🚨 Nassau County Hazing Lawyer: Aggressive Legal Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims

Nassau County families: If your child was hazed, abused, or injured in Greek life at a Nassau County college or university, you have legal rights — and powerful options for justice. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, proving that fraternities, sorororities, and universities can — and must — be held accountable. The same legal strategies we’re using in Texas apply to Nassau County victims. We will fight for Nassau County students with the same fury.

Nassau County’s Greek Life Crisis: The Same Hazing Happens Here

Nassau County is home to prestigious colleges and universities with active Greek life communities. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others — maintain chapters at Nassau County institutions. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist right here in Nassau County.

Nassau County parents: The fraternity that waterboarded a student in Texas has chapters near you. The university that failed to protect a student in Texas has counterparts in Nassau County. Your child is at risk.

Nassau County Colleges & Universities with Greek Life:

While we cannot name specific hazing incidents at Nassau County schools without verified documentation, we know that Greek organizations with documented hazing histories operate at colleges and universities throughout the region, including:

• Adelphi University (Garden City, NY)
• Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)
• Molloy University (Rockville Centre, NY)
• St. John’s University (Queens, NY — with Nassau County commuter students)
• SUNY Old Westbury (Old Westbury, NY)
• Nassau Community College (Garden City, NY)
• Long Island University (Brookville, NY)
• NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) (Old Westbury, NY)

These institutions, like universities nationwide, face the same Greek life oversight challenges that allowed hazing to occur at University of Houston. Nassau County students deserve the same protection we’re fighting for in Texas.

The Hazing Reality: What Nassau County Families Need to Know

Hazing is not harmless fun. It is not “tradition.” It is not “building character.” Hazing is abuse. Hazing is assault. Hazing can be criminal.

What Hazing Looks Like in Nassau County:

Based on our current case and nationwide patterns, here’s what hazing often involves at Nassau County fraternities and sororities:

Medical Consequences Nassau County Parents Should Know:

Hazing can cause:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — as seen in our Texas case
• Acute kidney failure — as seen in our Texas case
• Alcohol poisoning — leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
• Death — more than one hazing death per year since 2000 in the U.S.

Nassau County parents: If your child comes home with dark urine, extreme muscle pain, or difficulty walking after a Greek event, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. These are signs of rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition.

The Nassau County Legal Advantage: Why Choose Attorney 911

We Are Actively Fighting This Battle — Right Now

While many law firms claim to handle hazing cases, Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW. Nassau County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

Our Current Case (November 2025):

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not a UH student at time of hazing — “ghost rush”)
• Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
• Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
• Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi (national + local), University of Houston, individual members
• Damages Sought: $10,000,000
• Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

Nassau County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

Proven Track Record of Results

Attorney 911 has a documented history of success in complex personal injury litigation:

The Attorney 911 Difference for Nassau County Families

Why Nassau County Families Choose Us

1. We Understand the Nassau County Greek Life Culture
Nassau County has a unique college environment with prestigious institutions and active Greek communities. We understand the pressures Nassau County students face — academic excellence, social expectations, and the desire to belong. We know how Greek life operates in Nassau County and how universities respond to hazing incidents.

2. We Know Nassau County Courts and Institutions
While based in Texas, we have experience working with New York legal systems and understand the nuances of Nassau County courts, universities, and Greek organizations. Our dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) gives us strategic advantages in pursuing Nassau County cases.

3. We Protect Nassau County Students from Retaliation
Our client in the Texas case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We understand the intimidation culture in Greek organizations. We protect Nassau County clients from retaliation, social ostracism, and institutional pressure to stay silent.

4. We Fight for Nassau County Families, Not Institutions
We don’t represent universities or fraternities. We represent victims. When Nassau County institutions try to silence hazing victims, we take it to court. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.

5. We Have the Resources to Take on Nassau County’s Powerful Institutions
National fraternities and Nassau County universities have deep pockets and experienced legal teams. Nassau County families need attorneys with the resources, experience, and determination to level the playing field. We have successfully taken on massive corporate defendants and won.

Nassau County Hazing Cases: Who Is Liable?

When hazing occurs in Nassau County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current Texas case, we are pursuing:

Nassau County parents: The same liability framework applies to Nassau County cases. We sue everyone responsible.

Nassau County Legal Rights: What the Law Says

New York Hazing Laws

New York has strong anti-hazing laws that protect Nassau County students:

New York Education Law § 6450 — Hazing Prohibited:

“No student organization or any of its members shall engage in any activity which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with such organization.”

Penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail
• Class E Felony — If hazing causes physical injury (up to 4 years in prison)

New York Penal Law § 120.00 — Assault:

• Hazing often constitutes assault and battery
• Can be prosecuted criminally
• Can form basis for civil liability

New York Civil Practice Law & Rules:

• Allows civil lawsuits for personal injury
• No cap on pain and suffering damages (unlike some states)
• Punitive damages available for egregious conduct

Key Legal Principles for Nassau County Cases:

1. Consent is Not a Defense

   • New York courts have ruled that consent to hazing is not a valid defense
   • Even if a Nassau County student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be liable

2. Universities Have a Duty to Protect Students

   • Nassau County universities have a legal duty to provide a safe environment
   • Failure to prevent known hazing risks creates liability

3. National Organizations Can Be Held Responsible

   • National fraternities/sororities can be sued for failing to supervise Nassau County chapters
   • Pattern of hazing at multiple chapters creates national liability

4. Insurance Policies Provide Coverage

   • Most national organizations have liability insurance
   • Insurance policies typically cover hazing incidents
   • We know how to pursue these policies aggressively

Nassau County Hazing Case Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Free Consultation (Immediate)

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

• We evaluate your Nassau County case
• Explain your legal rights
• Outline potential strategies
• Answer all your questions
• No obligation, no pressure

What to Bring:

• Any medical records
• Photos of injuries
• Text messages or social media posts about hazing
• Names of witnesses
• Any communications with the organization

Step 2: Evidence Preservation (Critical)

Time is of the essence. Evidence disappears quickly.

We immediately:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Subpoena text messages, social media, and communications
• Obtain security camera footage
• Interview witnesses
• Preserve medical records
• Document all injuries and expenses

Nassau County parents: Do NOT delete anything. Do NOT talk to the organization without legal counsel.

Step 3: Medical Documentation (Essential)

We work with Nassau County medical providers to:

• Document all injuries
• Establish the connection to hazing
• Calculate future medical needs
• Obtain expert opinions on long-term impact

Medical conditions we’ve handled:

• Rhabdomyolysis (as in our current case)
• Acute kidney failure
• Traumatic brain injury
• Alcohol poisoning
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Step 4: Demand Letter & Negotiation

We send a comprehensive demand package to all defendants, including:

• Detailed description of hazing activities
• Medical evidence of injuries
• Economic damages calculation (medical bills, lost wages)
• Non-economic damages calculation (pain and suffering)
• Punitive damages demand for egregious conduct
• Settlement demand amount

Nassau County families: Insurance companies will offer lowball settlements. We negotiate aggressively for full value.

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

If defendants refuse to settle fairly, we file a lawsuit in Nassau County courts.

Litigation process:

• File complaint
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• File motions
• Engage in settlement negotiations
• Prepare for trial
• Present case to judge/jury

We are trial attorneys. We are not afraid to take Nassau County cases to court.

Step 6: Resolution

Most cases settle. Some go to trial. Either way, we fight for maximum compensation.

Potential outcomes:

• Settlement agreement
• Jury verdict
• Court judgment
• Policy changes at Nassau County institutions

Our goal: Justice for your Nassau County family and prevention for future students.

Nassau County Hazing Damages: What You Can Recover

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is:

• Grossly negligent
• Reckless
• Intentional
• Designed to harm

Examples from our current case:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
• 500 squats causing rhabdomyolysis
• Striking with wooden paddles
• Continuing hazing after another pledge collapsed

Nassau County application: Punitive damages send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

Nassau County Hazing Precedents: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

Hazing cases win — and win big. Here are recent precedents that support Nassau County cases:

Nassau County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases have significant value. The same legal strategies apply to Nassau County cases.

Nassau County Hazing Warning Signs: What Parents Should Watch For

Behavioral Warning Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or soreness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Sudden interest (or disinterest) in Greek life
• Fear or anxiety about attending events
• Decline in academic performance
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• References to “traditions” or “pledge activities” that sound concerning
• Sudden need for large amounts of money (for “pledge dues” or events)

Physical Warning Signs:

• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Extreme muscle pain
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Vomiting or nausea
• Signs of alcohol poisoning
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Signs of physical abuse (bruises, welts, cuts)

Environmental Warning Signs:

• Your child mentions “Big Brother/Little Brother” events
• References to “Hell Week” or “Initiation Week”
• Talk of “tests” or “challenges”
• Mention of forced consumption of alcohol or food
• References to physical activities like “suicides” (running drills)
• Talk of being “punished” for missing events
• Mention of carrying objects or wearing specific clothing

Nassau County parents: If you notice these warning signs, ask questions. If your child is evasive or afraid to answer, consider seeking medical and legal help immediately.

Nassau County Hazing Action Plan: What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed

Immediate Steps:

1. Ensure Safety

   • Remove your child from the dangerous situation
   • If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately

2. Preserve Evidence

   • Take photos of any injuries
   • Save all text messages, social media posts, and communications
   • Document witness names and contact information
   • Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Seek Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
   • Dark urine, muscle pain, or difficulty walking = emergency room
   • Document all medical visits and treatments

4. Report the Incident

   • File a police report (hazing is a crime in New York)
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Consider reporting to the national organization

5. Contact an Attorney

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
   • Do NOT sign anything from the organization

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do NOT confront the organization directly — They will coordinate their story and destroy evidence
❌ Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
❌ Do NOT delete anything — Preserve all evidence
❌ Do NOT accept a settlement without consulting an attorney — First offers are always lowball
❌ Do NOT assume it’s “just tradition” — Hazing is illegal and dangerous

Nassau County Hazing Myths vs. Facts

Nassau County Hazing FAQ

Q: My child was hazed at a Nassau County college. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Absolutely. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Nassau County. We have federal court authority and New York bar admission, allowing us to pursue Nassau County cases. We offer video consultations and travel to Nassau County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand the intimidation culture in Greek organizations. Our client in the Texas case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We protect Nassau County clients from retaliation through:

• Confidential legal representation
• Anonymous reporting options
• Aggressive pursuit of organizations that retaliate
• Legal protections against intimidation

Q: How much does it cost to hire you for a Nassau County hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so our interests are aligned with yours. Nassau County families pay nothing out of pocket.

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

A: New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately because:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Organizations destroy records
• Your rights may be affected by university investigations

Q: What if my child was drinking or using drugs during the hazing?

A: Even if your child consumed alcohol or drugs, the organization can still be liable. Many hazing activities involve forced consumption. Consent to hazing is not a valid defense in New York.

Q: Can we sue the national organization or just the local chapter?

A: Yes, you can — and should — sue the national organization. National fraternities and sororities have:

• Deep pockets
• Insurance coverage
• Oversight responsibility
• Knowledge of hazing patterns

In our current case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about “a hazing crisis.”

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Off-campus hazing still creates liability. We can pursue:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• Individual members
• Property owners (if hazing occurred at a private residence)
• The university (if they knew or should have known)

Q: My child doesn’t want to ruin the fraternity’s reputation.

A: We understand your child’s loyalty to the organization. However:

• The fraternity’s reputation is already ruined by their actions
• Your child’s health and safety should come first
• Other students are at risk if hazing continues
• The organization needs to be held accountable to change
• Your child can be a hero by preventing future hazing

In our Texas case, Lupe Pena said: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”

Q: What if my child is an immigrant or international student?

A: Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We serve all Nassau County students regardless of immigration status. We have bilingual staff and can provide services in Spanish.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate?

A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise Greek life
• Failing to investigate prior hazing incidents
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Owning or controlling property where hazing occurred
• Having actual or constructive knowledge of hazing risks

In our current case, we are suing the University of Houston for owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred.

Nassau County Hazing: The Bottom Line

Nassau County families: Hazing is happening at your colleges and universities. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate in Nassau County. The same oversight failures that allowed a student to be hospitalized in Texas exist in Nassau County. Your child is at risk.

But you have options. You have rights. You have Attorney 911.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to win. Nassau County families get the same aggressive representation.

If your child was hazed in Nassau County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The call could save your child’s life — and change the culture of Greek life in Nassau County forever.

Nassau County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

24/7 Free Consultation for Nassau County Hazing Victims

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Video Consultations: Available for Nassau County families

We serve Nassau County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we come to you.

Nassau County Hazing Resources

Emergency Resources:

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (for alcohol poisoning or drug overdose)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (for mental health crises)
• Nassau County Police Department: 516-573-7000
• Nassau County District Attorney: 516-571-3800

University Reporting Contacts (Nassau County):

Anti-Hazing Organizations:

• HazingPrevention.Org: hazingprevention.org
• StopHazing: stophazing.org
• Clery Center: clerycenter.org (campus safety resources)
• Gordie Center: gordie.org (alcohol education and hazing prevention)

New York State Resources:

• New York State Education Department: www.nysed.gov
• New York State Police: 518-457-6811
• New York State Division of Human Rights: 888-392-3644

Nassau County Hazing: Our Promise to You

To Nassau County families affected by hazing:

We see your pain. We understand your fear. We know the system is stacked against you.

But we also know how to fight it.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how the other side thinks. We are trial lawyers with 25+ years of experience. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, proving that fraternities and universities can be held accountable.

We promise you this:

• We will listen to your Nassau County family’s story
• We will treat your child with dignity and respect
• We will pursue every responsible party aggressively
• We will not back down from powerful institutions
• We will fight for maximum compensation
• We will work to prevent this from happening to another Nassau County family
• We will be your legal emergency responders

Nassau County: Enough is enough. Call us. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Nassau County Hazing: Final Warning to Greek Organizations

To fraternities and sororities operating in Nassau County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your Nassau County chapter.

If you haze students in Nassau County, we will:

• Sue your local chapter
• Sue your national organization
• Sue your individual members
• Sue your housing corporation
• Sue your alumni advisors
• Sue the university if they knew or should have known

We will pursue every liable entity. We will find every insurance policy. We will maximize every dollar of recovery.

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit. Your Nassau County chapter could be next.

To university administrators in Nassau County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership in Nassau County:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

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Serving Nassau County and nationwide.
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