Hazing Victim Legal Support in Saint Mary’s County, Maryland
You Are Not Alone: Justice for Hazing Victims in Southern Maryland
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Saint Mary’s County, Maryland—whether at a local high school, college, fraternity, sorority, sports team, or military academy—you have legal rights. Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “harmless fun.” It is abuse, assault, and often criminal conduct—and the institutions that allow it must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we are nationally recognized hazing litigation experts currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the torture and hospitalization of a young man. We bring that same aggressive representation to Saint Mary’s County families.
Why Saint Mary’s County Families Need Specialized Hazing Attorneys
Hazing in Southern Maryland is not limited to college campuses. It occurs in:
- High schools (St. Mary’s County Public Schools, private academies)
- College preparatory programs (St. Mary’s Ryken, Leonardtown High)
- Military academies (Patuxent River Naval Base youth programs)
- Sports teams (youth leagues, high school athletics)
- Fraternities and sororities (nearby universities with Saint Mary’s County students)
- ROTC and JROTC programs (local high schools, college ROTC)
- Marching bands, clubs, and honor societies
Saint Mary’s County institutions have the same duty to protect students as universities nationwide. When they fail, we hold them accountable.
The Hazing Crisis in Saint Mary’s County: What Families Need to Know
Hazing is Illegal in Maryland
Maryland has strong anti-hazing laws under Education Article § 7-424, which defines hazing as:
“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”
Maryland law explicitly states:
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators liable.
- Organizations can be held criminally responsible – Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and schools can face fines, loss of recognition, and legal liability.
- Individuals face jail time – Hazing that causes serious injury or death is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $500 in fines.
If your child was hazed in Saint Mary’s County, the law is on your side.
Common Hazing Practices in Southern Maryland
Hazing in Saint Mary’s County takes many forms, including:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beatings, forced exercise to exhaustion, branding, burning | Broken bones, concussions, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), internal bleeding |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, “chugging”), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ failure, death |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, isolation, verbal abuse, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault | Trauma, long-term psychological damage |
| Dangerous Rituals | Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure, confined spaces | Hypothermia, heatstroke, suffocation, death |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, errands, personal favors for members | Exhaustion, academic decline, mental health deterioration |
These are not “pranks.” They are crimes.
Saint Mary’s County Institutions That May Be Liable
If your child was hazed, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
| Potential Defendant | Why They May Be Liable |
|---|---|
| Local High Schools (St. Mary’s County Public Schools, private schools) | Failed to supervise students, ignored warning signs, allowed hazing culture |
| Fraternities/Sororities (national organizations, local chapters) | Organized hazing, failed to enforce anti-hazing policies, ignored prior incidents |
| Sports Teams & Coaches (youth leagues, high school, college) | Encouraged or ignored hazing, failed to report abuse |
| Military Academies & ROTC Programs (Patuxent River Naval Base, local JROTC) | Allowed dangerous initiation rituals, failed to protect cadets |
| Marching Bands & Performing Arts Groups | Forced physical endurance tests, sleep deprivation, humiliation rituals |
| Colleges & Universities Near Saint Mary’s County (St. Mary’s College of Maryland, University of Maryland, Naval Academy) | Failed to supervise Greek life, ignored hazing complaints, allowed dangerous traditions |
| National Organizations (NCAA, fraternity/sorority nationals) | Failed to enforce hazing bans, ignored systemic abuse |
We sue ALL responsible parties—not just the individuals who directly harmed your child.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Saint Mary’s County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Document all injuries—take photos of bruises, burns, or other physical harm.
- Request copies of all medical records—these will be critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete texts, social media messages, or photos—these may contain proof of hazing.
- Save all communications (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
- Write down everything—dates, times, locations, names of perpetrators, witnesses.
- Keep clothing or objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
Step 3: Report the Incident
- File a police report—hazing is a crime in Maryland.
- Report to the school/college administration—request a written copy of your complaint.
- File a Title IX complaint (if applicable)—hazing often intersects with gender-based harassment.
- Contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission (if college-related).
Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- Fraternities, sororities, and schools will try to silence victims.
- They may offer “settlements” that are far below what you deserve.
- They may pressure you to sign confidentiality agreements.
- Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free, confidential consultation—we will evaluate your case at no cost.
- No upfront fees—we work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
- We handle ALL communication with the school, fraternity, or insurance companies.
- We travel to Saint Mary’s County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Why Saint Mary’s County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Nationally Recognized Hazing Litigation Experts
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- Featured in ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media for our work exposing fraternity abuse.
- Proven track record of multi-million dollar hazing settlements and verdicts (see our precedent cases below).
2. We Know How to Fight Powerful Institutions
- Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how universities and fraternities try to avoid liability.
- Federal court admission—we can pursue cases in federal court if needed.
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)—we can sue national organizations headquartered anywhere.
3. We Serve Saint Mary’s County Families with Compassion & Aggression
- We understand the trauma of hazing—many victims feel shame, fear, or loyalty to their abusers.
- We protect your privacy—your case will be handled discreetly.
- We fight for maximum compensation—medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages.
- We travel to Saint Mary’s County—no need to come to Houston; we come to you.
4. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- No hourly fees, no retainers.
- We advance all case expenses (medical records, expert witnesses, court costs).
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery—so we only get paid if you do.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Our firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in hazing cases nationwide. These same results are possible for Saint Mary’s County victims.
| Case | Fraternity/University | Outcome | Why It Matters for Saint Mary’s County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha / Bowling Green State | $10.1 Million | Proves fraternities and universities pay millions for hazing deaths. |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta / LSU | $6.1 Million Jury Verdict | Shows juries award millions for hazing—even when victims “consented.” |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi / Penn State | $110+ Million | Demonstrates the massive liability for institutional negligence. |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi / Florida State | Confidential Settlement | Same fraternity as our current case—proves pattern of abuse. |
| Our Current Case (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston | $10 Million Lawsuit Pending | We are actively fighting this battle—Saint Mary’s County families get the same representation. |
If your child was hazed in Saint Mary’s County, you deserve justice—and we know how to get it.
Common Defenses in Hazing Cases—and How We Defeat Them
1. “He/She Consented to the Activities”
❌ Maryland law explicitly says consent is NOT a defense.
✅ We use Maryland Education Article § 7-424 to shut down this argument.
2. “It Was Just a Prank/Tradition”
❌ Hazing is not tradition—it is abuse.
✅ We prove the conduct was reckless, intentional, and dangerous.
3. “The School Didn’t Know”
❌ If there were prior incidents, warnings, or a culture of hazing, the school is liable.
✅ We uncover internal emails, complaints, and failed oversight.
4. “The National Organization Had No Control”
❌ National fraternities/sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies.
✅ We sue them for failing to enforce anti-hazing policies.
5. “He/She Was Drinking Voluntarily”
❌ Forced consumption is not voluntary—it is coercion.
✅ We prove peer pressure, threats, and duress negate “consent.”
What Compensation Can Saint Mary’s County Families Recover?
If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damages | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, humiliation, fear of retaliation |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or school |
| Educational Damages | Tuition reimbursement, scholarship loss, academic disruption |
| Punitive Damages | Extra compensation to punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced alcohol poisoning) |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
We fight for every dollar your family deserves.
Saint Mary’s County Hazing Hotspots: Where Hazing Occurs Locally
1. High Schools in Saint Mary’s County
- St. Mary’s County Public Schools (Leonardtown HS, Great Mills HS, Chopticon HS)
- Private Schools (St. Mary’s Ryken, The King’s Christian Academy)
- Sports Teams (football, lacrosse, wrestling, cheerleading)
- Marching Bands & Performing Arts
- JROTC Programs
Warning Signs of Hazing in High Schools:
- Sudden withdrawal from activities
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, sprains)
- Changes in behavior (anxiety, depression, fear)
- Sleep deprivation or exhaustion
- Secretive behavior about team/club activities
2. Colleges & Universities Near Saint Mary’s County
Many Saint Mary’s County students attend nearby colleges where Greek life is active:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| St. Mary’s College of Maryland | St. Mary’s City, MD | Active fraternities & sororities |
| University of Maryland (College Park) | College Park, MD | Large Greek system |
| Towson University | Towson, MD | Strong Greek culture |
| Salisbury University | Salisbury, MD | Multiple fraternities/sororities |
| Naval Academy (USNA) | Annapolis, MD | Hazing in military training |
If your child was hazed at a college near Saint Mary’s County, we can sue the university, the national fraternity/sorority, and the local chapter.
3. Military & ROTC Programs
- Patuxent River Naval Base (youth programs, ROTC)
- Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS)
- Local JROTC Programs (Leonardtown HS, Great Mills HS)
Military hazing often involves:
- Extreme physical endurance tests
- Sleep deprivation
- Humiliation rituals
- Dangerous “initiation” exercises
We have experience suing military institutions for hazing-related injuries.
4. Youth Sports Leagues & Travel Teams
- Saint Mary’s County Youth Sports (football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse)
- Travel Teams & Elite Clubs (AAU basketball, competitive cheer, swimming)
Hazing in youth sports includes:
- “Rookie” rituals (forced eating, paddling, physical challenges)
- Sleepovers with forced alcohol consumption
- “Initiation” games that go too far
Coaches and league organizers can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing.
Saint Mary’s County Hazing Lawsuit: What to Expect
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
- We review your situation confidentially and at no cost.
- We determine if you have a viable case.
- We explain your legal options.
Step 2: Evidence Gathering
- We obtain medical records, police reports, and school documents.
- We interview witnesses.
- We preserve text messages, social media, and other digital evidence.
Step 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation
- We send a demand letter to the school, fraternity, or organization.
- We negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys.
- If they refuse to settle fairly, we file a lawsuit.
Step 4: Discovery & Depositions
- We depose witnesses, including perpetrators, coaches, and school officials.
- We request internal documents to prove institutional negligence.
- We work with medical and psychological experts to document your child’s injuries.
Step 5: Settlement or Trial
- Most cases settle—we fight for the maximum compensation.
- If necessary, we take the case to trial and present your story to a jury.
- We never back down from powerful institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Saint Mary’s County Families
1. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Maryland?
- Personal injury claims: 3 years from the date of injury (Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5-101).
- Wrongful death claims: 3 years from the date of death.
- Minors: The clock may not start until the victim turns 18.
⚠️ Do NOT wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
2. Can I sue if my child was hazed off-campus?
Yes. Maryland law applies to hazing on or off campus, including:
- Private homes
- Hotels
- Retreat locations
- Online harassment
3. What if my child signed a waiver or “consented” to hazing?
Maryland law says consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators liable.
4. Will my child have to testify in court?
- Most cases settle before trial.
- If the case goes to trial, your child may need to testify—but we prepare them thoroughly.
- We protect your child’s privacy throughout the process.
5. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning:
- No hourly fees
- No retainers
- We only get paid if we win your case (our fee is a percentage of your recovery).
6. Can you sue a public school in Maryland?
Yes, but there are special rules. Maryland’s Local Government Tort Claims Act requires:
- Filing a notice of claim within 180 days of the incident.
- Suing the county school board, not individual employees.
We handle these cases regularly and know how to navigate the process.
7. What if my child was hazed at a military academy or ROTC program?
Military hazing cases can be complex, but we have experience with:
- Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) – For suing the U.S. government.
- Military Exceptions – Some cases may be barred, but we explore all legal options.
- Administrative Claims – Filing complaints with the Department of Defense.
8. Can you sue a fraternity or sorority if it’s not recognized by the school?
Yes. Even if a fraternity/sorority is “unofficial,” the national organization and individual members can still be held liable.
9. What if my child was hazed years ago?
- The statute of limitations may still apply (especially if injuries were discovered later).
- Some cases can be reopened if new evidence emerges.
- Contact us immediately—we will review your options.
10. Will the fraternity/school try to intimidate my child?
Unfortunately, yes. Organizations often:
- Pressure victims to stay silent.
- Offer “settlements” that are far too low.
- Threaten retaliation (social exclusion, academic consequences).
We protect our clients from intimidation and fight for their rights.
Saint Mary’s County Hazing Resources
Emergency & Crisis Support
- Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009 (24/7 mental health support)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (for victims in distress)
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (for sexual hazing victims)
- St. Mary’s County Health Department: (301) 475-4330
Legal & Reporting Resources
- Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC): www.mhec.maryland.gov (report college hazing)
- St. Mary’s County Public Schools: www.smcps.org (report school hazing)
- Maryland State Police: www.mdsp.maryland.gov (file a police report)
- U.S. Department of Education (Title IX): www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr (report gender-based hazing)
Support Groups for Hazing Victims
- HazingPrevention.Org: www.hazingprevention.org
- Anti-Hazing Coalition: www.stophazing.org
- The Gordie Center: www.gordie.org (alcohol hazing prevention)
Saint Mary’s County Hazing Lawyers: We Fight for Justice
🚨 If Your Child Was Hazed in Saint Mary’s County, Call Now
We are Attorney 911—Legal Emergency Lawyers™—and we are fighting hazing nationwide, including in Saint Mary’s County.
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation.
No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win.
We travel to Saint Mary’s County for your case.
🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable.
Saint Mary’s County families deserve justice. We will fight for you.
