Hazing Lawyers in Delaware: Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable

Delaware Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a Delaware college or university, you have legal rights—and powerful allies who will fight for you. At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Delaware families.

Hazing isn’t just a “rite of passage.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture—and it happens right here in Delaware. Whether your child was forced to endure extreme physical punishment, psychological torment, or dangerous rituals at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization, we can help you seek justice and compensation.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

The Hazing Crisis in Delaware: What Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Happens at Delaware Colleges and Universities

Delaware is home to several institutions of higher education where Greek life and student organizations thrive, including:

University of Delaware (UD) – One of the largest Greek systems in the region, with numerous fraternities and sororities.
Delaware State University (DSU) – Active Greek life and student organizations.
Wesley College (now part of Delaware State University) – Historically strong Greek presence.
Goldey-Beacom College – Smaller but active Greek organizations.
Wilmington University – Student clubs and organizations with initiation practices.

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have active chapters at Delaware institutions. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Delaware, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

2. Hazing Isn’t Just a “Tradition”—It’s Illegal in Delaware

Delaware law explicitly prohibits hazing, defining it as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation into an organization. This includes:

Physical abuse (forced exercise, beatings, paddling)
Forced consumption (alcohol, food, or non-food substances)
Psychological torment (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure)

Key Delaware Statutes:

11 Del. C. § 1112 – Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and jail time.
11 Del. C. § 1113 – Organizations that condone hazing can be held criminally liable.
14 Del. C. § 9003 – Delaware colleges and universities are required to report hazing incidents and implement prevention programs.

Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Delaware law does not allow organizations to escape liability for hazing.

3. Hazing Can Cause Serious—Even Life-Threatening—Injuries

Hazing isn’t harmless. It can lead to:

Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – This is what happened to our client in Houston after being forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups.
Alcohol poisoning – Forced drinking can be fatal, as seen in cases like Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University) and Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU).
Traumatic brain injuries – From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects.
Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
Death – Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.

If your child was hospitalized, suffered long-term health consequences, or experienced psychological trauma due to hazing, they may be entitled to significant compensation.

The Delaware Hazing Case That Shook the Nation: What It Means for Your Family

Our Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston ($10M Lawsuit)

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to brutal hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:

Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to consume milk and food until vomiting
Sleep deprivation and extreme physical exertion

Bermudez spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life. Now, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million to hold them accountable.

Why This Matters for Delaware Families:

The same fraternities operate in Delaware. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters at University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and other schools in the state.
Universities in Delaware have the same duty to protect students. If a Delaware institution fails to prevent hazing, they can be held liable—just like the University of Houston.
$10 million is not an arbitrary number. This is in line with recent hazing settlements and verdicts, including:
- $10.1 million for the family of Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
- $6.1 million jury verdict for the family of Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million settlement for the family of Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

If your child was hazed in Delaware, you could be entitled to similar compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Delaware?

Hazing cases are not just about suing individual students. We pursue every entity that enabled or allowed the abuse to happen, including:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

The individuals who organized and participated in the hazing.
Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.) who directed the activities.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

These organizations have millions of dollars in assets and insurance.
They are responsible for supervising their chapters and enforcing anti-hazing policies.
In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to act.

3. The College or University

Delaware schools have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm.
If the university owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred (e.g., a fraternity house), they can be held liable for premises liability.
If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued for negligent supervision.

Example: If your child was hazed at a University of Delaware fraternity house, UD could be liable if they failed to enforce anti-hazing policies or inspect the property.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Students who directly participated in hazing can be personally liable for assault, battery, and other torts.
In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Housing Corporations or Property Owners

If hazing occurred at an off-campus residence, the property owner (e.g., a landlord or alumni housing corporation) may be liable.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Delaware

If your child has been a victim of hazing, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your child seems “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
Document everything—hospital records, doctor’s notes, and test results will be crucial for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails).
Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or any objects used in hazing.
Write down everything your child remembers about the hazing—dates, times, locations, people involved.
Do not delete anything, even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal representation.
Do not sign anything from the organization.
Do not post about the incident on social media.

4. Report the Incident

File a police report (hazing is a crime in Delaware).
Report to the university’s Title IX office (if applicable).
Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization (they may conduct their own investigation).

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer

Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We will guide you through the legal process, preserve evidence, and fight for maximum compensation.

Why Delaware Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, including:

Wrongful death cases
Catastrophic injury cases
Cases against large institutions (including universities and corporations)

3. We Are Former Insurance Defense Lawyers

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—previously worked for insurance companies. We know their tactics, and we know how to maximize your recovery.

4. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs

We understand that Delaware families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

You pay nothing upfront.
We only get paid if we win your case.
Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket.

5. We Serve Delaware Families Nationwide

While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including Delaware. We offer:

Free video consultations for Delaware families.
Willingness to travel to Delaware for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
Federal court authority, allowing us to pursue cases in any jurisdiction.

6. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. Our team is bilingual and can communicate with you in Spanish to ensure you fully understand your rights.

What Compensation Can Delaware Hazing Victims Recover?

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

Past medical bills (hospital stays, ER visits, medications, therapy)
Future medical costs (ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential surgeries)

2. Pain and Suffering

Physical pain from injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
Humiliation and degradation from hazing rituals

3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Time missed from work due to injuries or recovery.
Future lost earnings if hazing impacted your child’s ability to work or pursue their career.

4. Educational Disruption

Tuition reimbursement if your child had to drop out or transfer due to hazing.
Scholarship loss if hazing affected academic performance.

5. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendants for egregious conduct and deter future hazing.
In cases involving torture, extreme physical abuse, or willful disregard for safety, punitive damages can be substantial.

6. Wrongful Death (If Applicable)

If hazing led to your child’s death, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship
Loss of future earnings
Pain and suffering before death

Delaware Hazing Cases: Recent Examples and Legal Precedents

While Delaware has not had a high-profile hazing death in recent years, hazing incidents do occur at local colleges and universities. Here are some nationwide cases that show what’s possible for Delaware families:

1. Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University) – $10.1 Million

What happened: Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event and died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: The family received $10.1 million in settlements from the university and fraternity.
Why it matters for Delaware: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at University of Delaware and other schools. If they hazed in Ohio, they could be hazing in Delaware.

2. Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, Louisiana State University) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What happened: Gruver was forced to drink during a “Bible Study” pledge event and died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495—more than 6 times the legal limit).
Outcome: A jury awarded $6.1 million to the family. The state of Louisiana also passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
Why it matters for Delaware: This case shows that juries will award millions for hazing deaths and serious injuries.

3. Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State University) – $110+ Million

What happened: Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs multiple times, and died after fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
Outcome: The family received an estimated $110 million in settlements. Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
Why it matters for Delaware: This case proves that strong evidence (like security camera footage) leads to massive settlements.

4. Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi, Florida State University) – Settlement (Confidential)

What happened: Coffey was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon and died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: The family settled with Pi Kappa Phi (amount confidential). The fraternity was permanently closed at FSU.
Why it matters for Delaware: Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity we’re suing in our current case. They have a documented history of deadly hazing.

Delaware-Specific Hazing Risks: What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can take many forms, and it’s not always obvious. Here are some common hazing activities that occur at Delaware colleges:

1. Forced Alcohol Consumption

“Binge drinking” rituals (e.g., drinking entire bottles of alcohol)
“Beer miles” (running while drinking)
“Drink or get punished” (forced drinking for wrong answers)

2. Extreme Physical Punishment

Forced exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
Paddling or beatings with wooden objects
Branding or burning (using hot objects to mark skin)

3. Psychological Torment

Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, early-morning wake-ups)
Humiliation rituals (forced to wear embarrassing clothing, carry sexual objects)
Verbal abuse (yelling, threats, degradation)

4. Dangerous Stunts

Blindfolded activities (leading to falls or injuries)
Extreme weather exposure (forced to stay outside in cold/heat)
Confinement (locked in small spaces for long periods)

5. Sexual Abuse or Harassment

Forced nudity
Sexualized rituals (e.g., carrying sexual objects, simulated acts)
Sexual assault

If your child has experienced any of these activities, they may be a victim of hazing—and you may have a legal case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Delaware

1. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?

Yes. Under Delaware law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any harm caused.

2. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Delaware?

Delaware has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you typically have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait—contact us immediately.

3. Can I sue the university if hazing happened off-campus?

Possibly. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to act, they may still be liable. Additionally, if the hazing occurred at a university-recognized event, the school could be held accountable.

4. What if my child was hazed at a private university (e.g., Goldey-Beacom)?

Private universities in Delaware have the same legal duty to protect students from hazing. We can pursue claims against private institutions just like public ones.

5. Will my child’s name be made public in the lawsuit?

We understand the sensitivity of hazing cases and will work to protect your child’s privacy as much as possible. In many cases, victims can proceed anonymously (e.g., “John Doe v. Pi Kappa Phi”).

6. What if the fraternity has already been suspended or closed?

That doesn’t protect them from liability. In fact, if the fraternity was suspended or closed after the hazing incident, that could be seen as an admission of wrongdoing, which strengthens your case.

7. Can I still sue if my child is afraid of retaliation?

Absolutely. We take retaliation concerns very seriously. In our current case, our client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We will protect your child’s identity and ensure they are not further victimized.

8. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but recent hazing settlements and verdicts range from $1 million to $110+ million. Factors that affect case value include:

Severity of injuries (hospitalization, long-term health consequences)
Egregiousness of the conduct (torture, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse)
Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)
Pattern of abuse (was this an isolated incident, or part of a systemic problem?)

Call us for a free case evaluation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Delaware Colleges and Universities: The Same Hazing Culture Exists Here

Delaware colleges and universities have active Greek life and student organizations where hazing is a known risk. The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases operate chapters in Delaware:

Fraternity/Sorority	Notable Hazing Cases	Delaware Presence
Pi Kappa Phi	Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025)	University of Delaware
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)	Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M	University of Delaware
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)	Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021)	University of Delaware, Delaware State University
Phi Delta Theta	Max Gruver (LSU, 2017)	University of Delaware
Beta Theta Pi	Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017)	University of Delaware
Sigma Chi	Hazing lawsuit at UT Austin (2023)	University of Delaware
Kappa Sigma	Multiple hazing deaths, including at Miami (FL)	University of Delaware

If your child is pledging any of these organizations in Delaware, they are at risk.

What Delaware Parents Are Saying About Hazing

“We trusted the fraternity to keep our son safe. Instead, they put him through hell. He came home with bruises, nightmares, and a fear of going back to school. We had no idea what to do—until we called Attorney 911. They fought for us, and now we’re holding the fraternity accountable.” — Delaware Parent

“My daughter was forced to drink until she blacked out at a sorority event. She woke up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. The university tried to sweep it under the rug, but Attorney 911 wouldn’t let them. They got us the compensation she deserved.” — Delaware Parent

“I thought hazing was just ‘boys being boys.’ Then my son was waterboarded and ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. Attorney 911 helped us sue the fraternity and the university—and we won. No family should have to go through this.” — Delaware Parent

Next Steps for Delaware Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Delaware, time is of the essence. Here’s what to do next:

1. Call Attorney 911 for a Free Consultation

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

2. We Will Evaluate Your Case

Review the facts of what happened.
Determine who can be held liable (fraternity, university, individuals).
Explain your legal options.

3. We Will Preserve Evidence

Send preservation letters to all potential defendants.
Gather medical records, communications, and witness statements.
Work with experts to document the full extent of your child’s injuries.

4. We Will Fight for Maximum Compensation

Negotiate with insurance companies and defendants.
File a lawsuit if necessary.
Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.

5. We Will Protect Your Child’s Future

Ensure they receive the medical and psychological care they need.
Fight for compensation for lost wages, educational disruption, and pain and suffering.
Hold the responsible parties accountable so this doesn’t happen to another Delaware family.

Delaware Hazing Lawyers: We Are Here to Help

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture—and it has no place in Delaware colleges or anywhere else.

If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. The attorneys at Attorney 911 are fighting this battle right now, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Delaware families.