🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Somerset County, Maine – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

When Hazing Crosses the Line from Tradition to Torture, We Hold Institutions Accountable

Somerset County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities, fraternities, and sororities will protect their students—not subject them to brutal initiation rituals that can cause permanent injury or even death. But every year, students across Maine—including those at institutions near Somerset County—are hospitalized, traumatized, or killed by hazing. If your child has been a victim of hazing in Somerset County or at a nearby university, Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he collapsed, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same abuse happens at universities near Somerset County. The same national fraternities and sororities operate in Maine. The same culture of secrecy and intimidation exists. And the same institutions fail to protect students until it’s too late.

If your child has been hazed in Somerset County or at a nearby institution, you are not alone. We will bring the same aggressive, data-driven litigation strategy we’re using in Texas to your case in Maine.

🏛️ Hazing at Somerset County Institutions: What Families Need to Know

Somerset County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives, including:

• Colby College (Waterville)
• Thomas College (Waterville)
• University of Maine at Farmington (UMF)
• Kennebec Valley Community College (Fairfield)

These institutions—and others across Maine—host chapters of national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide. The same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others—operate chapters near Somerset County.

The Reality of Hazing in Maine

Hazing is not limited to “big party schools” or out-of-state universities. It happens right here in Maine, often under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” Common hazing practices at Somerset County-area institutions include:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings with paddles, branding, or exposure to extreme weather
• Forced consumption: Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, or consuming non-food substances
• Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion, or isolation
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects
• Dangerous stunts: Blindfolded activities, “kidnappings,” or other reckless behaviors

These are not pranks. They are crimes. And when institutions fail to stop them, they share liability.

🚑 The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Somerset County Parents Fear Most

Hazing isn’t just emotionally damaging—it can cause life-threatening physical injuries that require immediate medical attention. Some of the most common and dangerous medical consequences of hazing include:

1. Rhabdomyolysis: When Muscles Break Down

What it is: A condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream, which can cause kidney failure, cardiac arrest, or even death.

How it happens in hazing:

• Forced exercise to exhaustion (e.g., hundreds of squats, push-ups, or bear crawls)
• Prolonged physical exertion without rest
• Beatings or trauma to muscles

Symptoms:

• Severe muscle pain and weakness
• Dark brown or tea-colored urine (a sign of muscle breakdown)
• Nausea, vomiting, or confusion
• Difficulty moving or walking

Case example: In our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, our client was forced to perform 500 squats, 100 push-ups, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed. He was hospitalized for three nights and four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His muscles had literally broken down from the abuse.

Why it’s dangerous: Rhabdomyolysis can lead to permanent kidney damage, dialysis, or kidney transplant. It can be fatal if untreated.

2. Alcohol Poisoning: Forced Drinking Can Be Deadly

What it is: A toxic overdose of alcohol that can cause respiratory failure, coma, or death.

How it happens in hazing:

• “Binge drinking” rituals where pledges are forced to consume large amounts of alcohol in a short time
• “Drinking games” where wrong answers or mistakes result in forced consumption
• Pressure to “prove” one’s tolerance by drinking until vomiting or passing out

Symptoms:

• Confusion, vomiting, or seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Blue-tinged or pale skin
• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up

Case examples:

• Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a hazing ritual. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—more than six times the legal limit for driving.
• Andrew Coffey (FSU, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a fraternity event.
• Stone Foltz (BGSU, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after consuming an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation event.

Why it’s dangerous: Alcohol poisoning can cause brain damage, respiratory arrest, or death. Even if a student survives, they may suffer long-term health consequences.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The Silent Killer

What it is: A violent blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries.

How it happens in hazing:

• Falls during dangerous stunts or drunken activities
• Beatings with paddles or other objects
• Shaking or striking the head
• Being struck by falling objects

Symptoms:

• Headache, dizziness, or blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating
• Slurred speech or seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Case example:

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling down a flight of stairs during a hazing event. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and he later died from his injuries.

Why it’s dangerous: TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, or death. Even “mild” concussions can have long-term effects if not treated properly.

4. Heat Stroke or Hypothermia: Exposure to the Elements

What it is: Extreme overheating or dangerously low body temperature, both of which can be fatal.

How it happens in hazing:

• Forced to stand or exercise outside in extreme heat or cold
• Stripped of clothing in cold weather
• Confined in small spaces without ventilation
• Forced to wear heavy clothing in hot weather

Symptoms of heat stroke:

• High body temperature (104°F or higher)
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Nausea, confusion, or seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Symptoms of hypothermia:

• Shivering, slurred speech, or weak pulse
• Drowsiness, confusion, or memory loss
• Loss of consciousness

Why it’s dangerous: Both conditions can lead to organ failure, brain damage, or death if not treated immediately.

5. Psychological Trauma: The Invisible Wounds of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries—it leaves deep psychological scars that can last a lifetime. Many hazing victims develop:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety triggered by reminders of the hazing
• Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety disorders: Panic attacks, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety
• Trust issues: Difficulty forming relationships or trusting others
• Substance abuse: Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to cope with trauma

Case example: In our Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, our client is too afraid to speak publicly about his experience due to fear of retribution. This fear is common among hazing victims, who often feel trapped between speaking out and protecting their reputations.

Why it matters: Psychological trauma can disrupt a student’s education, career, and personal life. It often requires long-term therapy or medication.

⚖️ Maine Hazing Laws: What Somerset County Families Need to Know

Maine has strict laws against hazing, and institutions that allow it can be held both criminally and civilly liable. Here’s what Somerset County families need to know about Maine’s hazing laws:

Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A, § 6602: Hazing

Definition of 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, college, or university for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of that school, college, or university.

Key points:

• Hazing is illegal in Maine, regardless of whether the victim “consented.”
• It applies to all schools, colleges, and universities in Maine, including those near Somerset County.
• It covers both physical and psychological harm.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Maine

Who can be charged?

• Individuals who participate in or organize hazing
• Organization leaders (e.g., fraternity/sorority presidents, pledge masters)
• Institutions that fail to prevent hazing (under certain circumstances)

Civil Liability: Can You Sue for Hazing in Maine?

Yes. In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits against:

1. The individuals who hazed them (e.g., fraternity/sorority members)
2. The local chapter of the fraternity or sorority
3. The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon)
4. The university or college (if they knew or should have known about the hazing)
5. The housing corporation (if hazing occurred at a fraternity/sorority house)

Types of damages you can recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work or school)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
• Wrongful death damages (if hazing resulted in death)

Maine’s “Duty to Report” Law

Maine law requires school officials, employees, and students to report hazing incidents to law enforcement or school authorities. Failure to report hazing is a Class E crime (up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine).

Why this matters for Somerset County families:

• If a university or fraternity knew about hazing and failed to report it, they can be held liable.
• This creates additional legal pressure on institutions to act.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth? Precedent Cases Show Millions Are Possible

Hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts because juries recognize the severity of the abuse and the institutional failures that allow it to continue. Here are some recent examples that show what Somerset County families can expect:

Why these cases matter for Somerset County families:

1. Universities and fraternities pay millions when they fail to protect students.
2. Juries award punitive damages for egregious conduct like waterboarding or forced drinking.
3. Even non-fatal injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) can result in multi-million-dollar recoveries.
4. Pattern evidence increases damages—if a fraternity has a history of hazing, juries punish them more severely.

🏆 Why Somerset County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats until he collapsed, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom right now, and we’re bringing the same fight to Somerset County.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Your Side

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. Nationwide Reach for Somerset County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Maine. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and sororities headquartered anywhere in the U.S. We offer:

• Video consultations for Somerset County families
• Willingness to travel to Maine for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote case management so you don’t have to leave Somerset County

4. Aggressive, Data-Driven Litigation

We don’t just file lawsuits—we build cases that win. Our approach includes:

• Immediate evidence preservation: We send preservation letters to defendants demanding they save all texts, photos, videos, and communications related to hazing.
• Expert witnesses: We work with medical experts, hazing culture specialists, and economists to prove damages and liability.
• Pattern evidence: We track hazing incidents at the same fraternity/sorority nationwide to show systemic negligence.
• Federal court authority: We can pursue cases in federal court when appropriate, giving us additional leverage against national organizations.

5. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that Somerset County families may be hesitant to pursue legal action due to cost. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• No financial risk to you
• We take the risk, not you

6. We Speak Your Language – Literally

Our staff is bilingual (English and Spanish), ensuring that Somerset County families from all backgrounds can communicate comfortably and confidently with our team.

7. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

Our attorneys have decades of experience in complex litigation, including:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort case involving 15 deaths and 180+ injuries)
• Multi-million-dollar personal injury verdicts and settlements
• Federal court trials and appeals
• Criminal defense cases (giving us insight into parallel criminal investigations)

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Somerset County

If your child has been hazed in Somerset County or at a nearby institution, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• If your child is experiencing severe pain, dark urine, vomiting, confusion, or difficulty moving, take them to the emergency room immediately.
• Even if symptoms seem minor, get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately.
• Document everything: Ask for copies of all medical records, test results, and doctor’s notes.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases rise and fall on evidence. Do not delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, emails, or social media posts about hazing (from GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
• Photos or videos of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity/sorority events
• Names and contact information of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders, etc.)
• Any physical evidence (e.g., paddles, clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, university administrators, or their lawyers without an attorney present.
• Do not sign any documents from the organization.
• Do not post about the incident on social media.
• Do not give a statement to the university or organization without consulting a lawyer.

Why? Anything you say can be used against you in court. Organizations will try to minimize their liability and may pressure you to sign away your rights.

4. Report the Incident to Authorities

• File a police report: Hazing is a crime in Maine. Reporting it creates an official record.
• Report to the university: Most schools have a Title IX office or student conduct office that handles hazing complaints.
• Report to the national organization: If the hazing occurred at a fraternity or sorority, report it to the national headquarters.

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call our 24/7 legal emergency hotline: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Schedule a free consultation: We offer video consultations for Somerset County families.

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

• Send preservation letters to defendants demanding they save evidence
• Begin gathering medical records and witness statements
• Protect you from retaliation or intimidation
• Ensure you meet all legal deadlines

🔍 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Somerset County?

Hazing cases involve multiple layers of liability. We pursue every responsible party, including:

1. The Local Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing activities
• Leaders (president, pledge master, etc.) can be held personally liable
• Members who participate can be sued individually

Example: In our Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we named the chapter president, pledge master, and multiple members as defendants.

2. The National Organization

• Sets policies and provides oversight for local chapters
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks (e.g., prior incidents at other chapters)
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Has deep pockets (millions in assets and insurance)

Example: Pi Kappa Phi knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 but failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025. We’re holding them accountable for this pattern of negligence.

3. The University or College

• Owes a duty of care to protect students
• Knew or should have known about hazing (e.g., prior incidents, complaints)
• Failed to implement effective oversight
• Owns or controls fraternity/sorority houses (premises liability)

Example: The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. We’re suing them for premises liability and negligent supervision.

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Anyone who participated in hazing can be held personally liable
• Leaders who directed hazing face higher liability
• Alumni who host hazing events can be sued for premises liability

Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in the hazing death.

5. Insurance Companies

• National organizations, universities, and individuals often have liability insurance that covers hazing incidents.
• Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance may cover hazing that occurs at private residences.
• We know how to pursue these policies to maximize recovery.

📅 Statute of Limitations: Why Somerset County Families Must Act Now

Maine has strict deadlines for filing hazing lawsuits. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Exceptions:

• If the victim was a minor at the time of the hazing, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they turn 18.
• If the hazing was covered up, the deadline may be extended under Maine’s “discovery rule.”

Why you can’t wait:

• Evidence disappears: Texts are deleted, photos are lost, witnesses forget.
• Defendants destroy records: Organizations may shred documents or delete communications.
• Your rights expire: If you miss the deadline, you cannot sue, no matter how strong your case is.

Our advice: Contact Attorney 911 as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.

🚫 Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Defeat Them

Fraternities, sororities, and universities often use the same defenses to avoid liability in hazing cases. Here’s how we defeat them:

Defense 1: “The Victim Consented to the Hazing”

Their argument: “He/she agreed to participate. They knew the risks.”

Our response:

• Maine law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing (Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A, § 6602).
• Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent. Victims often fear social ostracism, expulsion from the organization, or physical retaliation if they refuse.
• Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to. Hazing is often hidden or downplayed until it’s too late.

Defense 2: “This Was Just a Prank – Not Real Hazing”

Their argument: “It was just a tradition. No one meant any harm.”

Our response:

• Hazing is defined by its impact, not intent. If an activity endangers mental or physical health, it’s hazing—regardless of whether it was “meant as a joke.”
• Waterboarding, forced drinking, and beatings are not pranks. They are torture, assault, and reckless endangerment.
• Juries recognize the difference between harmless fun and dangerous abuse.

Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know About the Hazing”

Their argument: “We had no idea this was happening.”

Our response:

• Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life. If they fail to inspect fraternity/sorority houses, investigate complaints, or enforce anti-hazing policies, they can be held liable.
• Pattern evidence proves they knew. If a fraternity has a history of hazing (even at other universities), the university should have been on notice.
• They own the property. If hazing occurs at a university-owned fraternity house, they can’t claim ignorance.

Defense 4: “The National Organization Had No Control Over the Chapter”

Their argument: “We can’t control what local chapters do.”

Our response:

• National organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters. If they fail to enforce anti-hazing policies, conduct audits, or respond to complaints, they share liability.
• They profit from the chapters. National organizations collect dues, fees, and donations from local chapters. They can’t take the money and disclaim responsibility.
• They have the power to shut down chapters. If a national organization suspends or dissolves a chapter after hazing is exposed, it proves they had control all along.

Defense 5: “The Victim Was Partially at Fault”

Their argument: “They could have left at any time.”

Our response:

• Hazing creates a culture of fear and intimidation. Victims often believe they have no choice but to comply.
• Social pressure is powerful. Refusing to participate can result in ostracism, humiliation, or expulsion from the organization.
• Intoxication impairs judgment. If the victim was forced to drink alcohol, their ability to consent or refuse was compromised.

🎯 How We Win Hazing Cases for Somerset County Families

Our hazing litigation strategy is built on four pillars:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

The moment you hire us, we:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence (texts, photos, videos, communications).
• Subpoena social media companies (Instagram, Snapchat, GroupMe) to preserve deleted content.
• Identify and interview witnesses before they forget details or are pressured to change their stories.
• Secure security camera footage from fraternity houses, university buildings, or nearby businesses.

Why it matters: Evidence disappears fast. The sooner we act, the stronger your case will be.

2. Pattern Evidence: Proving Systemic Negligence

Hazing cases are stronger when we can show that the abuse was not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of negligence. We:

• Track hazing incidents at the same fraternity/sorority nationwide (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi’s history of hazing deaths).
• Review prior complaints, lawsuits, or disciplinary actions against the chapter or university.
• Depose national leaders to prove they knew about the risks but failed to act.

Why it matters: Pattern evidence increases damages and makes it harder for defendants to claim they “didn’t know.”

3. Expert Witnesses: Proving Damages and Liability

We work with top experts to build an airtight case, including:

• Medical experts (to explain injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning)
• Hazing culture experts (to explain why hazing happens and how to stop it)
• Economists (to calculate future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering)
• Psychologists/psychiatrists (to document PTSD, depression, or anxiety)

Why it matters: Expert testimony strengthens your case and makes it harder for defendants to dispute damages.

4. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

We don’t just file lawsuits—we fight for maximum compensation. Our approach includes:

• Demanding policy limits from insurance companies.
• Pursuing punitive damages for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking).
• Taking cases to trial when defendants refuse to offer fair settlements.
• Public pressure campaigns to force institutions to take responsibility.

Why it matters: Defendants settle for more when they know we’re prepared to go to trial.

🏆 Our Track Record: Multi-Million-Dollar Results for Hazing Victims

We don’t just talk about fighting hazing—we’re doing it right now. Here are some of our recent results:

What these results mean for Somerset County families:

• We know how to build cases that win.
• We don’t back down from powerful institutions.
• We fight for every dollar our clients deserve.

📞 Somerset County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed in Somerset County or at a nearby institution, you have legal rights—and we’re here to fight for them. Time is critical, so don’t wait.

How to Reach Us:

📞 Call our 24/7 legal emergency hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

What to Expect:

1. Free, confidential consultation: We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options.
2. Immediate action: We’ll send preservation letters to defendants and begin gathering evidence.
3. No upfront costs: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
4. Aggressive representation: We’ll fight for maximum compensation and hold every responsible party accountable.

🚨 Don’t Let Them Silence Your Child. Fight Back.

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Fraternities, sororities, and universities count on victims staying silent—because silence protects them. But when victims speak out, change happens.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to speak publicly due to fear of retribution. But by filing a $10 million lawsuit, we’re ensuring that his voice is heard—and that no other student suffers the same abuse.

Somerset County families: If your child has been hazed, you don’t have to stay silent. We will protect your privacy, fight for justice, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The fight against hazing starts with you.