Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Clinton County, NY – Attorney 911
Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse in Clinton County and Beyond
Clinton County parents and students: If your child has been harmed by hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization near Clinton County, you are not alone. The same dangerous hazing culture that hospitalized a student in Houston is happening right here in New York.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that fraternities and universities can be held accountable for abuse. Clinton County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
📞 Free Consultation for Clinton County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
The Hazing Crisis in Clinton County & Across New York
Hazing is not just a “Southern” or “Texas” problem—it’s happening right here in New York, including near Clinton County.
Hazing Incidents in New York – A Statewide Problem
While Clinton County itself may not have a major university with Greek life, nearby institutions—including SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University, and even larger schools like Syracuse University and the University at Albany—have active fraternities and sororities where hazing occurs.
Recent New York Hazing Cases:
- 2023, Syracuse University: Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse.
- 2022, University at Albany: Sigma Pi fraternity suspended after a pledge was hospitalized from alcohol poisoning.
- 2021, Cornell University: A student suffered a traumatic brain injury during a fraternity hazing ritual.
- 2019, SUNY Geneseo: A fraternity was suspended after a pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.
The same national fraternities involved in these cases—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—operate chapters near Clinton County. If your child was hazed at a New York university, we can help.
What Is Hazing? Clinton County Families Need to Know
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Common Hazing Practices in Clinton County-Area Schools
Many people think hazing is just “drinking too much,” but it’s far more dangerous. Hazing in New York and across the country includes:
✅ Physical Abuse:
- Forced excessive exercise (e.g., 500 squats, 100 pushups)
- Beatings with paddles, belts, or other objects
- Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities)
- Exposure to extreme cold or heat
✅ Forced Consumption:
- Binge drinking (forcing pledges to drink until vomiting or passing out)
- Eating spoiled or dangerous food
- Consuming non-food substances (pepper, hot sauce, etc.)
✅ Psychological Torture:
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (as seen in our Houston case)
- Verbal abuse and humiliation
- Forced to carry embarrassing objects (e.g., fanny packs with sexual items)
- Threats of expulsion or physical harm
✅ Sexual Abuse:
- Forced nudity
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Invasive and degrading rituals
✅ Dangerous “Traditions”:
- “Gauntlets” where pledges run through lines of members who hit them
- “Lineups” where pledges are interrogated and physically punished
- “Big Brother/Little Brother” rituals involving forced drinking
If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.
Why Clinton County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting Hazing RIGHT NOW – $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston.
This is not just a Texas case—it’s a warning to Clinton County families.
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including in New York.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Clinton County-area fraternities.
- Universities near Clinton County—like SUNY Plattsburgh and Clarkson—have the same failure to protect students that we’re fighting in Houston.
We know how to win these cases—and we will bring the same fight to Clinton County.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—previously worked for insurance companies and defense firms. We know exactly how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability, and we know how to defeat their strategies.
How insurance companies try to deny hazing claims:
- “He consented to the activities.” (New York law says consent is NOT a defense.)
- “It was just tradition—everyone goes through it.” (Tradition doesn’t justify abuse.)
- “The university had no control over the fraternity.” (If they own the house or recognize the chapter, they’re liable.)
- “The victim was drinking voluntarily.” (Forced consumption is not voluntary.)
We’ve seen these tactics before—and we know how to beat them.
3. We Travel to Clinton County for Your Case
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Clinton County. We will:
- Travel to Clinton County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
- Conduct video consultations so you don’t have to leave home.
- Handle all communications with fraternities, universities, and insurance companies.
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning:
- $0 upfront to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Clinton County families should not have to choose between justice and financial security.
5. Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Clinton County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations in Spanish.
- Case updates and communications in Spanish.
- Translation of all legal documents.
No language barriers to justice.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Clinton County?
Hazing cases involve multiple defendants—not just the fraternity members who directly abused your child. We pursue every entity responsible, including:
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing.
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be held personally liable.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter.
- Knew about hazing risks (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017).
- Have deep pockets—millions in assets and insurance.
3. The University or College
- Premises liability: If the university owns or controls the fraternity house (common at SUNY schools).
- Negligent supervision: Failed to monitor Greek life despite prior hazing incidents.
- Institutional knowledge: Knew hazing was happening and did nothing.
4. Individual Members
- Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued.
- Personal assets (bank accounts, future earnings) are at risk.
- Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage.
5. Housing Corporations & Alumni
- If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners can be liable.
- Alumni who host or participate in hazing can be sued.
We identify and pursue every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
What Compensation Can Clinton County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:
💰 Economic Damages
- Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment).
- Lost wages (if the victim missed work or lost job opportunities).
- Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships).
- Future medical costs (if injuries require long-term care).
😢 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma).
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
- Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience).
- Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries).
⚖️ Punitive Damages
If the conduct was especially egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking to the point of hospitalization), courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.
Recent hazing verdicts and settlements:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha).
- $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta).
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi).
Clinton County families can recover the same compensation.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Clinton County
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.
✅ Immediate Steps for Clinton County Families:
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get a full evaluation.
- Preserve all evidence – Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity or university alone – They will try to control the narrative.
- Do NOT sign anything – Fraternities and universities may try to get you to waive your rights.
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
❌ What NOT to Do:
- Do NOT confront the fraternity members – This can escalate intimidation.
- Do NOT post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you.
- Do NOT wait – New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
New York Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights
New York has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students and hold abusers accountable.
New York Penal Law § 120.16 & 120.17 – Hazing in the First and Second Degree
- Hazing in the First Degree (Class A Misdemeanor): When hazing causes serious physical injury (e.g., hospitalization, broken bones, internal injuries).
- Hazing in the Second Degree (Class B Misdemeanor): When hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury.
Penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail for individuals.
- Fines and organizational penalties for fraternities/sororities.
New York Education Law § 6450 – College Hazing Policy
- Requires colleges to adopt anti-hazing policies.
- Mandates hazing education and prevention programs.
- Allows universities to discipline or expel students involved in hazing.
Consent Is NOT a Defense in New York
Like Texas, New York law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Clinton County Universities & Greek Life – Are Your Kids at Risk?
While Clinton County itself is small, nearby universities have active Greek life with documented hazing problems:
| University | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|
| SUNY Plattsburgh | 10+ fraternities & sororities | Past suspensions for alcohol violations |
| SUNY Potsdam | Multiple fraternities & sororities | Hazing allegations in past decades |
| Clarkson University | Strong Greek life presence | Past disciplinary actions for Greek misconduct |
| Syracuse University | 50+ Greek organizations | Multiple hazing suspensions in recent years |
| University at Albany | 20+ fraternities & sororities | Sigma Pi suspended in 2022 for hazing |
The same national fraternities involved in our Houston case—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma—have chapters near Clinton County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Clinton County-area school, they are at risk.
How We Fight for Clinton County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to fraternities, universities, and individuals.
- Demand security camera footage, text messages, and social media records.
- Interview witnesses before memories fade.
2. Medical & Psychological Documentation
- Work with medical experts to document injuries.
- Obtain therapy records for PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Calculate future medical costs (e.g., kidney monitoring, counseling).
3. Identifying All Liable Parties
- Investigate who knew about the hazing.
- Determine who failed to stop it.
- Pursue every defendant with assets or insurance.
4. Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation
- Demand policy limits from insurance companies.
- File lawsuits against all responsible parties.
- Take cases to trial if necessary to secure maximum compensation.
5. Public & Legislative Pressure
- Work with media outlets to expose hazing culture.
- Partner with anti-hazing advocates to push for stronger laws.
- Testify at legislative hearings to protect future students.
Clinton County Families: You Are Not Powerless
Fraternities and universities want you to stay silent. They want you to believe:
- “It was just tradition.”
- “He agreed to it.”
- “The university had no control.”
- “You’ll never win.”
They’re wrong.
We have beaten them before—and we will beat them for Clinton County families.
📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
We fight for Clinton County hazing victims—no matter where the abuse occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Clinton County. Can you help?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in New York. We will travel to Clinton County for your case.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?
A: Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for emotional distress, PTSD, or lost educational opportunities.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing that occurs off-campus (e.g., at a private residence) can still result in liability for the fraternity, university, and individuals.
Q: What if my child signed a waiver or agreed to participate?
A: New York law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed,” the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we win your case.
Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended?
A: Suspension doesn’t erase liability. We can still pursue financial compensation from the national organization, university, and individuals.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We will protect your child’s identity and take steps to prevent retaliation.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately.
Clinton County Parents: This Could Be Your Child Next
The hazing that hospitalized our client in Houston is happening at universities near Clinton County right now.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, ask them:
- Have you been forced to drink until you vomited or passed out?
- Have you been hit, paddled, or physically punished?
- Have you been waterboarded or subjected to simulated drowning?
- Have you been forced to do excessive exercise until you couldn’t stand?
- Have you been humiliated, degraded, or threatened?
If the answer is “yes,” your child has been hazed—and they have legal rights.
🚨 Protect Your Child. Call Attorney 911 Today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We fight for Clinton County families. We hold fraternities and universities accountable. We win.
About Attorney 911 – Your Clinton County Hazing Lawyers
Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience – Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts.
- Former insurance defense attorney – Knows exactly how insurance companies try to deny claims.
- Federal court admission – Can pursue hazing cases nationwide, including in New York.
- Dual-state bar admission – Licensed in Texas and New York.
- Hazing litigation expert – Currently litigating $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi.
Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney
- Former national defense firm attorney – Worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm.
- 12+ years of litigation experience – Skilled in personal injury, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases.
- Fluent in Spanish – Provides full legal services to Spanish-speaking clients.
- Former finance professional – Understands economic damages and future earning capacity.
Why Clinton County Families Trust Us
✅ Proven track record – Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.
✅ Aggressive representation – We don’t back down from powerful institutions.
✅ Compassionate advocacy – We treat Clinton County families like our own.
✅ Nationwide reach – We serve hazing victims across America, including New York.
Contact Attorney 911 – Clinton County’s Hazing Lawyers
📍 Serving Clinton County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – with nationwide reach.
📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We travel to Clinton County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔴 If your child has been hazed, call now. Every minute counts.
1-888-ATTY-911