Hazing Victims in Essex County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

Essex County Families: Hazing Is Happening Near You — And It’s Time to Stop It

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Essex County, Massachusetts, you’re not alone — and you have powerful legal rights. The same fraternities that waterboarded and hospitalized a student at the University of Houston have active chapters at institutions across New England, including schools near Essex County. The same culture of abuse, the same institutional failures, and the same pattern of negligence exist right here in our community.

At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we are bringing that same fight to Essex County families. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to hold institutions accountable.

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Essex County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. You don’t pay us unless we win your case.

What Is Hazing — And Why It’s Illegal in Massachusetts

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.

Hazing is abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture disguised as initiation.

In Massachusetts, hazing is illegal under M.G.L. Chapter 269, Section 17-19. The law defines hazing as:

“Any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.”

This includes:

• Forced alcohol consumption
• Extreme physical exercise (like 500 squats, bear crawls, or “suicides”)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Beating with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse and humiliation
• Any activity that causes serious injury or death

Massachusetts law is clear: Hazing is a crime. And victims have the right to civil compensation for their injuries — even if no criminal charges are filed.

The Hazing Crisis in Essex County: It’s Closer Than You Think

Universities Near Essex County With Active Greek Life

Essex County is home to a vibrant college community, with multiple universities where Greek life thrives. These institutions include:

• Endicott College (Beverly, MA)
• Gordon College (Wenham, MA)
• Merrimack College (North Andover, MA)
• Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill, MA)
• North Shore Community College (Danvers, MA)
• Salem State University (Salem, MA)

And within a short drive from Essex County:

• Boston University (Boston, MA)
• Northeastern University (Boston, MA)
• Tufts University (Medford, MA)
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• MIT (Cambridge, MA)
• University of Massachusetts Lowell (Lowell, MA)

These same national fraternities operate at these schools — and they bring the same hazing culture with them.

Fraternities Near Essex County With Documented Hazing Histories

The fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters near Essex County, including:

These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern — and it’s happening near Essex County.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Essex County

The Case That Proves Hazing Is Systemic — And Essex County Is at Risk

In November 2025, Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being hazed.

What happened to Bermudez:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to lie in his own vomit
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout
• Bermudez was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

The most shocking detail? Bermudez wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer. They hazed someone who wasn’t even enrolled.

Why This Case Matters for Essex County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Essex County.

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at Boston University, Northeastern, and Tufts — all within an hour of Essex County.
   • The same national organization that waterboarded Bermudez oversees these chapters.

2. The same hazing culture exists near Essex County.

   • Waterboarding. Forced drinking. Extreme physical punishment. It’s not just happening in Texas — it’s happening in Massachusetts.

3. Universities near Essex County have the same liability failures.

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
   • Universities near Essex County have the same power to regulate Greek life — and the same duty to protect students.

4. They knew it was dangerous — and did nothing.

   • Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey). They had 8 years to fix their culture — and Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025.
   • Universities near Essex County have likely had hazing incidents too — and they’re failing to act.

5. $10 million is what it costs to send a message.

   • The Bermudez case is seeking $10 million — and precedent cases (like the $10.1M Foltz settlement) prove juries will award these amounts.
   • Essex County families can send the same message: Hazing will not be tolerated.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Essex County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and traumatic injuries can be life-threatening.
• Go to the emergency room — even if symptoms seem minor.
• Document everything — medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Do not delete anything.

Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media
• Give statements to university administrators without an attorney

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Fraternities and sororities will coordinate their story, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses.
• Universities will protect their reputation, not your child.
• Anything you say to them can be used against you.

Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

• Time is critical. Massachusetts has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but evidence disappears quickly.
• We offer free, confidential consultations — no obligation.
• You pay nothing unless we win your case.

📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Essex County?

When hazing occurs, everyone involved can be held legally and financially responsible — not just the students who participated.

1. The Local Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing.
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be personally liable.
• Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Knew or should have known about hazing risks.
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies.
• Provided inadequate training and oversight.
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi had a student die in 2017 — and Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. They failed to fix their culture.

3. The University

• Premises liability: If the hazing occurred on university-owned property (like a fraternity house), the university is responsible.
• Negligent supervision: Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life and prevent hazing.
• Failure to act: If the university knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing, they share liability.
• Example: The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where Bermudez was hazed.

4. Individual Members

• Anyone who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued personally.
• Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage.
• Example: In the Piazza case, 18 fraternity members were criminally charged.

5. Housing Corporations & Alumni

• If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners can be liable.
• Alumni who host or facilitate hazing can be sued.
• Example: In the Bermudez case, a former member and his spouse are named defendants for allowing hazing at their home.

What Damages Can Essex County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full compensation for all harm caused. This includes:

1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work due to injuries)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain (from injuries, medical treatment, recovery)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
• Humiliation and shame (from degrading hazing activities)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

3. Punitive Damages (To Punish the Defendants)

• Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional.
• Designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
• Example: The Gruver family won a $6.1 million jury verdict — including punitive damages.

Massachusetts does not cap damages in personal injury cases (except for medical malpractice), meaning Essex County families can recover the full amount of their losses.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases are not just about justice — they’re about accountability and financial consequences. These precedent cases prove that juries and courts will award multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for hazing victims:

These same results are possible for Essex County victims.

Massachusetts Hazing Laws: What Essex County Families Need to Know

1. Criminal Penalties for Hazing

Massachusetts takes hazing very seriously. Under M.G.L. Chapter 269, Section 17-19, hazing is a criminal offense with penalties including:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $3,000
• Mandatory reporting requirements for schools

If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, penalties increase significantly.

2. Civil Liability for Hazing

Even if no criminal charges are filed, victims can sue for:

• Negligence (failure to protect students)
• Assault and battery (intentional harmful contact)
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress (extreme and outrageous conduct)
• Premises liability (if hazing occurred on university property)
• Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)

3. Consent Is Not a Defense

Massachusetts law explicitly states:

“Consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this section.”

This means:

• Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it does not matter.
• The fraternity cannot claim, “He knew what he was getting into.”
• The university cannot claim, “He chose to join.”

4. Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury: 3 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful death: 3 years from the date of death
• Minors: The clock may not start until the victim turns 18

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Why Essex County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Actively Fighting This Battle — Right Now

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know the defendants’ playbook — and how to dismantle it.
• We have documented proof of what hazing looks like and how to win these cases.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Tactics

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know how they minimize claims, delay payments, and deny liability.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Fight Anywhere

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas — and can pursue federal claims.
• We are licensed in Texas and New York — giving us strategic advantages for national fraternity cases.
• We travel to Essex County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

• You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• No hourly fees. No retainers. No financial risk.
• We only get paid if you get paid.

5. We Protect Essex County Families Like Family

• We speak Spanish — and can serve Essex County’s diverse community.
• We understand the cultural pressures that keep victims silent.
• We fight for justice, not just settlements.

What Essex County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“After my son was hazed, we felt powerless. Attorney 911 gave us our voice back. They didn’t just fight for us — they fought for every student who might be next.”
— Parent of a hazing victim (Houston, TX)

“I was afraid to speak up. But Ralph and Lupe made me feel safe. They knew exactly what to do — and they got results.”
— Hazing victim (Austin, TX)

“The fraternity thought they could bully us into silence. Attorney 911 proved them wrong. We won — and now they’re paying the price.”
— Family of a hazing victim

Frequently Asked Questions for Essex County Families

1. Can we sue even if my child “consented” to hazing?

Yes. Massachusetts law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

2. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (including alumni) can be held liable.

3. Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

Both. The national organization is responsible for failing to supervise its chapters and enforce anti-hazing policies. In the Bermudez case, we are suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National.

4. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

• We protect our clients’ identities and safety.
• We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
• We take legal action against anyone who retaliates.

5. How much is our case worth?

Every case is unique, but precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover millions of dollars. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Psychological trauma
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• Whether the conduct was intentional or reckless

6. How long will the case take?

• Most cases settle within 12-24 months.
• Complex cases with multiple defendants may take 2-4 years.
• We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

7. What if the fraternity says they’ll “handle it internally”?

• Do not trust them. Fraternities and universities will protect their reputation, not your child.
• They will minimize the incident, destroy evidence, and pressure your child to stay silent.
• Call us first. We will protect your rights and ensure accountability.

8. Can we still sue if criminal charges are filed?

Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if the perpetrators are prosecuted, you can still sue for financial compensation.

9. What if my child is an international student?

• Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to sue.
• We have bilingual staff and can assist with language barriers.
• We understand the unique pressures international students face.

10. How do we get started?

1. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
2. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
3. If we take your case, we’ll handle everything — from evidence preservation to settlement negotiations.
4. You pay nothing upfront — we only get paid if we win.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing doesn’t stop on its own. It stops when victims step forward, when families demand justice, and when institutions are forced to pay the price.

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Essex County, you have the power to stop it from happening to someone else.

Call Attorney 911 Today

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

Free consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you do.

A Message to Fraternities Near Essex County

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

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same multi-million-dollar settlements are coming for you.

If you haze students in Essex County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will make you pay.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is shut down. Your chapter could be next.

A Message to Universities Near Essex County

To Endicott College, Gordon College, Merrimack College, Salem State University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Harvard University, MIT, and every other institution near Essex County:

You own the buildings. You control the recognition. You have the power to stop hazing.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded. They are now being sued for $10 million.

If you fail to protect students from hazing, you will be held accountable. We will sue you. We will expose your failures. And we will make you pay.

The choice is yours: Act now, or face the consequences.

Enough Is Enough.

Hazing has taken too many lives. It has destroyed too many futures. It has betrayed too many families.

Essex County families: It’s time to fight back.

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

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.