Hazing Victims in Massachusetts: Your Legal Rights & How to Get Justice

If your child or loved one has been hazed at a Massachusetts college or university, you are not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Texas—waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and systematic abuse—is happening right here in Massachusetts too.

At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable—and we will bring that same aggressive representation to Massachusetts families.

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

Hazing in Massachusetts: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Massachusetts is home to world-class universities with thriving Greek life, including:

• Boston University
• Northeastern University
• Harvard University
• MIT
• Tufts University
• Boston College
• UMass Amherst
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Clark University
• Brandeis University

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, and others—have active chapters at Massachusetts schools.

Massachusetts Hazing Statistics (What Universities Won’t Tell You)

• 55% of Greek life members report experiencing hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
• 40% of student athletes report hazing (Alfred University Study)
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the U.S.—many at elite universities
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it (due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group)

If your child was hazed in Massachusetts, they are not alone—and they do not have to suffer in silence.

What Counts as Hazing in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 269, § 17-19) defines hazing as:

“Any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.”

Common Hazing Practices in Massachusetts (That Can Lead to Lawsuits)

✅ Physical Abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced Consumption – Alcohol binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
✅ Psychological Torture – Humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation, isolation
✅ Sexual Abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding & Drowning Simulations – As seen in our Texas case
✅ Extreme Exposure – Forced activity in freezing or extreme heat
✅ Servitude – Forced cleaning, errands, or driving for members

If your child experienced any of these in Massachusetts, they may have a legal claim—even if they “consented.”

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Massachusetts?

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organized and participated in hazing
• Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager) can be personally sued

2. The National Organization (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Kappa Sigma, etc.)

• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Deep pockets – National fraternities have millions in assets and insurance

3. The University (BU, Northeastern, Harvard, UMass, etc.)

• Premises liability – If hazing occurred in university-owned housing
• Negligent supervision – Failed to monitor Greek life despite prior incidents
• Title IX violations – If hazing involved sexual harassment or assault

4. Individual Members & Alumni

• Anyone who participated in or facilitated hazing
• Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
• Personal assets and homeowner’s insurance may cover damages

5. Insurance Companies

• Fraternities, universities, and individuals often have liability insurance
• We know how to force them to pay (we’re former insurance defense attorneys)

What Damages Can Massachusetts Hazing Victims Recover?

Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (ER visits, hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational costs (tuition refunds, scholarship losses)
• Rehabilitation expenses (physical therapy, mental health care)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain (from injuries, forced exercise, abuse)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation & shame (from degrading hazing rituals)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience)

Punitive Damages (To Punish the Wrongdoers)

• Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or malicious
• Designed to send a message and prevent future hazing
• Massachusetts has no cap on punitive damages for intentional harm

Wrongful Death Damages (If Hazing Killed a Student)

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of future earnings
• Loss of companionship (for parents and siblings)
• Punitive damages (to punish the responsible parties)

Massachusetts Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

1. Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has strict anti-hazing laws (M.G.L. c. 269, § 17-19):

Universities and fraternities can also face:

• Fines up to $5,000 per violation
• Loss of recognition on campus
• Forfeiture of property

2. Civil Lawsuits: Suing for Money Damages

Even if criminal charges are filed, victims can still sue for financial compensation. Massachusetts allows lawsuits for:

• Negligence (failure to protect students)
• Assault & Battery (physical abuse)
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (psychological torture)
• Premises Liability (if hazing occurred on university property)
• Wrongful Death (if hazing led to a fatality)

3. Consent Is NOT a Defense in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law is clear:

“It is not a defense that the victim consented to the hazing.” (M.G.L. c. 269, § 18)

Fraternities cannot argue:

• “They agreed to participate”
• “They knew the risks”
• “They could have left at any time”

If hazing occurred, the perpetrators are liable—period.

What Should Massachusetts Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?

✅ Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Go to the ER or urgent care – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can be life-threatening
• Document everything – Medical records are crucial for your case
• Seek mental health support – Hazing causes PTSD, anxiety, and depression

✅ Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence

Do NOT delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots and originals)
• Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or the location
• Witness names & contact info (other pledges, bystanders)
• Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)

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

• They will try to cover it up – Fraternities and universities prioritize their reputation over your child’s safety
• Do NOT sign anything – They may try to get you to waive your rights
• Do NOT give a statement – Anything you say can be used against you

✅ Step 4: Contact a Massachusetts Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Time is critical. Massachusetts has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but:

• Evidence disappears (fraternities delete messages, universities destroy records)
• Witnesses forget (memories fade over time)
• Your child’s rights expire

Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Massachusetts Hazing Case?

✅ We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

• Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure
• We are suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know how to win these cases—and we’ll bring that expertise to Massachusetts

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys (We Know Their Tricks)

• We used to defend insurance companies – Now we use that knowledge to crush them
• We know how they try to lowball victims – We won’t let them get away with it
• We know where the money is – Fraternities and universities have deep pockets

✅ Nationwide Representation (We Serve Massachusetts Families)

• Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
• Federal court admission – We can sue in federal court if needed
• Travel to Massachusetts – For depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Video consultations available – No need to travel to Texas

✅ Proven Results in Personal Injury Cases

• Millions recovered for accident victims
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• High-profile media coverage (ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle)

✅ We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Massachusetts Families

• You pay NOTHING unless we win
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We only get paid if you get paid

Massachusetts Hazing Case Examples (What’s Possible)

Case 1: $10.1 Million Settlement (Ohio)

• Victim: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• Hazing: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol
• Result: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)
• Outcome: Fraternity permanently expelled, multiple criminal convictions

Case 2: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Louisiana)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• Hazing: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” ritual
• Result: $6.1 million jury verdict
• Outcome: Fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide

Case 3: $110+ Million Settlement (Pennsylvania)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
• Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs
• Result: $110+ million settlement (estimated)
• Outcome: 18 fraternity members charged, multiple convictions

Case 4: Our Current Case – $10 Million Lawsuit (Texas)

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi)
• Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, kidney failure
• Status: $10 million lawsuit filed (November 2025)
• Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

These results are possible for Massachusetts victims too.

Massachusetts Universities with High-Risk Greek Life

The following Massachusetts schools have active Greek life chapters linked to national hazing incidents:

If your child was hazed at any of these schools, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

Massachusetts Hazing Law FAQ

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed but didn’t get physically injured?

Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is enough to file a lawsuit. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage even without physical injuries.

2. What if my child was drinking during the hazing?

Consent is NOT a defense in Massachusetts. Even if your child drank voluntarily, the fraternity can still be liable for:

• Forcing excessive alcohol consumption
• Failing to provide medical help when needed
• Creating a dangerous environment

3. Can I sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Universities can be held liable if:

• They knew or should have known about hazing risks
• They failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• The hazing was connected to a recognized student organization

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Massachusetts?

• Personal injury: 3 years from the date of the hazing incident
• Wrongful death: 3 years from the date of death
• Minors: The clock may not start until the victim turns 18

Do NOT wait—evidence disappears quickly.

5. Will my child’s name be made public?

Not necessarily. We can:

• File the case under seal (confidential)
• Use initials instead of full names
• Request protective orders to keep sensitive information private

6. What if the fraternity says it was “just tradition”?

“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing is illegal, dangerous, and unacceptable—no matter how long it’s been going on.

7. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a high school in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts anti-hazing laws apply to all student organizations, including high school sports teams, marching bands, and clubs.

8. What if the fraternity already suspended the chapter?

That doesn’t end your legal rights. In fact, fraternities often close chapters to avoid liability—but the national organization and university can still be sued.

Massachusetts Hazing Victims: You Have Options

Option 1: File a Civil Lawsuit (Our Focus)

• Sue for financial compensation (medical bills, pain & suffering, punitive damages)
• Hold all responsible parties accountable (fraternity, university, individuals)
• No upfront cost (we work on contingency)

Option 2: Report to Law Enforcement

• Criminal charges can be filed against individuals (up to 10 years in prison for serious injuries)
• Universities can be fined up to $5,000 per violation

Option 3: File a Title IX Complaint

• If hazing involved sexual harassment or assault, the university may be violating Title IX
• Can lead to university investigations and disciplinary action

Option 4: Media & Public Pressure

• Expose the hazing through local and national media
• Force universities to take action (expulsions, policy changes)
• Prevent future hazing by making an example of the perpetrators

We can help with ALL of these options.

What to Do Next: Massachusetts Families’ Action Plan

✅ Step 1: Call Attorney 911 Now – 1-888-ATTY-911

• Free, confidential consultation
• No obligation, no pressure
• We’ll evaluate your case immediately

✅ Step 2: Preserve Evidence Immediately

• Do NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos
• Save all medical records and bills
• Write down everything your child remembers

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

• They will try to cover it up
• Do NOT sign anything
• Do NOT give a statement without a lawyer

✅ Step 4: Let Us Handle Everything

• We’ll deal with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
• We’ll gather evidence and build your case
• We’ll fight for the maximum compensation possible

Massachusetts Hazing Victims: Your Time for Justice Is Now

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

It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.

And in Massachusetts, it is illegal.

If your child was hazed at Boston University, Northeastern, Harvard, UMass, or any other Massachusetts school, you have legal rights. You can sue for financial compensation. You can hold the perpetrators accountable. You can prevent this from happening to another family.

We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now in Texas—and we will bring that same fury to Massachusetts.

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

Or visit our website: attorney911.com

Massachusetts families: You are not alone. We are here to help.