Family Awarded $6.1 Million In Wrongful Death Lawsuit Linked To Hazing

In March, one family was awarded more than $6 million in connection with the wrongful death lawsuit they brought against their son’s university after he was killed in a hazing incident years earlier. As part of the hazing ritual, the young victim had to drink alcohol if/when he answered trivia questions incorrectly, and, as a result, he eventually died of acute alcohol intoxication. According to reports, his blood alcohol level was six times the legal limit to drive.

The verdict ended a years-long civil trial with more than a dozen defendants, most of whom – including the university and fraternity itself – settled with the family before the case went to trial. At trial, the damages were assessed based not only on the pain and suffering experienced by the young student’s family, but also the suffering caused by his death as well.

A Strong Message

In cases like these, whether or not the victim could have avoided the consequences is one factor that is taken into account in deciding whether there will be a recovery at all; a doctrine known as “comparative negligence” in Georgia. In this particular case, one defendant – the “head” of the fraternity, and thus the hazing activities during that incident – was found by the jury to be 80 percent responsible for the young man’s death, while the victim himself was found to be 0 percent responsible, ensuring that recovery would not be barred.

The verdict highlights just how serious juries are taking hazing incidents at colleges across the country, as well as the loss a number of families are experiencing as a result of these senseless incidents that often involve far too much danger. Those found to be involved in the hazing incident were also indicted on criminal charges, including negligent homicide and a misdemeanor charge for hazing. While these damage awards can never give these families back what they have lost, they do send an important message to fraternities and universities; a message which communicates that engaging in these activities comes with serious risks.

The verdict also highlights the reality that juries are taking the bystander effect seriously when it comes to hazing: Those who saw what was happening and failed to take action were found to hold a certain percentage of the responsibility for the young man’s death.

 Contact Us Today

When families lose a loved one – especially a child – there is nothing that can make up for that loss. But sometimes, achieving justice – and sending a broader message – to help ensure that other families do not suffer from the same loss – can help.

If you have a question or concern about a wrongful death issue, contact the Macon wrongful death lawyers at the Law Offices of Buzzell, Welsh & Hill today to schedule a free confidential consultation and find out how we can help.

Source:

buzzfeednews.com/article/paigeskinner/fraternity-hazing-settlement-max-gruver