Our Nationwide Cases

Bailey, Estate of Gordon Lynn vs. Chi Psi Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Gordie died just 3 weeks after arriving on campus. He was only 18 years old.

On September 17th, 2004, Lynn Gordon Bailey Jr. ("Gordie") was found dead at the Chi Psi fraternity house at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The night before, "Bid Night," Gordie and 26 other pledges were blindfolded and taken to the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest, where they were "encouraged" to drink four handles of whiskey and six bottles of wine in 30 minutes.

Baker, Estate of Najee Ali vs. Wake Forest University, et al

On January 20, 2018, WSSU student and football player Najee Ali Baker was shot and killed while attending a party at "The Barn," an event venue at Wake Forest University.

Beletsis, Estate of Alexander vs. Theta Chi Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Alex, already a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, was being groomed for an officer position in the Spring of 2018. To become an officer, he was required to participate in dangerous hazing that included the consumption of large amounts of alcohol.

Braham, Estate of Marquise vs. Pennsylvania State University Braham, Estate of Marquise vs. Pennsylvania State University

Braham, Estate of Marquise vs. Pennsylvania State University

Marquise Braham died March 14, 2014, after having lunch with his mom. Marquise told his mom "I'll be right back" and went to a nearby hotel and jumped 10 stories from the roof.

Our complaint alleged that the Iota Septaton Corporation of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity forced Marquise to participate in hazing rituals that led to his “psychological crisis” and suicide.

Carrington, Estate of Matthew vs. Chi Tau, et al.

We advised the family about necessary legislative changes and Matt’s Mom, Debbie Smith, convinced the California Legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger to enact “Matt’s Law.”

Chico State student, Matthew Carrington, 21, died on February 2. 2005, during Chi Tau's "Hell Week," after he was allegedly forced to do calisthenics in raw sewage and ordered to drink from a five-gallon jug of water (repeatedly filled). Matt collapsed and started to seizure. Members didn't call an ambulance initially. By the time they did, it was too late. Matt died alone from water intoxication.

Castro, Estate of Bea Angelika Macabasco vs. Chi Sigma Phi Sorority, et al

After a formal new sorority member event, Cal State-Fullerton freshman, Bea Castro, 19, became incapacitated and unconscious. EMS was not initially called. Instead, friends carried her to a car and drove her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival. Bea's blood-alcohol content was 0.352.

Culolias, Estate of Jack vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants Culolias, Estate of Jack vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Culolias, Estate of Jack vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants

19-year-old Arizona State University student and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity pledge, Jack Culolias, tragically drowned in the Salt River in November 2012.

On Nov. 30, 2012, Jack attended a "pregame party'' at an off-campus apartment complex where under aged pledges and members consumed large quantities of alcohol before they were bused to Cadillac Ranch. Jack was last seen around the time he got kicked out of the bar and the only physical clue of Jack's whereabouts was a single red shoe, found by his mother.

Davis, Estate of Dr. Maria Ragland vs. Dr. Amy Bishop, James Anderson & Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of University Alabama Huntsville, et al.

During a routine meeting of the biology department attended by approximately 12 people, Amy Bishop, a biology professor at the university, stood up and began shooting those closest to her.

Our lawsuit alleged that “We have learned from departmental emails that Dr. Bishop’s severe mental instability was known by administrators, some of whom she had threatened, harassed, and hounded following denial of tenure. The University of Alabama Huntsville Provost had clear obligations under UAH regulations [...]"

Desdunes, Estate of George vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”) Fraternity and Individual Defendants Desdunes, Estate of George vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”) Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Desdunes, Estate of George vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”) Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Established precedent in New York and obtained a confidential multi-million dollar settlement.

Marie Lourdes André, mother of Cornell University student George Desdunes, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, its officers, and members after George was kidnapped by SAE pledges as part of a fraternity ritual. George’s blood-alcohol level was still .409%, and his death was a result of hazing.

DeVercelly, Estate of Gary, Jr. vs. Rider University, Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and Individual Defendants

The settlement had two primary components, one of which is confidential, the other includes fundamental, ground-breaking changes at Rider University.

Gary L. DeVercelly, Jr. died from acute alcohol poisoning during a fraternity hazing ritual on March 30, 2007, at Rider University. His death resulted from a Phi Kappa Tau fraternity "Big Brother – Little Brother" initiation ritual where pledges were introduced to their big brothers and so-called “family drink,” and compelled to consume intoxicating amounts of that alcohol.

Dhanens, Estate of Philip vs. Theta Chi Fraternity and Individual Defendants

The case against all defendants, including the national fraternity, local chapter, and members, was resolved for a confidential significant financial amount at mediation.

18-year-old Philip Dhanens died on Labor Day weekend in 2012, after taking part in a hazing ritual that encouraged heavy drinking. He alone allegedly consumed one-and-a-half bottles of hard liquor. Investigators say his blood-alcohol content rose to at least .40 during the party.

Doe, Jane vs. Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, et al and Wesleyan University

The fraternity had been the scene of a prior sexual assault and dangerous misconduct and had developed a reputation for being a "rape factory."

During the semester preceding Jane's enrollment, the university had warned students to stay away from the fraternity because their safety could not be ensured. Jane was not a student at the time and was unaware of the warning.

Does, Jane vs. Chad Curtis, Lakewood Public Schools, and Lakewood Public Schools Board of Education, et al Does, Jane vs. Chad Curtis, Lakewood Public Schools, and Lakewood Public Schools Board of Education, et al

Does, Jane vs. Chad Curtis, Lakewood Public Schools, and Lakewood Public Schools Board of Education, et al

Obtained a $1.8 Million verdict on behalf of one of our four clients in Federal Court. All four women settled with Lakewood Public Schools and its Board of Education in Western Michigan for $575,000.

Four female student-athletes at Lakewood High School in Barry County, Michigan alleged that former Major League Baseball Outfielder Chad Curtis sexually assaulted them under the guise of therapeutic massages while volunteering as a coach. He was convicted of criminal sexual conduct in October 2013.

Doe, Jane vs. Psi Upsilon Fraternity, et al and Individual Defendants

On April 30, 2010, Jane Doe, a University of Chicago freshman, was raped by a senior during a party at the University's chapter of Psi Upsilon fraternity house.

In our complaint, we alleged that defendant violated the Gender Violence Act. Section 10 of the Act, which provides for a civil cause of action for victims of gender-related violence.

Doe, Jane vs. The Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Collin Henry, and Lynford Foreman

New York Elite Private School Volleyball Coach Allegedly Groomed & Raped Our Client for Years; Was Told She Was "Just as Much a Villain as He Was."

Doe, Estate of John vs. Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants Doe, Estate of John vs. Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Doe, Estate of John vs. Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants

20-year-old Radford student, John Doe, was pledging the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity when he was given a "ritual" bottle of liquor and drank it in an hour. Doe was found dead at his Fairfax Street home with a blood-alcohol content of 0.48, six times the legal limit for driving.

Doe, John vs. Holt Public Schools

Our action against Holt Public Schools is for its violation of our client's rights under Title IX and his substantive due process rights under the 14th Amendment.

While the District attempted to reassure the public of its commitment to preventing child sex abuse, it blatantly disregarded multiple reports and administrators’ observations of sexual misconduct against our client and other boys at Washington Woods Middle School from 2015 to 2018 – including one child’s complaint to the Principal’s Office during the 2016-2017 academic school year.

Doe, John vs. Russell County School Board, et al.

We secured a $1.1 Million settlement for John Doe and produced rulings that may guide future Title IX litigation.

We filed a $10 Million lawsuit on behalf of a third-grader who suffered extreme sexual abuse at the hands of school custodian. The federal lawsuit garnered national attention and ignited a firestorm illuminating the scope of Title IX in K-12 schools.

Domingo, Estate of Noah vs. Individual Defendants Domingo, Estate of Noah vs. Individual Defendants

Domingo, Estate of Noah vs. Individual Defendants

18-year-old UC Irvine freshman, Noah Domingo, died Jan. 12, 2019. He had joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity a few months earlier and was at a party on Jan. 11 with other frat members at a “Big Brother Night.” Toxicology reports determined that Noah died of “acute alcohol intoxication” with a 0.331% blood alcohol level.

Four Female Student-Athletes vs. Butler University, Former AT Michael Howell, and AD Ralph Reiff

Our lawsuits against Butler University not only seek justice for our clients but also aim to drive systemic changes within collegiate athletic programs.

Four Butler University women's soccer players are suing over allegations that ex-assistant athletic trainer Michael Howell sexually abused, harassed, and groomed them. As senior associate athletic director, Ralph Reiff was tasked with overseeing Howell.

Griffin, Estate of Brett vs. Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and Individual Defendants Griffin, Estate of Brett vs. Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Griffin, Estate of Brett vs. Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and Individual Defendants

University of Delaware freshman Brett Griffin died on Nov. 8, 2008, of alcohol poisoning after he drank heavily at the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity's "Big Brother" party.

As part of the process leading to full membership, Brett was required to attend a so-called "Big Brother Night" at which time he and other aspiring members would learn the names of their "big brothers," and consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Around 3 a.m. on the morning of November 8, Brett was found unresponsive, pale and with slightly blue lips. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died.

Gruver, Estate of Maxwell vs. Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Individual Defendants Gruver, Estate of Maxwell vs. Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Gruver, Estate of Maxwell vs. Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Individual Defendants

A jury awarded a $6.1 million verdict to Max's parents, which is one of the largest ever recorded in Louisiana for the wrongful death of a child.

LSU freshman Max Gruver died in September 2017 following a hazing incident called "Bible Study" at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. At the time of his death, Max's blood-alcohol level was still .495%. As lead counsel, we prevailed in the Gruver's wrongful death lawsuit and obtained a $6.1 million verdict.

Higuchi, Estate of Ross vs. Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and Individual Defendants

18-year-old University of Northern Colorado freshman, Ross Higuchi, lost his life after jumping from the second-floor balcony of the Delta Tau Delta house during a dispute with his new brothers.

Johnson, Estate of Dr. Adriel D. vs. Dr. Amy Bishop, James Anderson & Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of University Alabama Huntsville, et al.

During a routine meeting of the biology department attended by approximately 12 people, Amy Bishop, a biology professor at the university, stood up and began shooting those closest to her.

Our lawsuit alleged that “We have learned from departmental emails that Dr. Bishop’s severe mental instability was known by administrators, some of whom she had threatened, harassed, and hounded following denial of tenure. The University of Alabama Huntsville Provost had clear obligations under UAH regulations [...]"

Kansas State University Title IX Lawsuit

Our lawsuit filed against Kansas State University by two former students, who were sexually assaulted, was given clearance to proceed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Tessa Farmer and Sara Weckhorst, were each brutally raped by KSU students at off-campus fraternity houses. Both allegedly reported the rapes to KSU and identified the perpetrators, one of whom is now in prison. KSU refused to investigate or take any action against the perpetrators, allowing them to remain on campus, and justified its indifference on the basis that the rapes occurred off-campus.

Liu, Estate of Chun “Michael” Deng vs. Pi Delta Psi Fraternity and Individual Defendants Liu, Estate of Chun “Michael” Deng vs. Pi Delta Psi Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Liu, Estate of Chun “Michael” Deng vs. Pi Delta Psi Fraternity and Individual Defendants

The shocking case helped expose the dangerous world of fraternity pledging and the major consequences fraternity members and fraternities themselves face.

Michael Deng, a freshman at Baruch College in Manhattan, was pledging to Pi Delta Psi. He died during a December 2013 fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, during which he was hazed as part of a violent ritual known as the "glass ceiling."

Mardis, Estate of Joshua Daniel vs. Cross Keys Society, Inc., Pi Beta Chi Fraternity, PBX Property Management, and Individual Defendants Mardis, Estate of Joshua Daniel vs. Cross Keys Society, Inc., Pi Beta Chi Fraternity, PBX Property Management, and Individual Defendants

Mardis, Estate of Joshua Daniel vs. Cross Keys Society, Inc., Pi Beta Chi Fraternity, PBX Property Management, and Individual Defendants

On the night of Feb. 2, 2023, the car Josh was carried to and dumped in – having been rendered unconscious from a hazing- and alcohol-fueled rush event held by a fraternity and its members at a remote West Virginia strip club – crossed the center line, left the road, and slammed into a tree head-on at an estimated 95 miles per hour, trapping him in the decimated vehicle where he would die.

Martinez, Estate of Samuel H. vs. Washington State University, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Sam’s Law (H.B. 1751) was in response to Sam's death at Washington State University in November 2019.

19-year-old Washington State University freshman Sam Martinez was hazed to death during a “Big-Little” event at Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity on Nov. 12, 2019. Martinez and another pledge were allegedly ordered to finish a half-gallon of rum between them and his blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.372 after his death, nearly five times the legal limit.

McCoy, Mary Claire vs. The Isidore Newman School

Our client, Mary Claire McCoy, accepted a confidential settlement payment in the hundreds of thousands of dollars — "closer to a million than not," and an apology from the school.

The incident that prompted it happened in late 2016 when a group of Newman students were spending time together off campus. Mary Claire later reported to police that her male classmate sexually assaulted her in a bathroom.

Negligence Resulting in the Suicide of a 15-Year-Old Female

The death brought to light Maryland's Department of Juvenile Justice's sluggishness in starting suicide prevention and screening programs.

Nizamutdinov, Estate of Rustam vs. Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Individual Defendants

University of Louisiana-Lafayette student, Rustam Nizamutdinov, 24, died November 6, 2016, when a Kappa Sigma pledge fell asleep at the wheel and veered off the road, hitting him as he was walking on the side of the road. The driver blamed fraternity hazing for the fatal crash.

Nguyen, Estate of Phat Anh vs. Individual Defendants, et al

On November 19, 2021, Phat Anh Nguyen, an undergraduate student at Michigan State University ("MSU"), was summoned to a "blackout" event by members of the Asian American fraternity he was pledging.

The principal aim of the “blackout” event was to get the new members, or “neos,” including Phat, drunk quickly so they would black out – or “die” – after which, per tradition, they would be brought down into the Fraternity House basement and written/drawn on all over in Sharpie. The event started at 10 p.m.. By 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2021, all four of the “neos,” including Phat were unconscious.

Oakes, Estate of Adam vs. The Delta Chi (ΔΧ) Fraternity Incorporated and Individual Defendants Oakes, Estate of Adam vs. The Delta Chi (ΔΧ) Fraternity Incorporated and Individual Defendants

Oakes, Estate of Adam vs. The Delta Chi (ΔΧ) Fraternity Incorporated and Individual Defendants

On the night of February 26th, 2021, Adam attended "big-little" night as a Delta Chi pledge. He was allegedly given a bottle of Jack Daniels and told to drink it. Adam's life was tragically cut short.

VCU freshman Adam Oakes died in February 2021 after consuming lethal quantities of a "Family Drink" during Big/Little Brother Reveal Night. Adam threw up and collapsed on the floor where he was discarded. The next morning, he was pronounced dead on the scene with a blood-alcohol level of .419%.

Parker, Lentora and Joseph T. Green, Sr. vs. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rho Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Individual Defendants Parker, Lentora and Joseph T. Green, Sr. vs. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rho Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Individual Defendants

Parker, Lentora and Joseph T. Green, Sr. vs. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rho Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Individual Defendants

Joseph T. Green Jr., died as a result of "exercise during fraternity initiation." The official cause of death was hyperthermia.

Joseph was a 25-year-old Tennessee State University student who collapsed suddenly while jogging during a fraternity ritual. Joseph collapsed while jogging on a local high school track shortly after 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2001. He was taken to Skyline Medical Center in cardio-pulmonary distress and had a temperature of 103.7 before he died.

Partamian, Estate of Arman vs. The “PIGS” Fraternity and Individual Defendants Partamian, Estate of Arman vs. The “PIGS” Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Partamian, Estate of Arman vs. The “PIGS” Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Arman began the initiation process for joining the PIGS on Feb. 19, 2009. Less than two weeks later, he was found dead.

Our lawsuit alleged that Arman’s death and the damages suffered by him were caused solely by the negligence of the defendants, and demands damages due to negligence and wrongful death.

Reardon, Daniel – Fraternity Initiation Death at Phi Sigma Kappa House at the University of Maryland – College Park Reardon, Daniel – Fraternity Initiation Death at Phi Sigma Kappa House at the University of Maryland – College Park

Reardon, Daniel – Fraternity Initiation Death at Phi Sigma Kappa House at the University of Maryland – College Park

Daniel Reardon, a freshman student at the University of Maryland - College Park, received a bid to join Phi Sigma Kappa. The Fraternity’s initiation began with “Bid Night."

Paramedics found Daniel unconscious following the party at the fraternity house early on the morning of Feb. 8, 2002. He was in a coma and died on Feb. 14, 2002 after being taken off life support.

Rolling Stone Defamation Case

The lawsuits against Rolling Stone by the fraternity and its members were frivolous, quickly abandoned, and were successfully resolved for a small fraction of the $25 Million in damages sought.

Starkey, Estate of Carson vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants Starkey, Estate of Carson vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Starkey, Estate of Carson vs. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Individual Defendants

The substantial monetary portion of the settlement is confidential, yet was used by the family to start Aware Awake Alive, a non-profit which, in part, educates about the risks of hazing nationwide.

Carson was among the pledges who were ordered by Sigma Alpha Epsilon leaders to drink large quantities of beer and hard alcohol in a matter of minutes. SAE fraternity members began to take Carson to the hospital because he was struggling to remain conscious and appeared severely ill. But they turned around in fear of getting in trouble and placed him on a mattress in the house.

Stirling, Estate of Terry vs. Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Inc,. et al

The family filed a lawsuit against the national fraternity and the former local chapter seeking $5.35 million in damages. We settled on the eve of trial for a confidential amount.

Terry Stirling choked on his vomit after big brother/little brother night at the Alpha Tau Omega house at Old Dominion University.

Virginia Tech Massacre Settlement Virginia Tech Massacre Settlement

Virginia Tech Massacre Settlement

Representing 21 families, we negotiated historic settlements valued in excess of $11 Million plus a lifetime of healthcare for all victims and non-monetary assistance.

We negotiated the historic settlements valued in excess of $11 Million for the wrongful deaths and injured survivors of the April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech Massacre. The settlement included financial compensation, health benefits, and non-monetary assistance. It established a foundation in their honor that continues to advocate for safe schools & gun control, which we continue to represent today.

Washington Navy Yard Shooting Washington Navy Yard Shooting Washington Navy Yard Shooting

Washington Navy Yard Shooting

The Washington Navy Yard shooting occurred on September 16, 2013 when 34-year-old Aaron Alexis fatally shot 12 people and injured three others in a mass shooting at the headquarters of NAVSEA.

Wiant, Estate of Collin Lewis vs. Sigma Pi Fraternity and Individual Defendants

Collin's Law: The Anti-Hazing Act, became effective October 2, 2021, making hazing a 2nd degree misdemeanor, and 3rd degree felony in cases where alcohol consumption or drugs result in physical harm.

Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant, 18, died after collapsing on the floor of the unofficial, off-campus Sigma Pi fraternity house on November 12, 2018.

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