🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Livingston County, NY — Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse

Attorney 911 — Fighting for Livingston County Hazing Victims from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

If your child was hazed at a Livingston County college or university, we can help — no matter where you are. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🔥 This Is Happening in Livingston County, NY — And It Needs to Stop

Right now, in Houston, Texas, we are fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure — all as part of what fraternities call “tradition.”

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at colleges and universities near Livingston County, NY.

The same fraternities that operated at University of Houston — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi — have active chapters at colleges across New York State, including institutions near Livingston County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Livingston County or anywhere in New York, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client. And if the unthinkable happens, you need a law firm that knows how to fight these powerful institutions — and win.

At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating one of the largest hazing cases in America. We know how to hold fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable. And we can do the same for Livingston County families.

🏫 Which Colleges Near Livingston County Have Greek Life?

Livingston County is home to a strong community with deep family values. Many Livingston County families send their children to college at nearby institutions where Greek life thrives. These include:

State University of New York (SUNY) System — One of the largest university systems in the country, with multiple campuses across New York State featuring active Greek organizations
University of Rochester — Private research university with a significant Greek presence
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — Large private university with fraternities and sororities
SUNY Geneseo — Public liberal arts college with a strong Greek system
SUNY Brockport — Public university with active Greek life
Nazareth College — Private college with Greek organizations
St. John Fisher University — Private university with fraternities and sororities

These are not just names on a map. These are places where Livingston County families trust their children will be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at all of them — and it’s often hidden until it’s too late.

⚠️ What Is Hazing — And Why Is It So Dangerous?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

In New York, hazing is a crime. Under New York Penal Law § 120.16 and § 120.17, hazing can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the conduct.

Common Hazing Practices in Livingston County-Area Colleges:

Type of Hazing	Examples	Dangers
Physical Abuse	Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion	Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, death
Forced Consumption	Binge drinking, forced eating (hot sauce, milk, food), non-food substances	Alcohol poisoning, choking, internal injuries, death
Sleep Deprivation	All-night events, early morning activities	Impaired judgment, accidents, mental health crises
Psychological Abuse	Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats	PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide
Waterboarding/Drowning	Simulated drowning with water or hoses	Near-drowning, panic attacks, psychological trauma
Sexual Abuse	Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault	Trauma, PTSD, long-term psychological harm
Servitude	Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands	Exhaustion, academic decline, missed opportunities
Exposure	Forced outdoor activities in extreme weather	Hypothermia, heat stroke, frostbite

This isn’t “boys being boys.” This isn’t “tradition.” This is abuse. And it’s illegal.

💔 Real Cases — Real Consequences for New York Families

Timothy Piazza — Penn State (2017)

Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
What Happened: Forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911
Result: Died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding
Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions; Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law

Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University (2017)

Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event; wrong answer = drink more; BAC reached 0.495 (6x legal limit)
Result: Died from acute alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act — making hazing a felony

Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University (2021)

Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” event
Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement; chapter president personally liable for $6.5 million; Ohio passed Collin’s Law

Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston (2025) — Our Client

Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
What Happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, forced to eat until vomiting
Result: Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure for 4 days
Outcome: $10 million lawsuit filed; chapter closed; national organization admits “violations”

These cases are not isolated. They are part of a national pattern. And they are happening at colleges near Livingston County, NY — right now.

⚖️ New York Hazing Law — What You Need to Know

New York Penal Law § 120.16 — Hazing in the First Degree (Misdemeanor)

A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.

Punishment: Up to 1 year in jail

New York Penal Law § 120.17 — Hazing in the Second Degree (Misdemeanor)

A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.

Punishment: Up to 15 days in jail

Consent Is Not a Defense in New York

New York courts have ruled that consent is not a valid defense to hazing charges. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the activity can still be illegal.

Institutional Liability

Universities and national fraternity organizations can be held civilly liable for hazing that occurs on their watch. This means they can be sued for negligence, premises liability, and failure to supervise.

💰 What Is Your Livingston County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in substantial financial compensation for victims and their families. The amount depends on several factors:

Factor	How It Affects Your Case
Severity of Injuries	Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher value
Psychological Harm	PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy = additional compensation
Academic Impact	Missed classes, failed courses, lost scholarships = recoverable
Medical Expenses	Past and future medical bills = economic damages
Lost Wages	Time missed from work or internships = recoverable
Egregious Conduct	Waterboarding, paddling, forced drinking = punitive damages
Pattern of Abuse	Prior hazing incidents at same chapter = higher liability
Institutional Knowledge	University/fraternity knew about hazing = punitive damages
Wrongful Death	If hazing leads to death = highest value cases

Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:

Case	Fraternity	Amount	Location
Stone Foltz	Pi Kappa Alpha	$10.1 million	Ohio
Maxwell Gruver	Phi Delta Theta	$6.1 million	Louisiana
Timothy Piazza	Beta Theta Pi	$110+ million	Pennsylvania
Adam Oakes	Delta Chi	$4+ million	Virginia

These results are possible for Livingston County families. We are currently pursuing a $10 million hazing case — and we can do the same for you.

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

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If your child has been hazed, take them to the emergency room or urgent care — even if their injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening.

Document everything:

Get copies of all medical records
Take photos of injuries
Keep receipts for all medical expenses

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.

Text messages — GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat
Social media posts — Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X
Photos and videos — From hazing events or injuries
Emails — From fraternity/sorority or university
Pledge manuals or schedules — Any documents given to your child
Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

Step 3: Report the Hazing

Report to the university — File a formal complaint with the college’s student conduct office
Report to local law enforcement — Hazing is a crime in New York
Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization — They may have their own investigation process

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers working to protect their own interests — not yours. They will try to:

Get your child to sign documents waiving their rights
Record statements that can be used against them
Offer lowball settlements before the full extent of harm is known
Pressure your child to stay silent

You need your own legal team to protect your rights.

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is critical. New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We represent hazing victims on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🏆 Why Livingston County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Actively Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

While other law firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating one of the largest hazing cases in the country. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Livingston County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

We are based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Livingston County, NY. We can:

Travel to Livingston County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Offer video consultations for Livingston County families
Pursue your case in federal court if needed
Handle all communications with universities and fraternities remotely

4. Bilingual Support — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We offer full bilingual support in Spanish and English, so language is never a barrier to justice.

5. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Livingston County Families

We understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless and until we win your case.

Contingency Fee: We receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

6. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence. Our results include:

$10+ million in trucking accident cases
$6+ million in wrongful death claims
$4+ million in catastrophic injury cases

We bring the same aggressive representation to Livingston County hazing cases.

7. We Understand the Culture — And How to Break It

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We don’t just see your child as a case — we see them as a person who was betrayed by an institution they trusted.

📞 Livingston County Families — Call Us Today

If your child was hazed in Livingston County or at any college in New York State, you have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people who hurt your child accountable.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Livingston County, NY and all of New York State. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Livingston County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. Should I still call a lawyer?

A: Yes. Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social ostracism. We can help protect your child’s identity and guide you through the process confidentially. You don’t have to decide whether to file a lawsuit right away — but you should understand your options.

Q: The fraternity said this was just “tradition” and that my child consented. Does that mean we can’t sue?

A: No. In New York, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable if the activities were dangerous or illegal.

Q: My child was hazed at a college near Livingston County, but we live in Livingston County. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Livingston County families whose children were hazed at colleges across New York State. We can handle your case remotely and travel to Livingston County as needed.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: Nothing upfront. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from known dangers, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of the injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s important to act as soon as possible.

Q: What if the fraternity has already suspended the chapter? Does that mean they admit guilt?

A: Not necessarily. Fraternities often suspend or close chapters to limit their liability and distance themselves from the incident. This does not mean they admit wrongdoing or that they won’t fight your claim. You still need an attorney to hold them accountable.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization, or just the local chapter?

A: Yes, you can — and should — sue the national organization. They have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide compensation. They also have a duty to supervise their chapters and prevent hazing.

Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that hurt our case?

A: Not necessarily. If the drinking was forced or coerced by the fraternity, that can actually strengthen your case. Even if your child drank voluntarily, the fraternity can still be liable for the hazing activities.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We can:

File complaints with the university’s Title IX office
Request no-contact orders
Pursue claims for emotional distress if retaliation occurs
Keep your child’s identity confidential during the legal process

🎯 Our Message to Fraternities Near Livingston County, NY

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and every other fraternity operating near Livingston County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in Ohio, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania apply to your chapters in New York State.

If your chapter hazes students in Livingston County or anywhere in New York, we will:

Sue your local chapter
Sue your national organization
Sue your housing corporation
Sue your individual members
Sue the university that allows you to operate

We are actively litigating a hazing case right now. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.

The era of hazing as “tradition” is over. The era of accountability has begun.

🏆 Our Commitment to Livingston County Families

At Attorney 911, we believe that no child should be tortured in the name of brotherhood or sisterhood. We believe that universities have a duty to protect their students. And we believe that fraternities and sororities must be held accountable when they betray that trust.

If your child was hazed in Livingston County or at any college in New York State, we are here to fight for you. We will:

Listen to your story with compassion
Investigate the incident thoroughly
Identify all responsible parties
Build a strong case for maximum compensation
Fight aggressively in court if necessary
Protect your child from retaliation
Demand justice — not just for your family, but for all students

Livingston County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas. Call us today.

📞 Contact Attorney 911 — Livingston County’s Hazing Lawyers

For a free, confidential consultation, call:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)