🚨 Hazing Victims in Washington County, New York: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

Washington County Parents and Students: The Hazing Crisis Has Arrived in Upstate New York

If you’re reading this, you likely already know the truth: hazing isn’t just happening at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in Washington County, New York. At our local colleges. In our fraternities and sororities. On our sports teams. In our marching bands. To our children.

The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston, that killed students at LSU, Penn State, and Florida State, operate chapters right here in Washington County. The same culture of abuse, the same “traditions” of torture, the same institutional failures that led to multi-million dollar lawsuits and criminal convictions in other states exist right here in our community.

This isn’t about “boys being boys.” This isn’t about “building character.” This is about assault. This is about battery. This is about torture. And it’s happening to Washington County students right now.

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Washington County

On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from hazing. The details are horrifying:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to keep exercising
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness during a workout – and they kept going
• The victim crawled up the stairs when he got home, couldn’t move the next day, and was rushed to the hospital with kidney failure

This didn’t happen at some distant university. This happened in Houston – and it could happen here in Washington County. The same fraternities that did this at UH have chapters at universities near Washington County. The same culture of abuse exists in Greek organizations across New York. The same negligence that allowed this to happen in Texas exists at institutions in our state.

If your child has been hazed in Washington County, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

Washington County Families: You Are Not Alone

We know what you’re feeling right now:

• Fear – Your child is afraid to speak out. Afraid of retaliation. Afraid of being ostracized.
• Shame – Your child feels embarrassed. They blame themselves. They think they “agreed” to this.
• Anger – At the fraternity. At the university. At the national organization. At a culture that allows this to continue.
• Confusion – What do we do now? Who do we trust? Where do we turn?
• Helplessness – These are powerful institutions. They have lawyers. They have money. They have influence.

We understand. And we’re here to tell you: You are not powerless. You have rights. You have options. And you have us.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how the other side thinks. We know their playbook. And we know how to beat them. We’re currently fighting this exact battle in Texas – and we will bring that same fight to Washington County.

What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in New York)

Many people think hazing is just “harmless pranks” or “initiation rituals.” This is a lie perpetuated by organizations that profit from abuse.

New York 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 or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a college or university.”

This includes:

New York law is clear: Hazing is a crime. Consent is not a defense. And organizations that allow it can be held civilly and criminally liable.

The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Kill

Hazing isn’t just “hurt feelings” or “temporary discomfort.” Hazing sends students to the hospital. Hazing destroys lives. Hazing kills.

In our Houston case, the victim suffered:

• Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins that destroy the kidneys
• Acute kidney failure – Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Four days in the hospital – Fighting for his life
• Brown urine – A classic sign of muscle breakdown and kidney damage
• Inability to walk or stand – From extreme physical exertion

Other documented medical consequences of hazing:

• Alcohol poisoning – Common in forced drinking hazing; can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures
• Cardiac arrest – From extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression – Long-term psychological damage
• Suicide – The ultimate tragedy of hazing culture
• Death

Washington County parents: If your child has been hazed, get them medical attention immediately. Even if they “feel fine,” some injuries – like rhabdomyolysis – may not show symptoms right away. Document everything. And call us.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Washington County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held legally responsible. This includes:

In our Houston case, we’re suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The local chapter
• The chapter president and pledgemaster
• Current and former members
• The University of Houston (who owned the fraternity house)
• The UH Board of Regents

The same liability applies to Washington County institutions.

Washington County Universities and Colleges: The Institutions That Failed Our Students

Washington County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. These institutions have a legal and moral duty to protect their students. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

Universities near Washington County with Greek organizations include:

• SUNY Adirondack (Queensbury, NY) – Offers transfer pathways to four-year institutions with Greek life
• SUNY Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh, NY) – Active Greek life community
• University at Albany (SUNY Albany) – Major Greek system
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) – Greek life presence
• Skidmore College – Greek organizations
• The College of Saint Rose – Greek life
• Hudson Valley Community College – While primarily a two-year school, many students transfer to four-year institutions with Greek life

These universities face the same liability as the University of Houston:

• They have the power to regulate Greek organizations
• They have the power to inspect fraternity and sorority houses
• They have the power to suspend or expel chapters that haze
• When they fail to use that power, they are complicit in the abuse

Washington County parents: If your child was hazed at any of these institutions, we can help you hold the university accountable.

The Pattern of Negligence: They Knew This Could Happen

In our Houston case, we uncovered two devastating facts that prove institutional negligence:

1. Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing. In 2017, a student named Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon and died from alcohol poisoning. The same national organization that allowed Andrew Coffey to die in 2017 allowed Leonel Bermudez to be hospitalized in 2025. They had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing.

2. The University of Houston knew about hazing on their campus. In 2017, a student at UH was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. The university knew hazing was dangerous. They had eight years to implement real oversight. They did nothing. In 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized after hazing at a different fraternity – Pi Kappa Phi – at the same university.

This pattern exists across America. And it exists in Washington County.

Universities and national fraternities know hazing happens. They know it’s dangerous. They have the power to stop it. And they choose not to – until someone gets hurt or killed. Then they express “shock” and “sadness,” close the chapter temporarily, and wait for the outrage to die down so they can reopen.

Washington County families: This cycle ends with you. When you stand up, you protect the next student. When you speak out, you save lives.

Washington County Hazing Victims: What You Should Do Right Now

If you or your child has been hazed in Washington County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you need to do immediately:

STEP 1: GET MEDICAL ATTENTION

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence
• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911

STEP 2: PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY.

STEP 3: DO NOT TALK TO THE ORGANIZATION

• Do not confront the fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not give statements to university administrators
• Do not talk to the organization’s lawyers or insurance companies
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Do not accept any settlement offers

Anything you say can and will be used against you. Let us handle all communication.

STEP 4: DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

• Do not post about the incident
• Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
• Do not post party photos or anything that could be used to claim you weren’t hurt
• Do not engage with Greek life members online
• Do not delete old posts (this is destruction of evidence)

Insurance companies and lawyers will use your social media against you. Stay quiet online until your case is resolved.

STEP 5: CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

• New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (from date of injury)
• Evidence disappears quickly – witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records
• The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

Call us for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer video consultations for Washington County families. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Why Washington County Families Choose Attorney 911

We know Washington County families have choices when it comes to legal representation. Here’s why we’re the right choice for hazing victims:

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight
• We know the defendants’ playbook because we’re facing them in court right now
• Washington County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Lawyers

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they think. We know how they fight. We know how to beat them.
• We’ve seen their tactics from the inside – now we use that knowledge for victims

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
• Can pursue hazing cases in federal court
• This is critical for cases involving national fraternities headquartered out of state

4. We’re Dual-Licensed in New York and Texas

• Licensed in both New York and Texas
• Strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations
• Can pursue defendants in multiple jurisdictions

5. We Offer Contingency Fees – $0 Upfront

• You pay nothing unless we win your case
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We take the financial risk so you can fight for justice
• “We don’t get paid unless you get paid”

6. We Travel to Washington County

• We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice
• We’re committed to serving Washington County families

7. We Speak Spanish

• Se habla español
• Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families
• We can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients and families
• No language barriers to justice

8. We Have a Proven Track Record

• 4.9-star Google rating, 250+ reviews
• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Experience with complex litigation against major institutions
• We know how to win

9. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach
• We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing
• We know how to communicate with young people who’ve been through trauma

10. We Care About More Than Money

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Peña

We’re not just fighting for compensation. We’re fighting to change the culture. Every case we take is a message to fraternities, sororities, universities, and national organizations: This ends now.

What Washington County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims are entitled to compensation for all the harm they’ve suffered. This includes:

Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, medications, future treatment
• Mental health treatment – Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care
• Lost wages – Time missed from work due to injuries or recovery
• Lost earning capacity – If injuries affect future career opportunities
• Educational expenses – Tuition for missed classes, transfer costs if forced to change schools
• Property damage – Damage to clothing, electronics, or other personal items during hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain – From injuries, medical treatments, recovery
• Mental anguish – Trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Emotional distress – Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement – Scars, permanent injuries from branding, burns, or assault
• Loss of consortium – Impact on relationships with family and partners

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

• Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Appropriate in hazing cases where organizations knew about the risks and did nothing
• No cap on punitive damages in New York for most personal injury cases

In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. Washington County families can recover similar amounts depending on the severity of the hazing and the harm suffered.

Washington County Hazing Cases: Recent Precedents That Prove You Can Win

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here are recent examples that prove Washington County victims can recover substantial compensation:

These cases prove:

• Juries award millions for hazing injuries and deaths
• Universities pay millions when they fail to protect students
• National fraternities pay millions when they fail to supervise chapters
• Individual members can be held personally liable (Stone Foltz president ordered to pay $6.5 million)

Washington County families: Your case can and should result in similar compensation.

The Most Common Defenses – And How We Defeat Them

When hazing victims come forward, organizations use the same tired defenses. Here’s how we defeat them:

Defense 1: “They Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• New York law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing (NY Educ. Law § 6450)
• Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to – hazing is hidden until it happens
• Peer pressure and fear of social exclusion negate true consent – no one “consents” to torture
• The law recognizes that power dynamics make true consent impossible in hazing situations

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity
• Assault is assault, regardless of “tradition”
• If the tradition involves waterboarding, forced drinking, or physical abuse, it’s not tradition – it’s a crime
• Universities and national organizations have the power to change traditions – they choose not to

Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities and national organizations have actual knowledge of hazing risks
• Prior incidents at the same chapter prove they knew
• Prior incidents at other chapters of the same fraternity prove they knew
• “Should have known” is sufficient for liability – they have a duty to supervise
• Ignorance is not a defense when you have the power to inspect and regulate

Defense 4: “It Was Just a Prank”

Our Response:

• Waterboarding is not a prank – it’s torture
• Forced exercise until kidney failure is not a prank – it’s reckless endangerment
• Hog-tying a student with an object in their mouth is not a prank – it’s assault
• Hazing that sends students to the hospital is not a prank – it’s a crime

Defense 5: “The Victim Was Partially at Fault”

Our Response:

• New York follows comparative negligence rules – even if the victim is partially at fault, they can still recover
• The organization’s fault is almost always greater – they created the dangerous culture
• We prove the organization’s negligence far outweighs any victim conduct

Washington County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps

If you or your child has been hazed in Washington County, here’s what happens next:

STEP 1: FREE CONSULTATION

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
• We’ll listen to your story in a confidential setting
• We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
• No obligation, no pressure

STEP 2: CASE INVESTIGATION

• We’ll gather all available evidence
• We’ll identify all potential defendants
• We’ll consult with medical and hazing experts
• We’ll build a comprehensive case strategy

STEP 3: DEMAND LETTER

• We’ll send a demand letter to all defendants
• We’ll outline the facts, the law, and the damages
• We’ll demand fair compensation
• This often leads to settlement negotiations

STEP 4: NEGOTIATION OR LITIGATION

• If defendants offer a fair settlement, we’ll negotiate on your behalf
• If they refuse to be reasonable, we’ll file a lawsuit
• We’ll handle all court filings, discovery, and motions
• We’ll prepare your case for trial if necessary

STEP 5: RESOLUTION

• Many cases settle before trial
• If we go to trial, we’ll present your case to a judge or jury
• We’ll fight for maximum compensation
• Once resolved, we’ll ensure you receive your settlement or verdict

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case.

Washington County Parents: What You Need to Know About Greek Life

Many Washington County parents encourage their children to join Greek organizations, believing they provide friendship, networking, and leadership opportunities. What parents don’t realize is that these organizations often operate with little oversight and have cultures of abuse that universities and national organizations ignore until it’s too late.

The Dark Reality of Greek Life in Washington County:

1. Hazing is Rampant

   • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
   • 40% of student athletes report hazing
   • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States

2. Universities Know and Do Nothing

   • Universities have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down dangerous chapters
   • They choose not to until someone gets hurt or killed
   • Then they express “shock” and temporarily close the chapter

3. National Organizations Enable the Culture

   • National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance
   • They know about hazing at their chapters
   • They do the bare minimum to appear compliant, then wait for the outrage to die down

4. The “Tradition” Myth

   • Organizations claim hazing is “tradition”
   • This is a lie – most “traditions” were created in the last few decades
   • Assault is not tradition. Torture is not tradition. Abuse is not tradition.

5. The Pressure to Stay Silent

   • Victims fear retaliation
   • They fear social ostracization
   • They fear being labeled a “snitch”
   • They’re told “everyone goes through it”
   • This culture of silence allows abuse to continue

Washington County Parents: How to Protect Your Child

1. Talk to Your Child About Hazing

   • Make sure they understand what hazing is
   • Tell them it’s never okay to be abused or humiliated
   • Encourage them to speak up if they see or experience hazing

2. Research the Organization

   • Look up the national organization’s hazing history
   • Search for news articles about the local chapter
   • Ask the university about past incidents

3. Understand the University’s Role

   • Does the university own the fraternity/sorority house?
   • What oversight do they have?
   • What is their hazing policy?

4. Know the Warning Signs

   • Sudden changes in behavior
   • Withdrawal from friends and family
   • Unexplained injuries
   • Secretive behavior about “pledge activities”
   • Sleep deprivation
   • Sudden weight loss or gain
   • Signs of depression or anxiety

5. Create an Exit Plan

   • Let your child know they can leave at any time
   • Have a code word they can use if they need help
   • Assure them you’ll support them no matter what

The Legal Process for Washington County Hazing Cases

Phase 1: Case Evaluation (1-2 weeks)

• Free consultation
• Evidence review
• Case viability assessment
• Strategy planning

Phase 2: Investigation (1-3 months)

• Evidence preservation
• Witness interviews
• Expert consultations
• Medical record collection
• Defendant identification

Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation (1-4 months)

• Demand letter sent to defendants
• Settlement negotiations
• Potential early resolution

Phase 4: Litigation (6-24 months)

• Lawsuit filing
• Discovery (document requests, depositions)
• Motions and hearings
• Mediation
• Trial preparation

Phase 5: Resolution

• Settlement
• Jury verdict
• Appeal (if necessary)

Total timeline: 6 months to 3 years, depending on complexity and whether the case goes to trial

Washington County Hazing Victims: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child doesn’t want to sue. Do we have to?

A: No. We only proceed if you and your child are comfortable. However, we encourage you to at least consult with us to understand your options. Many victims change their minds when they realize:

• They can recover compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering
• They can hold the organization accountable
• They can protect future students
• They can do this without upfront costs

Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing?

A: No. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. We protect our clients from any form of retaliation.

Q: What if the fraternity threatens my child?

A: That’s illegal. Any form of retaliation – threats, harassment, social exclusion – is against the law. We take immediate action to stop retaliation and can add claims for emotional distress.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, typically 33-40%.

Q: What if my child was drinking or using drugs during the hazing?

A: That doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of alcohol or drug use. Organizations cannot use a victim’s actions to excuse their own illegal conduct.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus locations, and we can pursue those cases.

Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late?

A: New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: Will this go to trial?

A: Most cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. If the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: Yes, if the university failed to protect your child. Universities have a legal duty to supervise Greek organizations and prevent hazing. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retaliation. We take steps to protect our clients, including:

• Confidentiality protections
• Legal action against any form of retaliation
• Anonymous reporting options
• Support throughout the process

Washington County: It’s Time to Stand Up

Washington County has a proud tradition of community, family, and protecting our own. When our children are hurt, we stand up. When institutions fail them, we hold them accountable. When a culture of abuse takes root, we tear it out by the roots.

The hazing crisis has come to Washington County. But so has the solution. With every lawsuit we file, with every verdict we win, with every student we protect, we send a message: This ends now.

If your child has been hazed in Washington County, we’re here to help. We’re here to fight. We’re here to win.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We serve Washington County and all of New York. We come to you. We fight for you. We win for you.

Enough is Enough. Let’s End Hazing in Washington County.

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Washington County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
24/7 Free Consultations for Hazing Victims

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.