Hazing Lawyers in Cortland County, NY – Protecting Students from Abuse & Negligence

Attorney 911 Fights for Hazing Victims Across New York – Including Cortland County

When your child leaves for college, you trust that their university will keep them safe—especially when they join organizations like fraternities, sororities, or sports teams. But hazing remains a dangerous, often hidden crisis in Cortland County and across New York. What starts as “tradition” or “initiation” can quickly turn into physical abuse, psychological trauma, or even life-threatening injuries—leaving victims with lasting scars and families with devastating losses.

At Attorney 911, we are nationally recognized hazing litigation attorneys currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach to Cortland County families, holding fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable when they fail to protect students.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in Cortland County—or if you’ve lost a loved one to hazing—you have legal rights, and we can help.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com/hazing

Why Cortland County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. Nationwide Hazing Litigation Leaders – Now Serving Cortland County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including in Cortland County, NY. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing case—the same strategies and legal firepower we used in Houston are available to Cortland County families.

Federal court admission (U.S. District Court) – We can pursue cases in federal court when needed.
Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) – We understand New York’s legal landscape.
Willingness to travel – We’ll come to Cortland County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to fight for victims. We know exactly how defendants and their insurers try to minimize or deny claims, and we use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury cases—including catastrophic injuries like rhabdomyolysis (the same condition our current client suffered).
We’ve won multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts against universities, fraternities, and corporations.
We know how to dismantle the “consent” defense—New York law (like Texas) does not allow consent as a defense to hazing.

3. Proven Results in Hazing Cases

We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re actively fighting it in court right now. Our current case involves:
✅ Waterboarding (simulated drowning with a garden hose)
✅ Forced consumption of food/milk until vomiting
✅ Extreme physical punishment (500+ squats, 100+ pushups, wooden paddles)
✅ Sleep deprivation and psychological abuse
✅ Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (3 nights, 4 days)

This is not just “tradition”—it’s torture. And we’re holding every responsible party accountable.

4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation – No Upfront Costs

Hazing cases can result in millions of dollars in damages, including:

Medical bills (past and future)
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Wrongful death damages (if a life was lost)

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

5. We Protect Cortland County Students – No Matter Where the Hazing Happened

Whether the hazing occurred at:

SUNY Cortland (Greek life, sports teams, clubs)
Nearby colleges (Cornell, Ithaca College, Syracuse University, etc.)
Off-campus fraternity/sorority houses
Retreats, camps, or private residences

We will pursue every liable party, including:
✔ Local fraternity/sorority chapters
✔ National organizations (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
✔ Universities and colleges (for failing to supervise or intervene)
✔ Individual members (those who directly participated in hazing)
✔ Alumni or advisors (who enabled or ignored the abuse)

Hazing in Cortland County: The Hidden Crisis

Cortland County’s Greek Life & Hazing Risks

Cortland County is home to SUNY Cortland, a campus with active Greek life—including fraternities and sororities with chapters of nationally recognized organizations like:

Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Delta Chi
And many more

These same fraternities have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide, including:

Pi Kappa Phi: Our current $10M lawsuit (waterboarding, kidney failure) + Andrew Coffey’s 2017 death (Florida State)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Max Gruver’s 2017 death (LSU) – $6.1M jury verdict
Kappa Sigma: Harrison Kowiak’s 2008 death (Lenoir-Rhyne University) – $2.5M settlement
Phi Delta Theta: Stone Foltz’s 2021 death (Bowling Green) – $10.1M settlement

If these fraternities have chapters near Cortland County, they pose the same risks to local students.

Other Hazing Risks in Cortland County

Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Students in Cortland County may also face hazing in:

Sports teams (football, lacrosse, wrestling, etc.)
Marching bands
ROTC programs
Honor societies
Student clubs and organizations

Any group that uses “initiation” as an excuse for abuse is putting students in danger.

Warning Signs of Hazing in Cortland County

Parents and students should be alert for these red flags—common in hazing incidents:

Physical Hazing

❌ Extreme exercise (500+ squats, 100+ pushups, marathon runs)
❌ Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food items until vomiting)
❌ Physical abuse (paddling, beating, branding, burning)
❌ Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, early-morning punishments)
❌ Exposure to elements (forced to strip in cold weather, stand outside for hours)
❌ Waterboarding or simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)

Psychological & Emotional Hazing

❌ Humiliation (forced to wear embarrassing clothing, carry sexual objects)
❌ Degradation (verbal abuse, name-calling, threats)
❌ Isolation (cut off from friends/family, forced to stay in certain areas)
❌ Fear tactics (threats of expulsion, physical harm, or social ostracism)
❌ Sleep deprivation (forced to stay awake for days, disrupting normal routines)

Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing can lead to life-threatening conditions, including:
🚨 Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – as seen in our current case
🚨 Acute alcohol poisoning (binge drinking leading to coma or death)
🚨 Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
🚨 Heat stroke or hypothermia (from exposure to extreme temperatures)
🚨 Internal bleeding (from physical abuse)
🚨 PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological trauma)
🚨 Suicide (from extreme emotional distress)

If your child shows any of these symptoms after “initiation” activities, seek medical help immediately—and call us.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Cortland County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening—even if your child doesn’t realize it yet.
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can develop hours or days after the incident.
Get a full medical evaluation—this creates critical documentation for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Take photos/videos of injuries, locations, and any items used in hazing.
✅ Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
✅ Document witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
✅ Keep all medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records).
✅ Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

They will try to control the narrative—often by pressuring victims to sign waivers or make statements.
Their insurance companies will contact you—they’re trained to minimize your claim.
Anything you say can be used against you—even casual conversations.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

New York has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims—do not wait.
Evidence disappears quickly—fraternities delete messages, universities “lose” records.
We offer free, confidential consultations—no obligation, no upfront cost.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Who Is Liable in a Cortland County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held financially responsible:

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

Directly organized and conducted the hazing (pledge activities, initiation rituals).
Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) can be held personally liable—just like in the $6.5 million judgment against a Pi Kappa Alpha president in the Stone Foltz case.

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

Failed to supervise local chapters despite knowing about hazing risks.
Allowed a “hazing culture” to persist—many nationals have prior incidents on record.
Have deep pockets—insurance policies and assets can cover large settlements.

3. University/College (SUNY Cortland, Cornell, Ithaca College, etc.)

Failed to protect students despite having authority over Greek life.
Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred (premises liability).
Ignored prior hazing incidents—showing institutional negligence.

4. Individual Members & Alumni

Those who directly participated in hazing can be sued personally.
Alumni who hosted hazing events at their homes (premises liability).
Advisors or coaches who turned a blind eye to abuse.

5. Insurance Companies

Homeowner’s insurance (for off-campus hazing)
Fraternity/sorority liability insurance
University liability insurance

We pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.

New York Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights

New York Education Law § 6450 – Anti-Hazing Statute

New York law explicitly prohibits hazing in educational institutions, defining it as:

“Any act, whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects another person to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, or intimidate the person, or which may in any fashion compromise the inherent dignity of the person, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”

Penalties for Hazing in New York:

Misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year in jail)
Felony charges (if serious physical injury or death occurs)
Fines up to $5,000
Expulsion from school

Civil Liability – Suing for Damages

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, victims can sue for civil damages, including:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Wrongful death damages (if a life was lost)

New York does not recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing—meaning even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, university, and individuals can still be held liable.

Cortland County Hazing Lawsuit – What to Expect

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

We’ll review your child’s situation confidentially and at no cost.
We’ll determine who is liable (fraternity, university, individuals).
We’ll explain your legal options and potential compensation.

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering

Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, medical records).
Interview witnesses (other pledges, bystanders).
Demand records from the fraternity, university, and national organization.
Consult medical and hazing experts to build your case.

Step 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation

We’ll send a demand letter to all defendants, outlining their liability and your damages.
We’ll negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys for a fair settlement.

Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’ll file a lawsuit in New York court.
We’ll handle all legal proceedings, including:
- Depositions (sworn testimony from defendants and witnesses)
- Discovery (obtaining internal documents, emails, and records)
- Motions (legal arguments to strengthen your case)

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

Most cases settle—we’ll fight for the maximum compensation possible.
If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial—our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience.
You control the outcome—we’ll advise you, but the final decision is yours.

Cortland County Hazing Lawyer – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Yes. New York law does not allow consent as a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity, university, and individuals can still be held liable.

2. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus fraternity houses, private residences, or retreats—but universities and national organizations can still be held responsible for failing to prevent it.

3. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts, including:

$10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State)
$6.1 million (Max Gruver, LSU)
$110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Penn State)

Factors that increase case value:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, wrongful death)
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, physical abuse, forced consumption)
✔ Pattern of abuse (prior hazing incidents at the same chapter)
✔ Institutional negligence (university knew and did nothing)

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

New York has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
For wrongful death cases, the deadline is 2 years from the date of death.
Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

5. Will my child’s name be made public?

We protect our clients’ privacy—many hazing victims fear retaliation or social stigma.
We can file under seal (keeping your child’s identity confidential) in some cases.
We’ll discuss all options with you to ensure your family feels safe.

6. What if the fraternity is “suspended” or “closed”?

That doesn’t absolve them of liability. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter immediately after the incident—but they’re still being sued for $10 million. Closing a chapter is often a damage-control tactic, not a sign of accountability.

7. Can I afford a lawyer?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

8. Will this affect my child’s education?

We work to minimize disruptions to your child’s academic progress.
Many universities have victim protection policies—we can advocate for accommodations.
If necessary, we can pursue damages for educational disruption (tuition refunds, scholarship losses).

9. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

Hazing victims often fear retribution—our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13).
We take these concerns seriously and can implement protective measures.
Retaliation is illegal—if it happens, we can pursue additional legal action.

10. How long will my case take?

Most cases settle within 12-24 months.
Complex cases (with multiple defendants or trials) may take longer.
We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.

Cortland County Hazing Resources

Reporting Hazing in Cortland County

SUNY Cortland Title IX Office: www2.cortland.edu/title-ix
SUNY Cortland Public Safety: (607) 753-2111
New York State Police: (607) 753-3311
Cortland County Sheriff’s Office: (607) 753-3311
StopHazing.org: www.stophazing.org

Medical & Mental Health Support

Guthrie Cortland Medical Center: (607) 756-3500
SUNY Cortland Counseling Center: (607) 753-4728
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

Legal Support

Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 342-3661

Cortland County Hazing Lawyer – Take Action Now

Hazing is not tradition—it’s abuse. And when universities, fraternities, and national organizations fail to protect students, they must be held accountable.

Attorney 911 is ready to fight for Cortland County families. We have:
✅ Decades of litigation experience (25+ years for Ralph Manginello)
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how to beat their tactics
✅ A proven track record in hazing cases—we’re litigating a $10M case right now
✅ The resources to take on universities and national fraternities
✅ A commitment to justice for Cortland County victims

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in Cortland County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.