Hazing Victim Legal Representation for Maine Families
Attorney 911 – Nationwide Legal Advocacy for Hazing Victims
🚨 Hazing in Maine: A Crisis That Demands Justice
Maine families trust universities and Greek organizations to protect their children. But when fraternities and sororities engage in hazing, that trust is shattered. Hazing isn’t just “tradition”—it’s abuse, and it happens at colleges and universities across Maine.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that proves hazing can lead to life-threatening injuries, kidney failure, and permanent trauma. The same fraternities with chapters in Maine—like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.
If your child was hazed at a Maine university or college, you have legal rights. We will fight for you—no matter where in Maine you are.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Maine: What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Happens at Maine Colleges and Universities
While Maine may not make national headlines for hazing as often as larger states, the same dangerous culture exists at universities and colleges across the state. Greek organizations with chapters in Maine—including the University of Maine, Bowdoin College, Colby College, Bates College, Husson University, and others—have been linked to hazing incidents in other states.
Maine parents: The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Texas have chapters in Maine. The same negligence that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Houston exists at Maine institutions.
What Counts as Hazing in Maine?
Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing”—it’s dangerous, illegal, and often life-threatening. Under Maine law (20-A M.R.S. § 6553), hazing is defined as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.”
Examples of hazing that have led to lawsuits and settlements nationwide (and could happen in Maine):
✅ Physical abuse – Paddling, beating, forced exercise until collapse
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting
✅ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Extreme exhaustion – Late-night workouts, servitude, driving members at all hours
✅ Dangerous stunts – Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure
This isn’t “brotherhood” or “sisterhood”—it’s assault. And it’s illegal in Maine.
🏛️ Maine’s Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Maine Statute 20-A M.R.S. § 6553 – Anti-Hazing Law
Maine law explicitly prohibits hazing and holds both individuals and organizations accountable. Key provisions include:
- Hazing is a Class D crime (misdemeanor) if it causes bodily injury
- Hazing is a Class C crime (felony) if it causes serious bodily injury or death
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 for condoning hazing
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable
Maine colleges and universities are required to report hazing incidents to the state. If they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Maine?
If your child was hazed in Maine, multiple parties can be held liable, including:
🔹 The local fraternity/sorority chapter – Directly responsible for organizing hazing
🔹 National fraternity/sorority organizations – Failed to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
🔹 The university/college – Failed to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks
🔹 Individual members – Those who participated in or facilitated hazing
🔹 Alumni & housing corporations – If hazing occurred at an off-campus residence they own
Maine families: You don’t have to accept “it’s just tradition” as an excuse. The law is on your side.
💰 Proven Results: Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements & Verdicts
Hazing cases win big when victims and families stand up. Here’s what fraternities and universities have paid in recent years:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ Million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (Major) |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ Million |
| Our Current Case | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 Million Lawsuit (Pending) | $10 Million |
Maine families: These same fraternities have chapters in Maine. The same negligence exists at Maine universities. Your child’s case could be next.
🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Maine Parents Must Know
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun”—it can cause permanent injuries, organ failure, and even death. Some of the most common medical consequences include:
1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown) – What Happened to Our Client
- Caused by: Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, forced exercise)
- Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark brown urine, inability to move, kidney failure
- Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis or transplant
- Long-term effects: Chronic kidney disease, permanent muscle damage
Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme exercises. This could happen to your child in Maine.
2. Alcohol Poisoning – A Leading Cause of Hazing Deaths
- Caused by: Forced binge drinking, chugging alcohol
- Symptoms: Vomiting, unconsciousness, slowed breathing, death
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Can reach 0.40+ (5x the legal limit)
- Treatment: Emergency room, stomach pumping, IV fluids
Maxwell Gruver (LSU) died from alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495. Stone Foltz (BGSU) died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. This happens in Maine too.
3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Caused by: Beatings, falls, being struck with objects
- Symptoms: Memory loss, seizures, permanent cognitive impairment
- Treatment: Surgery, long-term rehabilitation
Timothy Piazza (Penn State) suffered a fatal TBI after being forced to drink and falling down stairs. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
4. Hypothermia & Heat Stroke
- Caused by: Forced exposure to extreme cold or heat
- Symptoms: Confusion, organ failure, death
5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)
- Caused by: Humiliation, waterboarding, sexual abuse, threats
- Symptoms: Nightmares, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts
- Treatment: Long-term therapy, medication
Our client is “fearful of retribution” for speaking out. Hazing victims in Maine face the same fear.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Maine
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked.
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be delayed.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
📌 Take photos/videos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
📌 Save all text messages, GroupMe/Snapchat/Instagram DMs about hazing
📌 Get witness names and contact information
📌 Document the location where hazing occurred
📌 Keep all medical records and bills
Do NOT delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing. This is evidence.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They may pressure your child to sign documents waiving their rights.
- They may destroy evidence.
Let us handle all communications. We know their tactics.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💻 Free Consultation – No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
⚖️ Why Maine Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Actively Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case Right Now
- We represent Leonel Bermudez, who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles at Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston).
- The same fraternity has chapters in Maine.
- We know how to build these cases and win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
- We know how they try to lowball settlements and deny claims.
- We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Maine Families
- Headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we travel nationwide for hazing cases.
- Federal court authority – We can sue national fraternities and universities in federal court.
- Video consultations available – You don’t have to come to Texas.
4. Aggressive, Trial-Ready Representation
- We don’t back down from big institutions.
- If they won’t settle fairly, we take them to trial.
- We’ve won millions for clients against powerful defendants.
5. Compassionate, Bilingual Service
- Se habla español – We serve Spanish-speaking families in Maine.
- We treat every client like family.
- We understand the emotional trauma of hazing and fight for justice, not just money.
🎯 What Maine Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child was hazed in Maine, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | ER visits, hospitalization, surgery, therapy | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Future Medical Costs | Dialysis, kidney transplant, long-term care | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work, lost internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000 – $3M+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the fraternity/university for reckless conduct | $1M – $5M+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing led to death (funeral costs, loss of companionship) | $1M – $10M+ |
Total potential recovery: $100,000 – $10+ Million
📞 Maine Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Serving hazing victims across Maine, including:
- University of Maine (Orono, Farmington, Augusta, Presque Isle, Machias, Fort Kent)
- Bowdoin College (Brunswick)
- Colby College (Waterville)
- Bates College (Lewiston)
- Husson University (Bangor)
- University of Southern Maine (Portland, Gorham, Lewiston)
- Thomas College (Waterville)
- University of New England (Biddeford, Portland)
- Saint Joseph’s College (Standish)
- Maine Maritime Academy (Castine)
- And all other Maine colleges and universities
🚨 Don’t Wait – Maine’s Statute of Limitations is Running Out
- Personal injury claims in Maine must be filed within 6 years (but evidence disappears fast).
- Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years.
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Call Attorney 911 today. Justice delayed is justice denied.
🔥 A Message to Maine Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating in Maine—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and others—we have a message:
“We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Maine, we will pursue every liable entity—your national organization, your housing corporation, your alumni, and your individual members. We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.”
Enough is enough. The hazing stops now.
📢 Maine Parents: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is isolating, terrifying, and traumatic. But you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Attorney 911 is here to help Maine families get justice.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. Nationwide representation.
Maine families: It’s time to hold them accountable.
