Hazing Victims in Gilchrist County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Does Justice

Gilchrist County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations will protect their well-being. But for too many students across Florida and the nation, that trust is betrayed through dangerous hazing rituals that can cause severe physical injury, psychological trauma, or even death.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting one of the most egregious hazing cases in the country – a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from systematic abuse including waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and physical beatings. This same fraternity, and others like it, operate chapters at universities near Gilchrist County. The same culture of abuse exists here in Florida.

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a university near Gilchrist County, you have legal rights. You can hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable. And we can help – no matter where in Florida the hazing occurred.

What Gilchrist County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing is Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

Hazing is often dismissed as “harmless tradition” or “boys being boys.” But the reality is far darker. Hazing includes:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting
• Sexual humiliation: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects
• Dangerous stunts: Activities that risk serious injury or death

In our current case, a University of Houston student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
• Subjected to sleep deprivation and extreme exhaustion

These aren’t “pranks.” They’re torture. And they happen at universities near Gilchrist County too.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort – it can have lifelong consequences:

In our current case, the victim suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. This same medical emergency could happen to your child at a Florida university.

Universities Near Gilchrist County Have Hazing Problems Too

While our current case is in Texas, hazing is a nationwide epidemic – including right here in Florida. Universities near Gilchrist County have documented hazing incidents:

• University of Florida (Gainesville): Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing in recent years
• Florida State University (Tallahassee): Andrew Coffey died from hazing in 2017 (Pi Kappa Phi)
• University of South Florida (Tampa): Greek organizations repeatedly disciplined for hazing
• University of Central Florida (Orlando): Multiple hazing suspensions in recent years
• Florida A&M University (Tallahassee): Hazing culture documented in marching band and Greek life

The same national fraternities involved in our Texas case have chapters at Florida universities:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Phi Delta Theta
• Kappa Sigma
• And many others

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Florida university, they face the same risks as our client in Texas.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Hazing?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held liable:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized the hazing is primarily responsible. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, risk manager)
• Active members who participated
• Members who failed to stop the hazing

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Not enforcing anti-hazing policies
• Enabling a culture of abuse

In our Texas case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant because they knew about “a hazing crisis” but failed to stop it.

3. The University

Universities can be held liable for:

• Premises liability: If hazing occurred on university-owned property
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor Greek organizations
• Institutional knowledge: Ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Failure to protect: Not implementing safety measures

The University of Houston owns the fraternity house where our client was hazed. They are a defendant in our lawsuit.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be personally sued. This includes:

• Members who directly hazed victims
• Members who witnessed and did nothing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Spouses of members who allowed hazing at their homes

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

What Are Your Legal Rights as a Hazing Victim in Gilchrist County?

1. You Can Sue for Compensation

Hazing victims can recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
• Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic setbacks)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

In recent hazing cases, victims have recovered:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)

2. Consent Is Not a Defense in Florida

Some defendants will argue: “They agreed to participate. They knew the risks.”

Florida law says otherwise. Under Florida’s anti-hazing statute (§ 1006.63), consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to hazing activities, the perpetrators can still be held liable.

3. You Have Time to Act – But Not Forever

• Personal injury claims: Typically 4 years from the date of injury (Florida Statute § 95.11)
• Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death
• Criminal charges: Varies by case

But don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights could be compromised. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Florida

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Go to the emergency room if injuries are severe
• Document all symptoms, even if they seem minor
• Get copies of all medical records

Why this matters: Medical records are critical evidence. In our Texas case, the victim’s brown urine (a sign of rhabdomyolysis) proved the severity of his injuries.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/videos: Document injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
• Texts/social media: Save all communications about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
• Witness information: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules or threats

Do NOT delete anything. Even old posts can be important evidence.

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

• Do NOT give statements to the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer
• Do NOT sign any documents from the organization
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media

Why this matters: Organizations will try to control the narrative. They may twist your words or pressure you into signing away your rights.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately

• A lawyer can help preserve evidence
• A lawyer can handle communications with the organization
• A lawyer can file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires

At Attorney 911, we offer:
✅ Free consultations – No cost to discuss your case
✅ Contingency fees – You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Nationwide representation – We can help no matter where in Florida the hazing occurred
✅ 24/7 availability – Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Gilchrist County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one of the biggest hazing lawsuits in the country. We know the strategies that work because we’re using them right now.

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think and how to counter their tactics.

3. We Know How to Win Against Institutions

We’ve taken on:

• BP Texas City explosion (massive corporate defendant)
• Multi-million dollar personal injury cases
• Universities and national fraternities

We know how to maximize compensation from deep-pocketed defendants.

4. We Serve Gilchrist County Families Nationwide

• Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices – but we represent clients across Florida
• Federal court authority – We can file lawsuits anywhere in the U.S.
• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely if you can’t travel
• Willingness to travel – We’ll come to Gilchrist County for depositions, trials, and meetings

5. We Care About Your Family

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families. We will fight for you like family.

The Hazing Cases That Changed the Law

Hazing lawsuits don’t just compensate victims – they change the culture and save lives. Here are cases that made a difference:

Your case could be next. By standing up, you’re not just fighting for your child – you’re protecting future students.

Fraternities Near Gilchrist County With Hazing Histories

The same fraternities involved in national hazing cases have chapters at Florida universities near Gilchrist County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements – and they will pay again.

If your child is pledging one of these fraternities, they are at risk. And if hazing occurs, we will hold the organization accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits

1. My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?

Yes. Florida law (§ 1006.63) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the perpetrators can still be held liable.

2. The fraternity says it was “just a prank.” Is it still hazing?

Yes. Florida law defines hazing as any activity that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation. Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and physical beatings are not pranks – they’re abuse.

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

Yes. Universities can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise Greek organizations
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Not implementing safety measures
• Allowing a culture of hazing to persist

4. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand the fear. In our Texas case, the victim was too afraid to speak publicly due to retribution threats. We will:

• Protect your child’s identity if needed
• File lawsuits to hold perpetrators accountable
• Work with law enforcement if criminal charges are appropriate

5. How much is a hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but recent hazing lawsuits have resulted in:

• $6.1 million jury verdict (Gruver case)
• $10.1 million settlement (Foltz case)
• $110+ million settlement (Piazza case)

Factors that increase case value:
✅ Severe physical injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
✅ Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
✅ Pattern of hazing at the same chapter
✅ University knowledge of prior incidents
✅ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, beatings, forced consumption)

6. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

• Settlement: 6-18 months (if defendants cooperate)
• Trial: 2-4 years (if case goes to court)

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, but we will not accept a lowball offer. We’ll fight for what your family deserves.

7. Do we have to pay upfront for legal fees?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of the settlement/verdict

This allows Gilchrist County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Gilchrist County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing can leave victims and families feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone. We are here to fight for you.

Right now, we are representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring that same fight to Gilchrist County.

If your child has been hazed at a Florida university, call us immediately:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Gilchrist County and all of Florida. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Warning to Fraternities Near Gilchrist County

To the fraternities operating at Florida universities near Gilchrist County:

We are watching. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. We know your insurance structures.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to your Florida chapters. If you haze students near Gilchrist County, we will pursue every liable entity.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston?
Shut down after our lawsuit.

Your chapter could be next.

Final Message to Gilchrist County Families

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes manslaughter.

And it must stop.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the power to protect future students.

Call Attorney 911 today. We will fight for your family like our own.

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

Gilchrist County families: Enough is enough.