Hazing Victims in Sullivan County, NY: Legal Rights & How to Get Justice
You Are Not Alone. What Happened Was Not Your Fault.
If you or your child has been the victim of hazing in Sullivan County, New York—whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any other student organization—you have legal rights. This is not “tradition.” This is not “team bonding.” This is abuse. And institutions that allow it must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston—where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities, the same negligence, and the same life-altering injuries happen right here in Sullivan County, NY.
If you’ve been hazed, you don’t have to stay silent. We can help.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Sullivan County, NY
Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen at Big Universities—It Happens Here Too
Sullivan County is home to SUNY Sullivan, private colleges, and Greek organizations affiliated with universities across New York. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others—operate right here in our community.
What does hazing look like in Sullivan County?
- Physical abuse: Paddling, beatings, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (sometimes until vomiting)
- Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
- Dangerous rituals: Waterboarding, extreme weather exposure, simulated drowning
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
The consequences?
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (which can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression from psychological trauma
- Death (hazing has killed at least one student every year since 2000)
This isn’t just happening elsewhere. It’s happening in Sullivan County. And it has to stop.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hazing Victim in Sullivan County, NY
1. New York’s Anti-Hazing Laws Are Stronger Than You Think
New York has strict anti-hazing laws that make hazing a crime—even if the victim “consented” to participate.
New York Penal Law § 120.16 & § 120.17 – Hazing in the First and Second Degree
- Hazing in the Second Degree (Misdemeanor): Intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to a person for the purpose of initiation into an organization.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail + fines
- Hazing in the First Degree (Felony): If the hazing causes serious physical injury or death.
- Penalty: Up to 7 years in prison
⚠️ Important: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a victim “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
2. You Can Sue for Civil Damages—Even If No Criminal Charges Are Filed
Criminal charges are one way to hold hazers accountable, but civil lawsuits allow victims to seek financial compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future medical care | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work, lost internships, career setbacks | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for extreme negligence or intentional harm | $100,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing leads to death, families can sue for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more | $1,000,000+ |
Precedent in New York & Nationwide:
- $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)
These same results are possible for Sullivan County victims.
3. Who Can Be Held Liable?
Hazing cases aren’t just about the individuals who participated. Institutions that allowed it to happen can also be sued.
| Potential Defendants | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “hazing crises” |
| University/College | Failed to supervise Greek life, ignored prior hazing incidents, owned property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing, failed to stop it, or covered it up |
| Alumni/Advisors | Allowed hazing at their homes or failed to report it |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
⚠️ Sullivan County Parents: If your child was hazed at a SUNY Sullivan-affiliated organization or a Greek chapter at a nearby university (like SUNY New Paltz, Marist, or West Point), the university may be liable—even if the hazing happened off-campus.
🏥 What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Sullivan County, NY
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor.
- Document everything: Bruises, cuts, burns, or signs of alcohol poisoning.
- Get a full medical evaluation—some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Keep all medical records—these will be crucial for your case.
⚠️ Warning: If you delay medical treatment, insurance companies and universities will argue that your injuries weren’t serious.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT delete anything. Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence.
| Type of Evidence | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Texts/Messages | GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, texts |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity/sorority house |
| Social Media | Posts about hazing, screenshots of threats or bragging |
| Witnesses | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to you |
| Medical Records | Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records |
| Financial Records | Lost wages, tuition bills, scholarship impact |
⚠️ Critical: If you’re still in the organization, do not confront them—they may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses.
Step 3: Do NOT Speak to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They will pressure you to sign documents.
- They will twist your words to minimize your claim.
- Their goal is to protect themselves—not you.
✅ Instead, contact an attorney immediately. At Attorney 911, we handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies—so you don’t have to.
Step 4: Report the Hazing (But Do It Strategically)
You have multiple ways to report hazing in Sullivan County:
| Reporting Option | Who to Contact | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Police Report | Local police (Monticello, Liberty, or other Sullivan County precincts) | Creates official record; may lead to criminal charges |
| Title IX Report | Your school’s Title IX office | Schools must investigate under federal law |
| Campus Safety | Campus security or Greek life office | May trigger internal investigation |
| Anti-Hazing Hotline | New York State Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE | Anonymous reporting option |
⚠️ Important: Do not report alone. Universities and fraternities will try to minimize your claim. Have an attorney guide you through the process.
Step 5: Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years—but evidence disappears fast. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
✅ At Attorney 911, we offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation, no pressure
✔ $0 upfront fees – We only get paid if you win
✔ Nationwide representation – We can take your case no matter where in New York (or the U.S.) the hazing occurred
✔ Aggressive litigation – We’ve won millions for hazing victims
✔ Protection from retaliation – We ensure your rights are safeguarded
📞 Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
🔍 How We Build a Strong Hazing Case for Sullivan County Victims
1. We Prove the Hazing Happened
- Gather witness statements (other pledges, bystanders)
- Obtain text messages, social media, and photos (even deleted ones)
- Secure video footage (security cameras, fraternity house recordings)
- Document medical records (hospital visits, therapy notes)
2. We Prove the Institution Knew (or Should Have Known)
- Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
- National organization’s knowledge of hazing culture
- University’s failure to supervise Greek life
- Lease agreements (if the university owns the fraternity house)
3. We Calculate Full Damages
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages & career impact (if hazing affected your education or job)
- Pain & suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
4. We Negotiate or Go to Trial
- We demand policy limits from the fraternity’s insurance
- We sue the national organization for failing to prevent hazing
- We hold the university accountable for negligent oversight
- If they won’t settle, we take it to trial—and we win
💰 What’s Your Case Worth? Sullivan County Hazing Compensation Examples
| Injury Type | Potential Compensation Range | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Minor injuries (bruises, cuts) | $50,000 – $200,000 | Medical bills + pain & suffering |
| Broken bones, burns, or concussions | $200,000 – $1,000,000 | Longer recovery, higher medical costs |
| Rhabdomyolysis (kidney failure) | $500,000 – $3,000,000 | Hospitalization, future medical risks |
| PTSD, severe anxiety, depression | $300,000 – $2,000,000 | Long-term therapy, emotional trauma |
| Sexual assault during hazing | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ | Extreme psychological harm |
| Wrongful death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ | Loss of life, funeral costs, loss of companionship |
⚠️ Note: These are estimates—your actual case value depends on:
- The severity of your injuries
- The egregiousness of the hazing
- The defendants’ ability to pay (fraternities have deep pockets)
- The strength of your evidence
📅 Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long
| Type of Claim | New York Deadline | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years from date of injury | If you don’t sue within 3 years, you lose your right to compensation |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | Families must act quickly |
| Criminal Charges | Varies (no strict deadline) | Police can still investigate even if civil deadline passes |
⚠️ Critical: Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget, fraternities destroy records, and universities cover up. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sullivan County Hazing Victims
1. “I agreed to participate. Does that mean I can’t sue?”
No. New York law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if you “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the fraternity and university accountable.
2. “I’m scared of retaliation. What should I do?”
We understand—many hazing victims fear backlash. Here’s how we protect you:
- Confidentiality: We keep your identity private during investigations.
- Legal protection: Retaliation is illegal; we can sue if you’re harassed.
- Remote consultations: You don’t have to meet in person if you’re uncomfortable.
3. “The fraternity said it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that an excuse?”
No. “Tradition” does not justify assault, battery, or torture. Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing is illegal, regardless of “tradition.”
4. “I was hazed at a SUNY Sullivan-affiliated group. Can I sue the school?”
Possibly. If SUNY Sullivan or another university:
- Owned the property where hazing occurred
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Failed to supervise Greek life
- Had prior hazing incidents and didn’t act
…then yes, the university can be held liable.
5. “I don’t live in Sullivan County anymore. Can you still help me?”
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including those who were hazed in Sullivan County but now live elsewhere. We can handle your case remotely and travel to Sullivan County for depositions or trials if needed.
6. “How much does it cost to hire an attorney?”
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning:
- You pay $0 to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict (typically 33-40%).
7. “What if the fraternity says they’ll ‘handle it internally’?”
This is a red flag. When fraternities say they’ll “handle it internally,” they usually mean:
- Covering it up
- Pressuring victims to stay silent
- Destroying evidence
- Protecting themselves, not you
Do not accept their “internal investigation.” Contact an attorney first.
8. “Can I sue even if no criminal charges were filed?”
Yes. Civil lawsuits and criminal charges are separate. Even if the police don’t press charges, you can still sue for financial compensation.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Sullivan County Schools & Organizations
Hazing often starts subtle but escalates quickly. Parents and students in Sullivan County should watch for:
✅ Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
✅ Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
✅ Missing class or poor grades (due to exhaustion or trauma)
✅ Secretive behavior (suddenly “busy” all the time, avoiding questions)
✅ Spending excessive time at the fraternity/sorority house
✅ Unexplained purchases (buying alcohol, paddles, or other hazing items)
✅ Social media posts (vague references to “pledging,” “brotherhood tests,” or “traditions”)
✅ Physical exhaustion (falling asleep in class, dark circles under eyes)
✅ Changes in friend groups (spending all time with new “brothers” or “sisters”)
If you notice these signs, ask questions—and consider contacting an attorney.
📢 To Fraternities & Sororities in Sullivan County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Sullivan County, SUNY Sullivan, and nearby universities:
We know who you are.
We know your national organizations.
We know your house corporations.
We know your insurance policies.
The same legal strategies that won $10 million in our current case apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements are overseeing your activities.
If you haze students in Sullivan County, we will find you.
We will sue you.
We will shut you down.
Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 Why Sullivan 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. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight every day.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Licensed in Texas AND New York (strategic advantage for national fraternities)
- We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Sullivan County
4. $0 Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
- No hourly fees
- No retainer
- We only get paid if you get paid
5. Aggressive, Proven Results
- $10 million hazing lawsuit (current case)
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Criminal defense experience (we know how prosecutors think)
6. Bilingual Support – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Sullivan County come from Hispanic families. We offer full Spanish-language support—no language barriers to justice.
7. We Travel to Sullivan County
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we come to you. For depositions, trials, or client meetings, we will travel to Sullivan County to fight for your case.
📞 Next Steps: How Sullivan County Victims Can Get Help
1. Call Us Immediately – 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start building your case.
2. Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation
- In-person (we can meet you in Sullivan County)
- Video call (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.)
- Phone call
We will:
- Listen to your story
- Explain your legal rights
- Outline your options
- Answer all your questions
No pressure. No obligation.
3. Let Us Handle the Rest
Once you hire us, we take over every aspect of your case:
✔ Investigate the hazing (gather evidence, interview witnesses)
✔ Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
✔ File the lawsuit and fight for maximum compensation
✔ Negotiate with defendants or take them to trial
You focus on healing. We focus on justice.
🗣️ Hear From Our Clients
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz
“I just want to say thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process.” – Chelsea Martinez
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way.” – Kiwi Potato
🚨 Sullivan County Families: Time Is Running Out
Hazing victims in Sullivan County have legal rights—but those rights have deadlines.
- Evidence disappears (texts get deleted, witnesses forget)
- Statutes of limitations expire (3 years for personal injury in New York)
- Fraternities and universities cover up (they destroy records, pressure victims)
The longer you wait, the harder it is to win.
Call us now. We’re ready to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
🔥 Final Message: Enough Is Enough
Hazing in Sullivan County has gone on for too long.
- Students are being tortured.
- Universities are looking the other way.
- National fraternities are collecting dues while students suffer.
- Families are losing their children.
It stops now.
If you or someone you love has been hazed in Sullivan County, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You have rights. You have options. And you have Attorney 911 fighting for you.
Call us today. Let’s make them pay.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 24/7 for Sullivan County Hazing Victims
