Hazing Lawyer in Worcester County, Maryland – Protecting Students from Abuse & Negligence
If your child was hazed in Worcester County, you have legal rights—and we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during fraternity pledging. This isn’t just “tradition”—it’s abuse, negligence, and institutional failure. And it’s happening right here in Worcester County, Maryland, too.
The same fraternities. The same hazing culture. The same negligent universities.
If your child was hazed at Worcester County public schools, community colleges, or universities—whether in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, ROTC, marching bands, or other student organizations—we will fight for justice, accountability, and maximum compensation.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
Why Worcester County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now—And Winning
- $10 million lawsuit filed against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston (November 2025)
- National media coverage (ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media)
- Fraternity chapter shut down—but we’re holding the national organization and university accountable
- Same legal strategies available for Worcester County victims
This isn’t theoretical. We’re in the courtroom fighting for hazing victims today.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense lawyers—we know how institutions try to deny, delay, and lowball claims.
- We’ve seen the tactics they use to avoid responsibility—and we know how to dismantle them.
- We don’t just sue fraternities—we sue universities, national organizations, and individuals to maximize recovery.
3. Nationwide Representation—Including Worcester County, MD
- Based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Worcester County, Maryland.
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court) allows us to pursue cases across state lines.
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) give us strategic advantages against national fraternities.
- We travel to Worcester County for depositions, trials, and client meetings—distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- $10+ million in hazing case currently pending (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi)
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (handling complex, high-stakes cases against massive institutions)
- Former insurance defense experience—we know how to negotiate from strength and take cases to trial when necessary
5. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win
- Contingency fee basis: $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you do.
- No financial risk—we cover all case expenses (investigations, experts, court fees).
- You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
6. Bilingual Support (Se Habla Español)
- Fluent Spanish-speaking staff available to assist Worcester County families.
- No language barriers—we ensure clear communication every step of the way.
Hazing in Worcester County, MD: The Crisis You Need to Know About
Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas—it’s happening right here in Worcester County, Maryland, and across the Eastern Shore and Delmarva Peninsula. The same fraternities, the same negligent universities, and the same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are operating in Worcester County schools and colleges.
Where Hazing Happens in Worcester County, MD
Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities and sororities. It occurs in any student organization where power dynamics and peer pressure lead to abuse, including:
| Organization Type | Examples in Worcester County, MD | Hazing Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Fraternities & Sororities | National organizations with chapters at Worcester County universities and colleges (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha) | Forced drinking, physical abuse, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation, paddling |
| Sports Teams | High school and college football, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, wrestling, cheerleading | Extreme conditioning, humiliation rituals, forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation |
| Marching Bands | Worcester County high school and college marching bands | Physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, forced consumption, paddling |
| ROTC / Military Programs | U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis), Salisbury University ROTC, Worcester County high school JROTC | Physical abuse, sleep deprivation, extreme exercise, humiliation |
| Honor Societies | National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, other academic organizations | Initiation rituals, forced activities, sleep deprivation |
| Club Sports | Intramural and club teams at Worcester County colleges | Forced drinking, physical challenges, humiliation |
| Performing Arts Groups | Theater groups, dance teams, a cappella groups | Humiliation rituals, sleep deprivation, forced consumption |
| Student Government | Student councils, class officer positions | Initiation rituals, forced activities, humiliation |
If your child is involved in any student organization in Worcester County, they could be at risk.
What Counts as Hazing in Maryland? (And What’s Illegal)
Maryland has strong anti-hazing laws, but many students and parents don’t realize what qualifies as hazing. Under Maryland Education Code § 7-413, hazing includes any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student, regardless of whether the student “consented.”
Common Hazing Activities in Worcester County, MD
| Category | Examples | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion (e.g., 500 squats, 100 pushups), waterboarding, sleep deprivation | Criminal charges (up to felony), civil lawsuits, expulsion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances (peppercorns, hot sauce) | Alcohol poisoning, choking, criminal charges |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation, verbal abuse, forced nudity | PTSD, anxiety, depression, civil lawsuits |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault | Criminal charges (felony), civil lawsuits, expulsion |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, overnight activities | Impaired judgment, accidents, health risks |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands, personal servitude | Exploitation, civil lawsuits |
Maryland Hazing Laws: What Worcester County Families Need to Know
| Law | What It Means for Worcester County Victims |
|---|---|
| Maryland Education Code § 7-413 | Hazing is illegal in all Maryland schools, colleges, and universities. Consent is NOT a defense. |
| Maryland Criminal Law § 3-607 | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death is a felony (up to 6 years in prison). |
| Maryland Higher Education Commission | Universities must report hazing incidents to state authorities. Failure to report is a misdemeanor. |
| Title IX | Hazing that involves sexual harassment or assault can lead to federal lawsuits against schools. |
If your child was hazed in Worcester County, they have legal rights—and the organization, university, and individuals responsible can be held accountable.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Worcester County, MD?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Examples in Worcester County |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi (U. of Maryland Eastern Shore), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Salisbury University), etc. |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc. |
| University / College | Owned property where hazing occurred, failed to protect students | University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Salisbury University, Wor-Wic Community College, Worcester County public schools |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters, active members |
| Alumni / Former Members | Allowed hazing at their home, participated | Premises liability, negligent supervision |
| Coaches / Advisors | Knew or should have known about hazing | Sports teams, ROTC, marching bands |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability | University insurance, fraternity insurance |
In our current $10 million case, we’re suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National
✅ University of Houston
✅ Local chapter officers
✅ Individual members
✅ Former members and their spouses
The same legal strategy applies to Worcester County cases.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Worcester County, MD
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, concussions, internal injuries).
- Document everything—get medical records, take photos of injuries.
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked—some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs (screenshots + full conversations)
✅ Photos & videos of hazing activities, injuries, locations
✅ Social media posts (yours and others’) about hazing
✅ Witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
✅ Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They may ask for statements, recorded interviews, or signed documents—DO NOT AGREE.
- Anything you say can be used against you in a lawsuit or criminal investigation.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims—don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Evidence disappears quickly (texts deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records).
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
What Compensation Can Worcester County Hazing Victims Recover?
Hazing can cause physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term consequences. Worcester County victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
| Category | Examples | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, medications, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work during recovery, lost internship opportunities | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Educational Impact | Tuition reimbursement, lost scholarships, delayed graduation | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Future Earning Capacity | Permanent injuries affecting career prospects | $100,000 – $1M+ |
Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
| Category | Examples | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries, medical treatments, recovery | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | $200,000 – $2M+ |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in activities, social withdrawal | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent.
- Designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
- Can exceed $1 million in severe cases.
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for:
✅ Medical bills (hospitalization, future treatment)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and psychological trauma)
✅ Punitive damages (to punish Pi Kappa Phi and UH for their negligence)
Worcester County victims can recover the same types of compensation.
Worcester County, MD Hazing Cases: What We’re Fighting For
Case 1: The Fraternity That Waterboarded a Student (Our Current $10M Case)
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not even a UH student yet—”ghost rush”)
- Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, University of Houston, chapter officers, individuals
- Status: $10 million lawsuit filed (November 2025)
This is happening in Worcester County, too.
Case 2: The Student Who Died from Forced Drinking (Stone Foltz, 2021)
- Victim: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University)
- Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Result: Death from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)
Case 3: The Student Who Collapsed During Hazing (Max Gruver, 2017)
- Victim: Max Gruver (Louisiana State University)
- Hazing: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” pledge event
- Result: Death (BAC 0.495—6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
Case 4: The Student Who Was Left to Die (Timothy Piazza, 2017)
- Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State University)
- Hazing: Forced drinking gauntlet (18 drinks in 82 minutes)
- Result: Fell down stairs, died from traumatic brain injury
- Fraternity Response: Waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement
These cases prove that hazing victims and families CAN win—even against powerful institutions.
Worcester County, MD Universities & Colleges: Are They Protecting Students?
Many Worcester County schools and universities have Greek life and student organizations where hazing occurs. Do they have adequate safeguards in place?
| School | Greek Life Presence | Known Hazing Risks |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) | Active fraternities & sororities | High-risk organizations with national chapters known for hazing (Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma, etc.) |
| Salisbury University | Strong Greek life presence | Past hazing incidents; national fraternities with documented abuse |
| Wor-Wic Community College | Smaller Greek presence, but clubs & sports teams | Hazing in clubs, honor societies, and sports teams |
| Worcester County Public Schools | JROTC, sports teams, honor societies | Hazing in high school sports, military programs, and academic groups |
| Washington College (Chestertown, MD) | Active Greek life | National fraternities with hazing histories |
| Delaware State University (Dover, DE – near Worcester County) | Strong Greek life | Past hazing incidents; high-risk organizations |
If your child was hazed at any Worcester County school or university, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Worcester County, MD
1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. Should we still contact a lawyer?
YES. Many hazing victims don’t report due to:
- Fear of retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Shame or embarrassment
- Not realizing it was hazing
But waiting can hurt your case:
✅ Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
✅ Statute of limitations runs out (3 years in Maryland)
✅ Other students remain at risk
We can help protect your child’s identity and guide them through the process.
2. The fraternity/sorority says my child “consented.” Can they still be held liable?
YES. Maryland law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
Maryland Education Code § 7-413:
“It is not a defense that the student consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
3. Can we sue the university if hazing happened off-campus?
YES. Universities can be held liable if:
✅ They knew or should have known about hazing risks
✅ They failed to implement adequate oversight
✅ The hazing was part of an official organization (fraternity, sports team, etc.)
✅ They received prior complaints about hazing
In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
4. What if my child was hazed at a high school in Worcester County?
You can still take legal action. High schools have a duty to protect students from hazing in:
- Sports teams
- JROTC programs
- Honor societies
- Marching bands
- Student government
We represent hazing victims of all ages in Worcester County.
5. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
✅ No hourly fees
✅ No retainer
✅ We only get paid if you win compensation
✅ You pay nothing unless we recover money for you
6. What if the hazing happened at a private school in Worcester County?
Private schools can still be held liable. We can pursue claims against:
✅ The school itself
✅ The organization (fraternity, sports team, etc.)
✅ Individuals who participated
7. Can we still sue if the fraternity was already suspended?
YES. Suspension or closure does not absolve the organization of liability. In fact, it may strengthen your case by showing they knew about the problem.
In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter—but we’re still suing the national organization and university for $10 million.
8. What if my child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured?
You may still have a case. Hazing can cause:
✅ PTSD, anxiety, and depression
✅ Academic decline (missed classes, failed courses)
✅ Social withdrawal and trust issues
✅ Financial losses (lost scholarships, tuition reimbursement)
We pursue compensation for psychological harm, emotional distress, and other non-physical damages.
9. Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?
It depends. Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However:
- The clock may start when the injury was discovered (e.g., delayed PTSD diagnosis).
- Minors may have extended deadlines.
Contact us immediately—we’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
10. What if the hazing involved alcohol?
Forced drinking is illegal and extremely dangerous. Consequences include:
✅ Alcohol poisoning
✅ Choking on vomit
✅ Increased risk of sexual assault
✅ Criminal charges (for those who provided alcohol to minors)
We hold organizations accountable for forced drinking hazing.
Worcester County, MD Hazing Resources
Emergency & Support Resources
| Resource | Contact | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Crisis Hotline | 📞 211 or 1-800-422-0009 | 24/7 mental health support |
| RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline) | 📞 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | Confidential support for sexual abuse victims |
| Worcester County Health Department | 📞 410-632-1100 | Mental health and crisis services |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Counseling Center | 📞 410-651-6449 | Mental health support for students |
| Salisbury University Counseling Center | 📞 410-543-6070 | Mental health support for students |
| Wor-Wic Community College Counseling | 📞 410-334-2822 | Mental health support for students |
Reporting Hazing in Worcester County
| Organization | How to Report | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Higher Education Commission | File a complaint online | For college/university hazing |
| Worcester County Public Schools | Contact school principal or WCPS Central Office | For K-12 hazing |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) | UMES Title IX Office | Report hazing, sexual misconduct |
| Salisbury University | Salisbury University Police | Report hazing incidents |
| Maryland State Police | 📞 410-889-3101 (Berlin Barrack) | For criminal hazing cases |
| Worcester County Sheriff’s Office | 📞 410-632-1311 | For criminal hazing cases |
Worcester County, MD Hazing Lawyer: Free Consultation
If your child was hazed in Worcester County, Maryland, we can help.
✅ Free, confidential case evaluation
✅ No upfront costs—we only get paid if you win
✅ Aggressive representation against universities, fraternities, and individuals
✅ Nationwide experience, including Worcester County, MD
✅ Bilingual support (English & Spanish)
Call now before evidence disappears and your rights expire:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
We’re fighting for Worcester County hazing victims—and we won’t stop until justice is served.
🚨 ACT NOW. EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS. YOUR RIGHTS EXPIRE.
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your case.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
