Hazing Victims in Allegany County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back

Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims Across Maryland and Beyond

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Allegany County or at any nearby college, you’re not alone. The attorneys at Attorney 911 are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to hazing victims in Allegany County and Western Maryland.

Understanding Hazing in Allegany County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has sent students to hospitals across the country – and it happens right here in Allegany County too.

What Counts as Hazing in Maryland?

Maryland law defines hazing as any action that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health of a student
• Involves physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
• Includes forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Causes sleep deprivation or extreme physical exertion
• Involves psychological abuse or humiliation

In our current case, a student was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, and struck with wooden paddles – all classic examples of hazing that could easily happen at Allegany County institutions.

The Hazing Crisis in Western Maryland

While our current case is in Texas, the same fraternities and sororities operate at colleges near Allegany County, including:

• Frostburg State University
• Allegany College of Maryland
• Garrett College
• Nearby Pennsylvania schools like Penn State Altoona and Saint Francis University

These organizations have the same national structures, the same “traditions,” and the same potential for abuse that we’re fighting in our current case.

Why Allegany County Families Need to Be Concerned

1. The Same Fraternities Are Here: Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national organizations have chapters at schools near Allegany County.

2. Universities Know the Risks: Just like the University of Houston, schools in our region have a responsibility to protect students from hazing – but often fail to do so.

3. The Culture Is the Same: The “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities and sororities across America, including those near Allegany County.

4. Maryland Has Strong Laws: Maryland’s hazing laws are similar to Texas’s, meaning victims here have strong legal rights.

What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Allegany County

Immediate Steps

1. Get Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions like rhabdomyolysis (the muscle breakdown that hospitalized our client) may not show symptoms immediately.

2. Document Everything: Take photos of any injuries, save all text messages and social media posts about the hazing, and write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.

3. Preserve Evidence: Don’t delete anything. Screenshots, videos, and physical evidence can all be crucial to your case.

4. Don’t Talk to the Organization: Anything you say to fraternity/sorority members or university officials can be used against you.

5. Contact an Attorney: Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Why You Need an Attorney

Hazing cases are complex. Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need experienced attorneys who:

• Understand the unique dynamics of Greek life
• Know how to preserve evidence
• Can navigate both criminal and civil proceedings
• Have experience with multi-million dollar hazing cases

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and have the experience to fight for Allegany County victims.

Your Legal Rights in Allegany County

Maryland Hazing Laws

Maryland has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Maryland law:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $500 in fines
• Consent is not a defense – even if the victim agreed to participate
• Organizations can be held liable for hazing that occurs on their property or under their supervision

Civil Lawsuits

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Allegany County can file civil lawsuits to recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants)

Our current case shows that juries are willing to award millions of dollars in hazing cases when the conduct is egregious.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held responsible:

1. Local Chapters: The fraternity or sorority chapter that conducted the hazing
2. National Organizations: The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
3. Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about hazing
4. Individual Members: Those who directly participated in the hazing
5. Alumni: Former members who allowed hazing to occur at their homes
6. House Corporations: Entities that own fraternity/sorority houses

In our current case, we’re suing all of these parties – and we’ll do the same for Allegany County victims.

Real Hazing Cases: What’s Possible for Allegany County Victims

Our Current Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client:

• Was waterboarded with a garden hose
• Forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This case shows that hazing victims can fight back – and win.

Other Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements

1. $10.1 Million: Stone Foltz case (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
2. $6.1 Million: Maxwell Gruver case (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta)
3. $110+ Million: Timothy Piazza case (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
4. $6.5 Million: Personal judgment against a fraternity president (Stone Foltz case)

These cases prove that juries take hazing seriously and are willing to award significant damages.

How Attorney 911 Can Help Allegany County Victims

Our Experience

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case: We’re in the fight right now.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We know how the other side thinks.
3. Federal Court Admission: We can pursue cases in federal court.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses: Texas and New York – giving us strategic advantages.
5. Proven Track Record: We’ve won millions for our clients.

Our Approach

When you hire Attorney 911, we:

1. Preserve Evidence Immediately: We’ll make sure critical evidence isn’t lost.
2. Identify All Responsible Parties: We won’t let anyone escape liability.
3. Build a Strong Case: Using medical experts, hazing experts, and investigators.
4. Negotiate from Strength: We’re not afraid to take cases to trial.
5. Travel to Allegany County: We’ll come to you for depositions and meetings.

Why Choose Us Over Local Firms

While there are good attorneys in Allegany County, we offer:

1. Specialized Hazing Experience: We’re litigating a hazing case right now.
2. National Reach: We can take on national fraternity organizations.
3. Federal Court Authority: Important for cases against national organizations.
4. Former Insurance Defense Insight: We know how insurers try to minimize claims.
5. No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.

Common Hazing Defenses – And How We Defeat Them

“It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response: Tradition doesn’t make it legal. The law doesn’t care about “tradition” – it cares about safety. Waterboarding is torture regardless of whether it’s called “tradition.”

“He Consented to Participate”

Our Response: Maryland law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if a student agrees to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

“It Wasn’t That Serious”

Our Response: Hazing can cause serious physical and psychological harm. Our current client was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. That’s serious.

“We Didn’t Know”

Our Response: In our current case, the national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” and the university had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They knew the risks.

“It Was Just a Few Bad Apples”

Our Response: When hazing is systematic and involves multiple members, it’s not just a few bad apples – it’s a culture that the organization allowed to develop.

What to Expect: The Legal Process for Allegany County Victims

1. Free Consultation: We’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
2. Investigation: We’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.
3. Medical Treatment: We’ll make sure you get the care you need.
4. Demand Letter: We’ll send a demand to the defendants.
5. Negotiation: We’ll negotiate for a fair settlement.
6. Litigation: If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit.
7. Discovery: Both sides exchange information.
8. Mediation: Attempt to reach settlement with a neutral mediator.
9. Trial: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court.

The Time to Act Is Now

Statute of Limitations

In Maryland, you typically have:

• 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit
• 3 years from the date of death for wrongful death cases

However, evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Evidence Preservation

Critical evidence like:

• Text messages and social media posts
• Photos and videos
• Witness statements
• Medical records

Can all disappear if you wait. Contact us immediately to preserve this evidence.

How to Contact Us

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Allegany County or at any nearby college, call us now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No upfront costs – we work on contingency
• Video consultations for Allegany County families
• Willingness to travel to Allegany County

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sue if I was hazed at a college near Allegany County?

A: Yes. We can represent victims from any college near Allegany County, including Frostburg State University, Allegany College of Maryland, Garrett College, and others.

Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand these concerns. Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We’ll protect your identity and work to prevent any retaliation.

Q: What if I was hazed but didn’t get physically injured?

A: You can still have a case. Hazing that causes psychological harm like PTSD, anxiety, or depression can also lead to compensation.

Q: What if I participated in hazing others?

A: You may still have rights as a victim. Many hazing participants were also hazed themselves. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Q: Can I sue the university?

A: Yes, if the university knew or should have known about the hazing. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston for owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.

Q: Can I sue if I’m not a student at the university?

A: Yes. Our current client wasn’t even enrolled at the university when he was hazed.

Allegany County Hazing Resources

Local Colleges and Universities

1. Frostburg State University

   • Location: Frostburg, MD (about 15 miles from Cumberland)
   • Greek Life: Multiple fraternities and sororities
   • Contact: (301) 687-4000

2. Allegany College of Maryland

   • Location: Cumberland, MD
   • Greek Life: Limited, but other student organizations may have hazing risks
   • Contact: (301) 784-5000

3. Garrett College

   • Location: McHenry, MD
   • Greek Life: Limited, but other student organizations may have risks
   • Contact: (301) 387-3000

Maryland Hazing Laws

Maryland Education Article § 7-307 and Criminal Law Article § 3-607 make hazing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $500 in fines.

Reporting Hazing in Maryland

1. Campus Police: Report to your college’s campus police department.
2. Maryland State Police: (410) 653-4200
3. Allegany County Sheriff’s Office: (301) 777-1046

The Bottom Line for Allegany County Families

Hazing is happening at colleges near Allegany County. It’s dangerous. It’s often illegal. And it needs to stop.

If you or your child has been a victim, you have rights. You can fight back. You can hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing case. We know how to win these cases. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Allegany County.

Don’t wait. Don’t let them get away with it. Call us now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Enough is enough. It’s time for change. It’s time for justice.