When Brotherhood Becomes Brutality: Fighting Hazing in Maine

If you are reading this, your child may have faced one of the most terrifying experiences of their young life at a university here in Maine. Perhaps they were looking forward to the camaraderie of Greek life, the thrill of college sports, or the bond of a new student organization. Instead, they found themselves subjected to humiliation, abuse, and even physical torture, all under the guise of “tradition” or “team building.” We understand what you’re going through, the fear, the anger, the overwhelming sense of betrayal. Your child was supposed to make friends, learn, and grow, not be subjected to sadistic rituals that put their health, and even their life, at risk. We’re here to help families in Maine fight back against this insidious crisis.

Our firm, Attorney911, stands with victims of hazing and their families across the nation, working tirelessly to hold responsible institutions and individuals accountable. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, the hazing crisis is not confined to state lines. Universities and organizations in Maine, from the University of Maine System campuses to private colleges, grapple with the very same issues we confront daily. The same national fraternities with a history of hazing operate in Maine, and we bring our aggressive, data-driven legal strategies to families here, ensuring they receive the same powerful representation we provide elsewhere.

This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a fight for justice, for accountability, and for the safety of every student who steps onto a college campus in Maine. We are committed to exposing the dangerous realities of hazing and ensuring that every entity responsible for your child’s pain pays heavily for their negligence.

The Landmark Case: A Wake-Up Call for Maine Families

Just weeks ago, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individuals, revealing a horrifying pattern of abuse that hospitalized our client. This case, Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is not an isolated incident; it’s a stark warning about what hazing truly looks like today, across America, and potentially right here in Maine.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective student not even yet enrolled at the University of Houston, planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. Yet, he still endured weeks of systematic torment from fraternity members. The alleged hazing activities were beyond shocking:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that mimics drowning. As Houston Public Media rightly pointed out, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was compelled to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even then, his tormentors forced him to continue physical exercises, making him lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Leonel was subjected to grueling workouts, including over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls. This forced exertion continued until he collapsed, unable to stand without assistance, while reciting the fraternity creed.
• Physical Beatings: The lawsuit alleges he was struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture: He was forced to wear a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature, stripped to his underwear in cold weather, and subjected to sleep deprivation by being made to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours. In a separate incident among pledges, one was even hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour with an object in his mouth.

The physical toll on Leonel was catastrophic. He suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can overwhelm the kidneys. His mother rushed him to the hospital when he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of massive muscle breakdown. Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, facing the agonizing reality that his kidneys might never fully recover.

Within days of these horrific details emerging, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters suspended, and then dissolved, the University of Houston chapter. Their own website stated the closure was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” However, their statement also expressed a desire to “return to campus at the appropriate time,” a stark indication of their lack of genuine remorse for the suffering inflicted upon Leonel.

This case is being actively litigated by our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, in Harris County Civil District Court. Mr. Manginello told ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” Mr. Pena added, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

The details of Leonel’s story are not just headlines in Houston; they are a chilling preview of the dangers that can lurk within Greek life and other organizations at colleges across Maine. From the University of Maine Orono to the University of Southern Maine in Portland, from Colby College to Bates College, Bowdoin College, and beyond, parents send their children hoping for a safe and enriching experience. But behind the academic prestige and scenic campuses, hazing can thrive. The aggressive litigation we are pursuing in Houston sends a clear, unequivocal message to universities and fraternities nationwide: if you allow this abuse to happen, we will hold you accountable. We will bring this same relentless pursuit of justice to victims and families throughout Maine.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Pranks

When parents think of hazing, they often imagine harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The brutal reality, however, is far darker, mirroring the abuses our client Leonel Bermudez endured. Hazing is systematized abuse, designed to degrade, humiliate, and control, often with devastating physical and psychological consequences. It extends far beyond fraternities and sororities, infiltrating sports teams, clubs, and various student organizations at institutions throughout Maine.

The Forms of Hazing We See:

• Physical Abuse: This is not horseplay. This includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to the point of collapse (like the 500 squats our client endured), sleep deprivation, and extreme exposure to elements. In some egregious cases, it involves simulated drowning, as with Leonel’s waterboarding.
• Forced Consumption: From binge drinking that consistently leads to alcohol poisoning deaths, to being forced to eat until vomiting (as Leonel was), or consuming non-food substances. These acts are designed to break down a victim’s will and physical well-being.
• Psychological Torture: This category of hazing inflicts severe emotional and mental harm. It includes public humiliation, verbal abuse, constant criticism, degradation, and isolation. The threats used against Leonel—of physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply—are classic psychological manipulation tactics. The requirement to carry sexually explicit items, as suffered by Leonel, is a profound form of psychological and sexual humiliation.
• Sexual Hazing: This is a tragically common and often underreported aspect of hazing, involving forced nudity, sexual harassment, or even sexual assault.
• Servitude and Deprivation: Pledges or initiates are often forced into performing menial, degrading, or risky tasks for older members, suffering sleep deprivation, or enduring constant surveillance and control over their daily lives.

The Devastating Consequences:

These acts are not harmless “traditions.” They result in:

• Severe Bodily Injury: As exemplified by Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hazing can lead to organ damage, broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, and alcohol poisoning. These often require extensive hospitalization and can have permanent impacts.
• Profound Psychological Trauma: Victims frequently suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and deep trust issues. Leonel’s fear of retribution, as noted by our legal team, highlights the lasting psychological scars.
• Academic and Career Derailment: Hazing can lead to missed classes, academic decline, loss of scholarships, withdrawal from college, and long-term impacts on a student’s career trajectory.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, dozens of students nationwide have died from hazing, primarily due to alcohol poisoning or accidental falls during hazing activities.

Statistics of a Crisis:

• Over 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
• Approximately 40% of student athletes report hazing incidents.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear of retaliation, shame, or a misplaced sense of loyalty.

This crisis demands aggressive legal action. When a student in Maine is subjected to such abuse, it’s not simply a regrettable incident; it’s a profound failure of the institutions meant to protect them.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing leaves a student physically or psychologically scarred, or worse, takes their life, multiple parties bear responsibility. Our approach at Attorney911 is to cast a wide net, identifying and suing every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring maximum accountability and compensation for victims and their families in Maine. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and numerous individuals perfectly illustrates this comprehensive strategy.

The Parties We Target for Accountability:

1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at UH):

   • Basis for Liability: Direct involvement in organizing, perpetrating, and encouraging hazing activities. These are the individuals and the immediate group that inflict the abuse.
   • In Bermudez Case: The UH chapter directly waterboarded, beat, starved, and humiliated Leonel.

2. Individual Perpetrators:

   • Basis for Liability: Every student, officer, or alumni who participated in, directed, coerced, or failed to intervene in hazing that led to injury can be held personally liable for assault, battery, negligence, and other intentional torts.
   • In Bermudez Case: Our lawsuit names the fraternity president, pledgemaster, other current members, and even former members and their spouse who hosted hazing activities at their private residence. The Stone Foltz case in Ohio saw a chapter president personally liable for $6.5 million, setting a powerful precedent for individual accountability.

3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):

   • Basis for Liability: National organizations have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, train members, and investigate complaints. Failure to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” (as alleged in our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi), constitutes negligent supervision and direct liability.
   • In Bermudez Case: Pi Kappa Phi National knew about the deadly hazing culture, particularly after the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter. Their failure to implement effective changes—culminating in Leonel’s hospitalization 8 years later—demonstrates a pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference.

4. The University or College:

   • Basis for Liability: Universities have a non-delegable duty to protect their students, ensure a safe campus environment, and regulate student organizations. This includes overseeing Greek life, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and intervening when hazing is reported or should be known. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs, as the University of Houston did with the Pi Kappa Phi house, their premises liability is undeniable.
   • In Bermudez Case: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of Leonel’s hazing took place. They also had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity on their campus. Their failure to act decisively after the 2017 incident and then allowing such egregious hazing to occur on their own property makes them directly responsible.

5. The Housing Corporation/Alumni Association:

   • Basis for Liability: These entities often own and manage fraternity houses, and can be responsible for ensuring the safety of those properties and the conduct within them. They often have significant financial resources.
   • In Bermudez Case: We named the Beta Nu Housing Corporation as a defendant, recognizing their role in enabling the hazing environment. Our sophisticated data tracking of Greek organizations, including their EINs and legal names, ensures we identify these critical, often overlooked, defendants.

6. Insurance Carriers:

   • Basis for Liability: These are often the “deep pockets” that provide the financial resources for substantial settlements and verdicts. National organizations, universities, and individuals typically carry various forms of liability insurance.
   • Our Advantage: As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge. They understand exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. They use this intelligence to maximize recovery for our clients.

Maine Families, this means: If your child was hazed at the University of Maine , at Bates, or any other institution in Maine, we will investigate every single layer of accountability. We will not be intimidated by powerful national organizations or prestigious universities. Our commitment is to obtain maximum justice for your family.

Precedent-Setting Verdicts and Settlements: What Maine Victims Can Win

The true measure of accountability often comes in the form of substantial monetary compensation—money that helps victims rebuild their lives, covers staggering medical bills, and sends a powerful message that such egregious behavior will not be tolerated. For families in Maine who have suffered from hazing, it’s crucial to understand that these cases consistently result in multi-million dollar outcomes. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is completely in line with, and often builds upon, these landmark victories.

Here are some of the precedent-setting cases that demonstrate what is possible for hazing victims and their families nationwide, including those in Maine:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – Over $10.1 Million Total:

  • What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation, dying of alcohol poisoning.
  • Outcome: His family secured settlements totaling over $10.1 million, with $2.9 million coming from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals. In a more recent development from December 2024, the former chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million, highlighting strong individual accountability.
  • Relevance for Maine Families: This case directly supports our $10 million demand, demonstrating how both universities and fraternities are held liable for millions in damages even when hazing is not fatal but results in severe injury.

• Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict:

  • What Happened: 18-year-old Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a hazing ritual called “Bible Study.”
  • Outcome: A civil jury awarded his family $6.1 million. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
  • Relevance for Maine Families: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award millions to hazing victims, even against individuals involved. The outrage from a jury can translate into life-changing compensation.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Over $110 Million (Estimated Settlements):

  • What Happened: Tim Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. He then repeatedly fell down stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911, and security cameras captured everything. He ultimately died.
  • Outcome: While exact amounts are confidential, settlements are estimated to exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. This tragedy also spurred the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
  • Relevance for Maine Families: This case demonstrates that strong evidence—which we actively seek to secure—can lead to monumental settlements, reflecting the profound value of a young life lost to hazing.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement:

  • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
  • Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing, and the chapter was permanently closed. His family reached a confidential settlement.
  • Relevance for Maine Families: This case is particularly crucial to our strategy: it involved the very same national fraternity as our current $10 million lawsuit. Pi Kappa Phi National knew hazing could be deadly at their chapters in 2017; their failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization 8 years later is a damning indictment of their negligence. It establishes a clear pattern of dangerous disregard.

These cases are not just statistics; they are stories of families who fought for justice after unimaginable tragedy. They prove a powerful truth: that organizations and individuals who engage in or allow hazing will face severe legal and financial repercussions. The same legal principles and the same commitment to accountability can bring justice to families reeling from hazing incidents at colleges and universities across Maine. We are prepared to bring these precedents to bear, ensuring that your child’s suffering is not dismissed, but instead becomes a catalyst for profound change and appropriate compensation.

Maine Law Protects You: Consent is Not a Defense

While our firm is based in Texas, the legal principles that underpin hazing litigation are robust across the United States. Many states, including Maine, have anti-hazing statutes designed to protect students. Beyond state-specific laws, fundamental legal theories of negligence, assault, battery, and institutional liability apply nationwide, and our federal court authority allows us to pursue these cases irrespective of where the hazing occurred.

For Maine Families, it’s critical to understand a foundational legal truth: consent is not a defense to hazing.

The argument, “My child willingly participated,” or “They knew what they were signing up for,” is a common, yet legally invalid, defense often presented by fraternities, universities, and their legal teams. This insidious narrative attempts to shift blame from the perpetrators to the victim, absolving those truly responsible.

However, many anti-hazing laws, and legal precedent, firmly reject this notion. For example, Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

Why Consent is Not a Defense in Hazing Cases:

• Coercion and Power Imbalance: Hazing scenarios are inherently coercive environments. Students, especially new pledges or recruits, are under immense pressure to conform. They fear social ostracism, academic repercussions, or losing the opportunity to join an organization they deeply desire. This power imbalance negates genuine consent.
• Lack of Informed Consent: Victims are rarely, if ever, fully informed about the specific dangers they will face. They may “consent” to vague notions of “initiation rituals,” but not to waterboarding, forced excessive exercise leading to organ failure, or forced consumption until vomiting.
• Crimes Cannot Be Consented To: Hazing often involves actions that are crimes, such as assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. You cannot legally consent to be a victim of a crime.
• Psychological Manipulation: The very nature of hazing seeks to break down an individual’s will and judgment, making any “consent” obtained under such duress illegitimate.

Civil Liability Theories Applicable to Maine Hazing Cases:

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims to pursue financial compensation:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. It alleges that a party (individual, chapter, national organization, university) owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., hazing, inadequate oversight), and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by a university or fraternity housing corporation (as was the case with the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi), the owner can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
3. Negligent Supervision/Retention: This applies when an organization fails to adequately supervise its members, or retains members/employees known to engage in dangerous behavior. National fraternities and universities in Maine often face these claims.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be brought against individual perpetrators directly responsible for physical harm.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for truly outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering, a common outcome of psychological hazing.

Families in Maine should know that irrespective of a student’s initial willingness to participate, the law provides clear avenues for accountability. We dismantle the “consent defense” by focusing on the power dynamics, the criminal nature of hazing acts, and the institutions’ duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm. Your child’s survival instinct or fear of social consequences is not consent to abuse.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Maine Hazing Victims

When your family in Maine is confronted with the devastating consequences of hazing, you need legal representation that is not only competent but truly exceptional. Attorney911 offers a unique blend of aggressive advocacy, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication that makes us the preeminent choice for hazing victims. We are headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but our commitment to justice extends nationwide, including to families in Maine.

Here’s why Attorney911 stands apart for hazing victims in Maine:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t theorizing about hazing; we’re actively fighting it. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the waterboarding, physical abuse, and kidney failure suffered by Leonel Bermudez proves our expertise and commitment. This real-time litigation, covered by major news outlets like ABC13 and KHOU 11, demonstrates that we aggressively pursue justice and achieve results. Families in Maine benefit directly from this active, battle-tested experience.

2. Unparalleled Insider Knowledge – Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena previously worked on the defense side for insurance companies and corporate defendants. This means we literally wrote their playbooks. We know their strategies, their weaknesses, how they value claims, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. We now use that invaluable insider intelligence to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients. This “unfair advantage” is critical when battling powerful national fraternities and universities in Maine.

3. National Hazing Litigation Database & Intelligence Engine: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, legal names, EINs, and corporate structures across over 1,400 Greek-related organizations in 25 Texas metropolitan areas. This intelligence allows us to identify and pursue every liable entity – from the local chapter to the national headquarters and their housing corporations. While this database is Texas-focused, the national fraternities we track operate throughout Maine, giving us insight into their nationwide structure. For example, we know that Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515 in Frisco, TX) is linked to the UH chapter we sued. This meticulous research ensures no defendant can hide.

4. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Our attorneys are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York. This federal authority and multi-state licensure provide a strategic advantage when confronting national fraternities headquartered outside of Maine, allowing us to pursue justice across state lines and in the most powerful federal courts.

5. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s experience includes involvement in the multibillion-dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to successfully take on massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. This background is directly applicable to challenging well-funded national fraternities and major universities in Maine.

6. No Upfront Costs – Contingency Fee Basis: We understand that families, especially those grappling with the trauma of hazing, face immense financial strain. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This ensures that expert legal representation remains accessible to every family in Maine, regardless of their financial situation. As our video “How Contingency Fees Work” explains, our interests are perfectly aligned with yours.

7. Empathy and Relentless Advocacy: We are not just lawyers; we are passionate advocates. Ralph Manginello, a father of three, and Lupe Pena understand the profound impact hazing has on students and their families. This deeply personal commitment fuels our aggressive pursuit of justice. Our client testimonials, with a 4.9-star rating on Google and over 250 reviews, consistently highlight our unwavering dedication and compassionate approach. Comments like “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such” reflect the core of our practice.

8. Willingness to Travel and Remote Accessibility: While our offices are in Texas, distance is never a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Maine families who cannot travel, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Maine for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Our comprehensive approach ensures that families in Maine receive the same level of personalized attention and fierce representation as our local clients.

9. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Maine affected by hazing receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers, from initial consultation to courtroom representation.

When it comes to fighting the powerful forces behind hazing—national fraternities, universities, and their legal teams—you need a firm that knows how to win. Attorney911 has the experience, the intelligence, and the unwavering commitment to justice that Maine families deserve. We are here to bring transparency, accountability, and meaningful compensation to those who have suffered.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Maine Families

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Maine, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotional and overwhelming, prompt action can significantly impact the strength and success of your legal case. We at Attorney911 are here to guide you through these challenging steps, protecting your rights and securing the evidence needed for justice.

Here’s an immediate action plan for Maine hazing victims and their families:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Document Everything:

   • Even if injuries seem minor, or your child is hesitant, get them a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe conditions (like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as suffered by Leonel Bermudez) can have delayed onset.
   • Insist on a complete examination and ask for copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, lab results, and discharge papers from any hospitals, emergency rooms, or clinics in Maine. This medical documentation is the cornerstone of your injury claim.
   • If psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is a concern, seek counseling from a qualified mental health professional in Maine and keep detailed records of all sessions and diagnoses.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Digitally and Physically:

   • Photos and Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) immediately, and continue to document their healing process. Photograph the location where the hazing occurred, including the fraternity house, specific rooms, or outdoor areas. We can advise on using your phone to document a legal case, as discussed in our video.
   • Digital Communications: This is paramount. Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, or social media posts related to the hazing. Screenshot everything. These digital breadcrumbs often contain direct evidence of hazing activities, coordination, threats, and witness discussions. Our video on client mistakes highlights how deleting messages can ruin a case.
   • Physical Evidence: Keep any items connected to the hazing – specific clothing, “pledge books,” or other artifacts.
   • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information of other pledges, fraternity members, or anyone who witnessed the hazing or its aftermath.

3. DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:

   • No Statements: Do not give any statements—written, verbal, or recorded—to the fraternity/sorority, the university (including university police or Title IX officers), or their lawyers. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you.
   • No Signatures: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or confidentiality agreements presented by these parties. You could unwittingly waive your legal rights.
   • No Social Media Posts: For your own protection, refrain from posting any details about the incident on social media. The defense will comb through your online presence for anything that can undermine your claim. Our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” covers this critical mistake.

4. Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – Schedule a Free Consultation:

   • Time is of the Essence: Every day that passes can make evidence harder to find and memories less reliable. Most states, including Maine, have a statute of limitations (typically two to three years for personal injury and wrongful death cases). Missing this deadline means permanently losing your right to sue. Our video on the statute of limitations emphasizes this urgency.
   • Expert Guidance: Our experienced hazing litigation attorneys will provide a free, confidential case evaluation. We will analyze the details of your situation, explain your legal options, and outline the best path forward.
   • Nationwide Reach: Even though we are based in Texas, we represent families in Maine and across the country. We offer video consultations, and our team is prepared to travel to Maine for depositions, meetings, and trials to effectively represent your interests.

5. Report to Authorities (Optional, But Recommended):

   • Police: Consider filing a police report. Hazing is often a criminal offense in Maine.
   • Title IX Office: If the hazing involved sexual misconduct or discrimination, report it to the university’s Title IX office. Be aware that university investigations are separate from criminal and civil proceedings, and their primary goal is institutional compliance, not necessarily victim compensation.

For other victims of hazing at colleges in Maine: Know that you are not alone. There may be others who experienced the same abuse as your child. Your decision to step forward can protect countless other students and prevent future tragedies.

This is a legal emergency. We are your first responders. Don’t face this nightmare alone.

Contact Us: Your Advocates for Justice in Maine

If your child, or a loved one, has been a victim of hazing at a university, college, or any organization in Maine, do not suffer in silence. The impact of hazing is devastating, but the fight for justice is not one you have to wage alone. Attorney911 is ready to stand with you, bringing our aggressive, data-driven strategies and compassionate advocacy to your side.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, proving our expertise and unwavering resolve. This is not just a theoretical fight for us; it is a live, ongoing battle for accountability, and we are prepared to bring that same fierce commitment to families throughout Maine.

Your legal rights are clear, and your time to act is limited. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass, irrevocably harming your ability to seek justice. When tragedy strikes, let us be your first call.

Maine Families — Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 to discuss your hazing emergency.

Our Commitment to You:

• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This eliminates financial barriers, ensuring that every family in Maine can access top-tier legal representation.
• Nationwide Expertise, Local Impact: Even though our offices are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), our federal court authority, dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), and commitment to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims from any part of Maine. We conduct video consultations and will come to Maine for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed.
• Se Habla Español: We proudly offer bilingual services to best serve Maine’s diverse communities, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.
• Empathy and Advocacy: We understand the trauma and pain that hazing inflicts. Our approach is warm, empathetic, and always focused on supporting your family while aggressively pursuing maximum accountability from all responsible parties.

We fight for those who are silenced by fear and intimidation. We fight for those institutions attempt to cover up their wrongdoing. We fight for truth, for change, and for every student who deserves a safe college experience.

To the national fraternities, universities, and individuals who think they can get away with hazing: The message from our lawsuit in Houston is clear. We are watching. We have the data. We have the legal firepower. And we are coming for every campus where hazing is tolerated, including those in Maine. Your chapter could be next.

Contact Attorney911 today. Let us help you turn your pain into powerful action.