Parents of Fraternity Pledge Awarded $1.5 Million

As reported in the Albany Times Union last week, the parents of a Psi Epsilon Chi fraternity pledge at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh were awarded $1.5 million dollars in a wrongful death suit against one of the tormentors, John Burnius.  According to the Times Union, Burnius and ten other members of the fraternity deprived the decedent of sleep for days, repeatedly forced him to drink alcohol until he vomited, forced him to drink drinks that had been urinated in, and sit in a sweatbox  after he was forced to do calisthenics.  The pledge later died of water intoxication after being forced to drink so much water that his brain swelled and he went into a coma.  Eleven students were charged with crimes related to hazing.  They all eventually accepted plea agreements and were sentenced to probation and community service.  All but Burnius settled the civil claims prior to trial.

 Deaths from fraternity hazing unfortunately continue to this day.  If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of hazing, call the lawyers at Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White at 410-385-2225 for a free legal consultation.