Many of the “benefits” that draw young college students to Greek life are the very characteristics that make fraternity and sorority houses dangerous to the community. Chief among those “benefits” is the regular consumption of both alcohol and drugs. The heavy use of alcohol and drugs by young adults consistently leads to injuries, death, and sexual assaults across America. North Carolina campuses are no exception to that pattern. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, wrongful death, or sexual assault as a consequence of the behavior of a fraternity or sorority chapter, the attorneys of Maginnis Howard may be able to help. Our lawyers have experience representing the victims of the Greek life “culture.”
Impacts of Fraternity Hazing
Unfortunately, fraternity and sorority behavior doesn’t just impact its members. In many cases, the organization’s conduct can also hurt innocent bystanders. For example, our firm has experience in handling a claim where a fraternity consistently permitted drug and alcohol use by its members at its fraternity house. After one of the brothers consumed alcohol and marijuana at the fraternity house, he caused a fatal car crash that tragically killed three people. Similarly, intoxicated and impaired fraternity and sorority members often commit physical or sexual assaults against other innocent members of the University community. If this assault occurs because of heavy, unlawful consumption of alcohol or drugs at a Greek residence, the fraternity or sorority may be responsible.
Of course, on some occasions, pledges and fraternity or sorority members can be injured, too. Hazing is widespread in Greek life. Often, the hazing or ritual goes too far and results in physical injury or acute alcohol poisoning. Similarly, the incredible amount of alcohol consumed during hazing can lead to serious injury or death.
Ultimately, fraternities and sororities are like the rest of our community – there are basic rules they must follow. Greek organizations are often subject to many layers of regulations. This includes the rules of their national organization, University rules, and the rules of the Interfraternity Council (IFC). Failure to follow these rules leading to injury, death, or sexual assault can result in significant liability for the fraternity or sorority.
Damages Available
If the negligent behavior or hazing of a fraternity or sorority chapter has harmed you or a loved one, there will be certain damages a jury can award. Aside from medical expenses, a jury may also award compensation for physical pain, mental suffering, permanent injury, scarring, and loss of use of part of your body if these are applicable in your case. Just as importantly, punitive damages may be available depending upon the nature of the conduct by the fraternity or sorority. These are damages a jury can award in cases where the organization’s conduct was willful and wanton conduct. If the case involves intentional hazing or drunk driving, punitive damages will likely be an issue the jury can consider.
Cases involving Greek organizations can be complicated and must be investigated immediately. These organizations have a well-earned reputation for hiding and concealing evidence. Similarly, their insurance coverage and business structures can be difficult to understand and must be thoroughly evaluated for all potential sources of compensation. For example, the fraternity or sorority chapter often does not own its own home. It is owned by an alum organization, allegedly a distinct entity.
Contact Our Fraternity Hazing Attorneys
If you or your child has been hurt because of the conduct of a fraternity or sorority or any other sort of hazing incident, such as one involving an athletic team, our attorneys will offer a free consultation and will travel to meet with you to discuss the case. Just as importantly, if we can take your case, we will do so on a contingency fee basis. That means you will pay no attorneys’ fees until there is a financial resolution to your case. You will pay no attorney’s fees if there is no recovery.
Visit our contact page to submit the details of your fraternity or sorority negligence or hazing case. Our firm can help with cases involving Greek organizations throughout the Carolinas from our Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville offices.
