🚨 Hazing Victims in Blair County, PA: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Blair County, Pennsylvania — we can help. You deserve justice. Your child deserves compensation. And Blair County deserves to know the truth.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening right here in Blair County, PA, and at universities across Pennsylvania.
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Blair County families. We will fight for you.
📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Blair County, PA
Blair County is home to Penn State Altoona — a campus with active Greek life and a history of student organizations. While we don’t comment on specific incidents without verified information, we know this for certain:
The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at universities near Blair County.
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Paid $10.1 million after Stone Foltz died from forced drinking at Bowling Green State
- Pi Kappa Phi — Paid confidential settlements after Andrew Coffey died at Florida State; currently being sued for $10 million in our Houston case
- Phi Delta Theta — Paid $6.1 million after Maxwell Gruver died at LSU
- Beta Theta Pi — Paid $110 million+ after Timothy Piazza died at Penn State
These same organizations have active chapters at Pennsylvania universities, including those near Blair County.
If your child was hazed in Blair County, they are not alone. And you don’t have to stay silent.
⚠️ What Blair County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing isn’t about building brotherhood. It’s about power, control, and humiliation. In our current case, a Blair County family’s worst nightmare came true:
- Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
- Forced eating — milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Extreme physical punishment — 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, wooden paddles
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture — carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied for over an hour
This isn’t tradition. This is assault. This is battery. This is torture.
2. Hazing Causes Real, Life-Altering Harm
Our client was hospitalized for three nights and four days with:
- Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure
- Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
- Permanent health risks — potential long-term kidney damage
But the harm goes beyond physical injuries:
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression from psychological abuse
- Fear of retribution — our client is afraid to speak publicly
- Academic disruption — missed classes, delayed graduation
- Lost opportunities — internships, scholarships, career paths
Hazing doesn’t just hurt your child — it changes their life forever.
3. Universities Near Blair County Are Liable
In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down — but they chose not to.
Universities near Blair County have the same responsibilities:
- They recognize Greek organizations — giving them legitimacy
- They control campus property — including fraternity and sorority houses
- They receive tuition dollars — from students they’re supposed to protect
- They have the power to stop hazing — but often don’t until it’s too late
When universities fail to protect students, they must be held accountable.
4. National Organizations Know — And They Do Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi National knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017. They knew their chapters had a “hazing crisis.” They had eight years to fix their culture.
They did nothing.
Now, another student — our client — was hospitalized with kidney failure. Same fraternity. Same negligence. Eight years apart.
The same national organizations operate near Blair County. They know what’s happening in their chapters. They choose to look the other way.
5. Consent Is Not a Defense in Pennsylvania
Some fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate. He knew the risks.”
Pennsylvania law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
Under Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing statute (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2810), it is not a defense that the victim consented to hazing. The law is clear — you cannot consent to being hazed.
💔 What Hazing Looks Like in Blair County
While we don’t comment on specific Blair County incidents without verified information, we know the patterns from our nationwide experience:
| Type of Hazing | What It Looks Like | Real Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Drinking | “Drink this or you’re out” | Alcohol poisoning, death (like Stone Foltz) |
| Extreme Exercise | 100 pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure (like our client) |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a hose | PTSD, fear of water, psychological trauma |
| Forced Eating | Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting | Choking, aspiration, internal injuries |
| Physical Beating | Wooden paddles, belts, fists | Bruises, broken bones, internal bleeding |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities, early mornings | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health decline |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, threats, isolation | Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects | Sexual trauma, long-term emotional damage |
This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “tradition.” This is abuse — and it’s happening to Blair County students right now.
🏥 The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Kill
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars — it can kill.
Rhabdomyolysis: When Muscles Break Down
When students are forced to do extreme exercise (like 500 squats or bear crawls), their muscles can literally break down, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream. This can cause:
- Acute kidney failure — kidneys can’t filter the myoglobin
- Cardiac arrest — electrolyte imbalances affect the heart
- Permanent disability — long-term kidney damage
- Death
Our client suffered from rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do extreme exercise. He spent four days in the hospital.
Alcohol Poisoning: When Drinking Becomes Deadly
Forced drinking is one of the most common — and deadliest — forms of hazing.
- BAC of 0.30-0.40 — Loss of consciousness, risk of death
- BAC of 0.40+ — Potentially fatal (Maxwell Gruver’s BAC was 0.495)
- Aspiration — Vomiting while unconscious can lead to choking
Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. Andrew Coffey died after being forced to drink a bottle of bourbon.
Traumatic Brain Injury: When Falls Become Fatal
When students are forced to drink or are physically abused, they can fall and hit their heads.
- Timothy Piazza — Fell down stairs after forced drinking; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911; died from traumatic brain injury
- Adam Oakes — Died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking at VCU
PTSD and Mental Health: The Invisible Injuries
Even if a student survives physically, the psychological trauma can last a lifetime:
- PTSD — flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression — feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
- Anxiety — fear of social situations, panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts — hazing victims are at higher risk
Our client is afraid to speak publicly because of retribution. This fear is real — and it’s part of the trauma.
📚 Who Is Liable for Blair County Hazing?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can — and should — be held accountable.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Blair County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any fraternity/sorority chapter near Blair County |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | President, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities | Every member who hazed or failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing culture; failed to supervise | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. |
| University | Owned/controlled property; failed to protect students | Penn State Altoona and other Blair County institutions |
| Housing Corporation | Owned fraternity/sorority property | Any entity that owns Greek housing near Blair County |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who facilitated hazing |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Policies covering universities and fraternities |
In our Houston case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse
We will pursue every liable party for Blair County victims too.
💰 What Blair County Families Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full and fair compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. This includes:
Economic Damages (Tangible Costs)
- Medical bills — hospital stays, ER visits, specialists, therapy
- Future medical expenses — ongoing treatment, potential dialysis, kidney transplant
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Lost academic investment — tuition, fees, scholarships
- Educational disruption — cost of transferring schools, delayed graduation
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain — from injuries, medical treatment, recovery
- Mental anguish — trauma from abuse, fear, anxiety
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
- Permanent impairment — long-term health consequences
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
When conduct is especially outrageous, courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
In our Houston case, punitive damages are appropriate because:
- Waterboarding — simulated drowning is torture
- 500 squats — forced exercise causing kidney failure
- Wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Prior knowledge — they knew about Andrew Coffey’s death and did nothing
Punitive damages send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated in Blair County.
⏳ The Clock Is Ticking: Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania law gives you only TWO YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
- Personal injury: 2 years from date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death
Every day you wait:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
Our client in Houston acted immediately. He was hospitalized on November 6, 2025. We filed the lawsuit on November 21. This is how you protect your rights.
If your child was hazed in Blair County, don’t wait. Call us now.
🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Blair County
STEP 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t appear immediately
- Medical records create critical documentation
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Take photos — injuries at all stages of healing, hazing locations
- Document everything — names of witnesses, dates, times, what happened
- Keep all physical evidence — clothing, objects used in hazing
STEP 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not give statements to university administrators alone
- Do not post about the incident on social media
STEP 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- We will protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation
STEP 5: Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- File a Title IX complaint with the university
- Report to Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing hotline (if applicable)
🎯 Why Blair County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case
We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re fighting it in court right now. Our Houston case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is active and ongoing. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
Blair County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think. We know their playbook. And we know how to beat them.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. This means we can pursue Blair County cases in federal court if needed.
4. We Are Dual-State Licensed
We are licensed in Texas and New York — a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities and sororities headquartered in other states.
5. We Will Travel to Blair County
Distance is not a barrier. We will travel to Blair County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trial
6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Consultations
- Case updates
- Courtroom interpretation
7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
We understand that Blair County families can’t afford expensive legal fees while dealing with the trauma of hazing. We don’t get paid unless you win. There are no upfront costs.
8. We Have a Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to maximize claims
- Dual-state bar admission — strategic advantage in national cases
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases nationwide
9. We Care About Your Child — Not Just the Case
We’ve seen what hazing does to kids. We’ve seen the fear, the trauma, the long-term damage. We don’t see your child as a paycheck. We see them as someone who deserves justice.
📞 Blair County Families: Call Now for Justice
1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. Confidential. No upfront costs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Blair County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still call?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should understand your legal rights. We can provide guidance on medical care, academic accommodations, and reporting options. The decision to sue is always yours — but you should make it with full information.
Q: The fraternity says my child consented. Does that mean we can’t sue?
A: No. Pennsylvania law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot consent to illegal activity. The fraternity is still liable.
Q: We’re in Blair County, and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Blair County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to Blair County for meetings, depositions, and trial
- Federal court authority to pursue national organizations
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities near Blair County have a duty to protect students. If they recognize Greek organizations, they have a responsibility to oversee them. If they own or control fraternity/sorority property, they have premises liability. And if they’ve had prior hazing incidents (like UH did in 2017), they knew or should have known the risks.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We understand. Our Houston client is afraid to speak publicly because of retribution. We will protect your child’s identity and safety. We can also pursue the case in a way that minimizes their involvement if needed.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years, especially if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: Can we sue even if criminal charges weren’t filed?
A: Yes. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are separate. Even if no one is criminally charged, you can still sue for compensation.
Q: What if my child was hazed off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus in Pennsylvania. If it happened at a private residence, the homeowner may also be liable.
Q: What if the hazing happened years ago?
A: Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. If it’s been longer than two years, you may still have options — contact us immediately to discuss.
🔥 The Message to Blair County Fraternities and Universities
To every fraternity and sorority operating near Blair County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid $110 million in settlements are overseeing your activities.
If you haze students in Blair County, we will pursue every liable entity:
- Your local chapter
- Your national organization
- Your housing corporation
- Your alumni oversight board
- Your individual members
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
To every university near Blair County:
You own the property. You recognize the organizations. You collect tuition from students you’re supposed to protect.
When you fail to stop hazing, you become part of the problem.
The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to stop it — but they chose not to.
We will hold Blair County universities accountable too.
🏆 Our Promise to Blair County Families
1. We Will Listen
We know how hard it is to come forward. We will listen without judgment.
2. We Will Investigate
We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case.
3. We Will Fight
We will pursue every liable party — fraternities, sororities, universities, individuals.
4. We Will Win
We have a track record of winning multi-million dollar cases. We will fight for maximum compensation.
5. We Will Protect
We will protect your child’s identity, safety, and future.
6. We Will Serve
We will travel to Blair County. We will be there for you every step of the way.
📞 Blair County Families: You Deserve Justice
Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. Confidential. No upfront costs.
We don’t get paid unless you win.
📍 Serving Blair County, PA and Nationwide
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Offices: Austin, Beaumont
Service Area: Blair County, PA + All 50 States
We will fight for Blair County families — no matter where the hazing occurred.
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This is not legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation.