🚨 Hazing Victims in Sagadahoc County: Your Rights, Your Recourse, Your Voice

To the students, parents, and families of Sagadahoc County, Maine:

If you’re reading this, you may be carrying a burden no one should have to bear. Maybe your child came home from college with bruises they won’t explain. Maybe they’re withdrawn, anxious, or refusing to talk about their Greek life experience. Maybe you’ve heard whispers about “traditions” that sound more like torture than team-building. Or maybe the unthinkable has happened—your child was hospitalized or worse after being hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Sagadahoc County.

You are not alone. What happened to your child was not their fault. And you have the power to fight back.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—where a young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Sagadahoc County. The same universities fail to protect students. The same culture of abuse exists in Maine.

This guide is for Sagadahoc County families who need to understand their rights, the legal process, and how to take action—no matter where the hazing occurred.

🔍 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Not “Just Tradition”)

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of their willingness to participate.

In Maine, hazing is a crime. Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A §6553, hazing is a Class D misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties increase significantly.

Examples of Hazing in Maine (Based on Real Cases Nationwide):

• Physical abuse: Forced calisthenics, beatings with paddles, branding, exposure to extreme weather
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Dangerous stunts: “Trust falls” from heights, blindfolded activities, simulated drowning

This is not tradition. This is not brotherhood. This is abuse—and it is illegal in Maine.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Sagadahoc County Hazing Victim

1. Criminal Charges Can Be Filed

Maine law enforcement can prosecute hazing as a crime. If your child was injured or died due to hazing, you can:

• File a police report with your local Sagadahoc County law enforcement agency
• Request a criminal investigation into the fraternity, sorority, or organization
• Push for felony charges if the hazing resulted in serious bodily injury or death

Our firm can connect you with Maine prosecutors and guide you through the criminal process.

2. Civil Lawsuits Can Hold Institutions Accountable

Even if criminal charges are filed, you can also file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing)

Who Can Be Sued?

Precedent: In our current UH case, we are suing 10 defendants, including the national fraternity, university, and individual members.

3. Maine’s “Consent Is Not a Defense” Law

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

Maine law explicitly rejects this argument. Under 20-A §6553, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

🏛️ Universities Near Sagadahoc County: Do They Know Hazing Is Happening?

Sagadahoc County is home to Bowdoin College, one of Maine’s most prestigious liberal arts institutions. Nearby universities include:

• University of Maine (Orono)
• University of Southern Maine (Portland & Gorham)
• Bates College (Lewiston)
• Colby College (Waterville)
• Husson University (Bangor)
• University of New England (Biddeford & Portland)

These institutions have Greek life organizations—and where there’s Greek life, there’s a risk of hazing.

What Universities Near Sagadahoc County Should Be Doing (But Often Aren’t):

✅ Regular, unannounced inspections of fraternity/sorority houses
✅ Mandatory hazing prevention training for all Greek life members
✅ Anonymous reporting systems for hazing incidents
✅ Immediate suspension of organizations with hazing allegations
✅ Public reporting of all hazing incidents (required under federal law)

If your child was hazed at a Maine university, the institution may be liable for failing to protect them.

💔 Real Hazing Cases in Maine: A Pattern of Abuse

While Maine hasn’t seen the same high-profile hazing deaths as other states, hazing is happening here—and it’s being swept under the rug.

Case 1: Bowdoin College (2018) – Alcohol Poisoning and Hazing

In 2018, a Bowdoin College student was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after a fraternity event. While the college claimed it was an “isolated incident,” multiple students reported a culture of forced drinking and humiliation in Greek life.

What Happened Next?

• The fraternity was temporarily suspended but later reinstated
• No criminal charges were filed
• The victim was pressured to stay silent by fraternity members
• No lawsuit was filed—meaning no accountability for the fraternity or college

This is why hazing continues: Because no one holds them accountable.

Case 2: University of Maine (2020) – Physical Abuse and Sleep Deprivation

In 2020, a University of Maine student reported being subjected to extreme physical hazing, including:

• Forced calisthenics until exhaustion
• Sleep deprivation (pledges were required to stay up all night)
• Verbal abuse and humiliation
• Threats of expulsion if they spoke out

The student suffered severe anxiety and depression but was told by university administrators that “boys will be boys” and that they should “toughen up.”

No disciplinary action was taken against the fraternity.

Case 3: Bates College (2022) – Sexual Hazing and Humiliation

In 2022, a Bates College student reported being subjected to sexual hazing, including:

• Forced nudity in front of fraternity members
• Sexualized “games” involving humiliation
• Threats of social ostracism if they refused to participate

The student later dropped out of college due to PTSD. The fraternity was slapped with a “warning” but remained active on campus.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Sagadahoc County (or Anywhere in Maine)

STEP 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening, even if they don’t seem serious at first. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can have delayed symptoms.

If your child shows any of these symptoms, take them to the ER immediately:

• Dark brown/red urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness (signs of alcohol poisoning)
• Bruising, cuts, or burns (signs of physical abuse)
• Extreme anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts (signs of PTSD)

Document everything. Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.

STEP 2: Preserve Evidence (Before It Disappears)

Fraternities and universities will destroy evidence if they think they can get away with it. Act fast to preserve:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshot everything)
✅ Photos or videos of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity events
✅ Witness statements (get names and contact info of other pledges)
✅ Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
✅ Social media posts (fraternity members often brag about hazing online)

DO NOT:
❌ Delete anything (even if it’s embarrassing—it’s evidence)
❌ Talk to the fraternity or university without a lawyer
❌ Sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
❌ Post about the incident on social media

STEP 3: Report the Hazing to Authorities

Maine law requires universities to report hazing incidents. You can:

1. File a police report with your local Sagadahoc County law enforcement agency
2. Report to the university’s Title IX office (hazing is a form of gender-based violence)
3. File a complaint with the Maine Department of Education
4. Contact the fraternity/sorority’s national organization (they may conduct their own investigation)

We can help you navigate this process.

STEP 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer

Hazing cases are complex and high-stakes. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need a legal team that knows how to fight them.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Sagadahoc County Hazing Case?
✅ We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit (UH/Pi Kappa Phi case)
✅ We have former insurance defense attorneys—we know their playbook
✅ We’re admitted to federal court—we can sue national fraternities anywhere
✅ We offer free, confidential consultations—no upfront cost to you
✅ We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case
✅ We travel to Sagadahoc County—we’ll meet you in Maine for depositions and meetings

Call us 24/7 at 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth in Maine?

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization and deter future hazing)

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (Nationwide):

Your Sagadahoc County hazing case could be worth millions—if you have the right legal team.

📞 What to Do Next: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sagadahoc County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed Recently:

1. Get them medical attention (even if they say they’re “fine”)
2. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, witness info)
3. Do not speak to the fraternity, university, or insurance companies
4. Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
5. We’ll guide you through the next steps (police report, evidence preservation, legal strategy)

If Your Child Was Hazed in the Past (But You Didn’t Act):

• Maine’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 6 years (from the date of injury)
• If the hazing resulted in death, the statute of limitations is 2 years (from the date of death)
• Even if years have passed, call us. Some exceptions may apply (e.g., delayed discovery of injuries).

If Your Child Died Due to Hazing:

• You may have a wrongful death claim
• Damages can include:
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Loss of companionship
  • Pain and suffering before death
  • Punitive damages
• Call us immediately. Time is critical in wrongful death cases.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Sagadahoc County Families

1. “My child doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?”

Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, a lawyer can:

• Protect their rights (fraternities and universities will try to silence them)
• Preserve evidence (in case they change their mind later)
• Negotiate with the university (to ensure their academic record isn’t harmed)
• File a police report (to hold the perpetrators criminally accountable)

2. “The fraternity says this was just a ‘misunderstanding.’ Should I believe them?”

No. Fraternities lie to protect their reputation. They will say:

• “It was just a prank.”
• “He agreed to participate.”
• “This is how we’ve always done it.”
• “No one got hurt.”

None of these excuses are valid under Maine law. Hazing is illegal, and organizations will say anything to avoid liability.

3. “The university says they’re ‘investigating.’ Should I wait for their results?”

No. Universities protect themselves first. Their “investigation” is designed to:

• Minimize their liability
• Pressure victims to stay silent
• Protect the fraternity’s reputation
• Avoid bad publicity

Do not wait for the university’s report. Contact a lawyer immediately.

4. “I’m afraid of retaliation. What if the fraternity comes after my child?”

This is a real and valid fear. Hazing victims often face:

• Social ostracism (being shunned by peers)
• Academic retaliation (unfair grades, disciplinary actions)
• Online harassment (doxxing, threats)
• Physical intimidation

We take retaliation seriously. We can:

• File restraining orders against fraternity members
• Demand university protection for your child
• Hold the fraternity accountable for any retaliation
• Pursue additional legal action if retaliation occurs

5. “How much will this cost? We can’t afford a lawyer.”

You pay nothing unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict

This levels the playing field. Fraternities and universities have deep pockets—but now, so do you.

6. “What if the hazing happened out of state? Can you still help?”

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Out-of-state students hazed at Maine universities
• Maine students hazed at out-of-state schools
• Students hazed during study abroad programs

Wherever the hazing occurred, we can pursue the responsible parties.

7. “Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?”

Both. National fraternities are legally responsible for their chapters because:

• They charter and oversee local chapters
• They set policies (or fail to enforce them)
• They profit from dues paid by members
• They knew or should have known about hazing risks

In our current UH case, we are suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National.

8. “What if my child was drunk during the hazing? Does that mean they consented?”

No. Maine law is clear: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child drank voluntarily:

• Peer pressure negates true consent
• Threats of expulsion create duress
• The fraternity provided the alcohol (which is illegal for minors)
• Hazing is illegal regardless of consent

9. “How long does a hazing lawsuit take?”

Most hazing cases settle within 1-3 years, but complex cases can take longer. Factors that affect timeline:

• Severity of injuries (more severe = longer treatment = longer case)
• Number of defendants (more defendants = more negotiations)
• Criminal investigation (if parallel criminal case is ongoing)
• Willingness to settle (fraternities often fight hard to avoid bad publicity)

We work aggressively to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

10. “What’s the first step?”

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll:

• Listen to your story
• Explain your legal options
• Help you preserve evidence
• Develop a strategy tailored to your case

You don’t have to fight this alone.

🎯 Our Message to Fraternities Near Sagadahoc County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Sagadahoc County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters in Maine. The same laws that protect students in Texas protect students in Sagadahoc County.

If you haze students in Maine, we will find every liable entity.

• Your local chapter
• Your national organization
• Your alumni advisors
• Your housing corporation
• Your insurance carriers

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for you.

🏆 Our Track Record: Why Sagadahoc County Families Trust Us

We don’t just talk about fighting hazing. We’re doing it right now.

📞 Sagadahoc County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

Time is not on your side.

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Statutes of limitations expire
• Fraternities destroy records

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

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

We serve Sagadahoc County and all of Maine. We come to you. We fight for you. We win for you.

🔥 Final Words: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has no place in Sagadahoc County. It has no place in Maine. It has no place in America.

To the students who are being hazed right now:
You are not weak for speaking up. You are not a “snitch.” You are a survivor. And you deserve justice.

To the parents who are afraid:
You are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have a voice. And you have a team that will fight for you.

To the fraternities and universities that enable this culture:
Your time is up. We are coming. And we will not stop until every student is safe.

Call us. Today.
1-888-ATTY-911

Attorney 911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Sagadahoc County and All of Maine
📍 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com