🛡️🚨 Hazing Victims Legal Guide for Kent County, Rhode Island Families
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines. Neither Does Justice.
Kent County, RI families: If your child has been hazed at a university, fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization—you are not alone. The same national fraternities that hazed and hospitalized a student at the University of Houston in 2025 operate chapters at colleges near Kent County. The same culture of abuse, the same institutional failures, and the same life-altering injuries are happening right here in Rhode Island.
At Attorney 911, we are actively 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. And we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven representation to Kent County families—no matter where the hazing occurred.
This guide is for you. It explains:
- What hazing really is (and why it’s not “tradition”)
- What to do if your child is hazed in Kent County or beyond
- Who is legally responsible—and who we will sue
- How much compensation Kent County families can recover
- How we serve Kent County victims from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices
If your child has been hazed—call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency—$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Kent County: What You Need to Know
Hazing is Happening at Colleges Near Kent County
Kent County is home to Roger Williams University in Bristol, and nearby institutions like:
- University of Rhode Island (Kingston)
- Rhode Island College (Providence)
- Providence College
- Brown University
- Johnson & Wales University (Providence)
These schools have active Greek life programs. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—have chapters at universities near Kent County.
Hazing doesn’t care about geography. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening right now at colleges near Kent County.
What Is Hazing? (The Legal Definition for Kent County Families)
Under Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-51-1), hazing is defined as:
Any act or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization.
This includes:
- Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Being struck with objects (paddles, belts)
- Forced consumption of non-food items
- Sexual humiliation or assault
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of injury
Rhode Island law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter when the activity is dangerous.
The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to Your Child’s Body
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes real, life-threatening injuries, including:
| Injury | Symptoms | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move | Kidney failure, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Headaches, memory loss, seizures | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, confusion, loss of consciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Heat Stroke | Dizziness, nausea, fainting | Organ damage, death |
| Broken Bones | Swelling, bruising, inability to move | Permanent disability |
| Internal Bleeding | Abdominal pain, dizziness | Emergency surgery, death |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Nightmares, flashbacks, social withdrawal | Therapy, medication, lifelong impact |
Our client in Houston was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats. This is happening to students near Kent County too.
🔍 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kent County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Go to the ER if: Your child has dark urine, can’t move, is vomiting, or seems confused.
- Even if they seem “fine”: Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away.
- Save all medical records. These are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Do not delete anything.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Texts/Messages | GroupMe, Snapchat, WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house, anything suspicious |
| Social Media | Posts about hazing, screenshots of deleted content |
| Witnesses | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Medical Records | Hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Financial Records | Lost wages, tuition payments, medical expenses |
Do NOT:
❌ Talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
❌ Post on social media about the incident
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Confront the fraternity members directly
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- To the University: File a formal complaint with the school’s Title IX office or student conduct office.
- To Law Enforcement: Consider filing a police report. Hazing is a crime in Rhode Island (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-51-2).
- To the National Organization: Report to the fraternity/sorority’s national headquarters.
Why This Matters:
- Creates an official record
- Triggers university investigations
- May lead to criminal charges against perpetrators
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations). In Rhode Island, you typically have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but evidence disappears fast.
We will:
✅ Preserve all evidence before it’s deleted
✅ Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
✅ Build a strong case with medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony
✅ Pursue maximum compensation for your child’s injuries
Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
⚖️ Who Is Legally Responsible? (Who We Will Sue for Kent County Families)
Hazing is never just “one bad apple.” Multiple parties share liability, including:
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
- Members who participated in hazing can be sued individually
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets—national organizations have millions in assets and insurance
3. The University
- Failed to protect students from hazing
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks (especially if prior incidents occurred)
- Premises liability—if the university owns or controls the property where hazing occurred
- Negligent supervision—failed to monitor Greek life
4. Individual Members
- Each person who participated in hazing can be sued personally
- Criminal liability—hazing is a crime in Rhode Island
- Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage
5. Housing Corporations (If Applicable)
- Own or control the fraternity/sorority house
- Failed to prevent hazing on their property
💰 How Much Compensation Can Kent County Families Recover?
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Kent County families can recover:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Example Amounts |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost internships | $10,000–$100,000 |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | $100,000–$1,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation | $200,000–$2,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the defendants for egregious conduct | $1,000,000–$10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | $1,000,000–$10,000,000+ |
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (Proof That Kent County Families Can Win Big)
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million (settlement) |
| Max Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million (jury verdict) |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million (settlement) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Our Case (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million (pending) |
The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Kent County families.
🏛️ How We Serve Kent County Families
We are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Kent County, RI.
How We Represent Kent County Families:
✅ Federal Court Authority – We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses – We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility.
✅ Video Consultations – Kent County families can meet with us remotely.
✅ Travel Commitment – We will come to Kent County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
✅ 24/7 Availability – Hazing emergencies don’t wait. Call us anytime: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Kent County Families Choose Us
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think—and how to beat them |
| Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience | We’ve handled cases worth billions (BP Texas City explosion) |
| Hazing-Specific Expertise | Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case |
| Aggressive Representation | We don’t back down from universities or national fraternities |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront—we only get paid if you win |
🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Win for Kent County Families
1. We Don’t Guess Who to Sue—We Know
We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in America, including:
- IRS records (EINs, legal names, addresses)
- Chapter rosters (active members, officers)
- Housing corporations (property ownership)
- Insurance policies (coverage limits)
When hazing happens, we already know who to sue.
2. We Track the Patterns
Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, and Pike have documented histories of hazing deaths and injuries. We track these patterns to prove foreseeability—that the national organization and university knew this could happen.
Example: Pi Kappa Phi has now had two serious hazing incidents in 8 years (Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 and our client’s hospitalization in 2025). This establishes a pattern of negligence, supporting punitive damages.
3. We Pursue Every Defendant
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- The UH Board of Regents
- Individual members (president, pledgemaster, others)
We don’t stop until every liable party is held accountable.
4. We Know How to Find the Money
Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets, including:
- Liability insurance policies (often $1M+ per claim)
- Endowments (universities have billions)
- Real estate assets (fraternity houses, national headquarters)
- Personal assets (individual members may have homeowner’s insurance)
We know how to access these funds to compensate Kent County families.
5. We Travel to Kent County
Distance is not a barrier. We will:
- Come to Kent County for depositions
- Come to Kent County for trials
- Come to Kent County for client meetings
- Handle all communications remotely when needed
📢 What Kent County Families Are Saying About Us
“After my son was hazed, I felt powerless. The fraternity and university tried to silence us. But Attorney 911 fought for us like family. They knew exactly who to sue and how to win. We got justice—and now we’re making sure this never happens to another family.”
— Parent of a hazing victim (Texas)
“I was afraid to speak up. I thought I’d be blacklisted. But Ralph and Lupe protected me every step of the way. They made sure the fraternity couldn’t retaliate. Because of them, I got the compensation I needed to recover—and I’m not afraid anymore.”
— Hazing victim (University of Houston)
“We didn’t know where to turn. The university said it was ‘just a prank.’ But Attorney 911 knew it was abuse. They built a case that forced the fraternity to shut down. Now, other students are safe because of what we did.”
— Parent of a hazing victim (Louisiana)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Kent County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. What should I do?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims feel loyalty to their organization or fear retaliation. But hazing is abuse, and it will continue unless someone stands up. We can:
- Protect your child’s identity (if desired)
- Handle all communications so they don’t have to confront the fraternity
- Pursue the case in a way that minimizes their involvement
The best way to protect future students is to hold the abusers accountable now.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still sue?
A: YES. Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-51-1) explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter when the activity is dangerous.
Q: We’re in Kent County, RI, and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Kent County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to Kent County for key meetings
- Federal court authority to pursue your case
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee (typically 33–40%) comes out of the settlement or verdict
- If we lose, you owe us nothing
This ensures that every Kent County family can afford top-tier legal representation.
Q: What’s the deadline to file a lawsuit?
A: In Rhode Island, you typically have 3 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However:
- Evidence disappears fast—witnesses forget, messages get deleted
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case
- Some deadlines may be shorter (e.g., if suing a government entity like a public university)
Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
Q: Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
A: No. Rhode Island has immunity laws (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-51-3) that protect students who report hazing in good faith. Additionally:
- We can protect your child’s identity
- We handle all communications with the university and fraternity
- We ensure they are not retaliated against
The only people who should be worried are the ones who committed the hazing.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus under Rhode Island law. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, we can sue:
- The homeowner (premises liability)
- The fraternity members who organized it
- The national organization for failing to supervise
Q: Can we sue if no one was hospitalized?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and emotional distress
- Lost academic time
- Financial losses (therapy, lost wages)
We pursue compensation for all these damages.
🔥 The Message to Fraternities Near Kent County
To the fraternities operating near Kent County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organization’s hazing death record.
If your chapter harms students in Kent County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—if your chapter operates near Kent County, know this:
- We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi.
- We have shut down chapters before, and we will do it again.
- We have won millions for hazing victims, and we will win for Kent County families.
- We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance structures.
Your chapter could be next.
🏆 How Kent County Families Can Take Action Today
If your child has been hazed in Kent County or anywhere in Rhode Island:
- Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, videos, medical records)
- Do not talk to the fraternity or university without legal counsel
- Report the hazing to the university and law enforcement
- Schedule a free consultation—we’ll evaluate your case and explain your options
If you’re a parent in Kent County worried about hazing risks:
- Talk to your child about the dangers of hazing
- Monitor their social media for signs of hazing (sudden secrecy, bruises, exhaustion)
- Educate them on their rights—hazing is never “just tradition”
- Save our number: 1-888-ATTY-911—if something happens, call us immediately
If you’re a student in Kent County who witnessed hazing:
- You have a moral and legal obligation to report it.
- Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-51-2) requires you to report hazing.
- You can remain anonymous—we will protect your identity.
- Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911—we can help you do the right thing safely.
📞 Kent County Families: Your Legal Emergency Hotline
Hazing is a legal emergency. We respond immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Kent County, RI, and all of Rhode Island.
We come to you. We fight for you. We win for you.
