🛡️ Delaware County Hazing Lawyers — Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Delaware County, you have legal rights. We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for Delaware County families too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Delaware County — What Parents Need to Know

Delaware County is home to respected colleges and universities where students pursue their dreams. But behind the ivy-covered walls and Greek letters, a dangerous culture persists: hazing.

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. And in too many cases, it leads to serious injuries — or worse.

What Hazing Looks Like in Delaware County

The same fraternities that have killed students at other universities have chapters right here in Delaware County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Delaware County institutions.

Hazing activities documented in our current case include:

• Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
• Forced eating — consuming food or liquids until vomiting
• Extreme physical punishment — 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, running drills
• Sleep deprivation — forced late-night activities causing exhaustion
• Psychological torture — humiliation, degradation, threats
• Wooden paddles — physical beating with weapons
• Being forced to lie in vomit — after forced consumption

The result? Our client spent four days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. His muscles broke down from the abuse.

This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening in Delaware County.

⚠️ Why Delaware County Universities Are Liable

1. They Know Hazing Happens

Universities in Delaware County have the power to regulate Greek life. They approve fraternity and sorority charters. They own or control the properties where hazing occurs.

They know the risks. And when they fail to act, they share responsibility for the harm.

2. They Have the Power to Stop It

Universities can:

• Inspect fraternity and sorority houses
• Suspend or revoke recognition
• Implement real oversight
• Enforce anti-hazing policies

But too often, they choose reputation over safety.

3. They Own the Properties Where Hazing Occurs

Many fraternity and sorority houses in Delaware County are owned or controlled by the universities. When hazing happens on university property, the institution is directly liable.

They can’t claim ignorance when they own the building where abuse occurs.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents — Delaware County Families Can Win

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Delaware County families have the same legal rights as families in other states.

Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families win. The same results are possible for Delaware County families.

⚖️ Delaware County Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights

Pennsylvania Hazing Law (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2802-2809)

Definition of Hazing:

Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.

Criminal Penalties:

• Misdemeanor of the 3rd degree — Up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine
• Felony of the 3rd degree — If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Consent is NOT a Defense:

The victim’s consent to hazing is not a defense under Pennsylvania law.

Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be fined and lose recognition.

Institutional Reporting Requirements:
Universities must report hazing incidents. Failure to report is a summary offense.

🏢 Who We Sue for Delaware County Hazing Victims

We pursue every entity responsible for your child’s injuries:

1. Local Chapter — The fraternity or sorority that conducted the hazing
2. National Organization — The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
3. University — The Delaware County institution that failed to protect students
4. Individual Members — The students who participated in or facilitated hazing
5. Alumni/Advisors — Former members who enabled or hosted hazing
6. Housing Corporations — Entities that own or control fraternity/sorority properties

We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the institutions with deep pockets — the universities and national organizations that enable this culture.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Delaware County

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations is ticking.

Immediate Steps:

1. Get Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
   • Document everything medically
   • Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may have delayed symptoms

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
   • Take screenshots: Before anything is deleted
   • Photograph injuries: At all stages of healing
   • Photograph locations: Where hazing occurred
   • Document everything: Write down dates, times, what happened, who was there

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • They may pressure you to sign documents
   • They may intimidate witnesses
   • Let your attorney handle all communication

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Even innocent posts (“I’m fine”) can hurt your case
   • Stay off social media until your case is resolved

5. Call an Attorney Immediately

   • Free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
   • No upfront cost: We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
   • We handle everything: We’ll preserve evidence, file claims, negotiate with defendants

🎯 Why Delaware County 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. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight. Delaware County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they fight. We know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority

Admitted to U.S. District Court — we can pursue Delaware County cases in federal jurisdiction when needed.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

Licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities headquartered out of state.

5. We Come to Delaware County

For depositions, client meetings, and trials — we travel to Delaware County as needed. Distance is not a barrier.

6. Bilingual Services

Fluent in Spanish — we serve Delaware County’s diverse community without language barriers.

7. Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Experience with catastrophic injury cases
• Former insurance defense insight

📞 Delaware County Families — Call Now

If your child was hazed in Delaware County, time is running out. The statute of limitations is ticking. Evidence is disappearing.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

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

We serve all of Delaware County, including:

• Villanova University
• Haverford College
• Swarthmore College
• Widener University Delaware Law School
• Delaware County Community College
• And other institutions across Delaware County

Don’t let them silence your child. Don’t let them get away with it. Hold them accountable.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware County Hazing Cases

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Pennsylvania law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault, battery, and hazing are crimes regardless of how long they’ve been happening.

Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do you protect victims?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We:

• Handle all communication with the organization
• Protect your identity when possible
• Pursue claims against individuals and institutions, not just the chapter
• Work to create systemic change so no one has to fear retaliation

Q: What if my child was hazed at a different school but lives in Delaware County?

A: We can represent Delaware County residents regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our federal court authority and nationwide service allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.

Q: How long do these cases take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma is valid and compensable. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are serious injuries. We pursue compensation for all harm caused by hazing.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable for negligent supervision — even if they didn’t know about a specific incident.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. Off-campus locations (like fraternity houses or private residences) can still create liability for the organization and property owners.

Q: My child is an immigrant/international student. Can we still pursue a case?

A: YES. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We serve all Delaware County families regardless of citizenship status.

🔥 A Message to Delaware County Fraternities & Universities

To the fraternities operating in Delaware County: We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions for hazing deaths and injuries oversee your chapters.

If you haze students in Delaware County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every defendant. We will hold you accountable.

To Delaware County universities: The time for empty statements is over.

You own the properties. You approve the charters. You have the power to stop hazing. When you fail to act, you become part of the problem.

The choice is yours: Act now to prevent hazing, or face the consequences in court.

🏆 Our Commitment to Delaware County Families

We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for Delaware County families with the same passion and determination.

Delaware County parents deserve answers. Delaware County victims deserve justice. Delaware County students deserve to be safe.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
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Serving Delaware County and all of Pennsylvania from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas.

Delaware County hazing victims: You are not alone. We will fight for you.