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Hazing Victims in Essex County, NY: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting for You.

Essex County Families: Hazing Is Happening at Your Local Colleges — And It Must Stop

Every year, students across New York — including those in Essex County — endure brutal hazing rituals under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” They are forced to drink until they vomit. They are beaten with paddles. They are humiliated, sleep-deprived, and subjected to dangerous physical and psychological abuse.

And too often, they end up in the hospital — or worse.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in New York. It’s happening at colleges near Essex County.

If your child has been hazed, we can help.

Why Essex County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Actively Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case — Right Now

While based in Texas, we are representing a hazing victim in a landmark lawsuit that has already made national headlines. This isn’t theoretical — we are in the courtroom, fighting for justice. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Essex County families.

2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and teams of lawyers. But we know their playbook. Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers — we’ve seen how these institutions try to avoid accountability, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.

3. We Travel to Essex County

You don’t have to come to Texas. We will travel to Essex County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full bilingual support so language is never a barrier to getting the help you deserve.

5. No Upfront Costs — We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Essex County families should never have to choose between justice and financial hardship.

6. We Have Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue hazing cases involving national fraternities and universities across state lines — including those operating in Essex County.

What Is Hazing — And Why Is It Illegal in New York?

Hazing is any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

In New York, hazing is a crime. Under New York Education Law § 6450, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.

But criminal charges are only part of the story. Victims and their families can also sue for civil damages — including medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages to hold institutions accountable.

Examples of Hazing That Are Illegal in New York:

✅ Forced alcohol consumption — including binge drinking, chugging, or drinking until vomiting
✅ Physical abuse — paddling, beating, branding, or excessive exercise to the point of injury
✅ Sleep deprivation — forcing pledges to stay up all night or drive members in the early morning hours
✅ Psychological torture — waterboarding, humiliation, threats, or isolation
✅ Forced consumption of non-food items — including hot sauce, peppercorns, or other substances
✅ Sexual humiliation or assault — forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or sexual acts

New York law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal.

The Hazing Crisis in New York — And Essex County

Hazing is not just a problem in other states. It’s happening right here in New York — including at colleges and universities near Essex County.

Colleges and Universities Near Essex County with Active Greek Life:

While Essex County itself is home to smaller institutions, nearby universities with Greek organizations include:

• SUNY Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh, NY) – Known for active fraternity and sorority life
• Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY) – Strong Greek system
• SUNY Potsdam (Potsdam, NY) – Multiple Greek organizations
• Paul Smith’s College (Paul Smiths, NY) – Smaller but active Greek presence
• SUNY Adirondack (Queensbury, NY) – Emerging Greek life

National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at New York universities — including those near Essex County. The same organizations we’re suing in Texas operate in New York.

Hazing Incidents in New York: A Pattern of Abuse

New York has seen its share of hazing tragedies:

• 2019 – Binghamton University (Sigma Chi) – A student was hospitalized after a fraternity event involving forced alcohol consumption.
• 2018 – SUNY Albany (Zeta Beta Tau) – A fraternity was suspended after a pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.
• 2017 – Cornell University (Sigma Nu) – A student suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling during a hazing ritual.
• 2014 – Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi) – A student died during a hazing ritual involving physical abuse.

These aren’t isolated incidents. They are part of a culture of abuse that exists at universities across New York — including those near Essex County.

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

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in New York, you only have three years to file a lawsuit.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause serious injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) from excessive exercise
• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or beatings
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Document everything. Get medical records. Take photos of injuries.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Save everything.
• Photos and videos – Even if they seem minor, they may be critical.
• Witness information – Get names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
• Fraternity documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules.

Do NOT delete anything. Even old social media posts can be used as evidence.

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

Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative. They may:

• Ask for “statements” that can be used against you
• Offer quick settlements that don’t cover long-term damages
• Pressure you to sign documents waiving your rights

Never speak to them without an attorney present.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

We offer free, confidential consultations. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

We will:

• Evaluate your case
• Preserve evidence
• Handle all communications with the fraternity and university
• Fight for the compensation your family deserves

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Essex County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter

The chapter that organized and conducted the hazing can be sued for:

• Negligence – Failing to prevent dangerous activities
• Assault and battery – Physical abuse
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Psychological torture

2. The National Fraternity Organization

National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi or Sigma Alpha Epsilon can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents (pattern evidence)
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies

In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant because they knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing to stop it.

3. The University

Universities can be held liable for:

• Premises liability – If hazing occurred on university-owned property
• Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor Greek life
• Failure to protect students – Especially if they had prior knowledge of hazing

In our case, the University of Houston is a defendant because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — and they had a prior hazing incident in 2017.

4. Individual Members and Officers

• Chapter president, pledgemaster, and active members can be sued personally.
• Former members who hosted hazing events can also be held liable.

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Insurance Companies

Fraternities and universities have liability insurance policies that may cover hazing claims. We know how to pursue these policies to maximize your recovery.

What Compensation Can Essex County Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical bills – Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment
• Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
• Educational disruption – Tuition refunds, lost scholarships
• Future medical costs – If injuries require long-term care

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain – From beatings, forced exercise, or injuries
• Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
• Humiliation and shame – From degrading rituals
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Impact on social life, academics, and future opportunities

Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was particularly outrageous (such as waterboarding, forced drinking to the point of hospitalization, or sexual assault), courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million — in line with recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements: What Essex County Families Can Expect

Hazing cases result in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what other families have recovered:

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can — and do — win big. The same legal strategies apply to Essex County cases.

Essex County Hazing Victims: We Are Here for You

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Essex County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You can hold the perpetrators accountable. And you can prevent this from happening to another family.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We know how to win. And we will bring that same determination to Essex County families.

Call Us Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Essex County Hazing Victims

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

We understand that victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. But hazing is a crime in New York, and universities are required to investigate. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. We can help protect your child’s identity and guide them through the process.

2. Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:

• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and degradation
• Lost academic or career opportunities

3. What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense under New York law. Even if your child agreed to participate, hazing is still illegal. The law recognizes that peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and threats can negate true consent.

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the hazing incident. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

5. Can we sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Universities can be held liable if:

• They knew or should have known about hazing
• They failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• The hazing was part of a university-recognized organization

6. What if the fraternity has already been suspended?

Suspension or closure of a chapter does not absolve the fraternity or university of liability. In fact, it may be evidence that they knew the hazing was dangerous and failed to stop it sooner.

7. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, long-term health consequences)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, sexual assault, forced drinking)
• Prior incidents at the same chapter or university
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)
• Pattern of abuse (was this part of a systemic culture of hazing?)

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million — and we believe that number is justified given the severity of the conduct.

8. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most cases settle out of court. However, if the case goes to trial, your child may need to testify. We will prepare them thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

9. Can we still sue if my child was drinking?

Yes. Even if your child consumed alcohol, the fraternity and university can still be held liable if:

• The alcohol was provided or forced by the fraternity
• The drinking was part of a hazing ritual
• The fraternity failed to supervise or intervene

10. How do we get started?

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Essex County Parents: Your Child’s Safety Is Our Priority

You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. Instead, they were subjected to torture, humiliation, and physical danger.

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent victims — we fight for change. Our current hazing lawsuit has already made national headlines, and we are committed to ensuring that no other family has to endure what you’re going through.

Call us today. Let’s hold them accountable — together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Justice for Essex County hazing victims starts here.