π‘οΈ Hazing Victims in Citrus County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
If you or your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Citrus County, Florida, you are not alone β and you have powerful legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Citrus County, and the same negligence exists at local institutions. Citrus County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.
This guide will help you understand:
- What counts as hazing in Florida
- Who can be held legally responsible
- How much compensation you may be entitled to
- What to do if you or your child has been hazed
- How Attorney 911 can help Citrus County victims
π¨ What Is Hazing? (Florida Law)
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization. This includes:
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Physical abuse β beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
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Forced consumption β alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting or passing out
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Sleep deprivation β forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
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Psychological torture β humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
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Waterboarding or simulated drowning β as seen in our current case
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Sexual abuse or harassment β forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
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Extreme weather exposure β forced activity in heat or cold without proper clothing
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Servitude β forced cleaning, driving members, running errands
Florida law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, it is still illegal and can be grounds for a lawsuit.
βοΈ Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Citrus County?
In our current case, we are pursuing 10 defendants β and the same liability applies to Citrus County hazing victims:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing; failed to supervise |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority; may own fraternity property |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
The deep pockets: National fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance. This is not about suing broke college students β it’s about holding institutions accountable.
π° How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth in Citrus County?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are recent examples with the same legal strategies we use:
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our current case: We are seeking $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure after waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme exercise. Citrus County victims can pursue the same level of compensation.
What Damages Can Citrus County Families Recover?
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries and medical treatment |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct (like waterboarding) |
Florida has no cap on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases, meaning juries can award substantial amounts for severe trauma.
π’ Universities Near Citrus County with Greek Life
Citrus County is home to College of Central Florida (CF), and nearby universities with active Greek organizations include:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Distance from Citrus County |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida (UF) | Gainesville, FL | 60+ fraternities/sororities | ~1.5 hours |
| Florida State University (FSU) | Tallahassee, FL | 50+ fraternities/sororities | ~3 hours |
| University of South Florida (USF) | Tampa, FL | 40+ fraternities/sororities | ~1.5 hours |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) | Orlando, FL | 60+ fraternities/sororities | ~2 hours |
| College of Central Florida (CF) | Ocala, FL | Smaller Greek presence | Within Citrus County |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide β Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β have active chapters at these schools.
If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
π Warning Signs of Hazing in Citrus County
Parents and students should be aware of these red flags that may indicate hazing:
| Warning Sign | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Sudden secrecy | Avoiding questions about activities; not allowed to talk about “pledge process” |
| Physical exhaustion | Constant fatigue, dark circles under eyes, falling asleep in class |
| Unexplained injuries | Bruises, cuts, limping, difficulty walking |
| Sudden weight loss | From forced exercise or lack of proper nutrition |
| Behavioral changes | Increased anxiety, depression, withdrawal, mood swings |
| Missing classes | Forced to attend late-night or early-morning activities |
| Carrying strange objects | Required to carry paddles, fanny packs, or other items at all times |
| Sudden financial requests | Asking for money for “pledge dues” or “events” |
| Excessive time commitments | Missing family events, holidays, or important dates |
| Change in social circle | Only associating with fraternity/sorority members |
| Sudden drop in grades | From sleep deprivation, stress, or missing classes |
| Talk of “traditions” | Vague references to activities that “everyone goes through” |
If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Act immediately.
π What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Citrus County
Immediate Steps:
- Ensure safety β Remove your child from the situation immediately
- Seek medical attention β Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation
- Preserve evidence β Save all texts, social media posts, photos, videos, and communications
- Document everything β Write down dates, times, locations, and descriptions of hazing activities
- Get witness information β Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Report to authorities β File a police report and report to the university
- Do NOT confront the organization β They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
- Do NOT sign anything β From the fraternity, sorority, or university
- Do NOT post on social media β Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact an attorney β Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Evidence to Preserve:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing activities, locations |
| Text messages | Group chats, individual messages about hazing |
| Social media | Posts, DMs, comments about pledge activities |
| Emails | Any communications with the organization |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial records | Receipts for “pledge dues,” medical bills, lost wages |
| Academic records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships |
π Why Citrus County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re not just hazing lawyers β we’re hazing fighters.
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Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case β we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
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Former insurance defense attorneys β we know how the other side thinks
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Federal court authority β can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
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Dual-state bar licenses β Florida and Texas (strategic advantage)
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Se habla espaΓ±ol β bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
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Contingency fee β $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you get paid
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Nationwide service β we represent hazing victims across America, including Citrus County
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Will travel to Citrus County β for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Our Approach for Citrus County Hazing Victims:
- Immediate response β We act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights
- Aggressive investigation β We uncover the full extent of the hazing and who’s responsible
- Expert network β Medical experts, hazing culture specialists, damage calculators
- Multi-defendant strategy β We sue everyone responsible: individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Maximum compensation β We fight for every dollar you deserve
- Justice beyond money β We work to change culture and prevent future hazing
π― How We Can Help Citrus County Families
If your child has been hazed near Citrus County, we can:
β Evaluate your case for free β confidential consultation
β Preserve critical evidence β before it disappears
β Handle all communications β with fraternities, universities, insurance companies
β Coordinate medical care β ensure proper treatment and documentation
β Calculate full damages β medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
β Negotiate aggressively β for maximum settlement
β File a lawsuit β if necessary to get you justice
β Go to trial β if defendants refuse to settle fairly
β Protect your privacy β avoid unnecessary publicity
β Prevent future hazing β by holding institutions accountable
Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and will travel to Citrus County for your case.
π Citrus County Hazing Victims β Call Now for a Free Consultation
If you or your child has been hazed at a university near Citrus County, call us immediately. Time is critical β evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We work on contingency β you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
β Frequently Asked Questions from Citrus County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
A: Yes, absolutely. Even if you don’t file a lawsuit, consulting with an attorney protects your rights. We can:
- Advise you on evidence preservation
- Help you understand your legal options
- Assist with university disciplinary processes
- Ensure your child’s safety and well-being
- Prepare for potential future legal action if needed
Many families initially hesitate but later regret not acting sooner when evidence is lost.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, at a fraternity house, at an alumni’s home, or anywhere else. We can pursue:
- The individuals who conducted the hazing
- The fraternity/sorority chapter
- The national organization
- Any property owners who allowed hazing on their premises
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a valid defense?
A: No. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate:
- Peer pressure and social coercion negate true consent
- Many students don’t understand what they’re agreeing to
- Fear of social exclusion or retaliation creates duress
- Hazing is illegal regardless of consent
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Citrus County?
A: In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years from the date of injury. However:
- For minors, the clock may not start until they turn 18
- For wrongful death, the deadline is 2 years from date of death
- Evidence disappears quickly, so you should act immediately
Do not wait. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Q: What if the university already punished the fraternity? Can we still sue?
A: Yes. University disciplinary action (like suspending a chapter) does not prevent you from pursuing a civil lawsuit for damages. In fact:
- University actions may help your case by proving they knew about the hazing
- Civil lawsuits provide compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
- Criminal charges can proceed alongside civil lawsuits
Q: How much will this cost our family?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We cover all case expenses during litigation
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so our interests are aligned with yours
You have nothing to lose by calling us.
Q: My child attends College of Central Florida (CF). Can you help with hazing there?
A: Yes. While CF has a smaller Greek presence than major universities, hazing can still occur. We represent victims from all institutions, including:
- College of Central Florida (Citrus County)
- University of Florida (Gainesville)
- Florida State University (Tallahassee)
- University of South Florida (Tampa)
- University of Central Florida (Orlando)
- Any other Florida college or university
If hazing happens at CF or any nearby school, we can help.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation is very real. Here’s how we protect our clients:
- Confidentiality β We keep your identity and case details private
- Evidence protection β We preserve evidence before the organization can destroy it
- Legal protection β Retaliation is illegal and can lead to additional legal claims
- University coordination β We work with Title IX and student conduct offices to ensure safety
- Witness support β We help other victims come forward safely
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
Q: Can you help if the hazing happened last semester or last year?
A: Possibly. While it’s best to act immediately, we may still be able to help if:
- The statute of limitations hasn’t expired (4 years in Florida)
- Critical evidence still exists (texts, photos, medical records)
- Witnesses are still available and willing to testify
Call us for a free evaluation β we’ll let you know if your case is still viable.
π₯ A Message to Citrus County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Citrus County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students, we will pursue every liable entity β your chapter, your national organization, your housing corporation, and your individual members.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β if your chapter operates near Citrus County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
To the universities near Citrus County:
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They knew about prior incidents and failed to act. The same institutional negligence exists at your campus. If you own fraternity property or have oversight responsibility, you share liability when hazing happens.
The message is clear:
Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts. Citrus County families will not tolerate this abuse.
π’ Citrus County Parents: Talk to Your Kids About Hazing
Many students don’t recognize hazing when it happens. Talk to your children about:
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What hazing looks like β it’s not always obvious
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The dangers β physical injury, psychological trauma, death
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Their rights β they can say no; they can leave; they can report
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How to get help β from you, from the university, from us
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That you support them β no matter what
Resources for Citrus County families:
- StopHazing.org
- HazingPrevention.org
- Clery Center (campus safety resources)
π Our Promise to Citrus County Families
When you choose Attorney 911, you get:
πΉ A team that fights for you β not just your case, but your future
πΉ Aggressive representation β we don’t back down from powerful institutions
πΉ Compassionate communication β we explain everything in plain language
πΉ Maximum compensation β we fight for every dollar you deserve
πΉ Justice beyond money β we work to change culture and protect future students
πΉ Citrus County service β we come to you; distance is not a barrier
You trusted these organizations to keep your child safe. They betrayed that trust. Now trust us to hold them accountable.
π¨ Citrus County Hazing Victims: This Is Your Moment
You have the power to:
β Hold abusers accountable
β Get compensation for medical bills and trauma
β Prevent this from happening to another Citrus County family
β Change the culture of hazing at Florida universities
The fraternities and universities hope you stay silent. We’re here to make sure you don’t.
π Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
π Website: attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you get paid. Citrus County families pay $0 upfront.
This is your fight. We’re your lawyers. Let’s win it together.