United States courts have taken different approaches to hazing-related lawsuits in the past decade, as each court must rule based on a case’s individual factors as well as relevant state laws. However, awareness about hazing has increased significantly and allowed many victims of hazing and their families to pursue legal action where they might not have otherwise.
Our national hazing lawyers can break down some of the notable hazing cases that have appeared in the United States’ civil courts over the past several years and highlight trends seen in the rulings. However, we recognize that each hazing case is highly individualized.
If you want to discuss how courts have ruled in hazing-related lawsuits and what your case might look like, you can book a free case consultation with our team.
Rulings Vary From Case to Case
Because the laws addressing hazing vary from state to state, the rulings in hazing-related cases aren’t consistent. However, there have been several cases that have seen injured students and their families receive compensation for the wrongs they’ve endured.
For example, Live 5 News reported that, in February 2024, a family associated with the College of Charleston accused Sigma Chi Fraternity of hazing. The claimants alleged that the fraternity needed to take responsibility for the psychological torment and physical injuries that its victims sustained and received more than $10 million in damages as a result.
KBTX3 similarly reported that ten Corps of Cadets members face accusations of hazing in affiliation with Texas A&M University in December 2023. The victim involved in the case pursued more than $1 million in damages, naming the Corps of Cadets liable for his sexual assault, humiliation, and trauma.
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Parents and Students Sue Institutions, Not Individuals
In both of these cases and others like them, victims of hazing have not pursued legal action against the individuals who did them harm. Instead, victims and their families have taken legal action against fraternities, sororities, social groups, and even universities.
While it might be easier for victims to target the individuals who had a direct hand in their hazing experience, look at how courts have ruled in hazing-related lawsuits that target these larger institutions. The damages victims tend to receive from these cases tend to more fully address their losses. A suit against an individual might not offer the same financial relief.
When Should You Contact a Hazing Lawyer?
If you suspect that you or someone you love may have been the victim of hazing, we encourage you to book a free case consultation with a hazing lawyer as soon as possible. Hazing can have devastating effects on your long-term physical and mental health, and those who put you through the process need to understand the severity of their misconduct.
Notably, contacting a hazing lawyer allows you to pursue a civil case against the parties responsible for your mistreatment. Your civil case may subsequently enable you to demand compensation for the losses you suffered as well as any medical treatments, physical therapy, psychological therapy, and other care you needed to recover.
Your case consultation with a national hazing lawyer comes free of charge and won’t lock you into a civil case.
Who Can Pursue a Criminal Case Against Your Hazers?
Your first call, in the face of suspected hazing, should be to your local police department. Hazing is viewed as either a misdemeanor or felony crime in 44 states, and abusers can be arrested for their misconduct. If you do call the police on your harassers, law enforcement may open a criminal investigation into the mistreatment you withstood.
A state prosecutor may subsequently call on you to share your testimony, during which you may discuss your mistreatment.
Our civil attorneys are not involved in this process. However, if a criminal court convicts certain parties of engaging in illegal hazing, we can include that conviction as evidence of misconduct when filing a hazing claim with a civil lawsuit.
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When Do You Have the Right to Pursue a Hazing Lawsuit?
When discussing your experience with hazing, an experienced attorney can help you determine whether or not you have the right to bring your case to the attention of a civil judge. This process will require us to find evidence indicating that:
- An institution like a fraternity, sorority, private club, or academic institution owed you a duty of care at the time of an incident.
- The institution violated the duty of care owed to you intentionally or through avoidable negligence.
- That negligence or a deliberate act saw you suffer economic losses.
As our team finds evidence to make these points, we can discuss how courts have ruled in hazing-related lawsuits similar to yours. These conversations will let you know what to discuss in civil proceedings and can help you feel more comfortable with the process.
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Learn More About Your Right to Legal Action Today
Forty-four states across the nation have laws against hazing. Many of those states will charge parties accused of hazing with felony crimes. In other words, you and your family can take legal action against institutions that allow or encourage hazing.
You can work with a national hazing attorney with Cooper Elliott to outline the circumstances of your hazing, who you believe to be liable for your mistreatment, and what civil justice you want to pursue. Our support can help you secure the compensation necessary to pay for any medical expenses and other fees tied to your recovery.
Book a free case consultation with an experienced attorney today to discuss how you can hold any responsible parties liable for your losses.
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