Physical abuse is a silent problem that affects college students and high school students across the nation. Attorneys at The Doan Law Firm are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured individuals who have suffered physical abuse and emotional trauma at the hands of people who aren’t true friends. Alcohol hazing and binge drinking are widely publicized, but physical abuse can be more dangerous and often goes unreported because young, vulnerable students are seeking acceptance and camaraderie, so they don’t want to report the people they admire.
There are many degrees of physical abuse that stem from mean-spirited rituals intended to punish, humiliate and subjugate incoming members. Experts estimate that more than 1 million high school students experience hazing each year. Just over half of all college students who participate in sports or social groups have played a role in these rituals. However, only 5 percent of students report these incidents.
No one is immune from the acts of physical abuse that are inflicted by sororities, fraternities, sports teams, marching bands and social groups in colleges and high schools. Any of these acts can threaten the health and safety of young students and lead to serious injuries or health. The following list includes some of the most common forms of physical abuse that our attorneys encounter in hazing cases.
Body image abuse
Branding
Consumption of food or liquid
Emotional abuse
Excessive calisthenics or exercise
Exposure to the elements
Forced nudity
Physical beatings
Sleep deprivation
Whipping
Determining who is responsible is a critical part of proving a civil lawsuit and recovering compensation for physical, monetary and punitive damages. At The Doan Law Firm, we have a large staff of attorneys and investigators who will examine all of the facts and determine who contributed to the injuries. This may include fraternity or sorority members who participated in the hazing and school officials who failed to enforce university policies that protect students.
Anti-hazing laws and school policies aren’t enough to protect students from hazing. Holding responsible parties accountable for their actions is equally important. If you or a loved one was harmed by physical abuse or hazing, you deserve compensation for the injuries and emotional trauma that you will live with for years to come. Our experienced personal injury attorneys handle hazing cases in all 50 states, and we will provide honest advice and aggressive representation to you.
Call us at (800) 349-0000 to speak to a knowledgeable professional. We offer free, confidential consultations. You don’t have to pay anything unless we win your case. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, so you can call at a time that’s convenient for you. Contact us today to see how we can help you!