (with sovereign immunity limitations)
Private universities (fewer immunity protections)
University boards and regents
Individual administrators in personal capacity

Third Parties:

Property owners of off-campus houses
Bars and alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
Security companies at events
Parents who own properties used for hazing

The Strategic Advantage: By identifying multiple defendants, we create multiple sources of insurance coverage and increase settlement pressure. Nationals have deep-pocket insurance, as do universities. Individual members often have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that may provide coverage.

Part 4: National Hazing Case Patterns – What History Teaches Us

The Deadly Pattern of Alcohol Hazing

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

What Happened: 19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night involving extreme drinking
Evidence: Chapter security cameras captured his falls and the delayed 911 call
Criminal: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts total; multiple convictions
Civil: Confidential settlements; Piazza family advocacy
Legacy: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Pattern: Extreme intoxication + delayed medical care = catastrophic consequences

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What Happened: 18-year-old died from alcohol poisoning after “Bible study” drinking game
Blood Alcohol: 0.495% – six times legal limit
Criminal: Multiple convictions; one member convicted of negligent homicide
Civil: Confidential settlement
Legacy: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Pattern: “Educational” drinking games are equally deadly

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

What Happened: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Response: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Criminal: Multiple members prosecuted
Civil: Confidential wrongful death settlement
Pattern: Big/Little traditions consistently produce alcohol poisoning

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

What Happened: 20-year-old forced to consume entire bottle of whiskey
Settlement: $10 million total ($7M from Pike national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Criminal: Multiple convictions
Legacy: Strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws
Pattern: National organizations paying multi-million dollar settlements

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Deaths

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

What Happened: Pledge died from traumatic brain injury during “glass ceiling” ritual
Location: Off-campus retreat in Pocono Mountains
Criminal: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and manslaughter
Penalty: Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Pattern: Off-campus locations don’t eliminate liability

Collin Wiant – Ohio University, Sigma Pi (2018)

What Happened: 18-year-old died after nitrous oxide abuse at unofficial house
Legacy: Ohio’s “Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act”
Pattern: Unofficial “ghost chapters” still create liability

Severe Injury Cases That Changed the Landscape

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

What Happened: 18-year-old suffered permanent brain damage from alcohol hazing
Condition: Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlement: Settlements with 22 defendants; reportedly multi-million dollar total
Pattern: Non-fatal injuries can still mean lifetime catastrophic care

Texas A&M University – Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021)

What Happened: Pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner
Injuries: Required skin graft surgeries
Lawsuit: $1 million lawsuit filed
Pattern: Hazing methods evolving to include chemical dangers

University of Alabama – Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2023)

What Happened: Pledge suffered traumatic brain injury
Lawsuit: Alleged fraud, negligence, assault
Pattern: Same national organization, different campus, similar severe injuries

San Diego State University – Phi Kappa Psi (2024)

What Happened: Pledge set on fire during skit
Injuries: Third-degree burns over 16% of body
Criminal: Four members charged with felonies
Pattern: Dangerous “pranks” escalating to life-threatening acts

Athletic Program Hazing Scandals

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

What Happened: Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within program
Lawsuits: Multiple player lawsuits against university and staff
Settlement: Confidential settlement with fired coach Pat Fitzgerald
Pattern: Big-money athletic programs harbor systemic abuse

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012-2015)

What Happened: Verbal and physical abuse over years
Outcome: Five-year program suspension; $75,000 settlement
Pattern: Even non-revenue sports face serious hazing issues

What These Cases Mean for Your Family

The national pattern is clear and consistent:

Same Script, Different Campus: The Big/Little drinking night that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green is the same tradition that killed Andrew Coffey at Florida State
National Organizations Repeat Patterns: Sigma Alpha Epsilon has faced severe injury lawsuits at Texas A&M, University of Alabama, and University of Texas
Delayed Medical Care Worsens Outcomes: From Timothy Piazza to Michael Deng, hours of delayed 911 calls turn injuries into deaths
Off-Campus Doesn’t Mean No Liability: Retreats, unofficial houses, and private properties still create legal responsibility
Universities Often Settle: Public and private universities regularly pay multi-million dollar settlements rather than face trial
Individual Officers Face Personal Liability: Chapter presidents and pledge educators can be personally sued and face massive judgments

For your family, this means: If what happened to your child resembles what happened in these national cases, you’re dealing with a predictable, documented pattern that courts recognize and juries understand.

Part 5: University Realities Nationwide

Understanding Campus Responses and Patterns

While we maintain detailed data on Texas universities through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, the patterns we see nationwide are remarkably consistent. Major universities across America face similar challenges with Greek life, athletic programs, and institutional response.

Common University Patterns Nationwide:

Transparency Varies Dramatically: Some universities (like UT Austin) publish detailed hazing violation reports. Others disclose almost nothing publicly.
Internal vs. External Accountability: Many universities prioritize “internal resolution” through student conduct processes rather than supporting criminal or civil action.
Greek Life Office Dual Role: Campus Greek life offices often balance student support with institutional protection, creating potential conflicts.
Athletic Program Protection: Revenue-generating sports programs sometimes receive different treatment regarding hazing investigations.
Geographic Dispersion Challenges: With hazing moving to off-campus houses, Airbnbs, and remote locations, university jurisdiction and response capabilities are tested.

Key Universities with Documented Hazing Issues

Based on national media reports and court records, several universities have faced significant hazing litigation and scandals:

Southeastern Conference (SEC) Schools:

University of Alabama (Sigma Alpha Epsilon TBI case)
Louisiana State University (Max Gruver death)
University of Florida (multiple fraternity incidents)
University of Georgia (various fraternity suspensions)

Big Ten Conference:

Pennsylvania State University (Timothy Piazza death)
Ohio State University (multiple fraternity sanctions)
University of Michigan (various hazing incidents)
Michigan State University (fraternity and athletic cases)

Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC):

Florida State University (Andrew Coffey death)
University of Miami (Chad Meredith drowning death)
Clemson University (fraternity suspensions)
University of North Carolina (multiple incidents)

Pac-12 Conference:

University of Southern California (fraternity issues)
University of California schools (multiple cases)
University of Oregon (fraternity suspensions)
Arizona State University (significant Greek life problems)

Big 12 Conference:

University of Texas at Austin (documented violations)
Texas Tech University (fraternity issues)
Oklahoma University (fraternity scandals)
Kansas University (multiple incidents)

Ivy League and Elite Institutions:

Harvard University (orchestra and final club hazing)
Dartmouth College (fraternity issues)
Cornell University (multiple hazing cases)
University of Pennsylvania (fraternity problems)

The University Playbook: How Institutions Respond

Through our national caseload, we’ve identified common university response patterns:

Phase 1: Containment (Days 1-7)

Secure immediate medical care if needed
Isolate the victim from other pledges/members
Begin internal investigation
Contact national fraternity/sorority headquarters
Prepare public statements

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 2-8)

Student conduct interviews
Collection of digital evidence
Coordination with national organization
Possible interim suspension of chapter
Limited information sharing with family

Phase 3: Resolution (Months 2-6)

Student conduct hearing
Determination of responsibility
Sanctions (probation, suspension, expulsion)
Possible chapter closure
Often: pressure on family to accept internal resolution

Phase 4: Long-term (6+ Months)

Implementation of “reforms”
Public relations management
Possible litigation if civil suit filed
Often: minimal transparency about outcomes

The Problem: This process is designed for university control, not victim justice. Critical evidence disappears during these months. Witnesses are coached. The narrative gets shaped in the university’s favor.

Our Approach: We intervene immediately to preserve evidence, conduct independent investigation, and ensure your family’s rights aren’t sacrificed to institutional reputation protection.

Part 6: Fraternities & Sororities – National Histories Create Legal Liability

Why National Histories Matter for Your Case

When your child is hazed by a local fraternity chapter, you’re actually dealing with a national organization with a documented history. This history creates legal liability in several critical ways:

Foreseeability: If the national organization knew (or should have known) that certain traditions were dangerous based on prior incidents at other chapters, they had a duty to prevent them.

Pattern and Practice: Courts allow evidence of similar incidents at other chapters to show that the conduct wasn’t an isolated mistake but a pattern the national allowed to continue.

Negligent Supervision: National organizations that collect dues, provide materials, and maintain oversight can be liable for failing to properly supervise dangerous chapters.

Punitive Damages: When nationals ignore clear warning signs, courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior.

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, $10M settlement)
David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, $14M settlement)
Multiple other alcohol poisoning deaths nationwide
Pattern: Big/Little nights consistently produce fatal alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Called “the deadliest fraternity” by some media
Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths nationwide
Texas A&M chemical burns case
University of Alabama traumatic brain injury case
UT Austin assault case
Pattern: Recurring dangerous traditions despite national “reforms”

Beta Theta Pi

Timothy Piazza death (Penn State)
Multiple other alcohol-related incidents
Pattern: Bid acceptance drinking traditions

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver death (LSU)
Multiple other drinking-related incidents
Pattern: “Educational” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey death (Florida State)
Leonel Bermudez case (University of Houston, current Attorney911 case)
Pattern: Physical and alcohol hazing combinations

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury (Missouri)
Multiple other severe injury cases
Pattern: Extreme drinking during “pledge dad” events

Kappa Sigma

Chad Meredith drowning death (Miami, $12.6M verdict)
Multiple alcohol and physical hazing cases
Pattern: Alcohol-related injuries and deaths

Sigma Chi

College of Charleston case (>$10M settlement)
Multiple other significant settlements
Pattern: Physical beatings and forced substance consumption

How Nationals Try to Avoid Liability

Through our work on cases nationwide, we’ve identified common defense strategies national organizations employ:

The “Rogue Chapter” Defense: “This was a few bad apples; the national didn’t know.”

How We Counter It: We subpoena national records showing prior complaints about the same chapter, similar incidents at other chapters, and inadequate supervision.

The “Policy vs. Practice” Defense: “We have excellent anti-hazing policies; these members violated them.”

How We Counter It: We show the policies were window-dressing – poorly enforced, with minimal consequences for prior violations, and treated as check-the-box exercises rather than genuine prevention.

The “They Consented” Defense: “The pledge participated voluntarily.”

How We Counter It: We demonstrate the power imbalance, peer pressure, and implicit threats that make “consent” meaningless under hazing law.

The “Off-Campus Location” Defense: “This happened at a private house, not our property.”

How We Counter It: We show the national benefited from the chapter, exercised control, and knew hazing occurred at off-campus locations.

The Insurance Coverage Fight: “Our policy excludes intentional acts like hazing.”

How We Counter It: We argue negligent supervision (which may be covered) rather than just the intentional hazing acts. We identify multiple insurance policies and pursue bad faith claims if coverage is wrongfully denied.

The Attorney911 Advantage: National Pattern Recognition

Our active litigation in the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case gives us real-time insight into how national fraternities defend serious hazing claims. What we’re learning fighting a $10 million lawsuit right now applies to cases nationwide:

How Pi Kappa Phi national responds to severe injury claims
How universities like UH defend institutional liability
How insurance companies value rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury cases
How digital evidence is preserved and presented
How medical experts testify about long-term consequences

This isn’t theoretical knowledge. This is battle-tested experience from a current, high-stakes hazing lawsuit.

Part 7: Building a Hazing Case – Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Text Messages: Between members, pledges, officers
Emails: Chapter communications, national correspondence
Deleted Content: Digital forensics can recover deleted messages
Metadata: Timestamps, locations, participant lists

How to Preserve Digital Evidence:

Screenshot immediately – don’t wait
Capture full context – show timestamps and participants
Back up to cloud storage – email screenshots to yourself
Do NOT delete anything – even embarrassing content
Consult digital forensics expert if messages were deleted

Physical Evidence:

Injuries: Photograph immediately and over several days
Locations: Pictures of houses, rooms, event venues
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, props
Clothing: Don’t wash – preserve stains, damage
Medical Records: All ER, hospital, follow-up records

Documentary Evidence:

University Records: Prior complaints, disciplinary files
National Records: Incident reports, training materials
Medical Records: Diagnosis, treatment, prognosis
Financial Records: Receipts for forced purchases

Witness Evidence:

Other Pledges: Often most important witnesses
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled
Roommates and Friends: Noticed changes or heard details
Emergency Responders: EMTs, hospital staff
University Personnel: RAs, professors, advisors

Understanding Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Calculable Financial Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment
Lost Income: Time off work for victim or caregiving parents
Educational Costs: Missed semesters, lost scholarships
Future Earning Capacity: Reduced if permanent disability
Life Care Costs: 24/7 care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Physical Pain: From injuries and treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety
Humiliation and Shame: From degrading acts
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in former activities
Relationship Damage: Strained family and social connections

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support
Loss of Companionship and Love
Grief and Emotional Suffering
Parents’ and Siblings’ Therapy Costs

Punitive Damages (When Defendants Act Especially Badly):

Purpose: Punish and deter reckless conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and ignored them
When there were prior warnings and inadequate response
When conduct was particularly cruel or degrading

Sample Settlement and Verdict Ranges:

Fatal Cases: $1M-$14M+ (Foltz $10M, Bogenberger $14M, Gruver $6.1M+)
Catastrophic Injury: $375K-multi-million (Santulli settlements, SAE chemical burns)
Severe Injury: Varies based on permanency and impact
Psychological Trauma: Significant compensation for PTSD and emotional harm

The Strategic Timeline for Hazing Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 48 Hours)

Medical attention and documentation
Evidence preservation before deletion
Initial witness identification
First contact with attorney

Phase 2: Investigation (Days 3-30)

Comprehensive evidence collection
Witness interviews
Preservation letters to universities and fraternities
Identification of all potential defendants
Initial medical and psychological evaluation

Phase 3: Case Development (Months 1-6)

Detailed medical documentation
Economic damage calculation
Expert consultation (medical, psychological, economic)
Settlement demand preparation
Initial negotiations

Phase 4: Litigation (Months 6-24+)

Filing lawsuit if settlement fails
Discovery process (document requests, depositions)
Expert reports and testimony
Mediation and settlement conferences
Trial preparation

Phase 5: Resolution (Varies)

Settlement or trial verdict
Collection of judgment
Implementation of non-monetary terms (policy changes, chapter closures)
Appellate process if necessary

Why Experience Matters in Hazing Litigation

Hazing cases present unique challenges that require specialized experience:

Institutional Defendants: Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets and experienced defense teams.

Insurance Complexity: Multiple insurance policies with coverage disputes and exclusions.

Digital Evidence Challenges: Recovering deleted messages, authenticating digital content, presenting digital evidence effectively.

Medical Complexity: Understanding conditions like rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and their long-term implications.

Institutional Knowledge: Understanding how fraternities, sororities, and universities actually operate behind closed doors.

Settlement Dynamics: Knowing when to settle, when to push forward, and what cases are really worth.

At Attorney911, we bring all these capabilities to every hazing case we handle.

Part 8: Practical Guidance for Parents, Students, and Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, early calls)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior:

Constant phone monitoring of group chats
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages obsessively
Receiving demands for immediate response at all hours
Social media posts showing concerning activities

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

Choose the right time: Private, calm, no distractions
Use open questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt or criticize
Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried about your safety” not “You’re being stupid”
Offer unconditional support: “No matter what, I’m here for you”
Discuss options together: “What do you think we should do?”

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Are you being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or your parents approve if they knew?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
Are you being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If you answered YES to any: It’s likely hazing.

Immediate Safety Steps:

Medical emergency? Call 911 immediately
Get to safety: Your dorm, friend’s place, public area
Preserve evidence: Screenshot everything before it’s deleted
Document: Write down what happened while memory is fresh
Tell someone: RA, trusted professor, campus counseling

Safe Exit Strategies:

You can leave at any time – no matter what they told you
Tell someone outside first – parent, friend, administrator
Send written notice: Email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s where pressure happens
If threatened: Report to campus police and Dean of Students

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps visible
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles
Voice memos: Record conversations (check state laws)
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Mistake #1: Deleting Messages or “Cleaning Up”

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction; destroys case
What to do instead: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

Mistake #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, call attorney first

Mistake #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often too low
What to do instead: Never sign without attorney review

Mistake #4: Posting on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let lawyer control messaging

Mistake #5: Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”

Why it’s wrong: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

Mistake #6: Waiting for University to “Handle It”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Mistake #7: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we sue a university for hazing?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities have fewer protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

Q: Is hazing a felony?
A: It depends on your state. Many states have upgraded hazing to felonies when it causes serious injury or death. Even in states where it’s typically a misdemeanor, ancillary charges (assault, furnishing alcohol to minor) may be felonies.

Q: What if our child “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Consent is not a defense to hazing in virtually all states. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 1-3 years depending on your state’s statute of limitations, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical – evidence disappears fast.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability.

Q: Will this be confidential or will our child’s name be public?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: We work on contingency – no fee unless we recover money for you. Initial consultations are always free.

Part 9: Why Attorney911 for National Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back – and how to win anyway. Here’s why Attorney911 stands apart:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Current High-Stakes Hazing Experience:

Right now we’re litigating the Leonel Bermudez case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi
$10 million lawsuit involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Real-time experience with how nationals and universities defend serious claims
This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the courtroom fighting these battles

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for calculating future damages
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Navigates parallel criminal and civil proceedings

Investigative Depth and Expert Network:

Digital forensics for recovering deleted messages
Medical experts for conditions like rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
Greek life culture and institutional policy experts
Economists and life-care planners
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.”

How We Approach Hazing Cases Nationwide

For Families with Texas Connections:
If your case involves Texas in any way – the university is in Texas, the national fraternity is headquartered in Texas, Texas-based insurance, or your family lives in Texas – we can serve as lead counsel with our deep Texas expertise.

For Families Outside Texas:
We work as co-counsel with local attorneys in your state, bringing our specialized hazing experience to complement local procedural knowledge. We provide consultation and case strategy nationwide.

Our Process:

Immediate Response: 24/7 availability when crisis strikes
Evidence Preservation: Securing digital and physical evidence before disappearance
Comprehensive Investigation: Identifying all potentially liable parties
Strategic Planning: Criminal vs. civil decisions, settlement vs. litigation
Aggressive Advocacy: Never intimidated by institutional defendants
Client-Centered Resolution: Your family’s well-being guides every decision

Our National Track Record

While many of our results are confidential, our experience speaks for itself:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Proving capability against billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal resources.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlements: In wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases requiring sophisticated damage calculation.

Current High-Profile Hazing Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates our active, serious hazing litigation capability.

Complex Institutional Cases: Experience navigating multiple defendants, insurance coverage disputes, and institutional cover-ups.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Free Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, we want to help.

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Serving Families Nationwide:
While based in Texas, we serve families across America through:

Direct representation for Texas-connected cases
Co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys
Consultation and case evaluation for families anywhere

No matter where you are, if hazing has hurt your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com