Hazing Lawyers in Erie County, NY – Protecting Students & Holding Institutions Accountable
Erie County Families: Hazing Is Happening at Local Colleges – And It’s Time to Fight Back
If your child has been hazed at a college or university in Erie County, NY – or anywhere in New York State – you are not alone. Hazing is a widespread, dangerous epidemic that has destroyed lives across the country, including right here in Western New York.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity – and others like it – have chapters at colleges and universities near Erie County, including:
- University at Buffalo (UB)
- Buffalo State University
- Niagara University
- Canisius College
- Daemen University
- D’Youville University
- Medaille College
- And other institutions across Western New York
The same hazing that hospitalized our client in Texas is happening in Erie County right now. If your child has been abused, humiliated, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any other student organization, we can help you seek justice – no matter where in New York State the incident occurred.
🚨 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in New York)
Hazing is not harmless “tradition.” It is abuse, assault, and often torture disguised as initiation. Under New York State law (Education Law § 6450), hazing is defined as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student in connection with the initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a college or university.”
Common Hazing Practices in Erie County (And Why They’re Illegal)
| Hazing Activity | Why It’s Dangerous | New York Law Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Forced alcohol consumption | Alcohol poisoning, death, blackouts | Assault, Reckless Endangerment |
| Waterboarding / simulated drowning | Psychological trauma, risk of death | Assault, Torture (Civil Rights Violation) |
| Extreme physical exercise (500+ squats, pushups, etc.) | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure | Assault, Reckless Endangerment |
| Beating with paddles or other objects | Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scarring | Assault, Battery |
| Forced eating until vomiting | Choking, food poisoning, psychological trauma | Assault, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Sleep deprivation | Impaired judgment, accidents, mental health crises | Reckless Endangerment |
| Psychological humiliation (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects) | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Isolation & threats of expulsion | Extreme stress, fear, loss of academic standing | Coercion, Harassment |
New York State law is clear:
✅ Hazing is a crime (Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail).
✅ Consent is NOT a defense – even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization is still liable.
✅ Universities can be held responsible if they knew or should have known about hazing.
✅ National fraternities/sororities can be sued for failing to prevent abuse at local chapters.
💔 Real Hazing Cases That Could Happen in Erie County, NY
Case 1: The $10 Million Waterboarding Case (Our Current Fight in Texas)
Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not a student yet – “ghost rush”)
Organization: Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston)
What Happened:
- Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and “suicides” until he collapsed.
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning).
- Struck with wooden paddles.
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure.
Why This Matters for Erie County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at colleges near Erie County, including Niagara University.
- The same “traditions” that nearly killed our client are happening in Western New York.
- Universities near Erie County own fraternity houses – just like UH owned the house where this torture occurred.
Case 2: The Student Who Died After Forced Drinking
Victim: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Ohio)
Organization: Pi Kappa Alpha
What Happened:
- Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big Brother” initiation.
- Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.35 – more than 4x the legal limit).
- Family won $10.1 million from the university and fraternity.
Why This Matters for Erie County:
- Pi Kappa Alpha has a chapter at the University at Buffalo (UB).
- Forced drinking is one of the most common hazing practices in Erie County fraternities and sororities.
- If your child was pressured to drink excessively, they could be next.
Case 3: The Student Who Fell Down Stairs & Died After a Drinking Ritual
Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State University)
Organization: Beta Theta Pi
What Happened:
- Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during “the gauntlet.”
- Fell down basement stairs multiple times while severely intoxicated.
- Fraternity members waited 12 HOURS before calling 911.
- Died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding.
- Family received a confidential settlement estimated at $110+ million.
Why This Matters for Erie County:
- Beta Theta Pi has a chapter at Canisius College.
- “The gauntlet” and other drinking rituals are common in Erie County Greek life.
- If a student is injured or dies from hazing, the university and fraternity can be held liable for millions.
⚖️ Who Can Be Sued in an Erie County Hazing Case?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our current case, we are suing 10 defendants, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Erie County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing. | Any Erie County chapter that hazes students. |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise local chapters despite knowing about hazing. | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others with Erie County chapters. |
| University/College | Owned the fraternity house (or had authority over it) and failed to stop hazing. | UB, Buffalo State, Niagara University, Canisius, and others that own or control Greek housing. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing. | Any Erie County student who took part in hazing. |
| Chapter Advisors/Alumni | Knew about hazing and failed to stop it. | Erie County alumni who were aware of abuse. |
| Housing Corporations | Owned the property where hazing occurred. | Any Erie County fraternity/sorority housing entity. |
Erie County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify and sue every responsible party.
🏥 What Are the Medical Consequences of Hazing?
Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing” – it can cause permanent, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common medical consequences include:
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Effects | Erie County Hospitals That Treat Hazing Victims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) | Extreme physical exertion (500+ squats, pushups, etc.) | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, need for dialysis or transplant. | ECMC (Erie County Medical Center), Buffalo General, Millard Fillmore Suburban |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Brain damage, coma, death. | Kaleida Health Hospitals, Sisters of Charity Hospital |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Beating, falls, head trauma | Permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes. | UB Neurosurgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center |
| Internal Bleeding | Blunt force trauma (paddling, punching) | Organ damage, emergency surgery, death. | ECMC Trauma Center |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Forced exposure to cold/heat | Organ failure, death. | Buffalo General, Millard Fillmore Suburban |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Forced sexual acts, humiliation | PTSD, depression, STIs, pregnancy. | ECMC Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological torture | Suicidal ideation, long-term therapy, inability to function. | UB Counseling Services, Horizon Health Services |
If your child was hospitalized or treated for hazing-related injuries in Erie County, we can help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
💰 How Much Is an Erie County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, especially when:
✅ The victim suffered serious physical injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage).
✅ The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents and failed to act.
✅ The hazing involved egregious conduct (waterboarding, sexual assault, extreme physical abuse).
✅ The victim experienced long-term psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Erie County Families Can Expect)
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury/Death | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (TBI, internal bleeding) | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $4+ million settlement |
| Our Current Case (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Erie County families: These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win big. We will fight for the same justice for your child.
📞 What Should Erie County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- If your child is injured, go to the ER (ECMC, Buffalo General, Millard Fillmore Suburban).
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation – some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) take time to develop.
- Save all medical records – these will be crucial for your case.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Do not delete anything.
✅ Text messages & group chats (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
✅ Photos & videos (of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house)
✅ Social media posts (from fraternity members bragging about hazing)
✅ Emails (from the organization, university, or members)
✅ Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
✅ Witness statements (names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders)
⚠️ WARNING: Do NOT confront the fraternity or university without legal counsel. They will try to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, and manipulate your child into signing away their rights.
Step 3: Report the Hazing (But Be Careful How You Do It)
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in New York).
- Report to the university (but do not do this alone – universities protect themselves, not victims).
- Consider a Title IX complaint (if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault).
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Universities often conduct “internal investigations” to protect themselves. Before speaking to anyone, call us.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (but act fast – evidence disappears quickly).
- We offer free, confidential consultations for Erie County families.
- We work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
📞 Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🔍 How We Investigate Erie County Hazing Cases
When you hire Attorney 911, we immediately launch a full investigation to build the strongest possible case. Our process includes:
1. Evidence Collection
- Subpoena text messages, social media, and emails from fraternity members.
- Obtain security camera footage from fraternity houses, university buildings, and nearby businesses.
- Interview witnesses (other pledges, bystanders, alumni).
- Review medical records to document injuries.
2. Identifying All Responsible Parties
- Local chapter members (who participated in hazing).
- National fraternity/sorority (who failed to supervise).
- University/college (who owned the property or had authority over Greek life).
- Housing corporations (who controlled the property).
- Individual perpetrators (who directly abused your child).
3. Proving Institutional Knowledge
- Did the university know about prior hazing incidents?
- Did the national organization know their chapters were dangerous?
- Did alumni or advisors know about the abuse?
Example: In our current case, we discovered that:
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to act.
- The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 but did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
4. Calculating Full Damages
- Medical bills (past and future).
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional).
- Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships).
- Educational disruption (if hazing affected grades or scholarships).
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization and deter future hazing).
5. Negotiating or Taking the Case to Trial
- Most hazing cases settle out of court (but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial).
- If the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we will take them to court.
- Juries hate hazing – they award millions when they hear the full story.
🏛️ New York Hazing Laws: What Erie County Families Need to Know
1. Hazing Is a Crime in New York (Education Law § 6450)
- Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to 1 year in jail).
- If hazing results in serious injury or death, it can be a felony.
- Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate.
2. Universities Can Be Held Liable for Hazing (Negligent Supervision)
New York courts have ruled that universities have a duty to protect students from hazing, especially when:
- The university owns or controls the fraternity/sorority house (like UB owns many Greek houses).
- The university knew or should have known about hazing risks.
- The university failed to enforce anti-hazing policies.
Example: If a University at Buffalo (UB) fraternity hazes students in a UB-owned house, the university can be sued for premises liability and negligent supervision.
3. National Fraternities/Sororities Can Be Sued for Failing to Prevent Hazing
National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters.
- Ignoring prior hazing complaints.
- Allowing dangerous “traditions” to continue.
Example: If Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) has a chapter at Buffalo State and that chapter hazes students, SAE National can be sued for failing to prevent the abuse.
4. New York’s “Dram Shop” Law May Apply to Forced Drinking
If a fraternity or sorority forces a student to drink alcohol, they can be held liable under New York’s Dram Shop Law (which holds establishments responsible for over-serving alcohol).
5. Erie County Courts Handle Hazing Cases
- Hazing lawsuits in Western New York are filed in Erie County Supreme Court.
- We are licensed to practice in New York (even though our main office is in Texas).
- We travel to Erie County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
📢 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Erie County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Erie County)
- We represent Leonel Bermudez, who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure at the University of Houston.
- Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter at Niagara University – the same fraternity that abused our client.
- We know how to win these cases – and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Erie County.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Lawyers (We Know Their Playbook)
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
- We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to deny claims.
- We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority (We Can Sue National Organizations Anywhere)
- Hazing cases often involve national fraternities/sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc.).
- These organizations operate in multiple states, so federal court jurisdiction is often necessary.
- We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, so we can sue them no matter where they’re based.
4. We Offer Free, No-Obligation Consultations for Erie County Families
- No upfront fees – we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win).
- We come to you – we travel to Erie County for meetings, depositions, and trials.
- We speak Spanish – se habla español for Erie County families who need legal help.
5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million-Dollar Results
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| BP Texas City Explosion | Involved in multi-billion-dollar mass tort litigation. |
| Trucking Accident | Multi-million-dollar settlements for victims. |
| Wrongful Death | Significant recoveries for grieving families. |
| Hazing (Current Case) | $10 million lawsuit pending. |
6. We Care About Erie County Families (Not Just the Money)
- We see hazing victims as people, not paychecks.
- We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families.
- We will fight aggressively to hold the abusers accountable.
🚨 Erie County Colleges & Universities With Greek Life (And the Hazing Risks They Pose)
| School | Fraternities/Sororities on Campus | Hazing Risks in Erie County | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| University at Buffalo (UB) | Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Chi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and many more. | Forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological humiliation. | UB owns many Greek houses – premises liability applies. |
| Buffalo State University | Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and others. | Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, sleep deprivation. | Buffalo State has had prior hazing incidents – they know the risks. |
| Niagara University | Pi Kappa Phi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Delta Gamma, and others. | Waterboarding, paddling, extreme exercise (like our client’s case). | Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter at Niagara – the same fraternity that waterboarded our client. |
| Canisius College | Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alpha Delta Gamma, and others. | Drinking rituals (“the gauntlet”), physical abuse, sexual humiliation. | Beta Theta Pi has a history of deadly hazing (Timothy Piazza case). |
| Daemen University | Smaller Greek system, but hazing still occurs. | Psychological torture, forced servitude, alcohol abuse. | Even small schools have hazing – no campus is safe. |
| D’Youville University | Emerging Greek life. | New organizations may be more likely to haze to “prove themselves.” | Less oversight = higher risk. |
| Medaille College | Smaller Greek presence. | Isolation, sleep deprivation, forced activities. | Hazing happens even in small groups. |
Erie County families: If your child attends any of these schools, they are at risk. We can help if they’ve been hazed.
📞 Erie County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now – 1-888-ATTY-911
We Fight for Erie County Families – No Matter Where the Hazing Happened
✅ Free, confidential consultation – we’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
✅ No upfront fees – we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win).
✅ We come to Erie County – for meetings, depositions, and trials.
✅ Se habla español – for Erie County families who need legal help in Spanish.
✅ 24/7 availability – hazing emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we.
What Happens When You Call?
- We listen to your story – no judgment, just facts.
- We evaluate your case – is there enough evidence to sue?
- We explain your options – settlement vs. trial, potential outcomes.
- We take action immediately – send preservation letters, gather evidence, file suit if needed.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
🚨 Erie County Parents: Protect Your Child Before It’s Too Late
Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Erie County
| Behavioral Changes | Physical Signs | Academic/Emotional Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawing from family/friends | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns | Sudden drop in grades |
| Secretive about Greek life | Weight loss or gain | Skipping classes |
| Avoiding certain people/places | Fatigue, exhaustion | Anxiety about going to school |
| Sudden interest in “traditions” | Vomiting, nausea | Depression or mood swings |
| Defending the fraternity/sorority | Difficulty walking or moving | Nightmares, flashbacks |
| Fear of expulsion | Wearing long sleeves in hot weather | Self-harm or suicidal thoughts |
If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately.
🎯 Our Message to Erie County Fraternities & Sororities: We Are Coming for You
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Erie County, NY:
We know what you’re doing.
- We know about the forced drinking at UB.
- We know about the paddling at Buffalo State.
- We know about the waterboarding at Niagara.
- We know about the “traditions” that put students in the hospital.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every fraternity, every sorority, and every university that allows hazing to continue in Erie County.
The $10 million lawsuit we filed in Texas is just the beginning. If you haze students in Erie County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will make sure you never do it again.
🏆 Erie County Families: Justice Is Possible – And We Will Fight for It
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not bonding.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.
If your child has been hazed in Erie County, NY – or anywhere in New York State – we can help you seek justice. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to hold the abusers accountable.
You are not alone. Your child’s pain matters. And we will fight for them.
📞 Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Erie County hazing victims: The fight for justice starts today.
