π‘οΈ Hazing Victim Legal Rights in Cumberland County, Maine
Cumberland County Families: Your Child Was Betrayed. We Will Fight Back.
If your child was hazed at a college or university in Cumberland County, Maine, you are not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston operate right here in Maine. The same negligence that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exists at Cumberland County institutions. And the same legal rights that allow us to sue for millions in Texas apply to Cumberland County families.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that left a student with kidney failure. Cumberland County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
π¨ What Is Hazing? Cumberland County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “team building.” It’s not “brotherhood.”
In Maine and across America, hazing is:
- Assault β Physical abuse, beatings, paddling
- Battery β Unwanted physical contact
- Torture β Waterboarding, simulated drowning, extreme physical exertion
- Reckless endangerment β Forcing activities that risk serious injury or death
- Psychological abuse β Humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats
This is what happened in Houston. This is what happens in Cumberland County.
π What Cumberland County Parents Should Watch For
If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Cumberland County, watch for these red flags:
| Warning Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Forced drinking | Alcohol poisoning risk; illegal for underage students |
| Extreme physical exercise | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure |
| Sleep deprivation | Cognitive impairment, accidents, health risks |
| Forced consumption of food/substances | Choking, vomiting, allergic reactions |
| Waterboarding or simulated drowning | Torture; risk of death |
| Paddling or physical beatings | Assault and battery |
| Being left in dangerous conditions | Hypothermia, heat stroke, injury |
| Threats of expulsion or retaliation | Coercion; psychological abuse |
| Being forced to break the law | Criminal liability for victims |
If you see any of these signs, your child may be in danger. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
ποΈ Maine Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights in Cumberland County
Maine has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students in Cumberland County. Under 20-A M.R.S. Β§ 6553, hazing is a Class D crime in Maine, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Key Legal Protections for Cumberland County Families:
-
Consent is NOT a Defense
- In Maine, it does not matter if your child “agreed” to participate. The law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
-
Organizations Are Liable
- Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations can be criminally charged and sued for damages.
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Institutions Are Responsible
- Colleges and universities in Cumberland County have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.
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Civil Lawsuits Are Allowed
- Cumberland County families can sue for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
π° What Cumberland County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases in Cumberland County can result in substantial compensation, including:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Cumberland County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment | Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, alcohol poisoning |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Broken bones, burns, muscle damage, torture |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation | Waterboarding, forced nudity, sleep deprivation |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Recovery time, therapy appointments |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to academic progress | Dropped classes, delayed graduation, lost scholarships |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse |
Precedent Cases Show Cumberland County Families Can Win Millions:
- $10.1 million β Stone Foltz (Ohio, 2021)
- $6.1 million β Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana, 2017)
- $110+ million β Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, 2017)
Our $10 million lawsuit in Houston proves that hazing cases win big. Cumberland County families can achieve the same results.
π Who Is Liable for Hazing in Cumberland County?
When hazing occurs in Cumberland County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why Theyβre Liable | Cumberland County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, SAE, etc. at Cumberland County schools |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, knew about hazing culture | Nationals with chapters in Cumberland County |
| University/College | Failed to protect students, owned property where hazing occurred | USM, Bowdoin, UNE, SMCC, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, active members |
| Alumni/Advisors | Allowed hazing at their homes or properties | Off-campus locations in Cumberland County |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | University and fraternity insurance policies |
Cumberland County families should pursue every liable party to maximize compensation.
π What Cumberland County Families Should Do Immediately
If your child has been hazed in Cumberland County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Cumberland County Families:
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Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Document everything β hospital records, doctorβs notes, medication.
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Preserve Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications β texts, emails, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, social media posts.
- Get witness contact information β other pledges, bystanders, friends.
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative. Do not give statements without legal counsel.
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Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you. Stay off social media until your case is resolved.
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Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We serve Cumberland County families nationwide β distance is not a barrier.
- We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win.
βοΈ Why Cumberland County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. Cumberland County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Win Hazing Cases
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys β we know how defendants think
- Federal court admission β we can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) β strategic advantage
3. We Understand Cumberland Countyβs Unique Challenges
- Local universities β USM, Bowdoin, UNE, SMCC, and others
- Greek life presence β Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, SAE, and other nationals operate in Cumberland County
- Maineβs legal landscape β we adapt our strategies to Maine law
4. We Protect Cumberland County Families
- Bilingual staff β Se habla espaΓ±ol
- Compassionate representation β we treat you like family
- Contingency fee β you pay nothing unless we win
- Nationwide service β we travel to Cumberland County for your case
π Cumberland County Schools and Greek Organizations: We Are Watching
Universities in Cumberland County with Greek Life:
| School | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine (USM) | Portland, Gorham | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
| Bowdoin College | Brunswick | Active Greek life |
| University of New England (UNE) | Biddeford, Portland | Greek organizations |
| Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) | South Portland | Student organizations |
Fraternities Operating in Cumberland County:
- Pi Kappa Phi β Same national organization weβre suing in Houston
- Sigma Chi β Recently in the news for hazing
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β Multiple hazing settlements nationwide
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β $10M settlement in Ohio
- Beta Theta Pi β $110M settlement in Pennsylvania
To Greek organizations in Cumberland County:
We are coming for you. The same legal strategies that won millions in Texas apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Cumberland County, we will find every liable entity β your national organization, your housing corporation, your alumni, and your individual members. We already shut down Beta Nu at UH. Your chapter could be next.
π’ Cumberland County Families: Your Story Can Save Lives
Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
His story is not unique. Hazing happens in Cumberland County, and it happens in silence.
By coming forward, you can:
- Hold the abusers accountable
- Protect future students
- Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
Lupe Pena said it best:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
π Cumberland County Families: Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Cumberland County, Maine, call Attorney 911 now.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win.
We serve Cumberland County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π¨ Cumberland County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
For immediate help, call our 24/7 hazing hotline.
We understand the fear, shame, and confusion Cumberland County families face. We are here to help.
π Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with an attorney to discuss your Cumberland County hazing case.
Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.