🚨 Hazing Victims in York County, PA: Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Justice
When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 fights back — for York County families and students nationwide.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in York County: What Local Families Need to Know
York County is home to vibrant college communities, strong family values, and institutions that promise to protect our children. But behind the Greek letters and campus pride, a dangerous culture of hazing persists — one that has sent students to hospitals, destroyed futures, and shattered families across Pennsylvania and America.
Hazing isn’t happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening near York County.
The same national fraternities and sororities operating at York College of Pennsylvania, Penn State York, and other regional institutions have chapters with documented histories of abuse. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in York County fraternities and organizations.
This isn’t about “boys being boys” or “building character.” This is about:
- Assault — physical violence disguised as initiation
- Battery — unwanted contact causing injury
- Torture — waterboarding, forced consumption, sleep deprivation
- Reckless endangerment — activities that risk life and health
- Institutional failure — universities and nationals that look the other way
💔 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in York County
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis.
The same fraternity has chapters near York County.
The same national organization has paid millions in hazing settlements before.
The same “traditions” exist at York County institutions.
The Defendants in Our Case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National Organization — Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”
- University of Houston — Owned the fraternity house where torture occurred; had prior hazing incident in 2017
- Chapter Officers — Directed and participated in the abuse
- Individual Members — Participated in hazing activities
These same defendants exist in York County:
- National fraternities with chapters at local colleges
- Universities with oversight responsibility
- Chapter leaders who organize hazing
- Members who participate
⚖️ York County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Pennsylvania Anti-Hazing Law (18 Pa.C.S. § 2810)
Definition of Hazing:
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.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual humiliation
- Extreme physical exertion
Pennsylvania Law is Clear:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if a student “agrees” to participate, it’s still illegal
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, teams, clubs
- Individuals face criminal charges — Hazing is a misdemeanor of the third degree, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines
- If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony of the third degree — up to 7 years in prison
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, York County victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Who Can Be Sued in York County:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university or college
- Individual members and officers
- Housing corporations
- Alumni who facilitate hazing
🏥 The Medical Reality: What Hazing Does to York County Students
Hazing isn’t harmless. It causes real, lasting damage to York County students.
Common Hazing Injuries We’ve Seen:
| Injury | Cause | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, etc.) | Muscle breakdown → kidney failure → hospitalization → potential permanent damage |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis, dehydration | Life-threatening; may require dialysis or transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Vomiting → choking → death; brain damage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, paddling | Permanent cognitive impairment; personality changes |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse | Surgery, casts, long-term recovery |
| Internal Bleeding | Blows to abdomen | Emergency surgery; organ damage |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ failure; death |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological abuse | Therapy, medication, lifelong impact |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | Trauma, STIs, pregnancy |
| Death | Extreme physical exertion, alcohol poisoning, beatings | Wrongful death claims; criminal charges |
Our Houston client spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis. The same medical emergency could happen to a York County student this weekend.
📚 Hazing at York County Institutions: What Parents Need to Know
Colleges and Universities Near York County with Greek Life:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| York College of Pennsylvania | York, PA | Active fraternities and sororities | Local chapters of national organizations with hazing histories |
| Penn State York | York, PA | Active Greek community | Part of Penn State system with documented hazing incidents |
| Millersville University | Millersville, PA (~30 min) | Active Greek life | National organizations with prior hazing violations |
| Gettysburg College | Gettysburg, PA (~45 min) | Active Greek life | Private college with Greek culture |
| Shippensburg University | Shippensburg, PA (~50 min) | Active Greek life | State university with Greek system |
| Towson University | Towson, MD (~1 hour) | Large Greek community | Major university with high-risk Greek culture |
| University of Maryland | College Park, MD (~1.5 hours) | Large Greek community | High-profile hazing incidents in past |
National Fraternities with York County Chapters (and Hazing Histories):
| Fraternity | York County Chapters | Documented Hazing Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Yes (York College) | Our $10M lawsuit; Andrew Coffey death (2017) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Yes | Multiple hazing deaths; settlements in millions |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Yes | Stone Foltz death (2021); $10M+ settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Yes | Maxwell Gruver death (2017); $6.1M verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Yes | Timothy Piazza death (2017); $110M+ settlement |
| Sigma Chi | Yes | Multiple hazing lawsuits; UT Austin death (2025) |
| Kappa Sigma | Yes | Multiple hazing incidents; criminal charges |
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements. They operate in York County. They recruit York County students. They put York County families at risk.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in York County
York County parents: Know what to look for.
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Weight loss or gain
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Wearing unusual clothing or carrying strange objects
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear of discussing Greek life or organization
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in academic performance
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Talking about “traditions” or “initiation”
Environmental Signs:
- Late-night meetings or activities
- Secretive gatherings
- Members acting as “guards” or monitors
- Pledges performing menial tasks for members
- References to “Big/Little” events or “Hell Week”
- Social media posts about “earning” membership
If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. ACT IMMEDIATELY.
🛡️ What to Do If Your York County Child Is Hazed
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms
Step 2: Document Everything
- Take photos of any injuries
- Save all communications — texts, social media, emails
- Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, participants
- Get witness information — other pledges, bystanders
- Preserve evidence — clothing, objects used in hazing
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Pennsylvania
- Report to the university — Title IX office, student affairs
- Report to the national organization — if Greek life is involved
- Report to the housing corporation — if hazing occurred at a fraternity/sorority house
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
- DO NOT talk to the organization, university, or their lawyers without legal representation
- DO NOT sign anything from the organization or university
- DO NOT accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney
Call Attorney 911 immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer FREE, CONFIDENTIAL consultations for York County hazing victims.
💰 Compensation for York County Hazing Victims
York County families deserve full and fair compensation for the harm caused by hazing. Our attorneys have recovered millions for hazing victims — and we will fight for York County families with the same determination.
What York County Victims Can Recover:
| Category | Examples | York County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications | York County hospitals, specialists, long-term care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost internship opportunities | York County employment, future career impact |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma | Jury awards in Pennsylvania can be substantial |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | Therapy costs, medication, quality of life impact |
| Educational Damages | Tuition, scholarships lost due to academic disruption | York College, Penn State York, local institutions |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Our Current Case (UH) | Pi Kappa Phi | Lawsuit Filed | $10 million |
These results are possible for York County victims too.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from York County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Your child’s fear is understandable — hazing culture often includes threats of retaliation. However, hazing is a crime in Pennsylvania, and reporting it can prevent future harm to other students. We can help protect your child’s identity and guide you through the process safely.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?
A: NO. Pennsylvania law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: We’re in York County. Can you still help us?
A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including York County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to York County for depositions and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. York County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to monitor Greek life, inspect fraternity houses, or respond to prior incidents, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. DO NOT WAIT — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school organization in York County?
A: Hazing happens in high schools too — sports teams, bands, clubs. Pennsylvania law applies to all educational institutions, including high schools. We can help York County high school victims too.
Q: The organization says they’ve “suspended” the chapter. Is that enough?
A: NO. Suspensions are temporary and often reversed. We’ve seen organizations close chapters only to reopen them months later. True accountability requires permanent closure, criminal charges, and financial consequences.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: YES. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters. In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for exactly this reason.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: Psychological trauma is just as real and compensable as physical injuries. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all valid claims. We work with mental health experts to document and prove these damages.
🎯 Why York County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. York County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to court today.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies. We know their playbook — and we use it against them to maximize your recovery.
3. Nationwide Reach for York County Families
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — We come to York County for your case
4. Proven Results in Hazing Litigation
- Currently litigating $10M hazing case (Pi Kappa Phi)
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases (same medical condition as our client)
- Multi-million dollar personal injury experience (BP Texas City explosion, wrongful death, catastrophic injury)
- Criminal defense background — We understand parallel criminal investigations
5. We Speak Your Language
- Se habla español — Bilingual staff for York County Spanish-speaking families
- We understand York County values — Family, community, accountability
- We treat you like family — Not just another case
6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for York County Families
You pay nothing unless we win. We take the risk so you can focus on recovery.
7. We Protect York County Victims from Retaliation
Hazing victims often fear retribution. We:
- Handle all communications with the organization/university
- Protect your identity when possible
- Take legal action if retaliation occurs
🏆 Our York County Hazing Litigation Experience
Current Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston)
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez — hospitalized with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced consumption until vomiting
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH, chapter officers, individual members
- Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
Prior Hazing Experience:
- Kappa Sigma hazing litigation — Represented victims of fraternity abuse
- Texas A&M University cases — Experience with large university defendants
- Rhabdomyolysis injury cases — Specific medical expertise
High-Profile Personal Injury Experience:
- BP Texas City Explosion — Mass tort litigation against major corporation
- Wrongful Death Claims — Represented families who lost loved ones
- Catastrophic Injury Cases — Multi-million dollar recoveries
- Federal Court Experience — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
📢 A Message to York County Fraternities, Sororities, and Organizations
To the organizations operating near York County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near York County, know this:
- We track your national organization’s hazing history.
- We know your insurance policies.
- We know your corporate structures.
- We know your pattern of negligence.
If you haze York County students, we will pursue every liable entity — the chapter, the nationals, the university, the individuals, the housing corporation, the alumni.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Pennsylvania too.
🏛️ A Message to York County Universities and Colleges
To the administrators at York College of Pennsylvania, Penn State York, and other York County institutions:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you face liability.
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where waterboarding occurred.
- Penn State faced $110+ million in settlements after Timothy Piazza’s death.
- Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million after Stone Foltz’s death.
The same accountability applies to York County institutions.
If you know hazing is happening on your campus and do nothing, you are complicit. If you own the property where hazing occurs, you are liable. If you have prior incidents and fail to implement real oversight, you will pay.
The choice is yours:
- Act now — implement real oversight, inspect fraternity houses, monitor Greek life
- Or face the consequences — lawsuits, criminal charges, public scrutiny
📞 York County Families: Your Next Step
If your child has been hazed in York County or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you are not alone. We are here to help.
Call us now for a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
- Immediate case evaluation
- Guidance on evidence preservation
- Protection from retaliation
- Aggressive legal representation
- $0 upfront cost — we only get paid if we win
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
York County hazing victims: Enough is enough. Let’s hold them accountable.
📜 York County Hazing Resources
Report Hazing:
- Pennsylvania State Police: 1-800-472-0911
- York College of Pennsylvania: (717) 846-7788 (Student Affairs)
- Penn State York: (717) 771-4000 (Student Affairs)
- Pennsylvania Department of Education: (717) 783-6788
Support for Victims:
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Legal Resources:
- Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 1-800-692-7375
📅 York County Hazing Awareness Calendar
| Month | Event | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| September | National Hazing Prevention Week | Education and awareness for York County students and parents |
| October | Greek Recruitment Season | Heightened vigilance for York County families |
| November | “Hazing Awareness Month” (proposed) | Legislative advocacy and community education |
| January | Spring Semester Start | Reminder for York County parents about hazing risks |
| April | Alcohol Awareness Month | Focus on forced consumption hazing |
| Year-Round | Back to School | Ongoing education for York County families |
🏆 Our Promise to York County Families
We promise to fight for every York County hazing victim with:
- Aggression — We don’t back down from powerful institutions
- Compassion — We understand the trauma you’ve experienced
- Expertise — We know hazing law inside and out
- Determination — We won’t stop until justice is served
York County families: You sent your children to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, we are here to make it right.
