π¨ Hazing Victims in Penobscot County, Maine: Your Rights, Your Justice**
This Happened in Texas. It Could Happen Here in Penobscot County.
On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. He was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and made to eat until he vomited. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This isnβt just a Texas problem. The same fraternities operate at universities near Penobscot County. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence happens here.
If your child has been hazed in Penobscot County, we will fight for you with the same fury weβre bringing to this case.
What Is Hazing? What Happens in Penobscot County?
Hazing isnβt “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” Itβs abuse. Itβs assault. Itβs torture. And it happens right here in Maine.
Common Hazing Practices in Penobscot County:
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Forced drinking β Alcohol poisoning, blackouts, death
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Extreme physical punishment β Pushups, squats, bear crawls until collapse
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Waterboarding/simulated drowning β Torture disguised as tradition
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Forced eating until vomiting β Then forced to keep going
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Sleep deprivation β Forced late-night activities, driving members at all hours
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Paddling/beating β Physical assault with weapons
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Psychological torture β Humiliation, degradation, threats
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Sexual humiliation β Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, worse
Medical Consequences of Hazing:
π Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) β Can cause kidney failure (like our client)
π Alcohol poisoning β Can be deadly
π Traumatic brain injury β From beatings or falls
π Hypothermia/hyperthermia β From exposure to extreme temperatures
π PTSD, anxiety, depression β Long-term psychological damage
π Death β Hazing kills students every year
Penobscot County Families: You Are Not Alone
Our client was afraid to speak out. Many hazing victims in Penobscot County are too. They fear retaliation. They feel shame. They worry no one will believe them.
We believe you. We will protect you. And we will fight for you.
What We Know About Hazing in Maine:
- Universities near Penobscot County have active Greek life β The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide operate here.
- Hazing is illegal in Maine β Maine law explicitly bans hazing and makes it a crime.
- Universities have a duty to protect students β If they knew or should have known about hazing, they can be held liable.
- National fraternities have deep pockets β They have insurance, assets, and the ability to pay.
If your child was hazed in Penobscot County, we can help.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Penobscot County?
When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible.
We Sue Everyone:
πΉ The local fraternity/sorority chapter β They organized and conducted the hazing.
πΉ The national fraternity/sorority organization β They failed to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies.
πΉ The university β They have a duty to protect students and often own or control the property where hazing occurs.
πΉ Individual members β Anyone who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable.
πΉ Alumni/hosts β If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners can be sued.
πΉ Insurance companies β We pursue all available insurance policies to maximize compensation.
We donβt just sue broke college students. We go after the institutions with deep pockets.
Maine Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Maineβs Anti-Hazing Law (20-A M.R.S. Β§ 6602)
Maine law defines hazing as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.
This means:
β “He agreed to it” is NOT a defense. Maine law explicitly says consent doesnβt matter.
β Hazing is a CRIME. It can be charged as a Class D misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and $2,000 fine).
β Organizations can be penalized. Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face fines and lose recognition.
Civil Liability in Maine
Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can still sue for money damages. Maine allows lawsuits for:
π° Negligence β The organization failed to protect your child.
π° Assault & Battery β Physical harm was inflicted.
π° Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress β The conduct was outrageous.
π° Premises Liability β The university owned the property where hazing occurred.
π° Punitive Damages β If the conduct was especially egregious, the jury can award extra money to punish the defendants.
Penobscot County Precedent: Hazing Cases Win Big
Hazing lawsuits routinely result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Hereβs what other families have won:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | LSU | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | VCU | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
These results are possible for Penobscot County victims too.
What Should You Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Penobscot County?
Step 1: Get Medical Help
π₯ Go to the emergency room immediately β Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can be life-threatening.
π₯ Follow up with a doctor β Document all injuries and treatment.
π₯ Seek mental health support β Hazing causes PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
π± Save all communications β Texts, emails, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs.
πΈ Take photos/videos β Injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence.
π Write down everything β Dates, times, what happened, who was involved.
π₯ Get witness names β Other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
β οΈ They will try to control the narrative. They may pressure your child to sign something or give a statement.
β οΈ They are not on your side. Their goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
β οΈ Anything your child says can be used against them.
Step 4: Call Us Immediately
π 1-888-ATTY-911 β Available 24/7 for Penobscot County families.
π§ ralph@atty911.com β Free, confidential consultation.
π» Video consultations available β We can meet remotely if you canβt travel.
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Penobscot County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases. Penobscot County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutions try to avoid liability. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Travel to Penobscot County
While weβre based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Penobscot County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier.
4. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla EspaΓ±ol)
Many hazing victims in Penobscot County come from immigrant families. We provide bilingual legal services so language is never a barrier to justice.
5. We Work on Contingency β No Upfront Costs
You pay nothing to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case. You have nothing to lose by calling.
6. We Have a Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Federal court admission β Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) β Strategic advantage for national fraternity cases
7. We Care About Your Family
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We will fight for Penobscot County families because we truly care about stopping this abuse.
Penobscot County Universities: The Same Hazing Risks Exist Here
Universities Near Penobscot County with Greek Life:
π University of Maine (Orono) β Major public university with active Greek life.
π University of Maine at Farmington β Smaller campus, but Greek organizations exist.
π Husson University (Bangor) β Private university with fraternities and sororities.
π Thomas College (Waterville) β Business-focused school with Greek life.
π Colby College (Waterville) β Elite private college with Greek organizations.
These schools have the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (multiple hazing deaths)
- Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza case)
- Phi Delta Theta (Maxwell Gruver case)
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Penobscot County, they face the same risks.
A Message to Penobscot County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Penobscot County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta β if your chapter operates near Penobscot County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
To the universities near Penobscot County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You own the property. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. Act now, or face the same accountability.
Penobscot County Parents: Protect Your Child
Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed:
π© Unexplained injuries β Bruises, cuts, burns, sprains.
π© Sudden weight loss or gain β From forced eating or extreme exercise.
π© Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation β Dark circles, falling asleep in class.
π© Withdrawal from friends/family β Avoiding social interactions.
π© Sudden changes in behavior β Anxiety, depression, irritability.
π© Wearing unusual clothing β To hide injuries or comply with dress codes.
π© Mysterious errands or late-night activities β Forced servitude.
π© Talking about “traditions” or “tests” β Hazing is often disguised as tradition.
π© Fear of retaliation β Not wanting to talk about Greek life.
What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:
- Talk to your child β Ask open-ended questions, listen without judgment.
- Document everything β Save texts, take photos, write down details.
- Report to the university β Demand an investigation.
- Contact law enforcement β Hazing is a crime in Maine.
- Call us immediately β 1-888-ATTY-911 β We can help preserve evidence and protect your childβs rights.
Penobscot County: Enough Is Enough
This isnβt just about money. Itβs about sending a message.
A message that says:
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You cannot torture our children.
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You cannot hide behind “tradition.”
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You cannot claim ignorance when students are hospitalized or killed.
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You will be held accountable.
We are Attorney 911. We fight for Penobscot County families. And we will not stop until hazing is eradicated.
π Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free, confidential consultation for Penobscot County hazing victims.
Available 24/7.
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We will travel to Penobscot County. We will fight for your family. We will get justice.
π¨ Penobscot County Hazing Victims: Time Is Running Out
Maine law gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit after hazing occurs. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call us today. Before itβs too late.