Suing For Hazing Injury
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hazing in fraternity and sorority
If you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in a hazing incident in Las Vegas, Nevada, don't hesitate to contact us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
We are here to help.
We don't charge for consultations.
We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.
Hazing definition
Hazing could be any activity expected of someone joining a group (or maintaining full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and physical harm, regardless of willingness to participate.
Where does hazing happen?
While hazing is most commonly associated with college fraternities, hazing may happen in many other places - clubs, organizations, or teams.
It includes:
- Middle or high schools,
- Colleges and universities (on or off-campus),
- Athletic teams,
- The military, and
- Workplaces.
Examples of hazing
While this is not an all-inclusive list, here are some examples of hazing:
- Chugging hard alcohol,
- Enduring sleep deprivation,
- Completing physical challenges while blindfolded,
- Forcing consumption of any substances,
- Public humiliation,
- Sexual acts or nudity.
Injuries from hazing
Victims of hazing suffer irreversible intracranial damage, blunt intraabdominal organ damage, third-degree burns, heatstroke, suffocation, aspiration, sexual assault, or death.
Anti-hazing laws in Nevada
The NRS 200.605 explains the hazing laws in Nevada and Nevada penalties for hazing.
Nevada's definition of hazing
According to NRS 200.605, "Hazing means an activity in which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical health of another person for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, academic association, or athletic team at a high school, college, or university in this state."
Penalties for hazing
A person who engages in hazing is guilty of a misdemeanor if no substantial bodily harm results or a gross misdemeanor if significant physical harm results.
Misdemeanor. The penalties for a misdemeanor offense in Nevada include up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to six months in jail.
Gross misdemeanor. The penalties for a gross misdemeanor include up to $2,000 in fines and/or up to one year in jail.
What if the victim consented to the hazing?
The consent of a victim of hazing is not a valid defense to a prosecution. The legal concept is that individuals who are physically beaten or mentally abused cannot truly consent to it. See NRS 200.605 for more.
Death from hazing
If hazing results in death, the perpetrator can be charged with involuntary manslaughter or second-degree murder. The victim's family may also bring a civil wrongful death lawsuit against the perpetrator or a group of perpetrators.
You can find the rules and regulations associated with crimes against persons in Chapter 200 of Nevada's criminal code.
Most recent hazing incidents that resulted in death include:
- In November 2021, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas student died just days after participating in a fraternity's charity boxing match, where he collapsed soon after the fight.
- In November 2021, a Michigan State University suspended a fraternity due to a student's death.
- In March 2021, the Bowling Green University sophomore died after an alleged alcohol-related hazing incident at a fraternity event.
- In February 2021, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University died from alcohol poisoning at a fraternity party.
The most common cause of death is alcohol poisoning.
Can you sue a sorority or a fraternity for hazing?
Yes. You can hold a fraternity or sorority and the associated educational institution responsible and accountable for hazing through a civil lawsuit. Fraternities or sororities are usually nationwide organizations and separate legal entities. They exist independently of the university.
The courts can find a fraternity or sorority liable for an incident if they did not prevent hazing or, even worse, encourage it.
If your hazing incident happened in Nevada, the Nevada attorney files a lawsuit against the liable party or multiple liable parties.
What should I do after hazing?
- Talk to a health care provider or a mental health professional to help you sort out what to do after the hazing incident.
- Call 911 if you feel there is a threat to your safety or the safety of other people.
- REPORT the hazing to the institution where the incident occurred or call the hazing hotline (see hotline info below).
- Contact a personal injury attorney and learn about your legal rights if you get seriously injured. We invite you to call our office at 702-432-1000 to discuss your situation.
How do I report a hazing incident?
Call a hazing hotline 24 hours a day, a toll-free number, 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). It is an anonymous telephone line for anyone to report a suspected or recent hazing incident.
We can help
If you suffered a traumatic injury due to hazing or if your family member died in a hazing incident, call us as soon as possible at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
We are here to help.
We don't charge for consultations.
We take all injury accident cases on a contingency basis, which means - you pay us only when we settle your case or win your case at trial. We never take on cases to which we can't add value to.
We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.
Last updated on January 31, 2024.
