🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Franklin County, Maine: Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse

When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 is here to fight back.

Franklin County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students. But when that trust is broken through hazing, waterboarding, forced drinking, or physical abuse, we step in to hold the institutions accountable.

Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from systematic abuse. The same fraternities operate at Franklin County institutions. The same risks exist here. And we will fight for Franklin County families with the same determination.

📍 Hazing in Franklin County: What Local Families Need to Know

The Greek Life Landscape in Franklin County

Franklin County is home to several higher education institutions where Greek life thrives:

• University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) — Located in the heart of Franklin County, UMF has a vibrant campus community with active fraternities and sororities.
• Nearby institutions — While not within Franklin County, the University of Maine in Orono (about 2 hours away) and other regional colleges have significant Greek life presence that Franklin County students may participate in.

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters near Franklin County:

• Pi Kappa Phi — Currently being sued for waterboarding and hospitalizing a student
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Paid $1 million+ in hazing settlements
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Responsible for multiple hazing deaths including the $10 million Stone Foltz case
• Beta Theta Pi — Paid $110 million in the Timothy Piazza case
• Phi Delta Theta — $6.1 million verdict in the Maxwell Gruver case

These organizations operate with the same culture, the same “traditions,” and the same risks near Franklin County.

Franklin County Families: This Could Happen to Your Child

In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning as a “tradition”
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups — until his muscles broke down causing kidney failure
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to run through his own vomit
• Hog-tied with an object in his mouth — another pledge suffered this torture
• Hospitalized for 4 days — with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened at a major university. It could happen at any institution near Franklin County where these fraternities operate.

The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Be Deadly

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes serious, sometimes fatal injuries:

Franklin County parents: These are not hypothetical risks. These are documented outcomes of Greek life hazing.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Franklin County Hazing Victim

Maine Hazing Law: Strong Protections for Students

Maine has strict anti-hazing laws that protect students:

Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A §6553 — Hazing

“Hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student enrolled in a public or private school or a student who has been accepted for or is awaiting enrollment. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing a student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student.

Key Provisions:

• Criminal penalties — Hazing is a Class D crime in Maine (up to 364 days in jail, $2,000 fine)
• Applies to all schools — Public and private, including colleges
• Applies to accepted students — Even if not yet enrolled (like our “ghost rush” client)
• Broad definition — Covers physical abuse, forced consumption, psychological pressure
• Consent is not a defense — Even if a student “agreed” to participate

Who Can Be Held Liable in Franklin County?

If your child is hazed in Franklin County or at any institution they attend, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Types of Legal Claims Available to Franklin County Victims

💰 What Franklin County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses — Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
• Future medical costs — Ongoing treatment for chronic conditions
• Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
• Educational costs — Tuition refunds, transfer expenses
• Career impact — Lost earning capacity from academic disruption

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering — From injuries sustained
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, fear
• Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement — Permanent scars or injuries

Punitive Damages

• To punish outrageous conduct — Like waterboarding or forced drinking
• To deter future hazing — Send message to all Greek organizations
• Franklin County juries can award punitive damages when conduct is egregious

Precedent Settlements & Verdicts in Hazing Cases

Franklin County families: These results are possible for your case too.

🏢 Who We Sue: The Franklin County Hazing Liability Chain

1. The Local Chapter — The Perpetrators

What they do:

• Organize pledge activities
• Conduct hazing rituals
• Enforce participation through threats
• Document activities on social media

Why they’re liable:

• Directly responsible for the abuse
• Each member can be sued individually
• Chapter officers have leadership liability

Franklin County connection:
Every fraternity chapter near Franklin County operates with some level of autonomy but follows national traditions. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Franklin County chapters.

2. The National Organization — The Enablers

What they do:

• Set policies (that they don’t enforce)
• Collect dues and fees
• Provide “oversight” (that doesn’t prevent hazing)
• Dissolve chapters after incidents (too late)

Why they’re liable:

• Actual knowledge — They know hazing happens (Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at their chapter)
• Failure to supervise — They don’t effectively monitor chapters
• Pattern of negligence — Two serious incidents in 8 years is a pattern
• Deep pockets — National organizations have millions in assets and insurance

Franklin County connection:
The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements operate chapters near Franklin County. Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Beta Theta Pi — all have chapters in Maine.

3. The University — The Failed Protectors

What they do:

• Grant recognition to Greek organizations
• Collect fees and rent
• Set policies (that they don’t enforce)
• Investigate after incidents (too late)

Why they’re liable:

• Premises liability — If they own fraternity houses
• Negligent supervision — Failed to monitor Greek life
• Institutional knowledge — Knew hazing was happening
• Foreseeability — Could have prevented harm

Franklin County connection:
Universities like UMF have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down Greek organizations. When they fail to use that power, they share liability for the harm that results.

4. The Individuals — The Torturers

What they do:

• Participate in hazing
• Organize pledge activities
• Threaten pledges
• Document abuse

Why they’re liable:

• Personal responsibility — Each person can be sued individually
• Criminal exposure — Hazing is a crime in Maine
• Professional consequences — Hazing follows them into careers
• Insurance coverage — May have homeowner’s insurance that covers

Franklin County connection:
These are often Franklin County students themselves — classmates, teammates, fellow community members. They need to be held personally accountable.

🚨 What Franklin County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

Immediate Action Protocol

Evidence Preservation Checklist for Franklin County Victims

Preserve everything. Delete nothing.

What NOT to Do

❌ Do NOT delete any messages or posts — Even if embarrassing, they’re evidence
❌ Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority — They’ll destroy evidence and coordinate stories
❌ Do NOT give statements to university alone — They protect the institution, not you
❌ Do NOT sign anything — You may waive your rights without realizing
❌ Do NOT wait to act — Evidence disappears; statutes of limitations run

⏳ Time Limits: Franklin County Families Must Act Fast

Maine Statute of Limitations

Important Note: While Maine’s personal injury statute is 6 years, other states have shorter deadlines. If your child was hazed at an out-of-state institution (like a university in another state), that state’s laws may apply.

Franklin County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

🏛️ Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While based in Texas, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — we’re in the courtroom, in the media, and in the fight right now.

Franklin County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

Our Hazing Litigation Experience

Our Competitive Advantages for Franklin County Families

What Sets Us Apart: We Care

“When a legal emergency hits — whether it’s on a Texas highway, a Franklin County campus, or a fraternity house anywhere in America — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.”

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Franklin County families, because we truly care.

🎓 Hazing at Franklin County Institutions: What Parents Need to Know

University of Maine at Farmington (UMF)

Greek Life at UMF:

• Active fraternity and sorority presence
• Recognized by university
• Operates on and off campus

Hazing Risks at UMF:

• Same national organizations with documented hazing histories
• Same “traditions” that have killed students elsewhere
• Same potential for forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torture

UMF’s Responsibility:

• Power to regulate Greek organizations
• Power to inspect fraternity/sorority properties
• Power to suspend or revoke recognition
• When they fail to use this power, they share liability

Franklin County parents: If your child is hazed at UMF, we can hold both the fraternity AND the university accountable.

Other Institutions Near Franklin County

While not within Franklin County, these nearby institutions have significant Greek life presence that Franklin County students may participate in:

Franklin County students often attend these institutions. The same hazing risks exist.

The Franklin County Community Impact

Hazing doesn’t just affect the victim. It impacts the entire Franklin County community:

• Families — Parents dealing with medical bills, emotional trauma, disrupted education
• Students — Classmates who witness abuse and suffer secondary trauma
• Athletes — Teammates who may be hazed by upperclassmen
• Alumni — Former students whose alma mater is associated with abuse
• Community values — Franklin County’s strong sense of community is betrayed by hazing

When hazing happens in Franklin County, it affects us all.

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Franklin County

Franklin County parents should be aware of these red flags:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleep deprivation)
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Fear of certain locations or people

Physical Signs

• Unexplained exhaustion or fatigue
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Visible bruises, cuts, or burns
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion)
• Weight loss from forced exercise or restricted eating
• Signs of dehydration

Academic Impact

• Sudden drop in grades
• Missed classes or assignments
• Disengagement from academic activities
• Talk of dropping out or transferring

Social Media Clues

• Deleted posts or accounts
• Vague references to “pledging” or “new member activities”
• Photos of large groups in unusual locations
• Photos showing physical distress (vomiting, exhaustion)
• References to “traditions” or “brotherhood/sisterhood”

Direct Statements

• “I can’t tell you what we do”
• “It’s just part of joining”
• “Everyone goes through it”
• “If I tell you, I’ll get in trouble”
• “They said if I don’t do this, I’ll be kicked out”

Franklin County parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be in danger.

📋 Franklin County Hazing Victim Guidance: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Immediate Response

If your child is currently being hazed:

1. Remove them from the situation — Get them to safety immediately
2. Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor; document everything
3. Preserve evidence — Take photos, save communications, gather witness info
4. Do NOT confront the organization — They will destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses
5. Contact Attorney 911 — Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Step 2: Evidence Collection

What to preserve:

Step 3: Legal Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

• Case evaluation — Is it viable?
• Evidence review — What do you have?
• Legal options — What can we pursue?
• Next steps — What happens now?
• Cost discussion — $0 upfront; contingency fee

Questions to ask:

• How strong is my case?
• Who can we sue?
• What damages can we recover?
• How long will this take?
• What are the risks?
• How will this affect my child’s education?

Step 4: Case Development

What we do for Franklin County families:

1. Investigation — Gather evidence, interview witnesses
2. Medical documentation — Work with doctors to document injuries
3. Damage calculation — Economic and non-economic damages
4. Demand package — Compile evidence and send to defendants
5. Negotiation — Fight for fair settlement
6. Litigation — File lawsuit if necessary
7. Trial — Present case to jury if needed

Step 5: Resolution

Possible outcomes:

• Settlement — Most cases resolve through settlement
• Verdict — If case goes to trial, jury decides
• Criminal charges — Parallel criminal investigation may occur
• Institutional change — University or fraternity may implement reforms

📞 Franklin County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed in Franklin County or at any institution they attend, we can help.

Free Consultation for Franklin County Hazing Victims

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

We offer:

• Free case evaluation
• $0 upfront cost
• Contingency fee representation
• Video consultations for Franklin County families
• Willingness to travel to Franklin County

Why Act Now?

✅ Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
✅ Statutes of limitations run — Your rights expire
✅ Universities and fraternities act fast — They’ll try to control the narrative
✅ Other victims may exist — Your case could help others
✅ Justice delayed is justice denied — The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove

We Come to Franklin County

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide including Franklin County. We will:

• Travel to Franklin County for depositions and trials
• Conduct video consultations with Franklin County families
• Work with local medical providers to document injuries
• Coordinate with Franklin County law enforcement if needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Franklin County families.

🏆 Our Commitment to Franklin County

We Will:

• Fight aggressively for every Franklin County victim
• Hold every liable party accountable — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
• Pursue maximum compensation for your child’s injuries
• Protect your child’s future — academically, professionally, personally
• Prevent future hazing — Your case can save other Franklin County students

We Won’t:

• Settle for less than you deserve — We fight for full compensation
• Let institutions intimidate you — We level the playing field
• Treat your child like a number — We see them as a person
• Give up — We pursue justice until the end

📚 Franklin County Hazing Resources

Local Resources

National Resources

⚠️ To Franklin County Fraternities and Universities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Franklin County:

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — if your chapter is near Franklin County, know this:

We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after they waterboarded and hospitalized a student. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in settlements.

If you haze students near Franklin County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.

To University of Maine at Farmington and other institutions near Franklin County:

You have the power to stop hazing. You own the fraternity houses. You recognize the organizations. You collect the fees.

When you fail to protect students, you share liability. When you fail to investigate reports, you enable abuse. When you fail to act, students get hurt.

We are watching. We are documenting. And we will hold you accountable.

🎯 The Message to Franklin County: Enough Is Enough

Franklin County has a strong sense of community. We value education. We value our children. We value safety.

Hazing betrays all of these values.

It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “building character.”

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it has to stop.

If your child has been hazed in Franklin County or at any institution they attend, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now. We know how to win. And we will fight for Franklin County families with everything we have.

Franklin County families: Call us today. 1-888-ATTY-911. Enough is enough.