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February 22, 2026 14 min read
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πŸ›‘οΈ Hazing Victims in Hancock County, Maine: Your Rights, Your Recourse

If your child has been hazed at a college or university in Hancock County, you are not alone. The same fraternities that have harmed students nationwide operate right here in Maine. The same negligence exists at our local institutions. And the same justice is available to Hancock County families.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” proving that hazing is not “tradition,” it’s torture, and institutions will be held accountable. Hancock County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

πŸ“ž Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Hancock County, Maine

Hazing is not confined to Texas or the South. It happens right here in Hancock County. The same national fraternities with documented histories of abuse β€” Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others β€” have active chapters at universities near Hancock County, including:

  • University of Maine (Orono)
  • Husson University (Bangor)
  • University of Maine at Augusta (Bangor campus)
  • Maine Maritime Academy (Castine)
  • Colleges throughout New England

These organizations operate under the same national structures that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across America. If your child was hazed in Hancock County, we can help.

πŸ’” What Hazing Looks Like in Hancock County

Hazing is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is systematic abuse that can cause:

Type of Abuse Examples Medical Consequences
Physical Torture Waterboarding, paddling, extreme exercise (500+ squats), bear crawls, 100-yard crawls Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, broken bones, traumatic brain injury
Forced Consumption Alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, chemical burns
Psychological Abuse Humiliation, degradation, threats, sleep deprivation PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects Sexual trauma, long-term psychological damage
Exposure Forced to strip in cold weather, sprayed with hoses Hypothermia, frostbite, heat stroke

This is not “tradition.” This is abuse. And it is illegal in Maine.

πŸ“œ Maine Law: Hazing Is a Crime

Maine has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students:

Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A, Β§6602 β€” Hazing Prohibited

“Hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

Key Provisions:

  • Hazing is a Class D crime in Maine (punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines)
  • Consent is not a defense β€” even if a student “agrees” to hazing, it is still illegal
  • Organizations can be penalized β€” fines, loss of recognition, forfeiture of property
  • Universities must report hazing incidents β€” failure to report is a violation

Hancock County families: If your child was hazed, the law is on your side.

βš–οΈ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Hancock County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Hancock County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing The specific fraternity chapter that hazed your child
National Organization Failed to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. β€” they knew about the risks
University/College Failed to protect students; negligent oversight University of Maine, Husson, Maine Maritime, etc.
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing President, pledgemaster, risk manager
Individual Members Participated in or failed to stop hazing Every member who took part or stood by
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their property Off-campus locations where hazing occurred
Insurance Companies Coverage for institutional liability Deep pockets that can pay settlements

Hancock County families: These same defendants have paid millions in other states. They can and will pay for Hancock County victims too.

πŸ’° Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that justice is possible for Hancock County families:

Case Fraternity Outcome Why It Matters for Hancock County
Stone Foltz (2021) Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million Same fraternities operate in Hancock County
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict Juries award millions for hazing
Timothy Piazza (2017) Beta Theta Pi $110+ million Shows potential ceiling for damages
Andrew Coffey (2017) Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement Same fraternity that harmed our client
Adam Oakes (2021) Delta Chi $4+ million Recent case with substantial recovery

These cases prove that hazing victims β€” including those in Hancock County β€” can and do win big. The same legal strategies apply in Maine.

πŸ₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Hancock County Parents Need to Know

Hazing can cause life-threatening and long-term injuries, including:

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)

  • Cause: Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls)
  • Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark/brown urine, inability to move
  • Complications: Acute kidney failure, cardiac issues, death
  • Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis

2. Acute Kidney Failure

  • Cause: Myoglobin from muscle breakdown clogs kidneys
  • Symptoms: Decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue, confusion
  • Complications: Chronic kidney disease, need for lifelong dialysis or transplant

3. Alcohol Poisoning

  • Cause: Forced alcohol consumption
  • Symptoms: Vomiting, unconsciousness, slow/irregular breathing, blue skin
  • Complications: Choking on vomit, brain damage, death

4. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Cause: Falls, beatings, paddling
  • Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, memory loss, mood changes
  • Complications: Permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes

5. Psychological Trauma

  • PTSD, anxiety, depression: Long-term mental health consequences
  • Suicidal ideation: Hazing victims are at higher risk
  • Trust issues: Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal

Hancock County families: These injuries are preventable. When they happen, the institutions responsible must pay.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hancock County

If you suspect your child has been hazed, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

  • Go to the emergency room if your child shows signs of:
    • Rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, severe muscle pain)
    • Alcohol poisoning (unconsciousness, vomiting)
    • Head injury (confusion, memory loss)
    • Any other concerning symptoms
  • Document everything β€” medical records are critical evidence

2. Preserve Evidence

  • Do NOT delete anything β€” texts, social media, photos, videos
  • Take screenshots of all communications (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
  • Save physical evidence β€” clothing, paddles, objects used in hazing
  • Document injuries β€” take photos of bruises, cuts, or other harm

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

  • Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
  • Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university
  • Do NOT give statements to administrators or insurance companies
  • Anything you say can be used against you

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free, confidential consultations for Hancock County families
  • We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win
  • We will handle all communications with the organization and university

5. Report the Incident

  • File a police report β€” hazing is a crime in Maine
  • Report to the university β€” Title IX office, student affairs
  • Report to the national fraternity β€” they must investigate

🎯 Why Hancock County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are 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 and hold institutions accountable
  • Hancock County families get the same aggressive representation

2. We Have the Expertise

  • 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
  • Former insurance defense attorneys β€” we know how the other side thinks
  • Federal court admission β€” we can pursue cases nationwide
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) β€” strategic advantage for national fraternities

3. We Know Hazing Litigation

  • Rhabdomyolysis injury cases β€” specific experience with this medical condition
  • Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation β€” we’ve handled Greek life cases before
  • Texas A&M hazing cases β€” we understand the culture and the law

4. We Come to Hancock County

  • We offer video consultations for Hancock County families
  • We travel to Hancock County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Distance is not a barrier to justice

5. We Work on Contingency

  • $0 upfront β€” you pay nothing to hire us
  • $0 unless we win β€” we only get paid if you get paid
  • No financial risk β€” we absorb the cost of litigation

6. We Speak Spanish

  • Se habla espaΓ±ol β€” we serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers

7. We Care

  • We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
  • We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families
  • We fight not just for compensation, but for accountability and change

πŸ—ΊοΈ Serving Hancock County, Maine β€” and Beyond

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hancock County, Maine. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean geography is not a barrier to justice.

Universities Near Hancock County Where Hazing Occurs:

  • University of Maine (Orono) β€” Major public university with active Greek life
  • Husson University (Bangor) β€” Private university with fraternities and sororities
  • University of Maine at Augusta (Bangor campus) β€” Regional campus
  • Maine Maritime Academy (Castine) β€” Specialized institution with student organizations
  • Colby College, Bates College, Bowdoin College β€” Elite liberal arts colleges with Greek life

If your child attends any college or university in Maine β€” or anywhere in America β€” and has been hazed, we can help.

πŸ“ž What to Do Next: Contact Attorney 911

Hancock County families: Time is critical.

  • Evidence disappears β€” texts are deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records
  • Statutes of limitations expire β€” Maine has deadlines for filing lawsuits
  • Your child’s health and future are at stake

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We are available 24/7 for Hancock County hazing emergencies.

πŸ”₯ A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Hancock County

To the fraternities with chapters near Hancock County β€” Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters.

If you haze students in Hancock County, we will find 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.

Clean up your chapters. Enforce your policies. Protect your pledges. Or face the consequences.

πŸ›οΈ A Message to Universities in Hancock County

To the University of Maine, Husson University, Maine Maritime Academy, and other institutions near Hancock County:

You have a duty to protect your students.

When you own fraternity houses, when you recognize Greek organizations, when you collect tuition from students β€” you assume responsibility for their safety.

You knew hazing was happening. You had the power to stop it. You chose not to.

The same negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now β€” or face the same accountability.

πŸ’” To Hancock County Hazing Victims and Families

You did not deserve this.

What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “building brotherhood.” It was not “just part of college.”

It was abuse. It was assault. It was wrong.

You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to compensation for your injuries. You have the right to hold those responsible accountable.

You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now β€” and we will fight for you.

Be brave. Step forward. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.

πŸ“ž Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

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