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February 25, 2026 12 min read
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Hazing Lawyer in Butler County, PA | Attorney 911

Justice for Hazing Victims in Butler County and Beyond

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Butler County, PA, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is here to fight for you. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we bring the same aggressive representation to Butler County families.

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

The Hazing Crisis in Butler County, PA

Hazing is not just a problem at big universities—it happens right here in Butler County, PA, at local colleges, fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations. Despite laws against hazing, dangerous and sometimes deadly traditions persist, leaving students with physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even wrongful death.

Hazing Happens at Butler County Institutions

Butler County is home to Slippery Rock University, Grove City College, and Butler County Community College, as well as nearby universities like Robert Morris University, Penn State Beaver, and the University of Pittsburgh. Many of these schools have active Greek life organizations, sports teams, and student clubs where hazing occurs.

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in high-profile hazing cases—like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma—operate chapters near Butler County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries, yet the abuse continues.

What Hazing Looks Like in Butler County

Hazing in Butler County can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
  • Forced consumption (binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances)
  • Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, disrupted sleep)
  • Psychological torture (humiliation, degradation, threats)
  • Waterboarding and simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)
  • Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, harassment)
  • Servitude (forced cleaning, driving members, running errands)

These aren’t “traditions”—they’re crimes. And when institutions fail to stop them, they become legally responsible.

Why Butler County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles, leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This case is setting a precedent for hazing litigation nationwide—and we will bring the same fight to Butler County.

2. Nationwide Experience, Local Service

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Butler County. We offer:
Free consultations (in-person, phone, or video)
Contingency fee representation ($0 upfront—we only get paid if you win)
Willingness to travel to Butler County for depositions, meetings, and trials

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—previously worked for insurance companies. We know their playbook, and we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases

  • $10+ million hazing lawsuit (currently litigating)
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases
  • Experience with BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort cases)
  • Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

5. We Understand the Butler County Community

Butler County families value hard work, education, and community. When a student is hazed, it’s not just an individual tragedy—it’s a betrayal of trust that affects the entire community. We understand the cultural dynamics of Butler County and will fight to protect your child’s future.

Butler County Hazing Laws: Know Your Rights

Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2810)

Pennsylvania law defines hazing as:

“Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization.”

Key Provisions:

  • Hazing is a criminal offense (misdemeanor or felony, depending on severity)
  • Consent is not a defense (even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal)
  • Organizations can be held liable (fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs)
  • Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing

Civil Liability for Hazing in Butler County

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Butler County can sue for:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
  • Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Butler County families have the same legal rights as victims in high-profile cases. If your child was hazed, we can help you pursue justice.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Butler County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, hazing can cause serious, life-threatening conditions like:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
  • Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
  • Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.

2. Preserve Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
  • Get witness contact information
  • Do not delete anything (even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant)

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

  • Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
  • They may pressure your child to sign documents or make statements.
  • Anything your child says can be used against them in court.

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations). The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

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

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Butler County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, including:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture
University/College Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing
Alumni/Advisors Allowed hazing at their homes or events
Coaches/Leaders Failed to stop hazing in sports teams or clubs

We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for Butler County families.

Butler County Hazing Cases We Handle

We represent hazing victims in Butler County and nationwide, including cases involving:

  • Fraternity and sorority hazing (pledging, initiation, “brotherhood/sisterhood” rituals)
  • Sports team hazing (football, wrestling, cheerleading, etc.)
  • Marching band hazing
  • ROTC and military training hazing
  • Honor society and club hazing
  • Workplace hazing (apprenticeships, internships, military)

If your child was hazed in Butler County, we can help.

Butler County Hazing Resources

Local Support for Hazing Victims

  • Butler County Crisis Hotline: (800) 292-3866
  • Slippery Rock University Counseling Center: (724) 738-2034
  • Grove City College Counseling Services: (724) 458-2100
  • Butler County Community College Student Services: (724) 287-8711

National Anti-Hazing Organizations

Butler County Hazing FAQs

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed in Butler County?

Yes. Hazing is illegal in Pennsylvania, and victims can sue for compensation. Even if your child “consented” to hazing, consent is not a defense under Pennsylvania law.

2. How much is a hazing case worth in Butler County?

Hazing cases can result in millions of dollars in compensation, depending on:

  • The severity of injuries
  • Whether the victim was hospitalized
  • The egregiousness of the conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking)
  • Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million.

3. What is the statute of limitations for hazing in Pennsylvania?

  • Personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury
  • Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

4. Can I sue the university if my child was hazed in Butler County?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.

5. What if my child was hazed at a private event off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and organizations can be held liable for off-campus events.

6. Will my child’s name be kept confidential?

We understand the fear of retaliation and will work to protect your child’s privacy. In some cases, we can file the lawsuit under a pseudonym (e.g., “John Doe”).

7. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Butler County?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees or retainers.

Butler County Hazing Verdicts & Settlements

Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide. Here are some recent examples:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ million (estimated)
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement

Butler County families deserve the same justice.

Contact a Hazing Lawyer in Butler County Today

If your child was hazed in Butler County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.

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

We will:
Evaluate your case at no cost
Explain your legal rights
Fight for maximum compensation
Hold all responsible parties accountable

Butler County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Serving Butler County, PA, and nationwide.

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