🚨 Hazing Victims in New Castle County: Know Your Rights and Get Justice

If you or your child has been hazed at a college or university near New Castle County, you are not alone — and you have powerful legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now, and we can fight for New Castle County families too.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis Has Reached New Castle County

Hazing isn’t just a distant problem happening at big-name schools. It’s happening right here near New Castle County. The same fraternities and sororities that have caused life-threatening injuries and deaths across America have active chapters at universities throughout Delaware and the surrounding region.

New Castle County families: Your children face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same national organizations that paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters near New Castle County. The same institutional failures that allowed hazing at University of Houston exist at colleges and universities near New Castle County.

⚠️ What New Castle County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

What fraternities and sororities call “tradition” is often torture disguised as initiation. The hazing we’re fighting in Houston included:

• Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
• Forced eating until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
• Extreme physical punishment — 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
• Wooden paddles — physical beating with weapons
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
• Psychological torture — humiliation, threats, isolation

This isn’t “building character.” This is abuse. And it’s happening at colleges near New Castle County.

2. Hazing Causes Serious, Life-Threatening Injuries

Our client in Houston was hospitalized for four days with:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown that can cause permanent kidney damage
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Severe muscle pain and inability to walk

Other documented hazing injuries include:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Traumatic brain injury
• Broken bones
• Heat stroke and hypothermia
• Sexual assault
• Death — at least one hazing death has occurred every year since 2000

These aren’t minor injuries. They’re life-altering — or life-ending.

3. Universities Near New Castle County Are Complicit

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect and regulate — and they failed to act.

The same is true at universities near New Castle County. Institutions have:

• The power to monitor Greek organizations
• The authority to suspend or remove dangerous chapters
• The duty to protect students
• The legal liability when they fail

4. National Organizations Know — And They Don’t Stop It

The fraternity in our case, Pi Kappa Phi, had a student die from hazing in 2017. Eight years later, another student was hospitalized. They knew the risks. They failed to fix their culture.

The same national fraternities and sororities operate near New Castle County. They have the same knowledge. They implement the same failed policies. They will not change unless forced.

5. New Castle County Families Can Fight Back — And Win

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.

New Castle County families can get the same aggressive representation. You don’t have to accept hazing as “part of the experience.” You don’t have to stay silent out of fear or loyalty. You have the right to hold abusers and institutions accountable.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing Near New Castle County?

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants — all of whom can be held legally responsible:

New Castle County families: Every one of these defendants can be sued. We know how to identify them, pursue them, and make them pay.

💰 What New Castle County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families can recover substantial compensation for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses — hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
• Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
• Educational disruption — tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Future earning capacity — if injuries cause long-term limitations

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering — the agony of injuries
• Mental anguish — trauma from abuse
• Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, fear
• PTSD and anxiety — long-term psychological impact
• Loss of enjoyment of life — missing out on college experience

Punitive Damages:

• To punish egregious conduct — waterboarding, torture, reckless disregard
• To deter future hazing — send a message that this won’t be tolerated
• Based on defendant’s wealth — fraternities and universities have deep pockets

We’ve seen hazing cases result in:

• $6.1 million jury verdicts
• $10 million+ settlements
• $110 million+ estimated settlements
• And we’re fighting for $10 million right now

⚖️ Delaware and Federal Law Protect New Castle County Victims

Delaware Anti-Hazing Law

Delaware has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities in the state, including those near New Castle County.

Delaware Code Title 14 § 9001A defines hazing as:

Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education.

Penalties:

• Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and $2,300 fine
• Class G felony if hazing results in serious physical injury or death — up to 2 years in prison
• Organizations can be fined up to $20,000

Importantly: Consent is not a defense in Delaware, just like in Texas. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Federal Law — Title IX

If hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or creates a hostile environment, Title IX may apply. This federal law protects students from sex-based discrimination and provides powerful legal remedies.

Civil Lawsuits

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims to recover compensation for their injuries. These lawsuits can be filed against:

• Individuals
• Organizations
• Universities
• Insurance companies

📋 What New Castle County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:

1. Get medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor

   • Document everything medically
   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent

2. Preserve all evidence

   • Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages
   • Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
   • Document everything — write down what happened, when, who was involved
   • Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT talk to the organization

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • They may pressure you to sign documents
   • They may intimidate witnesses
   • Anything you say can be used against you

4. Do NOT post on social media

   • Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you
   • Even innocent posts (“I’m fine”) can be twisted
   • Stay off social media until your case is resolved

5. Report to authorities

   • Consider filing a police report
   • Report to university Title IX office (if applicable)
   • Report to university administration

6. Contact an attorney immediately

   • Time is critical — evidence disappears, witnesses forget
   • Statute of limitations — you may have as little as 2 years to file
   • Free consultations available — know your rights

🚫 Common Mistakes New Castle County Families Make

❌ Waiting Too Long to Act

• Evidence disappears (texts deleted, photos lost, witnesses forget)
• Statute of limitations may expire
• Defendants coordinate their story

Our advice: Contact an attorney within 72 hours of the incident.

❌ Talking to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• They will pressure you to sign documents
• They will record conversations
• They will minimize the incident
• They will try to shift blame

Our advice: Do not speak to anyone from the organization without your attorney present.

❌ Posting on Social Media

• Even innocent posts can be used against you
• Photos showing you “fine” can be used to claim you weren’t hurt
• Posts about parties can be used to claim you consented

Our advice: Stay off social media until your case is resolved.

❌ Accepting a Quick Settlement

• First offers are always lowball
• You may not know the full extent of your injuries yet
• Accepting a settlement waives your right to future compensation

Our advice: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney.

❌ Thinking “It Wasn’t That Bad”

• Hazing often causes delayed-onset injuries
• Psychological trauma may not appear immediately
• What seems minor now may become serious later

Our advice: Get checked by a doctor and consult an attorney — even if you think you’re okay.

🏆 Why New Castle County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re in the courtroom fighting it. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. New Castle County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses.

3. Nationwide Reach — Including New Castle County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including New Castle County. We have:

• Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Willingness to travel — for depositions, trials, and client meetings in New Castle County
• Remote consultation technology — New Castle County families can meet with us via video

4. $0 Upfront Cost — We Work on Contingency

We understand that cost can be a barrier. New Castle County families pay $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case.

How it works:

• You pay nothing to hire us
• We advance all case expenses
• We only get paid when you get paid
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

5. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation

• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
• Former insurance defense attorneys — know how to maximize recovery
• Federal court admission — can pursue New Castle County cases in federal court

6. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face
• We know how Greek life operates
• We know the power dynamics at play
• We know how to expose the truth

7. We Protect Our Clients

Our client in Houston is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We understand the fear. We protect our clients from:

• Intimidation by organizations
• Retaliation by members
• Institutional pressure
• Media harassment

8. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families. We speak Spanish. We can:

• Conduct consultations in Spanish
• Communicate with families in Spanish
• Provide documents in Spanish
• Eliminate language barriers to justice

9. We’re Available 24/7 for New Castle County Families

Hazing doesn’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Neither do we. New Castle County families can reach us:

• 24 hours a day
• 7 days a week
• 365 days a year

10. We Care — Really Care

This isn’t just a case to us. This is personal. We’ve seen what hazing does to kids. We’ve seen the physical injuries. We’ve seen the psychological trauma. We’ve seen families devastated.

We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for New Castle County families, because we truly care.

🎯 Our Approach to New Castle County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

• Within 24 hours — initial case evaluation
• Within 72 hours — evidence preservation plan
• Immediately — contact with defendants to protect your rights

2. Aggressive Investigation

• Gather all evidence — texts, photos, videos, witness statements
• Medical documentation — hospital records, specialist reports
• Pattern evidence — prior hazing incidents at the chapter
• Institutional knowledge — what the university/fraternity knew

3. Multi-Defendant Strategy

We pursue every liable party:

• Local chapter
• National organization
• University
• Housing corporation
• Individual members
• Chapter officers

No one escapes accountability.

4. Expert Network

We work with:

• Medical experts — to document injuries and future needs
• Hazing culture experts — to explain the systemic nature
• Economic experts — to calculate damages
• Psychological experts — to assess trauma

5. Media Strategy

• Expose the truth — we work with media to tell your story
• Pressure defendants — public scrutiny forces accountability
• Educate the public — hazing isn’t “tradition,” it’s abuse

6. Legislative Advocacy

• Work with Delaware legislators on hazing reform
• Support federal anti-hazing legislation
• Push for stronger penalties
• Advocate for better university oversight

7. Trial-Ready Preparation

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We don’t accept lowball settlements
• If defendants won’t pay fairly, we go to court
• Juries hate hazing — we know how to present your case for maximum impact

📞 New Castle County Families: Contact Us Now

If you or your child has been hazed at a college or university near New Castle County, call us immediately.

☎️ 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

✉️ Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation. $0 upfront cost. No obligation.

We will:

• Evaluate your case
• Explain your rights
• Develop a strategy
• Fight aggressively for you

Remember: The fraternity, sorority, and university have teams of lawyers working against you. You need your own team fighting for you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for New Castle County Families

Q: Can we sue if we’re not in Texas?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including New Castle County. We have federal court authority and are willing to travel for New Castle County cases.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. We can pursue the organization, individuals, and property owners.

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense. Delaware law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?

A: They should have known. Universities have a duty to monitor Greek organizations. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable.

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

A: Typically 2 years from the date of injury in Delaware. However, some circumstances may extend this deadline. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. We understand the fear of retaliation and take steps to safeguard our clients’ identities and well-being.

Q: What if the organization offers a settlement?

A: Never accept without consulting an attorney. First offers are always lowball. We can negotiate for full and fair compensation.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a different school (not UD or Delaware State)?

A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims from any college or university, including:

• University of Delaware
• Delaware State University
• Widener University
• Wilmington University
• Goldey-Beacom College
• Wesley College
• Nearby Pennsylvania and Maryland schools
• Any school nationwide

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

A: You can still sue. Psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression are all compensable injuries. We work with experts to document and value these harms.

🏛️ Colleges and Universities Near New Castle County With Greek Life

The following institutions near New Castle County have active Greek organizations. The same fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have chapters at these schools.

New Castle County families: If your child attends or pledges at any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Houston. The same national organizations operate here.

⚠️ Fraternities Near New Castle County With Documented Hazing Histories

These fraternities have chapters at universities near New Castle County AND have paid millions in hazing settlements or been involved in hazing deaths:

New Castle County parents: If your child is pledging one of these fraternities, they are joining an organization with a documented history of hazing deaths and injuries. They face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

📚 What New Castle County Parents Should Tell Their Children About Greek Life

The Hard Truth About Fraternities and Sororities

1. Hazing is illegal in Delaware — and it’s not just “harmless fun.”
2. The same fraternities that have killed students operate near New Castle County.
3. Universities often look the other way — they care more about reputation than student safety.
4. No one will protect your child except you — not the university, not the national organization.
5. If hazing happens, it’s not your child’s fault — even if they “consented.”

Warning Signs of Hazing

Teach your children to watch for:

What to Do If Hazing Occurs

1. Get to safety — remove yourself from the situation
2. Get medical attention — even if you feel okay
3. Document everything — take photos, save texts, write down what happened
4. Tell a trusted adult — parent, guardian, or attorney
5. Report it — to university, police, or both
6. Contact an attorney — before talking to the organization

🗣️ Real Stories from Hazing Victims

Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University (2021)

“I was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. I was dropped off at my apartment. I was found unresponsive the next morning. I died from alcohol poisoning. I was 20 years old.”

Outcome: $10.1 million settlement; fraternity permanently expelled.

Max Gruver — Louisiana State University (2017)

“I was at a ‘Bible Study’ event. If I answered questions wrong, I had to drink. I drank so much my blood alcohol level was 0.495 — more than six times the legal limit. I died from alcohol poisoning. I was 18 years old.”

Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Timothy Piazza — Penn State University (2017)

“I was forced to run ‘the gauntlet’ — 18 drinks in 82 minutes. I fell down stairs multiple times. They waited 12 hours to call 911. I died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. I was 19 years old.”

Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania.

Andrew Coffey — Florida State University (2017)

“I was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. I was found unresponsive the next morning. I died from acute alcohol poisoning. I was 20 years old.”

Outcome: 9 fraternity members charged; chapter permanently closed.

Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston (2025)

“I was waterboarded. I was forced to do 500 squats. I was struck with wooden paddles. I ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. I spent four days fighting for my life.”

Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending; Attorney 911 representing the victim.

New Castle County families: These aren’t distant tragedies. This could be your child.

🎓 What Colleges Near New Castle County Aren’t Telling You

The Truth About University Oversight

Universities near New Castle County want you to believe:
✅ “We have strict anti-hazing policies.”
✅ “We monitor Greek organizations closely.”
✅ “Hazing is not tolerated here.”

The reality:
❌ Universities often own fraternity houses — they collect rent while hazing occurs.
❌ They have the power to suspend or remove chapters — but rarely do until someone gets hurt.
❌ They receive complaints about hazing — but often ignore them to avoid bad publicity.
❌ They conduct “investigations” — but these are often superficial and designed to protect the institution.
❌ They know hazing happens — but choose reputation over safety.

In our Houston case:

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
• They had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 at a different fraternity.
• They did nothing meaningful to prevent it from happening again.
• They are now defendants in our $10 million lawsuit.

The same failures exist at universities near New Castle County.

🚨 The Urgency: Why New Castle County Families Must Act Now

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• Texts get deleted
• Photos get lost
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing critical evidence.

2. Statute of Limitations is Ticking

• Delaware has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
• If you don’t file within 2 years, you lose your right to sue forever.
• Some circumstances may extend this deadline — but don’t count on it.

The clock starts the day the hazing occurs.

3. Defendants Are Already Preparing Their Defense

• They will coordinate their story
• They will pressure witnesses
• They will destroy evidence
• They will try to shift blame

The longer you wait, the stronger their defense becomes.

4. Medical Conditions May Worsen

• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent.
• Psychological trauma often develops over time.
• The full extent of damages may not be clear immediately.

If you settle too early, you may waive your right to future compensation.

🏆 What Justice Looks Like for New Castle County Families

Justice for hazing victims means:

For the Victim:

• Accountability — abusers and enablers held responsible
• Compensation — for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Protection — from retaliation and intimidation
• Healing — access to medical and psychological treatment

For the Family:

• Answers — understanding what happened and why
• Justice — seeing those responsible held accountable
• Prevention — knowing this won’t happen to another family

For the Community:

• Awareness — exposing the truth about hazing
• Change — forcing institutions to implement real safeguards
• Deterrence — sending a message that hazing won’t be tolerated

For Society:

• Stronger laws — new legislation to prevent hazing
• Safer campuses — universities implementing effective oversight
• Cultural shift — hazing no longer accepted as “tradition”

📢 New Castle County Families: You Have the Power to Make a Difference

Your case isn’t just about compensation. It’s about change.

Every lawsuit we file:

• Exposes the truth about hazing
• Forces institutions to take responsibility
• Protects future students
• Saves lives

New Castle County families: By stepping forward, you’re not just fighting for your child. You’re fighting for every student who might be hazed in the future.

🔥 Final Message to New Castle County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near New Castle County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.

If you haze students near New Castle County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? They’re now shut down. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near New Castle County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the property. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect and regulate.

If you fail to protect students, you will face the same accountability. We will sue you. We will expose you. We will make you pay.

To the national organizations:
You have the power to stop this. You have the authority over your chapters. You have the resources to implement real oversight.

If you continue to allow hazing, we will continue to sue you. We will continue to win. We will continue to shut down your chapters.

The choice is yours. Stop the hazing — or pay the price.

🚨 New Castle County Families: Call Us Now

If you or your child has been hazed at a college or university near New Castle County, call us immediately.

☎️ 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

✉️ Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation. $0 upfront cost. No obligation.

We’re ready to fight for New Castle County families. Are you ready to fight back?

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving New Castle County and Nationwide
Houston • Austin • Beaumont

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.