🛡️ Hazing Victim Legal Rights: A Complete Guide for Delaware County, New York Families

If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Delaware County, NY — you are not alone. And you have legal rights.

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s not “boys being boys.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is against the law. And when fraternities, sororities, or universities near Delaware County allow it to happen — they must be held accountable.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these cases work. We know how to win. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Delaware County, NY families who have suffered from hazing.

This guide will explain:

• What hazing is under New York law
• What legal rights Delaware County families have
• Who can be held liable
• What compensation is available
• How to preserve evidence
• How Attorney 911 can help

🚨 What Is Hazing? Understanding the Legal Definition in New York

New York has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under New York Education Law § 6450, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, which is directed against any other person, and which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person, for the purpose of initiating, admitting, or affiliating a student into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing membership or status in an organization.”

Examples of Hazing That Violate New York Law:

✅ Physical Abuse:

• Beatings, paddling, or striking
• Forced exercise to exhaustion (like 500 squats, 100 pushups)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Branding or burning
• Exposure to extreme weather (cold, heat)

✅ Forced Consumption:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
• Forced food consumption (eating until vomiting)
• Forced consumption of non-food substances (peppercorns, hot sauce, etc.)

✅ Psychological Abuse:

• Sleep deprivation
• Isolation or confinement
• Verbal abuse or humiliation
• Forced nudity
• Carrying objects of sexual nature

✅ Dangerous Activities:

• “Gauntlets” or other high-risk physical challenges
• Blindfolded activities
• Activities that cause serious injury or death

✅ Servitude & Control:

• Forced errands or driving for members
• Enforced dress codes or study hours
• Threats of expulsion or social ostracism

💡 Important: In New York, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

⚖️ What Are Your Legal Rights as a Delaware County Hazing Victim?

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Delaware County, NY, you have multiple legal options to seek justice and compensation.

1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators

Hazing is a crime in New York. Under Penal Law § 120.16, hazing in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $1,000

If hazing results in serious physical injury or death, it can be charged as a felony with even harsher penalties.

Who can be charged?

• Individual fraternity/sorority members who participated
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
• Anyone who organized or encouraged hazing

📌 Note: Criminal cases are handled by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office or the New York State Attorney General. While we don’t handle criminal cases, we can connect you with law enforcement and coordinate with prosecutors to ensure the civil and criminal cases work together.

2. Civil Lawsuit for Money Damages

Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still sue for financial compensation. A civil lawsuit holds the responsible parties financially accountable for the harm they caused.

Who can you sue?

💡 Example: In our current $10 million hazing case, we are suing:

• The local fraternity chapter
• The national fraternity organization
• The university (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members and officers

3. What Compensation Can You Recover?

Hazing victims in Delaware County can recover multiple types of damages, including:

💰 Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospital stays, surgery, therapy, medications)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)
• Lost wages (if hazing caused your child to miss work or internships)
• Educational costs (tuition, fees, lost scholarships if hazing disrupted education)
• Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, counseling)

😢 Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation)
• Humiliation and shame (from degrading hazing rituals)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

🔥 Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was especially cruel, dangerous, or intentional, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

💡 Example: If a fraternity waterboarded a pledge (as in our current case), or forced them to drink until they passed out, punitive damages would likely apply.

📋 What Should You Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Delaware County?

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Delaware County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and New York has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits.

✅ Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence in your case

✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

• Text messages (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.)
• Social media posts (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook)
• Photos/videos (of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house)
• Emails (from the fraternity, university, or other members)
• Witness contact information (other pledges, friends, bystanders)
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
• Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

⚠️ Warning: Fraternities and universities will destroy evidence if they can. Do not give them the chance.

✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to get you to sign documents that waive your rights
• They will try to get you to give a statement that can be used against you
• They will try to offer a low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries

🚫 What NOT to do:

• Do not sign anything without legal advice
• Do not give a recorded statement
• Do not post about the incident on social media
• Do not confront the fraternity or university alone

✅ Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.

At Attorney 911, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Delaware County families
• No upfront costs — we work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win
• Nationwide representation — we can help Delaware County victims even if the hazing happened outside NY
• Aggressive legal strategy — we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing case and know how to win

📞 Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Delaware County?

Hazing cases involve multiple responsible parties. At Attorney 911, we sue everyone who played a role in allowing the abuse to happen.

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

The chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing is primarily liable. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
• Active members who participated
• Pledge educators who oversaw hazing activities

💡 Example: In our current case, we are suing 13 individual fraternity members for their roles in the hazing.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that can pay large settlements. They are liable because:

• They failed to supervise the local chapter
• They knew about hazing risks (many have prior incidents)
• They failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• They allowed a culture of abuse to continue

💡 Example: In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU). They knew the risks and did nothing to stop it from happening again.

3. The University or College

Universities near Delaware County can be held liable for hazing if:

• They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• They knew about hazing risks (prior incidents on campus)
• They failed to implement safety measures
• They failed to investigate complaints

💡 Example: In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.

4. Individual Members & Alumni

• Current members who participated in hazing
• Former members who hosted hazing events
• Alumni advisors who turned a blind eye
• Spouses/partners who allowed hazing at their homes

💡 Example: In our current case, we are suing a former member and his spouse because hazing occurred at their residence.

5. Housing Corporations

Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own or lease their chapter houses. These entities can be held liable for:

• Premises liability (unsafe conditions in the house)
• Negligent supervision (allowing hazing to occur on their property)

💰 What Is the Value of a Hazing Case in Delaware County?

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, especially when:

• The hazing was especially cruel or dangerous
• The victim suffered serious injuries (hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage)
• The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents
• There was evidence of a cover-up

Recent Hazing Case Settlements & Verdicts

💡 Our current case seeks $10 million — in line with these precedents.

Factors That Increase Case Value

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Delaware County Hazing Case?

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We know exactly how these cases work
• We know how to hold fraternities and universities accountable
• We know how to maximize compensation for victims

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before representing victims
• We know how the other side thinks
• We know how to dismantle their defenses

3. We Represent Hazing Victims Nationwide — Including Delaware County

• Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, TX, but we travel for cases
• Federal court admission — we can sue national organizations anywhere
• Video consultations — Delaware County families can meet with us remotely

4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront Costs

• No fees unless we win
• No hourly billing
• No retainer required
• You pay nothing if we lose

5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Winning Big Cases

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
• Successful criminal defense dismissals
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

6. We Understand the Delaware County Community

While we’re based in Texas, we recognize that Delaware County, NY is a tight-knit community with strong family values. We know that hazing doesn’t just affect the victim — it affects entire families, schools, and communities.

We will fight for Delaware County families with the same passion and dedication we bring to our Texas clients.

📞 Next Steps for Delaware County Families

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Delaware County, time is critical. Here’s what to do next:

1. Call Us Immediately for a Free Consultation

• 24/7 hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Video consultation available

2. We’ll Evaluate Your Case at No Cost

• We’ll review the facts of what happened
• We’ll explain your legal rights and options
• We’ll tell you if we think you have a strong case

3. We’ll Handle Everything for You

• Preserve evidence (texts, photos, social media)
• File the lawsuit against all responsible parties
• Negotiate with insurance companies (so you don’t have to)
• Take the case to trial if necessary

4. You Focus on Your Child’s Recovery

• We’ll handle the legal battle
• You focus on healing and moving forward

🚨 Don’t Let Them Silence You. Fight Back.

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Fraternities, sororities, and universities count on victims staying quiet. They pressure students to “keep it in the family.” They threaten retaliation if victims speak out.

But silence only protects the abusers.

At Attorney 911, we believe that speaking out is the first step to stopping hazing. Our current client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure — and now we’re fighting for him in court.

Delaware County families deserve the same justice.

If your child has been hazed — call us. We will fight for you.

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

📜 Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Delaware County

Q: Is hazing really illegal in New York?

A: Yes. Hazing is a crime under New York Penal Law § 120.16 and a violation of New York Education Law § 6450. It is also against the policies of every major university and college in New York.

Q: Can I sue if my child “agreed” to participate in hazing?

A: Yes. In New York, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

Q: Can I sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing, even if it happens off-campus. If the university knew about hazing risks or failed to investigate complaints, they can be held liable.

Q: What if the fraternity chapter has been suspended or closed?

A: It doesn’t matter. Even if the chapter is closed, the national organization and individual members can still be sued. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before we filed the lawsuit — but we’re still suing them.

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

It depends on:

• The severity of the injuries (hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage)
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse)
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• The impact on your child’s education and future

Recent hazing cases have settled for $4 million to $110 million.

Q: Will I have to go to court?

Most cases settle out of court. However, if the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict

Q: Can Attorney 911 help if the hazing happened outside Delaware County?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Students from Delaware County who were hazed at out-of-state colleges
• Students hazed at New York universities (Cornell, Syracuse, Binghamton, etc.)
• Students hazed at military academies, sports teams, or other organizations

We have federal court admission and can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

🏆 Why Delaware County Families Trust Attorney 911

1. We Are 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 exactly how these cases work, and we will bring that expertise to Delaware County families.

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before representing victims. We know:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How they try to deny or minimize cases
• How to dismantle their defenses

3. We Work on Contingency — No Risk to You

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• You pay nothing if we lose

4. We Represent Clients Nationwide — Including Delaware County

• Based in Texas, but we travel for cases
• Federal court admission — can sue national organizations anywhere
• Video consultations available for Delaware County families

5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Winning Big Cases

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
• Successful criminal defense dismissals
• Federal court experience

6. We Understand the Delaware County Community

While we’re based in Texas, we recognize that Delaware County, NY is a special place with:

• Strong family values
• Tight-knit small towns and communities
• Respected colleges and universities (SUNY Delhi, Hartwick College, etc.)
• A commitment to safety and justice

We will fight for Delaware County families with the same passion and dedication we bring to our Texas clients.

📞 Take Action Now — Before It’s Too Late

If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Delaware County, NY — call us immediately.

Every day you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• The statute of limitations gets closer
• The fraternity/university destroys records

We are ready to fight for you. Are you ready to fight back?

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

Free consultation. No upfront costs. No risk. Just justice.