alabama state ex-pledge sues φβσ for hazing

Patrick Miller is suing the Alabama State University chapter of Phi Beta Sigma for physical injuries and harassment he allegedly suffered in the course of the fraternity’s hazing. He was a pledge for ten weeks and the mistreatments evidently became sufficient to require his hospitalization in the final two weeks. Some members of the fraternity were convicted of criminal charges; now Mr Miller is seeking the recoup some of his medical costs from the men who he claims caused them. While criminal prosecutions for hazing are accelerating, in the past lawsuits have usually been limited to claims of wrongful death. Whether Miller’s suit heralds a new expansion of litigation remains an open question.