🛡️ Suffolk County Hazing Attorney – Fraternity Abuse Lawyers Serving Suffolk County, NY
When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 fights back.
If your child was hazed at a Suffolk County college or university, you’re not alone. Right now, our attorneys are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and institutional negligence. The same fraternities operate in Suffolk County. The same hazing culture exists here. And we are ready to fight for Suffolk County families with the same aggression.
Suffolk County hazing victims: You have rights. You have options. And you have us.
🚨 This Happens in Suffolk County Too
Suffolk County is home to prestigious universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, Suffolk County Community College, and other institutions have active fraternity and sorority chapters. The same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate right here in Suffolk County.
The fraternities we’re suing in Houston have chapters near Suffolk County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Suffolk County fraternities.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Suffolk County, they face the same risks.
🏆 Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight Against Hazing
Suffolk County Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
- Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose
- Carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he didn’t comply
He spent 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life.
The Defendants We’re Holding Accountable
We are suing everyone responsible for what happened to Leonel Bermudez:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Knew about “a hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies |
| Beta Nu Chapter (UH) | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| University of Houston | Owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred; had prior knowledge of hazing |
| UH Board of Regents | Institutional oversight failure |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop the hazing |
| Former Members & Spouse | Hosted hazing at their private residence |
Suffolk County families: We will pursue every liable party in your case too.
⚖️ Suffolk County Hazing Laws: Know Your Rights
Hazing is illegal in New York, and Suffolk County victims have strong legal protections.
New York Education Law § 6450 — Hazing Definition
Hazing is defined as:
Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
- Extreme physical exertion
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Consent Is Not a Defense in New York
New York law explicitly states: “Consent of the victim is not a defense.”
When fraternities argue your child “agreed to participate,” New York law says consent does not matter. Hazing is a crime regardless of whether the victim consented.
💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Hazing Cases Win Big
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Suffolk County families can achieve the same results.
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
Suffolk County families: These results are possible for your case too.
🏛️ Who We Sue in Suffolk County Hazing Cases
When we represent Suffolk County hazing victims, we pursue every liable party:
1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Officers and members who participated
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise local chapter
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets — substantial assets and insurance
3. Suffolk County University/College
- Failed to protect students from known hazing risks
- Negligent oversight of Greek life
- Premises liability if hazing occurred on university property
- Substantial endowments and insurance policies
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
- Members who participated in hazing
- Former members who hosted hazing
- Personal liability and homeowner’s insurance coverage
5. Insurance Companies
- National organization’s liability insurance
- University’s institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus hazing locations
- The real source of compensation for victims
📋 Suffolk County Hazing Victims: What to Do Right Now
If your child has been hazed in Suffolk County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all injuries and symptoms
- Medical records are crucial evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Text Messages | All communications about hazing |
| Group Chats | GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Snapchat |
| Emails | Any emails regarding pledge activities |
| Photos/Videos | From hazing events, injuries, locations |
| Social Media | Posts, messages, stories about hazing |
| Physical Items | Clothing, objects used in hazing |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses |
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post about the incident on social media
Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation — no obligation
We will:
- Evaluate your case
- Preserve evidence
- Protect your rights
- Pursue maximum compensation
🎓 Suffolk County Universities & Colleges: Where Hazing Happens
Suffolk County is home to several institutions with active Greek life where hazing occurs:
Stony Brook University (SBU)
- One of New York’s largest public universities
- Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities
- National fraternities with documented hazing histories operate at SBU
- Same organizations we’re suing in Houston have chapters at SBU
Farmingdale State College
- Public college with growing Greek life presence
- Fraternities and sororities with national affiliations
- Hazing risks present — same nationals, same culture
Suffolk County Community College (SCCC)
- Three campuses: Ammerman, Eastern, Grant
- Greek organizations present at all campuses
- Hazing occurs at community colleges too — don’t assume it’s “safer”
Private Colleges & Universities in Suffolk County
- Long Island University (LIU Post)
- Molloy University
- Other institutions with Greek life
If your child attends any Suffolk County college, they are at risk of hazing.
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Suffolk County
Suffolk County parents should watch for these red flags that may indicate hazing:
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Difficulty walking or moving normally
Behavioral Signs
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear or anxiety about attending school or events
- Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
- Reluctance to discuss fraternity/sorority activities
Academic Signs
- Sudden drop in grades
- Missing classes or assignments
- Disengagement from academic activities
Financial Signs
- Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, items for fraternity)
- Requests for money without explanation
Communication Signs
- References to “pledging,” “big/little,” “brotherhood/sisterhood” rituals
- Jokes or comments about “paying dues” or “earning” membership
- Talk of “traditions” that sound extreme
If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Contact us immediately.
💔 The Psychological Impact of Hazing on Suffolk County Students
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It leaves deep psychological scars that can last a lifetime.
Common Psychological Effects of Hazing
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, loss of interest in life |
| Anxiety | Constant worry, panic attacks |
| Trust Issues | Difficulty forming relationships |
| Low Self-Esteem | Feeling worthless or powerless |
| Suicidal Ideation | Thoughts of self-harm or suicide |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol |
Our client in the UH case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real, and it’s part of the psychological damage hazing causes.
Suffolk County families: Psychological trauma is compensable in hazing lawsuits.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Suffolk County Parents Need to Know
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening medical conditions. Our client developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from forced exercise. Other medical consequences include:
Physical Injuries from Hazing
- Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (from extreme exercise)
- Acute alcohol poisoning — Forced drinking can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — From beatings or falls
- Broken bones — From physical abuse
- Burns — From branding or hot objects
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia — From exposure to elements
- Internal bleeding — From blunt force trauma
- Sexual assault injuries — From forced sexual acts
Long-Term Health Consequences
- Chronic kidney disease
- Permanent kidney damage requiring dialysis or transplant
- Cardiac issues from electrolyte imbalances
- Permanent physical disabilities
- Long-term psychological damage
Suffolk County families: Medical documentation is critical to your case.
⏳ Statute of Limitations: Suffolk County Families Must Act Fast
New York has strict deadlines for filing hazing lawsuits.
New York Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases
| Case Type | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years from date of injury | Most hazing cases fall under this |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | If hazing results in death |
| Minors | 3 years from 18th birthday | If victim was under 18 at time of hazing |
Suffolk County families: Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and your legal rights expire.
💼 Why Suffolk County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are not just hazing attorneys. We are former insurance defense lawyers who know exactly how the other side thinks. We’ve seen their playbook — and now we use it against them.
Our Advantages for Suffolk County Hazing Victims
| Advantage | How It Helps Suffolk County Families |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies minimize claims — we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery |
| $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Experience | We’re currently litigating a major hazing case — Suffolk County families get the same aggressive representation |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Suffolk County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Licensed in New York and Texas — strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities |
| Nationwide Reach | We represent hazing victims anywhere in America — Suffolk County families don’t need a local attorney |
| Bilingual Staff | Se habla español — Suffolk County Hispanic families served without language barriers |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win your case |
| Willing to Travel | We come to Suffolk County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
📞 Suffolk County Hazing Victims: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Suffolk County, call us immediately. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.
How Suffolk County Families Can Reach Us
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Video Consultations Available — Suffolk County families can meet with us remotely
We represent Suffolk County hazing victims on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront.
🔥 A Message to Suffolk County Fraternities
To the fraternities operating in Suffolk County:
We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates in Suffolk County, know this:
We are watching. We are litigating a $10 million hazing case right now. The same legal strategies we’re using in Houston apply to your Suffolk County chapter.
If you haze students in Suffolk County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
Your Suffolk County chapter could be next.
🏆 Our Commitment to Suffolk County Families
We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We understand the pain Suffolk County families are going through. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. And we are committed to fighting back.
Suffolk County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is free. And we don’t get paid unless we win for you.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Suffolk County, NY and nationwide
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We fight for Suffolk County hazing victims. We hold fraternities accountable. We win.
