Hazing Victims in Salt Lake County: Your Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

The Hazing Crisis in Salt Lake County: What Parents Need to Know

Salt Lake County is home to some of Utah’s most prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Utah, Westminster College, and Salt Lake Community College. These institutions foster vibrant campus communities, including Greek life organizations like fraternities and sororities. While many students join these groups seeking friendship, leadership opportunities, and networking, some organizations engage in dangerous and illegal hazing rituals that can cause serious physical and emotional harm.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston for hazing that left a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t just a Texas problem—it’s happening right here in Salt Lake County. If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any other student organization in Salt Lake County, you have legal rights, and we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Is Hazing? Salt Lake County Families Need to Recognize the Warning Signs

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. Under Utah law (Utah Code § 76-5-107.5), hazing is a criminal offense, and organizations that engage in it can be held civilly liable for the harm they cause.

Common Hazing Practices in Salt Lake County (and Nationwide)

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun”—it can lead to serious injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. Some of the most dangerous hazing activities we’ve seen in our cases include:

• Forced excessive alcohol consumption (binge drinking, drinking games, “chugging” challenges)
• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion)
• Sleep deprivation (all-night activities, forced wake-ups)
• Psychological torture (verbal abuse, humiliation, isolation, threats)
• Forced consumption of non-food items (eating until vomiting, consuming hot sauce, peppercorns, or other harmful substances)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this is happening—even in Salt Lake County)
• Sexual assault or harassment (forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexualized rituals)
• Extreme endurance tests (500+ squats, 100-yard crawls, “suicide” sprints until collapse)

Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Salt Lake County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:

If your child shows any of these symptoms after joining a group, seek medical attention immediately—and contact an attorney.

Salt Lake County Universities & Greek Life: The Same Hazing Culture Exists Here

Universities in Salt Lake County with Greek Life

While our current case is in Texas, the same fraternities and sororities operate in Salt Lake County, and the same hazing risks exist. Some of the major schools in the area with Greek organizations include:

The Same National Fraternities Are Active in Salt Lake County

The fraternities involved in our current lawsuit—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma—have active chapters in Salt Lake County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across the country, yet the abuse continues.

If your child is pledging any of these fraternities (or any Greek organization) in Salt Lake County, they are at risk.

Legal Rights for Hazing Victims in Salt Lake County

1. Utah’s Anti-Hazing Law (Utah Code § 76-5-107.5)

Utah law explicitly prohibits hazing and makes it a criminal offense. Under the law:

• Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine)
• If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 fine)
• Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable

2. Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Salt Lake County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages (if the victim misses work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless or intentional misconduct)

Who Can Be Sued?

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter (direct perpetrators)
• The national organization (failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies)
• The university/college (failed to protect students, especially if they own the fraternity house)
• Individual members (those who participated in or facilitated hazing)

3. Federal Civil Rights Claims (Title IX)

If hazing involves sexual assault, harassment, or gender-based discrimination, victims may have a Title IX claim against the university. Title IX requires schools to protect students from gender-based violence and harassment.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits That Won Millions

At Attorney 911, we know hazing cases can win big settlements and verdicts—because we’re actively litigating one right now. Here are some of the largest hazing lawsuit outcomes in the U.S.:

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits can—and do—win. Salt Lake County victims deserve the same justice.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Salt Lake County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor.
• Document everything (photos of injuries, medical records, doctor’s notes).
• Get a full physical and mental health evaluation (PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after hazing).

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails).
• Take screenshots of any social media posts about hazing.
• Photograph injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
• Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders, friends).

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Utah).
• Report to the university’s Title IX office (if sexual assault or gender-based hazing occurred).
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority (they may claim they didn’t know, but this creates a paper trail).

Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to silence victims.
• Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney.
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to their insurance company.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (available 24/7).
• Email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Why Salt Lake County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re in the courtroom right now fighting for a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies and defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority—We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we can represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Salt Lake County. We have federal court authority, meaning we can pursue cases against national fraternities and universities no matter where the hazing occurred.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York)

This gives us strategic advantages when suing national organizations headquartered in different states.

5. Se Habla Español—Bilingual Legal Support

Many hazing victims in Salt Lake County come from Hispanic families. We provide full legal services in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers prevent justice.

6. We Travel to Salt Lake County for Your Case

Whether it’s for depositions, client meetings, or trial, we will come to Salt Lake County to fight for you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. No Upfront Costs—We Work on Contingency

We understand that hazing victims and their families often face financial strain from medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we take cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Salt Lake County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is not tradition—it’s abuse. If your child has been hazed in Salt Lake County, you have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent it from happening to others.

Call Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free, confidential consultation. No upfront fees. We only get paid if we win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Salt Lake County Hazing Victims

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed in Salt Lake County but I don’t live in Texas?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Salt Lake County. Our federal court authority allows us to sue national fraternities and universities no matter where the hazing occurred.

2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is NOT a defense under Utah law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable if the activities were dangerous, humiliating, or illegal.

3. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in six- or seven-figure settlements, especially when:

• The victim was hospitalized or suffered permanent injuries.
• The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents.
• The hazing involved extreme cruelty (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse).

4. What if the fraternity or university threatens my child with retaliation?

This is illegal. If an organization retaliates against your child for reporting hazing, they can be held civilly and criminally liable. We will protect your child’s rights and ensure they are not punished for speaking out.

5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years, but you should act immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case.

6. Can I sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, especially if they own or control the property where hazing occurs. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable.

7. What if my child was hazed at a club or sports team (not a fraternity)?

Hazing happens in all types of student organizations, including:

• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Academic clubs
• Honor societies

If your child was hazed in any organization, you may have a case.

Salt Lake County Hazing Watch: Fraternities & Sororities Under Our Radar

At Attorney 911, we track hazing incidents nationwide, including in Salt Lake County. Some of the organizations we’re watching include:

If your child was hazed by any of these organizations—or any other group—contact us immediately.

Next Steps for Salt Lake County Families

If your child has been hazed, time is of the essence. Here’s what to do right now:

1. Seek medical attention (even if injuries seem minor).
2. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, witness info).
3. Report the hazing to police and the university.
4. Do NOT speak to the fraternity, sorority, or their lawyers.
5. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We will fight for your child’s rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and make sure this never happens to another Salt Lake County student.

Salt Lake County Parents: Protect Your Child. Demand Justice.

Hazing is not a rite of passage—it’s a crime. If your child has been hazed in Salt Lake County, you have the power to stop it.

Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. No upfront fees. We only get paid if we win.