Hazing is an unfortunate part of our high school and college culture which is often seen as harmless fun as seniors try to solidify their dominance within sports teams or sorority houses, as well as test the mettle of anyone wanting to join their ranks. In addition, hazing takes place in the military, police academies and other male-dominated industries, albeit in a covert manner. Hazing injury lawyers in Chicago such as those that work in our Chicago injury law firm are often asked the question – who is responsible or liable for the injuries I or my loved one suffered after a hazing event? This can be a complicated question because there may be more than one party involved, and numerous, and sometimes “legally untouchable” organizations may also be named as defendants in hazing lawsuits in Illinois.
Are you looking for a hazing lawyer in Chicago? Call us NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 for more information on your legal options for compensation. Our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered tens of millions in compensation for past clients just like you. Hazing lawsuits in Illinois can be complicated, and certain statutes may lock you out of filing a claim. In addition, giving a statement to anyone that is not your hazing lawyer in Chicago can make your Illinois hazing lawsuit null and void before it even gets off the ground. Before you talk to anyone, call our hazing attorneys in Chicago NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 for free, expert legal advice on your legal options for compensation.
Hazing Lawsuits in illinois
Hazing, put simply, is the aggressive physical, mental, or emotional maltreatment of a person done as a means to test their “worthiness” before being allowed into an organization. Hazing, long seen as a part of our culture, has grown worse in its execution over the years due to proponents getting more “creative” and brazen, leading to serious injuries and even death.
Legal Negligence for Hazing Injuries
There is an aspect of peer pressure when it comes to hazing, where members of a club, team, sorority house and the like are forced to participate in the humiliation of a new member in order to prove their allegiance as well as keep their position in said social community. Those who refuse to take part may become the subject of ridicule or embarrassment, or they may get rejected or ostracized. In addition, the perpetrators of hazing events usually like to use the defense that the victim willfully participated in the event; that being said, this doesn’t absolve them of negligence or liability.
Some of the most common types of hazing include:
- Physical violence
- Alcohol abuse
- Asking victims to break the law such as steal mail or items from the school property
- Psychological torture
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual hazing
- Public ridicule and humiliation
Suing for Hazing-Related Injuries in Illinois
In order to successfully sue a fraternity, sports team or institution for hazing-related injuries, one must first establish that there was a duty of care accorded to students or employers. They must then prove that the organization breached this duty of care, and that the breach directly caused said victim’s injury. In Illinois, not only will you able to file a civil suit for hazing injuries, you may also file criminal charges preceding a felony offense if the hazing resulted in great bodily harm or death. Need to talk to a hazing lawyer in Chicago? Call us NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 for more information on your legal options for compensation. We look forward to hearing from you.