Hazing
Joining a new club, organization, or living community is often an exciting experience. Welcoming new members is an integral part of initiation; however, this process can become extremely dangerous if it involves hazing. Hazing is defined as a set of rituals or activities that involve harassment, abuse, or humiliation as a means of inducting a person or group of persons into an organization.
Hazing Rituals and Injuries
Many freshmen in college feel the need to make friends quickly, and so they opt to become a member of a fraternity or sorority. While these living communities can foster strong bonds between members, earning your way into one can involve extremely dangerous feats. Some such practices include forcing pledges to:
- Binge drink or eat
- Complete a variety of strenuous physical tasks
- Endure prolonged physical and verbal abuse
- Participate in sexual exploitation
The forms of suffering caused by hazing are virtually limitless, but may include emotional trauma (PTSD), an array of physical injuries, alcohol poisoning, and even death.
Contact Us
While fraternities and sororities are the most notoriously known for hazing, this form of initiation occurs in a number of environments. If you or someone you know has been victimized by a hazing ritual, you may be entitled compensation for your losses. Contact the Harrisburg personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. to discuss the details of your case and determine your legal rights. Call 610-667-7511 today to schedule your free consultation