Hazing Victims in Washington, D.C.: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

Hazing Happens in D.C. — And It’s Illegal

Washington, D.C. is home to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, American University, and the University of the District of Columbia. With this academic excellence comes a thriving Greek life culture — fraternities and sororities that promise brotherhood, sisterhood, and lifelong connections.

But behind the Greek letters and social events, a dark reality exists. Hazing — the dangerous, humiliating, and sometimes life-threatening initiation rituals — continues to plague D.C. campuses. From forced alcohol consumption to extreme physical endurance tests, sleep deprivation, and psychological abuse, hazing has sent students to hospitals, left permanent scars, and even claimed lives.

If you or someone you love has been hazed in Washington, D.C., you are not alone — and you have legal rights.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. We will bring the same aggressive representation to D.C. families.

Hazing in D.C.: The Reality on Local Campuses

Washington, D.C. Universities With Active Greek Life

D.C. is home to a vibrant Greek community across multiple institutions. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in the District:

These are the same Greek letters that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.

Hazing Incidents Happen in D.C. — Even If They’re Not Publicly Reported

While D.C. hasn’t seen the same high-profile hazing deaths as other states, that doesn’t mean hazing isn’t happening. Most hazing goes unreported due to fear, loyalty to the organization, or not recognizing it as hazing.

Common Hazing Practices in D.C.:

• Forced alcohol consumption — Binge drinking, drinking games, “drinking gauntlets”
• Extreme physical activities — Calisthenics to exhaustion, running drills, bear crawls, “suicides”
• Sleep deprivation — Late-night meetings, forced servitude, early-morning workouts
• Psychological abuse — Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation
• Forced eating — Consuming large amounts of food, milk, or non-food substances until vomiting
• Exposure to elements — Forced to stand outside in cold weather, stripped of clothing
• Sexual humiliation — Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, inappropriate tasks
• Physical violence — Paddling, slapping, branding

These aren’t “traditions.” They’re crimes.

D.C. Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

D.C. Code § 22-1312: Hazing Prohibited

Washington, D.C. has a strong anti-hazing law that applies to all educational institutions in the District.

Definition of Hazing in D.C.:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student, and in which both belong to, or are affiliated with, any organization, for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

This includes acts that:

• Endanger the physical health or safety of a student
• Cause mental or physical harm
• Involve consumption of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance
• Involve any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress

D.C. Law is Clear: Consent is NOT a Defense.

“It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that the student consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
— D.C. Code § 22-1312(e)

This means:

• Even if you “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
• Even if you signed a waiver, it doesn’t matter.
• Even if “everyone goes through it,” it’s still against the law.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in D.C.

Organizations can also be penalized with fines and loss of recognition.

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued for D.C. Hazing?

Hazing isn’t just a crime — it’s also a civil wrong that allows victims to sue for compensation. In D.C., multiple parties can be held liable:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Individual members who participated or failed to stop it
• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, risk manager)

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew or should have known about hazing culture
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Deep pockets — national organizations have millions in assets and insurance

3. The University

• Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
• Failed to respond to prior hazing incidents

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Every person who participated in hazing can be sued personally
• Chapter officers who directed activities
• Members who encouraged or failed to stop hazing

5. Housing Corporations & Alumni

• If hazing occurred at a fraternity/sorority house
• If alumni hosted or facilitated hazing

What Can D.C. Hazing Victims Sue For?

If you’ve been hazed in Washington, D.C., you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills — Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, medications
• Future medical expenses — Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential surgeries
• Lost wages — Time missed from work or internships
• Lost earning capacity — If injuries affect future career prospects
• Educational expenses — Tuition lost due to dropping out, transferring schools

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain — From injuries, forced activities, medical treatment
• Emotional distress — Anxiety, depression, PTSD from the abuse
• Humiliation and shame — From degrading hazing rituals
• Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in activities you once loved
• Disfigurement — Scars, burns, or permanent injuries

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

• Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or malicious
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• No cap in D.C. — Juries can award any amount they deem appropriate

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts nationwide. These same outcomes are possible for D.C. victims.

These cases prove:

• Hazing lawsuits win — juries and universities take them seriously.
• Universities and national organizations pay — they can’t hide behind “it was just the chapter.”
• Individuals can be held personally liable — chapter officers have paid millions out of pocket.
• The conduct doesn’t have to be fatal — living victims with serious injuries still win major settlements.

Our Current Hazing Case: The Fight We’re Bringing to D.C.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case demonstrates exactly how we will fight for D.C. families.

What Happened in Our Case:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet)
• Hazing Activities: Waterboarding with a garden hose, 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, forced eating until vomiting, being struck with wooden paddles
• Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), acute kidney failure, 4 days hospitalized
• Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, local chapter, University of Houston, individual members
• Damages Sought: $10 million

Why This Case Matters for D.C.:

✅ Pi Kappa Phi operates at Georgetown and American University — same national organization, same hazing culture.
✅ Universities in D.C. face the same liability — if they know hazing happens and do nothing, they’re responsible.
✅ The same legal strategies apply — we know how to build these cases and win.
✅ We’re already in the fight — we’re not just talking about hazing, we’re litigating it right now.

What D.C. Hazing Victims Should Do Right Now

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) can appear days later.
• Document everything — get copies of all medical records.
• Take photos of any injuries at all stages of healing.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
• Take screenshots — before anything gets deleted.
• Document the timeline — write down what happened, when, and who was involved.
• Save photos/videos — from the hazing events or related activities.
• Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership.
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university.
• Do NOT give statements to university administrators without an attorney.
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Statute of limitations in D.C.: 3 years from the date of injury (but don’t wait — evidence disappears).
• We offer free consultations — no cost to discuss your case.
• We work on contingency — you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Step 5: Report the Hazing (Optional, But Can Help Your Case)

• To the university — file a formal complaint with the Greek Life office or Title IX office.
• To the police — hazing is a crime in D.C. You can file a police report.
• To the national organization — report to the fraternity/sorority’s national headquarters.

Note: Reporting can help your case, but do not do it without consulting an attorney first. We can guide you through the process to protect your rights.

Why D.C. Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Already Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re litigating it right now.
• We know the defendants’ playbook because we’re in the courtroom with them.
• D.C. families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing in Texas.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Tricks

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability.
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
• Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction — critical for national fraternity lawsuits.
• We will travel to D.C. for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas AND New York

• Strategic advantage for lawsuits against national fraternities headquartered out of state.
• Can pursue defendants in multiple jurisdictions.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
• We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish — no language barriers.

6. We Treat You Like Family

• Our staff is friendly, compassionate, and genuinely cares.
• We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.
• We fight hard because we truly care about stopping hazing.

7. No Upfront Costs — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• $0 upfront — no retainer, no hourly fees.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Contingency fee: Typically 33-40% of recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About D.C. Hazing Cases

Q: I was hazed, but I’m afraid of retaliation. What should I do?

A: We understand your fear — our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is also afraid of retribution. We protect our clients’ identities and safety. You can pursue legal action confidentially. The law is on your side.

Q: I consented to the hazing. Can I still sue?

A: Yes. D.C. law explicitly says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal. The fraternity and university are still liable.

Q: I don’t live in D.C. anymore. Can I still sue?

A: Yes. If the hazing occurred in D.C., you can sue in D.C. courts regardless of where you live now. We can handle your case remotely and travel to D.C. as needed.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault, battery is battery, and hazing is illegal — no matter how long it’s been going on.

Q: I’m an international student. Will suing affect my visa?

A: No. Pursuing a civil lawsuit does not affect your immigration status. We’ve represented international students before and can guide you through the process.

Q: How much is my case worth?

A: Every case is different. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Psychological impact
• University’s knowledge of prior hazing
• National organization’s involvement
• Strength of evidence

We’ve won millions for hazing victims. We’ll fight for maximum compensation for you.

Q: How long will my case take?

A: Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: Will my case go to trial?

A: Most cases settle out of court. However, we are prepared to go to trial if the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation. We have extensive trial experience and a track record of success.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims in Washington, D.C. often delay seeking help due to:

• Fear of retaliation from the fraternity/sorority
• Loyalty to the organization — not wanting to “betray” brothers or sisters
• Shame or embarrassment — not recognizing it as hazing
• Not knowing their rights — thinking it’s “just part of pledging”

But every day you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• The statute of limitations gets closer
• The organization continues to haze others

You deserve justice. Your child deserves to be safe. D.C. students deserve protection.

Contact Attorney 911 — D.C. Hazing Victims’ Legal Emergency Hotline

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9111)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free Consultation — Available 24/7
$0 Upfront Costs — We Only Get Paid If You Win

We Will Travel to D.C. For Your Case

• Video consultations available for D.C. families
• We come to D.C. for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Distance is not a barrier — we serve hazing victims nationwide

To D.C. Fraternities and Universities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating in Washington, D.C.:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your chapter structures. We know your insurance policies.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapters are hazing in D.C., know this:

• The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
• The same criminal penalties apply in D.C.
• The same civil liability applies — and we will pursue every defendant.
• We are already litigating this fight. We will bring it to D.C.

To the universities in Washington, D.C.:

Georgetown. George Washington. Howard. American. University of the District of Columbia.

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to act on hazing reports, when you fail to supervise Greek life, when you allow dangerous “traditions” to continue — you are liable.

The University of Houston is currently being sued for $10 million because they owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized. D.C. universities face the same risk.

The time to act is now. Clean up your chapters. Protect your students. Or face accountability in court.

To D.C. Parents: Your Child Deserves Safety

You sent your child to college in Washington, D.C. expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek organizations.

That trust was betrayed.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold these institutions accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another D.C. family.

We are here to help.

Enough Is Enough. The Fight Starts Now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Washington, D.C. from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

We protect the injured. We defend the accused. We fight for justice.