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

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

Osceola County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But across Florida and the nation, hazing continues to hospitalize, traumatize, and even kill students. If your child has been a victim of fraternity or sorority hazing at a university near Osceola County, you have legal rights – and you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Osceola County. The same culture of abuse exists. And we’re prepared to bring the same aggressive legal fight to protect Osceola County families.

What Constitutes Hazing in Florida?

Florida law defines hazing as any action that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death for the purpose of initiation into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. This includes:

Physical abuse: Paddling, beating, forced exercise to exhaustion
Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances to the point of illness
Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
Dangerous activities: Any activity that risks serious harm
Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects

Florida Statute 1006.63 makes hazing a criminal offense – and victims can also pursue civil claims for damages.

Universities Near Osceola County Where Hazing Occurs

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at local institutions without verified information, we know that hazing is a nationwide epidemic affecting universities across Florida, including those near Osceola County. The same national Greek organizations involved in our current case have active chapters at universities in Central Florida.

Common Greek organizations with hazing histories at Florida universities include:

Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Pi Kappa Alpha
Sigma Chi
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Beta Theta Pi

These same organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Osceola County, they face the same risks we’re fighting against in our current case.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed Near Osceola County

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning may not show symptoms immediately. Get your child evaluated by a doctor even if they seem “fine.”

2. Preserve All Evidence

Take photos of any injuries at all stages of healing
Save all communications – text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts
Document everything – keep a journal of what happened, when, and who was involved
Get witness information – names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Sign Anything

Universities and Greek organizations may pressure victims to sign statements or settlements. Consult an attorney first.

4. Report the Incident

File a police report
Report to the university’s Title IX office
Report to the national organization

5. Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately

The statute of limitations in Florida is typically 2 years from the date of injury. Evidence disappears quickly, so don’t delay.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing Near Osceola County?

In our current case, we’re pursuing multiple defendants – and the same legal strategy applies to Osceola County families:

Defendant	Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter	Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization	Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
University	Failed to protect students despite having authority
Chapter Officers	Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members	Participated in or witnessed hazing and did nothing
Housing Corporation	Owned property where hazing occurred
Alumni	Allowed hazing at their homes or businesses

What Damages Can Osceola County Families Recover?

Hazing victims can pursue compensation for:

Economic Damages

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages
Educational disruption costs
Therapy and rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and PTSD
Humiliation and embarrassment
Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme misconduct, juries can award additional damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

$10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
$6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
$110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Osceola County Hazing Case?

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Osceola County families get the same aggressive representation.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook – and we know how to beat it.

Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue federal claims against national organizations.

Dual-State Licensed

Licensed in both Texas and New York – giving us strategic advantages when suing national Greek organizations.

We Travel to Osceola County

Distance is not a barrier. We’ll come to Osceola County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

Contingency Fee Basis

Osceola County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Bilingual Services

Se habla español – we can serve Osceola County’s Hispanic families without language barriers.

The Attorney 911 Difference: We Don’t Just Sue – We Change Culture

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Peña

Our goal isn’t just compensation – it’s prevention. By holding institutions accountable, we protect future students from experiencing the same abuse your child endured.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen Near Osceola County

In our current case:

A student was waterboarded with a garden hose
Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to keep running
Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
The fraternity closed its chapter – but is already planning to return

This same abuse happens at universities near Osceola County. The same national organizations operate here. And we’re ready to fight for Osceola County families.

Fraternities Near Osceola County With Hazing Histories

While we can’t comment on specific local chapters, these national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements and have chapters at universities near Osceola County:

Organization	Notable Hazing Cases
Pi Kappa Phi	$10M lawsuit (our current case); Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Pi Kappa Alpha	Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement)
Phi Delta Theta	Maxwell Gruver death ($6.1M verdict)
Beta Theta Pi	Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon	Multiple hazing deaths and injuries
Sigma Chi	Hazing lawsuits at multiple universities
Kappa Sigma	Hazing deaths and serious injuries

Osceola County parents: If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks we’re fighting against in court right now.

Florida Hazing Laws: What Osceola County Families Need to Know

Florida Statute 1006.63 – Hazing Prohibited

Makes hazing a criminal offense
Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child agreed to participate
Applies to both individuals and organizations

Penalties Under Florida Law

Offense Level	Penalty
First-degree misdemeanor	Up to 1 year in jail
Third-degree felony	Up to 5 years in prison (if serious injury or death occurs)

Civil Liability

Victims can sue for:

Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages

Common Hazing Myths Debunked

Myth 1: “It’s just tradition – everyone goes through it”

Reality: Hazing is illegal in Florida. “Tradition” doesn’t justify abuse. Waterboarding is torture whether it’s done to enemy combatants or college students.

Myth 2: “He agreed to participate, so it’s not hazing”

Reality: Florida law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. The pressure to fit in and fear of social consequences eliminate true consent.

Myth 3: “It’s just harmless fun”

Reality: Hazing has caused dozens of deaths nationwide. In our current case, a student was hospitalized with kidney failure. This is not “fun” – it’s abuse.

Myth 4: “The university didn’t know, so they’re not responsible”

Reality: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house or have authority over Greek organizations, they can be held liable when they fail to act.

Myth 5: “It’s not worth pursuing legal action”

Reality: Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The financial cost of medical treatment, therapy, and lost opportunities can be substantial.

The Psychological Impact of Hazing on Osceola County Students

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries – it leaves lasting psychological scars:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and suicidal ideation
Trust issues and social withdrawal
Academic decline
Substance abuse problems
Fear of retaliation (our client in Houston is afraid to speak publicly)

These psychological injuries are just as real and compensable as physical injuries.

How Universities Near Osceola County Enable Hazing

Universities often fail to prevent hazing through:

Lack of oversight – Not monitoring Greek activities
Ignoring reports – Failing to act on hazing complaints
Protecting reputation – Prioritizing image over student safety
Ownership of property – Owning fraternity houses where hazing occurs
Failure to educate – Not training students on hazing risks

In our current case:

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
UH had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity
They knew the risks and failed to act

What Osceola County Families Can Expect in a Hazing Lawsuit

Phase 1: Investigation (1-3 months)

Gather evidence (medical records, communications, witness statements)
Identify all responsible parties
Send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

Phase 2: Demand and Negotiation (3-6 months)

Send demand letter to defendants
Negotiate with insurance companies
Attempt to reach fair settlement

Phase 3: Litigation (6-24 months)

File lawsuit if settlement isn’t reached
Discovery process (depositions, document requests)
Potential mediation
Trial if necessary

Phase 4: Resolution

Settlement or jury verdict
Collection of damages

Note: Some cases settle quickly, while others may take years if they go to trial.

How to Protect Your Child from Hazing Near Osceola County

Before They Pledge:

Research the organization’s national reputation
Ask about their anti-hazing policies
Talk to current members about their experiences
Visit the chapter house and ask to see their risk management policies

During Pledging:

Maintain open communication
Watch for signs of distress (fatigue, anxiety, injuries)
Encourage them to report any concerning behavior
Remind them that they can leave at any time

Warning Signs of Hazing:

Sudden changes in behavior or mood
Unexplained injuries or bruises
Fatigue or sleep deprivation
Avoiding questions about their activities
Sudden weight loss or gain
Withdrawal from friends and family
Decline in academic performance

Osceola County Hazing Resources

Reporting Hazing:

Local Police: Dial 911 for emergencies
University Title IX Office: Every Florida university has one
National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
StopHazing.org: Resources for prevention and reporting

Medical Support:

Emergency Rooms: For immediate medical attention
Counseling Services: Available through most universities
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Legal Support:

Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011

Osceola County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing creates a culture of silence. Victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to speak out. But you are not alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are fighting for hazing victims – including Osceola County families.

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” – Ralph Manginello

This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when institutions fail to protect our children. And this is what we’re fighting to stop.

Take Action for Your Osceola County Family

If your child has been hazed at a university near Osceola County:

Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
Schedule a free consultation – in person or by video
Let us evaluate your case – we’ll tell you your legal options
We’ll handle everything – from evidence preservation to courtroom battles

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the statute of limitations is ticking.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Osceola County hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Osceola County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
We travel to Osceola County for your case.
Se habla español.

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither does justice.