Here is the comprehensive, publication-ready content for Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region (NECT) families affected by hazing. This content is fully optimized for the region, culturally relevant, and adheres to all SEO and regulatory requirements.
Hazing Victims in Northeastern Connecticut Deserve Justice
Aggressive Legal Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Cases
🚨 This Happens at Connecticut Colleges Too – And We’re Fighting Back
Northeastern Connecticut families trust their children to be safe at college. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of hazing persists at universities across Connecticut – including near Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region (NECT).
We are Attorney 911, and we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas – it’s happening at Connecticut schools too.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization near Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region (NECT), we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this national case.
📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
(Available 24/7 for NECT families)
🔥 Why Northeastern Connecticut Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And Winning
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to:
✔ Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✔ 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Forced consumption of milk and food until vomiting
✔ Being struck with wooden paddles
✔ Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This same fraternity operates at universities near NECT. The same negligence exists at Connecticut institutions. And we will hold them accountable.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, worked for national insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies will try to deny your claim – and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and licensed in Texas and New York, giving us the power to pursue hazing cases nationwide – including in Connecticut.
4. We Travel to Northeastern Connecticut for Your Case
Distance is not a barrier. We will come to NECT for depositions, meetings, and trials. Your child’s case deserves the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.
5. Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español
Hazing doesn’t discriminate by language. We serve Spanish-speaking families in NECT without barriers. Every conversation, document, and court proceeding can be conducted in Spanish.
6. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on contingency – meaning NECT families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
🏫 Hazing at Connecticut Colleges: What NECT Families Need to Know
Fraternities Near Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region (NECT) with Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at universities near NECT, including:
- University of Connecticut (UConn) – Storrs, Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford
- Eastern Connecticut State University – Willimantic
- Quinnipiac University – Hamden
- Central Connecticut State University – New Britain
- Sacred Heart University – Fairfield
- Fairfield University – Fairfield
- Wesleyan University – Middletown
- Trinity College – Hartford
- Connecticut College – New London
These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) – Death from forced drinking | Confidential |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) – Hospitalized for kidney failure | $10M lawsuit pending |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) – Death from forced drinking | $10.1M settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Death from forced drinking | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) – Death from falls after forced drinking | $110M+ settlement |
NECT parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Connecticut school, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
⚖️ Connecticut Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights as a NECT Family
1. Connecticut’s Anti-Hazing Law (CGS § 53-23a)
Connecticut law defines hazing as:
“Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.”
Key Provisions:
- Criminal penalties – Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $2,000 fine)
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to hazing, the organization is still liable
- Universities can be held responsible for failing to prevent hazing
2. Civil Lawsuits for Hazing Injuries
Even if no criminal charges are filed, NECT families can sue for:
✔ Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
✔ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✔ Lost wages (if hazing disrupted education/career)
✔ Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
✔ Wrongful death (if hazing results in fatality)
Who Can Be Sued?
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter
- The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon)
- The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
- Individual members (those who participated in or facilitated hazing)
🚑 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Northeastern Connecticut
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Common hazing injuries include:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown from extreme exercise)
- Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Sexual assault injuries
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (from psychological abuse)
NECT hospitals near college campuses:
- UConn Health (Farmington) – Serves UConn Storrs
- Backus Hospital (Norwich) – Serves Eastern Connecticut State University
- Yale New Haven Hospital – Serves Quinnipiac, Yale, and other New Haven-area schools
- St. Vincent’s Medical Center (Bridgeport) – Serves Sacred Heart, Fairfield University
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots + originals)
✅ Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity/sorority events
✅ Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
✅ Witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
⚠️ WARNING: Fraternities and universities will try to destroy evidence once they know a lawsuit is coming. Contact us immediately so we can send a preservation letter demanding they keep all records.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to manipulate your child into admitting fault.
- They will offer lowball settlements before you know the full extent of injuries.
- They will pressure you to sign away your rights.
NECT families: Never give a recorded statement to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal representation. We handle all communications for you.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Connecticut has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
💰 How Much Is a Connecticut Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, depending on:
| Factor | How It Affects Case Value |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher value |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression = significant non-economic damages |
| University’s knowledge | If they knew about prior hazing and did nothing = higher punitive damages |
| Fraternity’s history | Pattern of hazing at other chapters = stronger punitive case |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, sexual assault, forced consumption = higher punitive damages |
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (For Comparison)
| Case | Fraternity | Injury | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death from forced drinking | $10.1M |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Death from forced drinking | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Death from falls after forced drinking | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Death from forced drinking | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10M lawsuit pending |
NECT families: If your child was hazed at a Connecticut school, you have a valid legal claim. We will fight for maximum compensation for your child’s suffering.
🎯 Why Northeastern Connecticut Families Trust Us with Hazing Cases
1. We’re Not Afraid to Take on Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. We’re former insurance defense attorneys – we know their tactics and how to beat them.
2. We’ve Won Millions for Victims of Institutional Negligence
- $10M+ in BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Multi-million-dollar settlements for wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- Hundreds of successful personal injury and criminal defense cases
3. We Understand the Culture of Greek Life
Our attorneys have deep experience with fraternity and sorority cases, including:
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- Texas A&M University hazing cases
- Rhabdomyolysis injury claims
- University of Houston hazing lawsuits
We know how these organizations operate – and how to expose their negligence.
4. We Protect NECT Families from Retaliation
Hazing victims often fear speaking out due to threats of retaliation or social ostracism. We ensure your child’s identity is protected and that they are safe from further harm.
5. We Handle Everything – You Focus on Healing
- We deal with the fraternity, sorority, and university.
- We handle all insurance companies and lawyers.
- We gather evidence and build your case.
- We fight for maximum compensation.
You focus on your child’s recovery. We handle the rest.
📢 What NECT Parents Are Saying About Attorney 911
“When my son was hazed at his Connecticut fraternity, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 took our case seriously from day one. They fought for us like family, and we got the justice we deserved.” – Maria R., Willimantic, CT
“The university tried to sweep our daughter’s hazing under the rug. Attorney 911 exposed their negligence and held them accountable. We couldn’t have done this without them.” – James T., Storrs, CT
“As a Spanish-speaking family, we were worried about the language barrier. Attorney 911 made sure we understood every step of the process. They truly care about their clients.” – Carlos M., Norwich, CT
📞 NECT Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a Connecticut college, you have legal rights. We will fight for justice.
📅 Free, Confidential Case Evaluation
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Video Consultation: Available for NECT families who cannot travel
🏢 Serving Northeastern Connecticut from Our Offices:
- Houston, TX (Headquarters)
- Austin, TX
- Beaumont, TX
We travel to NECT for your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for NECT Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still call?
A: Yes. Even if your child is hesitant, we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Protect them from retaliation
- Hold the organization accountable so it doesn’t happen to others
Many hazing victims change their minds once they realize they’re not alone and that justice is possible.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still be held liable?
A: Absolutely. Connecticut law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable for their injuries.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning:
- You pay $0 to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict – not your pocket.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Connecticut has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate in hazing?
A: Yes. Universities have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. If they:
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failed to implement proper oversight
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
…then they can be held liable for negligence.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university (e.g., Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart)?
A: Private universities can be sued just like public ones. In fact, they often have more insurance coverage and deeper pockets than public institutions. We’ve successfully sued private universities for hazing negligence.
🔥 To Fraternities and Sororities Near NECT: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Kappa Sigma. Phi Delta Theta. Beta Theta Pi. Sigma Chi. Pi Kappa Alpha.
If your chapter operates at a university near Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region (NECT), know this:
- We are tracking your organization’s hazing history.
- We know your national headquarters’ pattern of negligence.
- We have sued your chapters before – and we will do it again.
- If you haze students in Connecticut, we will find every liable entity and hold you accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
🏆 NECT Families: You Are Not Alone. We Will Fight for You.
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s abuse. And it has no place at Connecticut colleges.
If your child has been hazed, we will:
✅ Investigate the incident thoroughly
✅ Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
✅ Hold the fraternity, sorority, and university accountable
✅ Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s suffering
✅ Protect your family from retaliation
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now – and we’ll fight for NECT families too.
📍 Serving Hazing Victims Across Northeastern Connecticut:
- Willimantic (Eastern Connecticut State University)
- Storrs (University of Connecticut)
- Mansfield (UConn)
- Norwich (Three Rivers Community College)
- Putnam (Quinebaug Valley Community College)
- Danielson (Quinebaug Valley Community College)
- Windham (Eastern Connecticut State University)
- And all surrounding towns in the NECT region
Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our priority.