🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Warren County, PA Families — Attorney 911 Fights for You
Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening at colleges near Warren County, Pennsylvania.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in or near Warren County, Pennsylvania, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Warren County families.
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Warren County, Pennsylvania. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Pennsylvania — It’s Happening Near Warren County
Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas or Florida. It’s happening at colleges and universities across Pennsylvania — including institutions near Warren County. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have active chapters at Pennsylvania schools. The same culture of abuse exists in Warren County’s region.
Colleges and Universities Near Warren County with Greek Life:
While Warren County itself is home to smaller institutions, several major universities with active Greek organizations are within driving distance:
-
Penn State University (Main Campus, State College) — Approximately 3.5 hours from Warren County
- One of the largest Greek systems in the country
- Home to Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and dozens of other fraternities
- Timothy Piazza’s death in 2017 occurred at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity
-
University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) — Approximately 2.5 hours from Warren County
- Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities
- Known for large Greek organizations
-
Edinboro University — Approximately 1 hour from Warren County
- Smaller but active Greek community
- Potential for hazing in smaller chapters
-
Clarion University — Approximately 1 hour from Warren County
- Greek life presence with multiple chapters
-
Slippery Rock University — Approximately 2 hours from Warren County
- Active Greek organizations
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters at these Pennsylvania universities near Warren County.
💔 What Hazing Looks Like — The Warren County Family’s Nightmare
Our client in Houston was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was made to eat until he vomited. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis.
This same abuse is happening to students near Warren County.
Common Hazing Activities Reported in Pennsylvania:
| Activity | Description | Medical Risk | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forced Alcohol Consumption | “Drink this bottle,” “Chug this beer,” “Finish this keg” | Alcohol poisoning, death | Hazing; Reckless endangerment |
| Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning | Sprayed with hose while doing calisthenics | Drowning, panic attacks, PTSD | Torture; Assault |
| Extreme Physical Exercise | 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | Hazing; Reckless endangerment |
| Beating / Paddling | Struck with wooden paddles, belts, hands | Bruising, broken bones, internal injuries | Assault; Battery |
| Forced Eating / Vomiting | Eat until vomiting; lie in vomit | Choking, aspiration, food poisoning | Hazing |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, no sleep | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health crises | Hazing |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Exposure to Elements | Forced to strip in cold weather | Hypothermia, frostbite | Hazing; Reckless endangerment |
| Servitude | Forced to clean, drive members, run errands | Exhaustion, academic impact | Hazing |
If your child experienced any of these near Warren County, they were hazed. And you have legal options.
⚖️ Pennsylvania Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights
Pennsylvania Anti-Hazing Law (Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law)
Named after Timothy Piazza, a Penn State student who died from hazing in 2017, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law makes hazing a felony in certain circumstances.
Key Provisions for Warren County Families:
| Provision | Details | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of Hazing | Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation | Covers all physical and psychological hazing |
| Criminal Penalties | Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a felony | Up to 7 years in prison for individuals |
| Organizational Penalties | Organizations can be fined up to $15,000 | Applies to fraternities, sororities, teams |
| Reporting Requirements | Universities must report hazing incidents | Failure to report is a misdemeanor |
| Immunity for Reporting | Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from liability | Encourages witnesses to come forward |
Source: Pennsylvania General Assembly — Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law
Warren County families: This law means that hazing is not just a university issue — it’s a criminal issue. Individuals and organizations can face felony charges for serious hazing.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Pennsylvania
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, Warren County families can sue for civil damages under Pennsylvania law.
Who Can Be Sued?
| Defendant | Liability Basis | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Direct negligence | Organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Negligent supervision | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowledge |
| University | Premises liability; negligent supervision | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property |
| Chapter Officers | Personal liability | Directed or participated in hazing |
| Individual Members | Personal liability | Participated in hazing |
| Alumni / Hosts | Premises liability | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Insurance Companies | Contractual liability | Coverage for institutional negligence |
Damages Warren County Families Can Recover:
| Damage Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Kidney failure treatment; PTSD therapy |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Student missed internship due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional distress | Trauma from waterboarding; humiliation |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding; forced exercise to collapse |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses; loss of companionship |
Pennsylvania has NO CAP on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases — meaning juries can award substantial compensation for hazing trauma.
💰 Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Warren County families.
Timothy Piazza — Penn State / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
- Injury: Traumatic brain injury, abdominal hemorrhage
- Cause: Forced drinking, fell down stairs, fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110+ million confidential settlement
- Legislation: Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law (Pennsylvania)
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
- Injury: Death from alcohol poisoning
- Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Outcome: $10.1 million total ($2.9M from university, $7.2M from fraternity)
- Criminal: Multiple convictions
Maxwell Gruver — LSU / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
- Injury: Death from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
- Cause: “Bible Study” drinking game — wrong answer = drink more
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
- Legislation: Max Gruver Act (Louisiana — made hazing a felony)
Andrew Coffey — Florida State / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
- Injury: Death from alcohol poisoning
- Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon
- Outcome: Confidential settlement; 9 members charged
Warren County families: These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can and do win millions. The same fraternities involved in these cases have chapters at Pennsylvania universities near Warren County.
🏢 Who We Sue for Warren County Hazing Victims
When your child is hazed, multiple parties are responsible. We sue everyone involved to maximize your recovery.
1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Penn State Pi Kappa Phi, Pitt Sigma Alpha Epsilon)
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
- Individual members participated
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise local chapter
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets — substantial assets and insurance
3. The University (Penn State, Pitt, Edinboro, etc.)
- Premises liability — if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Negligent supervision — failed to monitor Greek life
- Institutional knowledge — knew or should have known about prior hazing incidents
- Failed to protect students despite duty of care
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Chapter officers who directed hazing
- Members who participated
- Alumni who hosted hazing
- Personal liability — cannot hide behind the organization
5. Insurance Companies
- National organizations have liability insurance
- Universities have institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance may cover off-campus hazing
- Real source of compensation — we know how to pursue policies
📋 What Warren County Families Should Do Immediately
If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all symptoms and treatment
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, locations |
| Text Messages | GroupMe, Snapchat, WhatsApp, iMessage |
| Social Media | Posts, DMs, screenshots about hazing |
| Witness Info | Names and contact info of other victims/witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition fees |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the organization without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the fraternity/sorority
- Give statements to university administrators alone
Step 3: Report the Incident
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Pennsylvania
- Report to the university — but do not do this without an attorney
- Report to the national organization — but expect damage control
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Pennsylvania statute of limitations: 2 years from date of injury
- Evidence disappears quickly — organizations destroy records, intimidate witnesses
- Insurance companies will contact you — they will try to minimize your claim
Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🎯 Why Warren County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
We are 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, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases. Warren County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they try to deny and minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Nationwide
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Nationwide service — we represent hazing victims anywhere in America, including Warren County
- Video consultations available — no need to travel to Houston
4. We Travel to Warren County for Your Case
- Depositions
- Client meetings
- Trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Warren County Families
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless you get paid
- No hourly fees, no retainers
- Level playing field — now you can fight powerful institutions
6. Proven Track Record — Multi-Million Dollar Results
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
- Wrongful death cases — experience with catastrophic injuries
- Personal injury expertise — from car accidents to hazing
- Criminal defense background — understanding parallel proceedings
7. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Consultations
- Case updates
- Document translation
- Courtroom interpretation
No language barriers to justice.
8. We Understand the Culture — Hall of Fame Athlete & Coach
Ralph Manginello is a Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame athlete and former youth sports coach. He understands:
- Team dynamics
- Locker room culture
- The pressures young people face
- How “tradition” is used to justify abuse
We know what’s really happening in these organizations.
🔥 What Sets Us Apart for Warren County Families
We don’t just see your child as a case. We see them as a person. We see your family’s pain. We see the betrayal of trust. And we fight like hell to make it right.
We See the Person, Not the Paycheck
Universities and fraternities see your child as a liability. We see them as a young person who trusted the wrong people. We see a family that’s hurting. We see a student whose future is at risk.
We Fight Like It’s Our Own Child
We have kids. We know what it means to send your child to college and expect them to be safe. When that trust is broken, we fight like it’s our own family.
We Don’t Back Down
Insurance companies, universities, national fraternities — they all have teams of lawyers. They’ll try to intimidate you. They’ll try to lowball you. They’ll try to blame your child.
We don’t back down. We fight for every penny you deserve.
📞 Warren County Families — Call Now for Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Warren County, Pennsylvania, you have legal rights. We can help.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Warren County hazing emergencies.
Free consultation — no obligation.
$0 upfront — we only get paid if you win.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Warren County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Penn State. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Pennsylvania. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case regardless of location. We offer video consultations and travel to Warren County for depositions and trials.
Q: The fraternity says my child consented to the activities. Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Consent is not a defense to hazing in Pennsylvania. The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect them?
A: We take retaliation concerns seriously. Our client in the Houston case is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We:
- Keep your identity confidential when possible
- File protective orders if needed
- Pursue claims against individuals who retaliate
- Work with campus security and law enforcement for protection
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases routinely result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, extreme physical abuse)
- Pattern of hazing at the organization
- University’s knowledge and failure to act
Precedent cases range from $4 million to $110 million.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:
- Own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Have a history of hazing incidents
- Fail to implement effective oversight
- Ignore complaints or warning signs
They can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a different school, not Penn State?
A: We represent hazing victims from any institution, including:
- Penn State University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Edinboro University
- Clarion University
- Slippery Rock University
- Any college or university near Warren County
If there’s a Greek organization, there’s a risk of hazing.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Do we still have a case?
A: Yes. Even without hospitalization, hazing can cause:
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Academic decline
- Loss of scholarships
- Social withdrawal
Psychological trauma is compensable.
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. The law doesn’t care if something has been done for 100 years. If it’s harmful, illegal, or abusive, it’s not excusable. Waterboarding is not tradition — it’s torture.
🚨 Warning to Fraternities Near Warren County
To fraternities operating at Pennsylvania universities near Warren County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — if your chapter is near Warren County, know this:
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
- We know your corporate structures
- We know your insurance policies
- We know your hazing histories
- We will pursue every liable entity
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ Message to Pennsylvania Universities Near Warren County
To Penn State, Pitt, Edinboro, Clarion, and other Pennsylvania universities:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses.
- Penn State: Timothy Piazza died at Beta Theta Pi in 2017. You paid $110+ million. Are you doing enough now?
- You own fraternity houses. You have the power to inspect and regulate.
- You receive tuition from students. You have a duty to protect them.
- You know hazing happens. When will you act before another student is hospitalized or killed?
If you fail to protect students from hazing, we will hold you accountable.
✅ What Warren County Families Can Expect When They Call Attorney 911
Step 1: Free Consultation
- We listen to your story
- We explain your legal rights
- We answer your questions
- No obligation
Step 2: Case Evaluation
- We review the facts
- We assess liability
- We estimate potential damages
- We explain your options
Step 3: Evidence Preservation
- We send preservation letters to all defendants
- We gather medical records, photos, communications
- We identify witnesses
- We prevent evidence destruction
Step 4: Demand and Negotiation
- We compile a demand package
- We send it to defendants and insurance companies
- We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)
- We file a lawsuit
- We conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- We prepare for trial
- We fight for your rights in court
Step 6: Resolution
- Settlement or verdict
- You receive compensation
- We deduct our fee (only if you win)
📢 Final Message to Warren County Families
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s reckless endangerment. And it’s illegal.
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Warren County, Pennsylvania, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to accept excuses. You don’t have to let them get away with it.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we fight for hazing victims.
Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough.