Hazing Lawyers in Queens County, NY – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Queens County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. We Can Help.
Hazing isn’t just “college tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And when fraternities and sororities cross the line, they must be held accountable—no matter where it happens.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Queens County. The same negligence exists at Queens County institutions. And we will bring the same aggressive legal representation to Queens County families.
If your child was hazed in Queens County or anywhere in New York, we can help—no matter how far away the incident occurred.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Queens County: What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Happens at Queens County Schools
Queens County is home to prestigious universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. Institutions like St. John’s University, Queens College (CUNY), York College (CUNY), and LaGuardia Community College have active fraternity and sorority chapters. Many of these organizations are affiliated with the same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Queens County fraternities and sororities.
What Is Considered Hazing?
Under New York law, hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers physical or mental health (e.g., forced drinking, extreme exercise, sleep deprivation)
- Humiliates or degrades (e.g., forced nudity, carrying embarrassing objects, verbal abuse)
- Involves physical violence (e.g., paddling, branding, waterboarding)
- Forces consumption of alcohol or drugs (e.g., “drinking gauntlets,” forced binge drinking)
- Creates excessive fatigue (e.g., late-night activities, forced servitude)
If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing—it can be life-threatening. Common injuries include:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – like our Houston client
- Alcohol poisoning (can cause death)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Heatstroke or hypothermia (from extreme exposure)
- Sexual assault (forced nudity, inappropriate touching)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological trauma)
If your child was hospitalized, treated for injuries, or is struggling with mental health after hazing, they may be entitled to compensation.
💰 Why Queens County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re actively litigating a major case right now. Our client was hospitalized after waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical punishment at a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The same fraternity has chapters near Queens County, and we know how to hold them accountable.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurers will try to deny, delay, and lowball your claim. We use that insider knowledge to fight back and win.
3. Nationwide Representation – We Serve Queens County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Queens County. We have:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Queens County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Remote consultation options for Queens County families who can’t travel
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency
We understand that Queens County families may be worried about legal fees. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning:
✅ $0 upfront
✅ You pay nothing unless we win
✅ If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing
We take the risk so you can fight back without financial stress.
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many Queens County families speak Spanish at home. We have bilingual staff who can communicate with you in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers stand in the way of justice.
⚖️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Queens County?
When your child is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Houston Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing risks | Pi Kappa Phi National (same org that paid $10M in Ohio) |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents; owned the property where hazing occurred | University of Houston (owned the fraternity house) |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities | UH chapter president and pledgemaster named in lawsuit |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse | Current and former members named in lawsuit |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability | Former member and spouse named in lawsuit |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Beta Nu Housing Corporation named in lawsuit |
In our Houston case, we’re suing 10+ defendants—including the university, national fraternity, and individuals. Queens County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Queens County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
- Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/Videos – Document injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
✅ Texts/Social Media – Save all messages about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.).
✅ Witness Information – Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.
✅ Fraternity/Sorority Documents – Save pledge manuals, schedules, or rules.
✅ Medical Records – Keep all hospital bills, doctor notes, and therapy records.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They may ask for recorded statements—do not give them.
- They may offer quick settlements—these are almost always too low.
- Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
- 24/7 availability – Hazing emergencies don’t wait.
- No upfront fees – You pay nothing unless we win.
The clock is ticking—New York has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
💵 What Compensation Can Queens County Families Recover?
Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost internship opportunities | $10,000–$100,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma | $100,000–$3,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation | $200,000–$5,000,000+ |
| Educational Disruption | Dropped classes, lost scholarships, delayed graduation | $20,000–$200,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the organization for reckless conduct | $500,000–$5,000,000+ |
In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. Queens County families deserve the same justice.
📚 Landmark Hazing Cases – What Queens County Families Can Learn
1. Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State University) – $10.1 Million
- What happened? A pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol and died from alcohol poisoning.
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity).
- Lesson: Universities and national fraternities both pay when hazing turns deadly.
2. Maxwell Gruver – Phi Delta Theta (LSU) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- What happened? A pledge was forced to drink during a “Bible Study” hazing ritual; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495—over 6x the legal limit).
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act passed in Louisiana (made hazing a felony).
- Lesson: Juries award millions when fraternities engage in reckless hazing.
3. Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi (Penn State) – $110+ Million
- What happened? A pledge was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, and died after fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania.
- Lesson: Security camera footage (like in this case) can be devastating evidence—but even without it, detailed accounts (like our Houston case) can win.
4. Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi (FSU) – Confidential Settlement
- What happened? A pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon and died.
- Outcome: Fraternity permanently closed; multiple criminal convictions.
- Lesson: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing—yet they allowed it to happen again in Houston.
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to Queens County cases.
🏛️ New York Hazing Laws – What Queens County Families Need to Know
1. New York Penal Law § 120.16 – Hazing in the First Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Definition: When hazing causes serious physical injury or death.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine.
2. New York Penal Law § 120.17 – Hazing in the Second Degree (Violation)
- Definition: Hazing that does not cause serious injury.
- Penalty: Up to 15 days in jail and $250 fine.
3. New York Education Law § 6430 – Institutional Reporting Requirements
- Requirement: Colleges must report hazing incidents to the state.
- Failure to report: Can result in fines and disciplinary action.
4. Civil Liability for Hazing in New York
New York allows hazing victims to sue for:
- Negligence (failure to protect students)
- Assault & Battery (physical abuse)
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (psychological trauma)
- Premises Liability (if hazing occurred on university-owned property)
Queens County families can pursue both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
🔍 How We Prove a Hazing Case for Queens County Families
To win a hazing lawsuit, we must prove:
- The organization engaged in hazing (as defined by law).
- The hazing caused your child’s injuries (physical or psychological).
- The organization knew or should have known about the hazing.
- The organization failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
We gather evidence through:
✅ Medical records (hospitalization, therapy, diagnoses)
✅ Text messages & social media (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
✅ Photos & videos (injuries, hazing locations, activities)
✅ Witness testimony (other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules)
✅ University records (prior hazing complaints, oversight failures)
✅ Expert testimony (medical experts, hazing culture experts)
In our Houston case, we have detailed documentation of waterboarding, forced exercise, and medical injuries. Queens County families deserve the same thorough investigation.
📅 Queens County Statute of Limitations – Don’t Wait Too Long
New York has strict deadlines for filing hazing lawsuits:
| Type of Claim | Deadline | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury | If your child was hazed in 2025, you must file by 2027. |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | If hazing caused a death, the clock starts at the time of death. |
| Minors (under 18) | 2 years from 18th birthday | If your child was under 18, the deadline extends. |
WARNING: Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
🚫 Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Beat Them
Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to avoid liability by arguing:
| Defense | Their Argument | Our Counter-Argument |
|---|---|---|
| “He consented!” | “He agreed to participate.” | New York law says consent is not a defense. Hazing is illegal regardless of participation. |
| “It’s just tradition!” | “This is how it’s always been done.” | Tradition doesn’t justify assault. If it’s illegal, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been done. |
| “He could have left!” | “He wasn’t forced to stay.” | Peer pressure, fear of retaliation, and social exclusion create duress. True consent requires freedom to leave. |
| “We didn’t know!” | “We had no idea this was happening.” | Universities and nationals have oversight responsibility. If they didn’t know, they were negligent in not knowing. |
| “It was an isolated incident!” | “This was a one-time thing.” | Pattern evidence (like our Houston case) shows hazing is systemic. Discovery will reveal prior incidents. |
We know their playbook. We know how to win.
🎯 Fraternities Near Queens County with Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters at universities near Queens County, including:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Chapters Near Queens County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz ($10.1M), UH 2017 (lacerated spleen) | St. John’s University, Hofstra |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (death), Leonel Bermudez (kidney failure – our case) | Hofstra, Stony Brook |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, chemical burns cases | St. John’s, Hofstra |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver ($6.1M jury verdict) | St. John’s, Hofstra |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza ($110M+) | St. John’s, Hofstra |
| Sigma Chi | UT Austin death (2025) | St. John’s, Hofstra |
If your child was hazed by any of these fraternities, we can help.
📢 To Fraternities Operating Near Queens County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi—
If your chapter operates near Queens County, know this:
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure.
- We have former insurance defense attorneys on our team who know how you operate.
- We track 125+ IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, and we’re expanding to New York.
- We know your corporate structures, insurance policies, and legal defenses.
- If you haze students in Queens County, we will hold you accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Closed. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in Queens County.
🏆 Why Queens County Families Trust Attorney 911
⭐ 4.9-Star Google Rating (250+ Reviews)
“They treated me like family. I never felt like just another case.” – Ambur Hamilton
“Ralph didn’t just fight for me—he fought for justice. I got my case dismissed!” – Kristyn Hinchliffe
“They got me a settlement when other lawyers said no. I will forever be grateful.” – Donald Wilcox
✅ Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases
- $10 million hazing lawsuit (currently litigating)
- Multi-million dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Hundreds of personal injury and criminal defense wins
✅ Media Authority – We’re the Hazing Experts
Our current hazing case has been covered by:
- ABC13 Houston
- KHOU 11
- Houston Chronicle
- Houston Public Media
We’re not just lawyers—we’re the voice for hazing victims nationwide.
📞 Queens County Families: Contact Us Now – Free Consultation
If your child was hazed in Queens County or anywhere in New York, we can help.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free case evaluation
✅ $0 upfront costs (contingency fee)
✅ Remote consultations (video calls)
✅ Willingness to travel to Queens County for your case
The clock is ticking. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
🚨 Queens County Parents: If You See These Signs, Your Child May Be Hazed
Hazing is often hidden, but these warning signs may indicate your child is being abused:
✅ Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
✅ Sudden weight loss or exhaustion
✅ Avoiding questions about Greek life activities
✅ Withdrawal from friends and family
✅ Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
✅ Missing classes or declining grades
✅ Secretive behavior about where they’re going
✅ Carrying strange objects (e.g., paddles, fanny packs with odd contents)
✅ Sudden changes in sleep patterns
✅ Fear of retaliation if they speak up
If you notice these signs, contact us immediately. We can help.
🎓 Queens County Universities: The Same Negligence Exists at Your Campus
Universities near Queens County—including St. John’s University, Queens College, York College, and LaGuardia Community College—have the same power to stop hazing that the University of Houston had. And they’re failing too.
In our Houston case:
- The university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
- The university had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha).
- The university did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
- Now, they’re being sued for $10 million.
If hazing is happening at your Queens County university, they can be held liable.
💡 Queens County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel:
- Shame – “I should have known better.”
- Fear – “If I speak up, they’ll retaliate.”
- Loyalty – “I don’t want to get my brothers/sisters in trouble.”
- Hopelessness – “No one will believe me.”
But you have rights. And you have us.
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Queens County families, because we truly care.
📢 Final Message to Queens County Parents
Your child trusted these people. That trust was betrayed.
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.
But the truth is:
- Fraternities and sororities prioritize tradition over safety.
- Universities prioritize reputation over student well-being.
- National organizations prioritize expansion over accountability.
We’re here to change that.
Call us. Let’s hold them accountable. Let’s protect the next student.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Queens County families deserve justice. We’re ready to fight for you.
