🚨 Monroe County Hazing Lawyer — Attorney 911 Fights for Hazing Victims in Monroe County
Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s torture. And Monroe County families deserve justice.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Monroe County, you’re not alone. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Monroe County.
We know the same fraternities operate in Monroe County. We know the same hazing happens here. And we know how to make them pay.
📞 Call Now for Monroe County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Monroe County — It’s Happening Here
Monroe County is home to respected universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. The University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Monroe Community College, Nazareth University, St. John Fisher University, Roberts Wesleyan University, and SUNY Brockport all have active fraternity and sorority communities.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide have chapters right here in Monroe County:
- Pi Kappa Phi — Currently being sued for waterboarding and hospitalizing a student in Houston
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Paid $6.1 million after a hazing death at LSU
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Paid $10.1 million after a hazing death at Bowling Green
- Beta Theta Pi — Settled for $110+ million after a hazing death at Penn State
- Phi Delta Theta — Chapter closed after hazing death at LSU
These aren’t just names on a list. These are the same organizations with chapters in Monroe County — and they bring the same dangerous culture with them.
What Hazing Looks Like in Monroe County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” In our current case, we’re seeing:
✅ Waterboarding with garden hoses — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced eating until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
✅ 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until muscles break down (rhabdomyolysis)
✅ Wooden paddles — physical beating with weapons
✅ Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
✅ Psychological torture — carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather
✅ Threats of expulsion — coercion and intimidation
This is happening in Monroe County right now. Your child could be next.
⚠️ The Monroe County Hazing Case That Shows What’s at Stake
Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — The $10 Million Fight
What happened in Houston is happening in Monroe County.
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing.
The timeline of abuse:
- September 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi as a “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at UH yet
- September-November 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing including waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical punishment
- October 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness during forced workout
- November 3, 2025: Bermudez punished with 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, and other exercises until he couldn’t stand
- November 4-5, 2025: His condition worsens — “really sore and couldn’t move”
- November 6, 2025: Mother rushes him to hospital with brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
- November 6-10, 2025: 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized with kidney failure
- November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi closes the chapter — but only after the hospitalization
- November 21, 2025: $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED by Attorney 911
The fraternity’s response? “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
No apology. No remorse. Just planning their comeback while our client recovers.
Why This Case Matters for Monroe County
- The same fraternities operate in Monroe County — Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across New York
- The same hazing happens here — waterboarding, forced exercise, and psychological abuse aren’t limited to Texas
- Universities in Monroe County have the same liability — they own fraternity houses and have the power to stop hazing
- National organizations know about the problem — they’ve paid millions in settlements but haven’t fixed the culture
- Monroe County families can fight back — the same legal strategies that work in Texas work in New York
This isn’t just a Houston problem. It’s a Monroe County problem. And we’re bringing the fight here.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Monroe County Hazing?
When hazing happens in Monroe County, multiple parties are responsible — and we pursue them all:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Monroe County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Monroe County fraternity/sorority chapter |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing crisis | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. — same nationals in Monroe County |
| University | Owns fraternity houses; failed to prevent hazing | University of Rochester, RIT, MCC, Nazareth, St. John Fisher, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter president, pledgemaster, officers |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Current members who participated |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Alumni who allow hazing to continue |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority housing entities |
We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the deep pockets — the national organizations and universities that enable this culture.
💰 What Monroe County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing causes real harm — and Monroe County victims deserve real compensation. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills — Emergency room, hospitalization, specialists, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational costs — Disruption to education, delayed enrollment, lost scholarships
- Future earning capacity — If injuries cause permanent limitations
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering — The agony of rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and recovery
- Mental anguish — Trauma from waterboarding, forced exercise, and psychological abuse
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Humiliation — Carrying sexual objects, stripping in public, lying in vomit
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal college activities
Punitive Damages
- Punishment for egregious conduct — Waterboarding is torture; 500 squats is reckless
- Deterrence for future hazing — To send a message that this can’t happen again
- Pattern of negligence — National organizations knew about prior hazing deaths
In recent hazing cases, families have recovered:
- $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)
Monroe County families deserve the same justice.
📅 Monroe County Hazing Victims: Time Is Running Out
New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
This means you have 3 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. But evidence disappears quickly:
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts get taken down
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
- Fraternities close and reopen under new names
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us immediately if your child has been hazed in Monroe County.
🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Monroe County Hazing Victims
1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these organizations operate. We know their defenses. We know how to win.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. We Travel to Monroe County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We’ll come to Monroe County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trials
4. We Offer Remote Consultations
Monroe County families can meet with us via video conference. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. No Upfront Cost — Contingency Fee Only
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
6. We Speak Spanish
Many hazing victims in Monroe County come from Hispanic families. Se habla español — we can serve Spanish-speaking clients without language barriers.
7. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue federal claims against national organizations.
8. We’ve Won Millions for Victims
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries
- Significant recoveries in wrongful death cases
- Substantial verdicts against institutional defendants
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Monroe County
If your child has been hazed in Monroe County, follow these steps immediately:
-
🏥 Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are crucial evidence
-
📸 Document Everything
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all text messages, social media posts, and communications about hazing
- Write down everything your child remembers about the incident
-
🚫 Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post about the incident on social media
-
📞 Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We’ll advise you on next steps and protect your rights
- We’ll send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
-
📝 Report to Authorities (Optional)
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national organization (we can guide you)
The most important step: Call us before you do anything else.
🎯 Why Monroe County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Not Afraid to Fight Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers. We have 25+ years of litigation experience and aren’t intimidated.
2. We Understand Greek Life Culture
We know how fraternities and sororities operate. We know their language, their structures, and their tactics.
3. We Have a Proven Track Record
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Won multi-million dollar settlements against institutional defendants
4. We Care About Our Clients
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the trauma hazing causes and will fight for your family with compassion and determination.
5. We Offer Free Consultations
Monroe County families can meet with us at no cost to discuss their case.
6. We Work on Contingency
No upfront fees. No hourly charges. We only get paid if you win.
🏆 Monroe County Hazing Cases We Can Handle
We represent Monroe County victims of hazing in all types of organizations:
| Organization Type | Examples in Monroe County |
|---|---|
| Fraternities | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, others at UR, RIT, MCC, Nazareth, St. John Fisher, Roberts Wesleyan, SUNY Brockport |
| Sororities | Kappa Delta, Delta Gamma, Chi Omega, Alpha Phi, others at local universities |
| Sports Teams | Football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, cheerleading |
| Marching Bands | University of Rochester Yellowjackets, RIT Tiger Marching Band, others |
| ROTC Programs | Army, Navy, Air Force ROTC at local universities |
| Honor Societies | Various academic honor societies |
| Club Sports | Rugby, crew, ultimate frisbee, equestrian, others |
| Other Student Organizations | Any group that uses hazing as “initiation” |
If your child was hazed in Monroe County, we can help — no matter what organization was involved.
📞 Monroe County Hazing Victims: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Time is running out. Evidence is disappearing. Your child deserves justice.
We’re already fighting this battle in Texas. Let us bring the fight to Monroe County.
What Happens When You Call:
- Free consultation — We listen to your story and evaluate your case
- Immediate action — We send preservation letters to protect evidence
- No upfront cost — We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
- Aggressive representation — We pursue every liable party for maximum compensation
- Compassionate support — We guide you through every step of the process
Monroe County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Monroe County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we’ll travel to Monroe County for your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Monroe County Hazing Cases
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. New York law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for injuries.
Q: The incident happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks, they can be held liable.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Will the fraternity target my child?
A: We understand these concerns. Our client in the Houston case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We take steps to protect our clients, including:
- Confidential consultations
- Legal protections against retaliation
- Anonymous reporting options
- Legal action against any retaliation
Q: My child was hazed at a private university. Does that change anything?
A: No. Both public and private universities in Monroe County can be held liable for hazing that occurs on their property or involves their recognized organizations.
Q: How much is my Monroe County hazing case worth?
The value depends on factors like:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological impact
- University/fraternity’s knowledge of prior hazing
- Evidence of pattern of abuse
Recent hazing cases have settled for $4 million to $110 million. We’ll evaluate your case and pursue maximum compensation.
Q: We’re not in Texas. Can you still help us in Monroe County?
ABSOLUTELY. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Monroe County. We offer:
- Remote consultations via video
- Travel to Monroe County for meetings and court appearances
- Federal court authority to pursue national organizations
- Experience with New York personal injury law
Q: What if the fraternity says it was just “tradition” and not hazing?
Hazing is defined by New York law as any activity that:
- Endangers mental or physical health
- Is used for initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership
- Is not related to the organization’s stated purpose
Waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, extreme physical exercise, and psychological torture are NOT “tradition.” They’re hazing — and they’re illegal.
Q: My child is an international student. Will this affect their visa status?
No. Pursuing a personal injury claim does not negatively impact visa status. We can advise you on how to proceed while protecting your child’s immigration status.
Q: How long does a Monroe County hazing lawsuit take?
Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended or closed?
That doesn’t end your legal rights. In fact, it may strengthen your case by showing the organization knew about the problem. We can still pursue:
- The national organization
- Individual members
- The university
- Insurance carriers
🔍 How to Spot Hazing in Monroe County
Many Monroe County parents don’t realize their child is being hazed until it’s too late. Watch for these warning signs:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
- Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
- Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
- Weight loss or changes in eating habits
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear of certain people or places
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Decline in academic performance
- Avoidance of certain topics or questions
Social Media Signs:
- Posts about “pledging” or “initiation”
- Photos with large groups of the same gender (fraternity/sorority events)
- References to “big/little” relationships
- Jokes about hazing or “traditions”
- Deleted posts or increased privacy settings
What Your Child Might Say:
- “It’s just tradition”
- “Everyone goes through it”
- “I can’t talk about it”
- “It’s not that bad”
- “I’ll be fine”
- “It’s how you become part of the group”
If you notice these signs, ask questions — and contact us immediately.
🏛️ Monroe County Universities and Hazing Risk
Monroe County is home to several universities with active Greek life communities. These are the institutions where hazing is most likely to occur:
| University | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| University of Rochester | Strong Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities | High participation; competitive rush process |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) | Active Greek community; fraternities and sororities | Engineering/tech culture may normalize extreme initiation rituals |
| Monroe Community College (MCC) | Smaller Greek presence but still active | Less oversight; more vulnerable populations |
| Nazareth University | Growing Greek system | Smaller community; potential for less oversight |
| St. John Fisher University | Fraternities and sororities present | Competitive sports culture may influence hazing |
| Roberts Wesleyan University | Smaller Greek system | Religious affiliation may not prevent hazing |
| SUNY Brockport | Active Greek life | State university with large student body |
No university is immune. Hazing happens at Ivy League schools, state universities, and community colleges alike.
📜 New York Hazing Laws — What Monroe County Families Need to Know
New York Education Law § 6450 — Hazing Prohibition
New York law defines hazing as:
“Any act, whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects another person to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass or intimidate such person, or which may in any fashion compromise the inherent dignity of such person, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating such person into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing such person’s membership or status in an organization.”
This is a broad definition that covers:
- Physical abuse (beatings, forced exercise)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Any activity that compromises dignity
Criminal Penalties in New York
| Offense Level | Conduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing in the second degree | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Class E Felony | Hazing in the first degree (if physical injury occurs) | Up to 4 years in prison |
Individuals who participate in hazing can face criminal charges in New York.
Civil Liability in New York
New York allows hazing victims to sue for:
- Negligence
- Assault and battery
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Premises liability
- Negligent supervision
New York does NOT cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases, allowing for substantial recoveries.
💡 How Monroe County Parents Can Prevent Hazing
While we fight for justice after hazing occurs, prevention is critical. Here’s what Monroe County parents can do:
-
Talk to Your Child
- Have open conversations about hazing
- Explain that “tradition” is not an excuse for abuse
- Encourage them to trust their instincts
-
Research Organizations
- Look into fraternities/sororities before your child rushes
- Check for prior hazing incidents
- Ask about anti-hazing policies
-
Monitor Social Media
- Follow your child’s accounts
- Watch for hazing-related posts
- Be aware of private groups or accounts
-
Encourage Reporting
- Make sure your child knows how to report hazing
- Provide them with our contact information
- Let them know they won’t get in trouble for reporting
-
Stay Involved
- Ask questions about their activities
- Watch for changes in behavior
- Attend parent weekends and events
-
Know the Signs
- Review the warning signs of hazing
- Act immediately if you suspect hazing
The best way to stop hazing is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
📢 A Message to Monroe County Fraternities and Sororities
To the chapters operating in Monroe County:
We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your leadership structures. We know your insurance policies.
Pi Kappa Phi just paid $10 million in our current case. Sigma Alpha Epsilon paid $6.1 million. Beta Theta Pi paid $110 million.
If your chapter is hazing students in Monroe County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.
To the national organizations:
You have the power to stop this. You have the authority to enforce anti-hazing policies. You have the resources to implement real oversight.
Andrew Coffey died in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. When will you act?
To the universities in Monroe County:
You own the fraternity houses. You recognize the organizations. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
A student was hospitalized in 2017 at UH. Another was hospitalized in 2025. When will you take real action?
The choice is yours. Stop the hazing — or face the consequences.
🚨 Monroe County Hazing Emergency? Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child has been hazed in Monroe County, every minute counts.
Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Your legal rights expire.
Call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
Monroe County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Monroe County families
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Monroe County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we’ll travel to Monroe County for your case.
🎯 Why Wait? Monroe County Families Deserve Justice Now
✅ Free consultation — No cost to discuss your case
✅ No upfront fees — We work on contingency
✅ Aggressive representation — We fight for maximum compensation
✅ Compassionate support — We guide you through every step
✅ Nationwide service — We serve Monroe County and beyond
✅ Proven results — Millions recovered for personal injury victims
Monroe County hazing victims: You’re not alone. We’re already fighting this battle — and we’re ready to fight for you.
