Hazing Victims in Lake County: Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Lake County Families Have Rights Too

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Lake County, Florida, you’re not alone. The same fraternities, sororities, and institutional failures that led to a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas are happening right here in Florida. Lake County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re providing nationwide.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a landmark hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and forced consumption. This same fraternity has active chapters across Florida — including near Lake County. If your child has been hazed, we can help you fight back.

What Lake County Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Florida — And It’s Not Just “Tradition”

Florida law defines hazing as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization. This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Psychological torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation)
• Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)

Florida Statute § 1006.63 makes hazing a third-degree felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death. Even if no physical harm occurs, hazing is still a first-degree misdemeanor.

Key Florida Hazing Laws:

• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
• Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for failing to prevent hazing.
• Criminal charges are possible — Individuals and organizations can face felony or misdemeanor charges.

2. Hazing Happens at Lake County-Area Schools Too

While our current case is in Texas, hazing is a nationwide epidemic — and Florida is no exception. Major universities near Lake County have active Greek organizations with documented hazing histories:

The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million Texas case operate at Florida universities — including those near Lake County.

3. Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Lake County?

If your child has been hazed, multiple parties can be sued, including:

Lake County families: You don’t have to sue just one person. We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Lake County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Heat stroke/hypothermia (from forced exposure)
• PTSD, anxiety, depression (from psychological abuse)

Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots + metadata)
✅ Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
✅ Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results)
✅ Witness names and contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
✅ Social media posts (from fraternity members bragging about hazing)

Why this matters: In our Texas case, we used text messages, medical records, and witness statements to prove the fraternity’s liability.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim. They may:

• Offer a quick settlement (usually far below what you deserve)
• Ask for a recorded statement (they’ll use it against you)
• Pressure you to sign a confidentiality agreement (so they can keep hazing)
• Threaten or intimidate your child (to prevent them from speaking out)

Do not engage with them. Call us first. We handle all communications.

Step 4: Report the Hazing to Authorities

Florida law requires schools to report hazing incidents. You should:

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Florida)
• Report to the university’s Title IX office (for gender-based hazing)
• Report to the Florida Department of Education (if the school fails to act)

We can help you file these reports safely and effectively.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is critical. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 4 years, but evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations (no obligation)
✅ No upfront costs — we only get paid if we win
✅ Nationwide representation — we can handle your Lake County case remotely or in person
✅ 24/7 availability — call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Lake County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle — And Winning

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. The same fraternity has chapters near Lake County — and we’re holding them accountable.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and universities will argue: “Your child agreed to participate.” Florida law says consent is NOT a defense. We’ve successfully defeated this argument in court.

3. We Pursue Every Liable Party — Not Just the Fraternity

In our Texas case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university (for owning the fraternity house)
• Individual members (for participating in hazing)
• Former members and their spouses (for hosting hazing)

We don’t settle for lowball offers. We go after everyone responsible.

4. We Have Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Our Team

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

5. We Offer Remote Representation for Lake County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lake County. We can:

• Conduct video consultations
• Handle court filings remotely
• Travel to Lake County for depositions, trials, or meetings
• Work with local Florida attorneys when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

What Lake County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (ER visits, hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work due to injuries)
• Educational costs (tuition refunds, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain (from injuries, medical treatment, recovery)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
• Humiliation (from degrading hazing activities)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)

Punitive Damages (To Punish the Wrongdoers)

If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent, Florida courts can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

In our Texas case, we’re seeking $10 million — and precedent shows juries award even more.

Hazing Case Results: What Florida Families Can Expect

Lake County families: These results show that hazing cases win — and they win big. The same legal strategies apply to Florida cases.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lake County Families

1. “My child was hazed, but they’re afraid of retaliation. Can we still sue?”

Yes. We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to prevent retaliation. In our Texas case, our client was fearful of retribution — we’re fighting to ensure his voice is heard safely.

2. “The fraternity said this was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal, dangerous, or abusive behavior. Florida law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

3. “The university says they didn’t know. Can we still sue them?”

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they own the fraternity house (like UH did in our case) or have prior hazing incidents, they can be held liable.

4. “My child was hazed at a private university. Does that change anything?”

No. Both public and private universities can be sued for hazing. Private universities may have higher insurance limits, which can mean higher settlements for victims.

5. “How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Florida?”

• Personal injury: 4 years from the date of the hazing incident.
• Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death.
• Criminal charges: Varies, but should be reported immediately.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

6. “We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?”

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.

7. “The fraternity offered us a settlement. Should we take it?”

Not without talking to us first. Insurance companies and fraternities lowball victims with early settlement offers. In our experience, settlements increase significantly when victims are represented by experienced attorneys.

Lake County Hazing Warning Signs: What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags:

If you notice these signs, ask your child directly — and contact us immediately.

How Lake County Families Can Help Prevent Hazing

1. Talk to Your Child Before They Join Greek Life

• Ask about pledge activities — if they sound dangerous, they probably are.
• Research the fraternity/sorority’s hazing history (Google: “[Fraternity Name] hazing”).
• Encourage them to report hazing immediately — even if they’re not the victim.

2. Support Anti-Hazing Legislation

Florida has strong anti-hazing laws, but enforcement is inconsistent. You can:

• Contact your state legislators to demand stricter penalties.
• Support the Stop Campus Hazing Act (federal legislation requiring universities to report hazing incidents).
• Advocate for transparency in Greek organizations.

3. Demand Accountability from Universities

• Ask your child’s school about their hazing prevention policies.
• Request hazing incident reports (public records in Florida).
• Push for independent oversight of Greek life.

Lake County Hazing Resources

Next Steps for Lake County Families

If your child has been hazed — or if you suspect hazing is happening — act now.

1. Call Attorney 911 for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

2. Gather Evidence

• Medical records
• Photos/videos
• Text messages/social media
• Witness information

3. Do NOT Engage with the Fraternity or University

Let us handle all communications.

4. Report the Hazing

• File a police report
• Report to the university
• Report to the Florida Department of Education

Lake County Families: We’re Here to Fight for You

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.

It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it must be stopped.

At Attorney 911, we’re already fighting this battle — and winning. Lake County families deserve the same justice. If your child has been hazed, we will hold the fraternity, the university, and every individual responsible accountable.

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

No upfront costs. No risk. Just results.

We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for Lake County families too.