Montgomery County Hazing Lawyers — Fraternity Abuse Attorneys Serving New York Families
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority in Montgomery County, NY, you are not alone — and you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme abuse. This same hazing happens at colleges and universities across New York, including in Montgomery County. Greek organizations with chapters near Montgomery County have the same dangerous cultures — and we are here to hold them accountable.
Montgomery County families deserve justice. We will fight for you.
📞 Call our hazing emergency hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Montgomery County, NY — What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — It Happens in Montgomery County Too
Hazing is not just a problem in Texas or the South — it is a national crisis that affects students in New York, including in Montgomery County. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at colleges and universities near Montgomery County, including:
- SUNY campuses (State University of New York system)
- Private colleges across Upstate New York
- Community colleges with active Greek life
Montgomery County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a college near Montgomery County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Is Hazing — And Why Is It So Dangerous?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that endangers their physical or mental health, regardless of their willingness to participate. Under New York law, hazing is illegal — and it can be deadly.
Common hazing activities reported in New York and nationwide include:
- Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, drinking games)
- Extreme physical exercise (hundreds of squats, push-ups, bear crawls)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Physical violence (paddling, beating, branding)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Forced eating until vomiting
- Sexual humiliation or assault
The medical consequences can be severe:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hypothermia or heatstroke
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
In our current case in Texas, a student was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, waterboarded, and struck with wooden paddles. This same abuse happens in New York.
New York Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights in Montgomery County
New York has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under New York Education Law § 6450, hazing is a misdemeanor, and organizations that engage in hazing can be held criminally and civilly liable.
Key points for Montgomery County families:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter under the law.
- Universities can be held liable — If the school knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
- National fraternities and sororities can be sued — They are responsible for overseeing their chapters.
- Individual members can be held personally liable — Those who participated in or organized hazing can be sued individually.
- Two-year statute of limitations — You have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a civil lawsuit in New York.
Montgomery County parents: If your child was hazed, you have legal options — but you must act quickly.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Montgomery County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority over Greek life; may own fraternity/sorority houses |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed or allowed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Alumni or Hosts | Allowed hazing to occur at their residence |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies covering the organization or university |
In our current case, we are suing:
- The local fraternity chapter
- The national fraternity organization
- The university (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
- A former member and their spouse (who hosted hazing at their home)
Montgomery County families: This same legal strategy applies to hazing cases in New York.
💰 What Is Your Hazing Case Worth? — Multi-Million Dollar Precedents
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims and families take legal action. Here are just a few examples of what fraternities and universities have paid:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Tucker Hipps (2014) | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Clemson | $500,000+ settlement |
Montgomery County families: These results are possible for New York victims too. We are currently seeking $10 million in our Texas case — and we will pursue the same justice for Montgomery County families.
🔍 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Montgomery County
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Montgomery County, take these steps immediately to protect their rights and preserve evidence:
1. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
- Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning may not show symptoms immediately.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
2. Document Everything
- Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.).
- Save all communications (texts, emails, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, social media posts).
- Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, what was said, who was present.
- Get names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without an Attorney
- They will try to control the narrative and minimize your child’s experience.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
- Let your attorney handle all communications.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything your child posts can be used as evidence by the defense.
- Avoid discussing the incident online.
- Do not delete old posts — this can be seen as destruction of evidence.
5. Report the Incident to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report.
- Report the hazing to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office.
- We can help guide you through this process.
6. Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately
- The statute of limitations in New York is two years — don’t wait.
- Evidence disappears quickly.
- Witnesses forget details.
- The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
📞 Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
⚖️ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Montgomery County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Montgomery County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they will try to deny or minimize your claim — and we know how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Montgomery County and All of New York
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Montgomery County and across New York. We have:
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar admission — Texas and New York
- Willingness to travel — We will come to Montgomery County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
4. Proven Results in Multi-Million Dollar Cases
Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims of negligence, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations
- Wrongful death cases — Representing families who lost loved ones
- Catastrophic injury cases — Including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
5. We Treat Montgomery County Families Like Family
We understand how traumatic hazing is for students and their families. We will:
- Listen to your story with compassion.
- Fight aggressively for your rights.
- Keep you informed at every step.
- Never treat you like “just another case.”
6. No Upfront Costs — We Work on Contingency
We understand that legal fees can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contingency fee for Montgomery County families: $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
🎯 Our Approach to Montgomery County Hazing Cases
1. Immediate Action to Preserve Evidence
- Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence.
- Obtain security camera footage, text messages, social media posts, and other documentation.
- Interview witnesses before memories fade.
2. Aggressive Pursuit of All Liable Parties
We don’t just sue the local chapter — we go after everyone responsible, including:
- The national fraternity/sorority organization
- The university or college
- Individual members and officers
- Alumni or hosts who facilitated hazing
3. Building a Case for Maximum Compensation
We work with experts to calculate:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
4. Negotiating from Strength
We know how insurance companies and universities operate. We won’t accept lowball settlement offers. If they won’t pay what your case is worth, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
5. Protecting Your Child’s Future
We understand that your child’s safety and well-being are your top priorities. We will:
- Help them access counseling and medical care.
- Protect them from retaliation.
- Ensure their academic and professional future isn’t derailed by the hazing incident.
📞 Montgomery County Families — Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Montgomery County, do not wait. The statute of limitations in New York is two years, and evidence disappears quickly.
📞 Call our hazing emergency hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Montgomery County and all of New York. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation
During your free, confidential consultation, we will:
- Listen to your story — We want to understand what happened to your child.
- Explain your legal rights — We’ll help you understand New York’s hazing laws and your options.
- Evaluate your case — We’ll assess the strength of your claim and potential compensation.
- Answer your questions — No legal jargon, just clear answers.
- Outline next steps — If we take your case, we’ll explain how we’ll fight for you.
There is no obligation, and everything you tell us is confidential.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Montgomery County Families
Q: My child says they “consented” to the hazing. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Under New York law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Fraternities and sororities cannot legally subject students to dangerous activities, no matter what.
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition” or “brotherhood.” Is that a defense?
A: No. “Tradition” does not make hazing legal or safe. If the activities endangered your child’s health, they are illegal — regardless of how long they’ve been happening.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Yes, in many cases. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, they can be held liable.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the fraternity or sorority organized the activities, they can be held liable.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in New York?
A: In New York, you generally have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a civil lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Q: How much is our hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme misconduct)
- Loss of earning capacity
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. We will pursue the same level of compensation for Montgomery County families.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most hazing cases settle out of court, so your child may not have to testify. However, if the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: Can the fraternity retaliate against my child for speaking out?
A: Retaliation is illegal. If the fraternity or its members try to intimidate or retaliate against your child, we will take legal action to protect them.
Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward?
A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. We can discuss strategies to protect their identity and minimize risk.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so there is no financial risk to you.
🏆 Our Commitment to Montgomery County Families
At Attorney 911, we are committed to fighting for justice for hazing victims and their families. We believe that no student should have to endure abuse to join a group — and we will hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable for their actions.
If your child was hazed in Montgomery County or anywhere in New York, we will:
- Listen to your story with compassion.
- Fight aggressively for your rights.
- Pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
- Protect your child from retaliation.
- Stand by you every step of the way.
You are not alone. We are here to help.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📍 Serving Montgomery County, NY and Beyond
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in:
- Montgomery County, NY
- Albany, NY
- Syracuse, NY
- Rochester, NY
- Buffalo, NY
- New York City
- All of New York State
Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer:
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely.
- Travel to Montgomery County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- Federal court representation — We can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction if needed.
🔥 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Montgomery County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Montgomery County:
We know what you’re doing.
We know about the forced drinking. We know about the physical abuse. We know about the waterboarding. We know about the culture of silence.
We are not afraid of you.
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for what they did to our client in Texas. We will sue every organization in New York that thinks hazing is acceptable.
The same legal strategies that won $10 million in Texas apply to your chapter.
If you haze students near Montgomery County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.
The choice is yours: Clean up your chapters now, or face the consequences in court.
📢 Montgomery County Parents: Protect Your Child — Know the Warning Signs of Hazing
Hazing often happens in secret, but there are warning signs that your child may be a victim:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
- Weight loss or changes in appetite
- Wearing unusual clothing or carrying strange objects
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Decline in academic performance
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
- Fear of certain people or places
What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:
- Talk to your child — Let them know you’re there to support them.
- Document everything — Save texts, photos, and other evidence.
- Contact an attorney — We can help you understand your legal options.
- Report the hazing — To the university, police, or both.
If you suspect your child is being hazed in Montgomery County, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ Montgomery County Colleges and Universities: The Time to Act Is Now
To the administrators at colleges and universities near Montgomery County:
You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students from hazing.
We are currently suing the University of Houston for their failure to prevent hazing at a fraternity they owned and controlled. You could be next.
Take action now to prevent hazing on your campus:
- Conduct independent audits of Greek life organizations.
- Implement real oversight — Don’t just rely on self-reporting.
- Suspend or expel organizations that engage in hazing.
- Educate students about the dangers of hazing and their legal rights.
- Support victims — Provide counseling and academic accommodations.
If you fail to act, you will be held accountable in court.
📞 Montgomery County Families: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Montgomery County, time is running out to protect your rights.
📞 Call our hazing emergency hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Montgomery County, NY and all of New York State.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Final Message to Montgomery County Families
Hazing is not tradition. It is not brotherhood. It is not harmless fun.
It is abuse. It is dangerous. And it is illegal.
If your child was hazed, they deserve justice. You deserve answers. And the people responsible deserve to be held accountable.
We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for you.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.