Vermont Hazing Lawyer – Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable

Hazing Happens at Vermont Colleges Too – And It’s Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

Vermont families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities like the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, Norwich University, and others will protect their students from harm. They assume that Greek organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others will follow the law and treat new members with respect.

That trust is being betrayed.

Right now, in Houston, our law firm is fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. He was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and made to eat until he vomited—all in the name of “brotherhood.”

The same fraternities operate in Vermont. The same universities fail to stop them. And Vermont students are at risk.

If your child has been hazed—whether at UVM, Middlebury, Norwich, or any other Vermont school—you have legal rights. We are here to fight for Vermont families.

Why Vermont Families Need a Hazing Lawyer

1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” – It’s Illegal in Vermont

Vermont law (13 V.S.A. § 5701) defines hazing as:

“Any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with an educational institution.”

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, forced exercise, paddling)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats)
• Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)

In Vermont, hazing is a crime. It can result in fines, jail time, and civil lawsuits—not just for the individuals involved, but for the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow it.

2. Vermont Universities Are Failing to Protect Students

Universities in Vermont have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. But too often, they turn a blind eye—until it’s too late.

Examples of institutional failure:

• University of Vermont (UVM) has faced hazing allegations in the past, yet Greek life continues with minimal oversight.
• Middlebury College has had incidents of excessive drinking and physical hazing in its Greek organizations.
• Norwich University, a military college, has seen hazing in its ROTC and sports programs.

When universities fail to act, they become legally responsible. If your child was hazed at a Vermont school, the institution may be liable for:

• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor Greek life)
• Premises liability (if hazing occurred in university-owned housing)
• Failure to report (Vermont law requires universities to report hazing incidents)

3. National Fraternities Have a Pattern of Abuse

The fraternities operating in Vermont—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.

Just look at the facts:

These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re a pattern. And the same fraternities have chapters in Vermont.

What Counts as Hazing in Vermont?

Vermont law is clear: Hazing is any activity that endangers a student’s physical or mental health, regardless of whether the student “consented.”

Common Hazing Practices in Vermont Greek Life & Sports Teams

If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.

What Vermont Hazing Victims Can Sue For

If your child was hazed in Vermont, you may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery (if needed)
• Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Future medical costs (if injuries are permanent)

2. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional trauma from abuse
• Humiliation and shame
• Long-term psychological effects

3. Lost Wages & Future Earnings

• Time missed from work or internships
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect career

4. Academic Disruption

• Tuition reimbursement if hazing forced withdrawal
• Lost scholarships or financial aid

5. Punitive Damages

• If the hazing was intentional or reckless, Vermont law allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future abuse.

Who Can Be Sued in a Vermont Hazing Case?

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants—not just the individuals who directly harmed your child, but the institutions that enabled them.

Our firm sues everyone responsible—not just the students, but the institutions with deep pockets.

Vermont Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know

Vermont Criminal Law (13 V.S.A. § 5701-5706)

• Hazing is a misdemeanor in Vermont, punishable by fines and up to 1 year in jail.
• If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.
• Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

Vermont Civil Law (Negligence & Personal Injury)

• Victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
• Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing.
• Fraternities and sororities can be sued for failing to prevent abuse.

Vermont Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury claims: 3 years from the date of injury.
• Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death.
• Criminal charges: Must be filed within 3-6 years, depending on severity.

Don’t wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Vermont

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all texts, emails, and social media messages about hazing.
• Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns).
• Document the timeline of what happened.
• Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to minimize the incident or blame your child.
• Do not sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university.
• Do not give a statement to their lawyers or insurance companies.

Step 4: Contact a Vermont Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• We offer free, confidential consultations.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
• We handle all communications with the university and fraternity.

Why Vermont Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, gather evidence, and win.

2. We Have a Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• $10.1M for a hazing death (Stone Foltz case)
• $6.1M jury verdict for a hazing death (Maxwell Gruver case)
• $110M+ in settlements for hazing victims (Timothy Piazza case)

3. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies—so we know exactly how they try to minimize claims. Now, we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.

4. We’re Willing to Go to Trial

Many law firms avoid trials and push victims to settle for less. We fight for full justice—even if it means taking your case to court.

5. We Serve Vermont Families Nationwide

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including Vermont. We offer:

• Free video consultations for Vermont families
• Travel to Vermont for depositions and meetings
• Federal court authority to pursue cases nationwide

Vermont Hazing Cases We Handle

We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities & sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
• Sports teams (football, hockey, lacrosse, etc.)
• ROTC & military programs (Norwich University, UVM, etc.)
• Marching bands & performing arts groups
• Honor societies & clubs

If your child was hazed in Vermont, we can help.

Vermont Hazing Hotspots – Where It Happens

University of Vermont (UVM) – Burlington, VT

• Greek life: Strong presence of fraternities and sororities
• Hazing risks: Alcohol-related incidents, physical abuse
• University response: Past allegations, but minimal enforcement

Middlebury College – Middlebury, VT

• Greek life: Several fraternities and sororities
• Hazing risks: Forced drinking, physical hazing
• University response: Some suspensions, but culture persists

Norwich University – Northfield, VT

• Military college with ROTC and sports teams
• Hazing risks: Extreme physical hazing, sleep deprivation
• University response: Strict policies, but incidents still occur

Saint Michael’s College – Colchester, VT

• Greek life: Smaller but active
• Hazing risks: Alcohol-related incidents, psychological abuse

Castleton University – Castleton, VT

• Greek life: Several fraternities and sororities
• Hazing risks: Physical and psychological abuse

Vermont Hazing Lawyer – Free Consultation

If your child was hazed at a Vermont college, you have legal rights—and we’re here to fight for you.

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Free, Confidential Consultation

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t Let Vermont Fraternities and Universities Get Away With Abuse

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s torture. It’s assault. And it’s illegal.

Vermont families deserve justice. Vermont students deserve safety. And the institutions that allow hazing must be held accountable.

We’re fighting that fight right now—and we’re ready to fight for Vermont.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.