🛡️ Ontario County Hazing Legal Guide: Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Ontario County Families Affected by Hazing
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
To Ontario County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Ontario County or nearby areas like Canandaigua, Geneva, or Victor, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. You trusted these institutions to keep your child safe. That trust was betrayed.
This is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is often criminal.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting 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 win. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Ontario County families.
You have legal rights. Your child deserves justice. We can help.
🚨 What Is Hazing? — Ontario County Families Need to Know
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
Common hazing activities in Ontario County and across New York:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members |
This is not harmless fun. This is not “just how it’s done.” This is dangerous, often illegal, and can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Ontario County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries:
| Injury | Description | Signs & Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle tissue breakdown that releases toxins into the blood, damaging kidneys | Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark/brown urine, inability to move |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys unable to filter waste due to rhabdomyolysis or dehydration | Swelling in legs/feet, fatigue, confusion, decreased urine output |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Life-threatening condition from excessive alcohol consumption | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow/irregular breathing, unconsciousness |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects | Headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes |
| Hypothermia | Dangerously low body temperature from cold exposure | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness |
| Heat Stroke | Dangerously high body temperature from heat exposure | Hot/dry skin, rapid pulse, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness |
| Cardiac Arrest | From extreme physical exertion or electrolyte imbalances | Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, loss of consciousness |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Long-term psychological trauma from abuse | Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts |
| Death | Hazing kills students every year in America | — |
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms after a fraternity or sorority event, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us.
⚖️ Legal Rights for Ontario County Hazing Victims
New York Hazing Laws
New York has strong laws against hazing:
New York Penal Law § 120.16 — Hazing in the First Degree (Class A Misdemeanor):
A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
New York Penal Law § 120.17 — Hazing in the Second Degree (Violation):
A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
Key Points:
- Hazing is illegal in New York
- Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable
- Both individuals and organizations can be prosecuted
- Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing
Civil Liability — Who Ontario County Families Can Sue
If your child has been hazed in Ontario County, you can pursue compensation from:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; failed to enforce anti-hazing policies |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing; may own fraternity/sorority property |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Policies covering institutional liability |
You can sue multiple defendants. Multiple insurance policies may provide coverage.
💰 What Ontario County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages (Financial Losses):
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages (if unable to work due to injuries)
- Future lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career)
- Educational expenses (if hazing disrupted education)
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct):
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, malicious, or shows reckless disregard for safety
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Hazing often qualifies due to its intentional, abusive nature
Recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Ontario County families can achieve the same justice.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Ontario County
Immediate Steps:
- Ensure Safety — Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent.
- Document Everything — Take photos of injuries, preserve texts/emails/social media, save medical records.
- Do Not Talk to the Organization — They will try to control the narrative. Refer all communication to your attorney.
- Do Not Post on Social Media — Anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact Attorney 911 Immediately — Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Evidence Preservation Checklist:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor’s notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, hazing activities |
| Communications | Text messages, emails, social media posts, GroupMe/Snapchat messages |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other victims, witnesses, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment status, scholarships |
Do not delete anything. Do not sign anything from the organization.
🏛️ Ontario County Universities & Hazing Risk
Ontario County is home to several colleges and universities where hazing may occur:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Finger Lakes Community College | Canandaigua, NY | Limited Greek life |
| Hobart and William Smith Colleges | Geneva, NY | Active Greek life with fraternities and sororities |
| Keuka College | Keuka Park, NY | Greek organizations present |
| Nearby Institutions | Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca | Large Greek systems at major universities |
National fraternities and sororities with chapters at these schools have been involved in hazing incidents across the country. The same organizations operate in Ontario County.
🔍 Real Hazing Cases — What Happened & What Was the Outcome
Case 1: Pi Kappa Phi — University of Houston (2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not yet enrolled at UH), was subjected to weeks of hazing including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing
Result:
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
- Chapter permanently closed
Why It Matters to Ontario County:
This is the same Pi Kappa Phi that may have chapters at schools near Ontario County. The same national organization failed to prevent this despite knowing about prior hazing deaths.
Case 2: Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University (2021)
What Happened:
Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event.
Result:
- Died from alcohol poisoning
- $10.1 million settlement — largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history
- Chapter permanently expelled
Case 3: Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University (2017)
What Happened:
Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event.
Result:
- Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — more than 6x legal limit)
- $6.1 million jury verdict
- Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana
Case 4: Timothy Piazza — Penn State University (2017)
What Happened:
Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. He fell down stairs multiple times and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
Result:
- Died from traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding
- $110+ million settlement (estimated)
- Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law — Pennsylvania
- 18 fraternity members charged; multiple convictions
🎯 Why Ontario County Families Choose 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 how to build these cases. We know how to win. Ontario County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they try to deny claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Ontario County Families
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Ontario County, through:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel for depositions and trials
- Remote consultation technology
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. No Upfront Cost — We Work on Contingency
We understand that Ontario County families may be concerned about legal costs. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
5. Comprehensive Support for Ontario County Families
We handle every aspect of your case:
- Medical record collection
- Evidence preservation
- Witness interviews
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation and trial
- Emotional support for your family
📢 Warning to Ontario County Fraternities & Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Ontario County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu, Phi Gamma Delta, Delta Chi, and all other national organizations:
If your chapter is hazing students in Ontario County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won. We will pursue every liable entity — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and individual members.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in America.
Your chapter could be next.
📞 Ontario County Families: Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Ontario County or at any school in New York, contact Attorney 911 immediately.
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free Consultation — No Upfront Cost — We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Get Paid
We will travel to Ontario County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time for Change in Ontario County.
Hazing has no place in Ontario County. It has no place in New York. It has no place in America.
If your child has been hazed, you have the power to stop it from happening to someone else’s child.
Be brave. Step forward. Hold them accountable.
Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Ontario County, Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, and all of New York State
