24/7 LIVE STAFF β€” Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Jefferson County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 24, 2026 12 min read
jefferson-county-featured-image.png

πŸ›‘οΈ Jefferson County Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students and Holding Fraternities Accountable

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Jefferson County families whose children have been hazed at local colleges and universities.

If your child was subjected to dangerous hazing rituals at a Jefferson County fraternity, sorority, or student organization, you have legal rights. We will fight to hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable β€” no matter where in New York or America the hazing occurred.

🚨 What Jefferson County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “tradition” or “initiation” β€” it’s abuse. In our current case, a student was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until he vomited
  • Hospitalized with kidney failure from the physical torture

This isn’t happening just in Texas. The same fraternities operate at colleges and universities near Jefferson County. The same dangerous culture exists. And the same negligence from national organizations and local institutions enables it to continue.

🏫 Universities Near Jefferson County With Greek Life

Jefferson County is home to several educational institutions where Greek life thrives, including:

  • SUNY Jefferson (Watertown)
  • Jefferson Community College (Watertown)
  • Nearby institutions such as SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University, and other regional colleges

The same national fraternities involved in our current lawsuit have active chapters at colleges near Jefferson County, including:

  • Pi Kappa Phi
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon
  • Pi Kappa Alpha
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Kappa Sigma
  • And many others

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Jefferson County college or a nearby university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights as a Jefferson County Hazing Victim

Jefferson County families have the same legal protections as Texas families.

Under New York law, hazing is a crime (Education Law Β§ 6450), and victims can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. You can sue:

  • The local chapter that organized the hazing
  • The national fraternity/sorority organization that failed to supervise
  • The university or college that failed to protect students
  • Individual members who participated in or facilitated the abuse

Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Jefferson County Victims:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) from forced exercise
  • Acute kidney failure (as seen in our current case)
  • Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
  • Traumatic brain injuries from physical abuse
  • Broken bones and fractures from beatings
  • Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
  • Sexual assault during hazing rituals
  • Wrongful death from fatal hazing

πŸ’° Why $10 Million? The Precedent for Hazing Lawsuits

Our current $10 million demand isn’t arbitrary β€” it’s based on real legal precedent from hazing cases across America. Recent verdicts and settlements show that juries and courts award millions when institutions fail to protect students:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110 million+ (estimated) settlement
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement (same fraternity as our case)

Jefferson County families deserve the same aggressive representation and the same potential for justice.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Jefferson County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries often don’t show symptoms immediately. Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible β€” it could save their life.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT delete anything. Save:

  • Text messages (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, etc.)
  • Social media posts (Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok)
  • Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
  • Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
  • Any documents given to your child by the organization

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

Universities and fraternities have legal teams whose job is to protect the institution β€” not your child. They may try to:

  • Get your child to sign a waiver
  • Record a statement to use against them
  • Pressure your child to stay silent
  • Offer a lowball settlement

Do not speak to them without legal representation.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Time is critical. New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

  • Preserve critical evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • File legal claims before deadlines
  • Hold the perpetrators accountable

🏒 Who We Sue for Jefferson County Hazing Victims

In our current $10 million lawsuit, we’re pursuing every entity responsible β€” and we’ll do the same for Jefferson County families. Potential defendants include:

1. The Local Chapter

The students who directly organized and participated in the hazing. We hold them personally liable.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

These organizations have millions in assets and insurance. They knew about hazing risks β€” they failed to stop it.

3. The University or College

If the hazing occurred on campus or in university-owned housing, the institution shares liability. They have a legal duty to protect students.

4. Individual Members

Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be sued individually. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Housing Corporations & Alumni

If hazing occurred at a fraternity house, the housing corporation and alumni who own the property can be held liable.

πŸ” Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Jefferson County Hazing Case

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to defend insurance companies β€” we know their playbook. Now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue Jefferson County hazing cases regardless of where the incident occurred.

4. Dual-State Licensed (Texas & New York)

While based in Texas, we’re licensed in New York and can represent Jefferson County families without local counsel.

5. No Upfront Costs

We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Jefferson County families face no financial barrier to justice.

6. We Travel to Jefferson County

For depositions, client meetings, or trials, we come to you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla EspaΓ±ol)

We serve Spanish-speaking Jefferson County families without language barriers.

🎯 Our Approach: Aggressive, Compassionate, Unstoppable

For Jefferson County Families, We:

  • Investigate immediately β€” preserve evidence before it disappears
  • Pursue every liable party β€” no one escapes accountability
  • Fight for maximum compensation β€” medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
  • Protect your child’s future β€” academic, professional, and personal
  • Send a message β€” prevent this from happening to the next Jefferson County student

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself:

  • $10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
  • Millions recovered for personal injury victims nationwide
  • Former insurance defense attorneys β€” we know how to dismantle their defenses
  • 25+ years of litigation experience β€” battle-tested in courtrooms

πŸ“ž Jefferson County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child was hazed at a Jefferson County college or nearby university, time is running out. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Deadlines expire.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

βœ‰οΈ ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

We answer 24/7. You pay nothing unless we win.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jefferson County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a college near Jefferson County β€” can you still help?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. Whether the incident occurred at SUNY Jefferson, Clarkson University, or any other school, we can evaluate your case.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the organization is affiliated with a Jefferson County college, we can still pursue legal action.

Q: Will my child have to testify?

A: Not necessarily. Many hazing cases settle before trial. If a trial is necessary, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

Q: What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense. New York law (Education Law Β§ 6450) explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. The fraternity cannot hide behind this argument.

Q: How much is my Jefferson County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors include:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Psychological trauma
  • Institutional knowledge of prior hazing
  • Egregiousness of conduct

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million β€” and recent precedents show that hazing cases can reach millions in compensation.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear retribution for speaking out. In our current case, our client is too afraid to do interviews due to potential retaliation. We take these concerns seriously and will protect your child’s identity and safety throughout the legal process.

πŸ”₯ A Message to Jefferson County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Jefferson County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Jefferson County, we will find every liable entity β€” the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and the individuals.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma β€”
If your chapter operates near Jefferson County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

To Jefferson County colleges and universities:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ† Together, We Can End Hazing in Jefferson County

Our current lawsuit isn’t just about one student β€” it’s about sending a message to every fraternity and university in America. Jefferson County families deserve that same protection.

If your child was hazed, you don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept “tradition” as an excuse. You don’t have to let them get away with it.

Call us. Fight back. Hold them accountable.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 | βœ‰οΈ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Jefferson County families: We’re ready to fight for you.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911