By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In New York and other States, hazing is a tradition or problem that continues to victimize children in elementary school, middle school, and high school. In many instances, the tradition or initiation of hazing goes unpublished and there is a degree of tolerance for the bad acts of members, athletes, or students who commit these bad acts. Many schools have anti-hazing policies and procedures in place. The enforcement of these policies and procedures is not so easy and it a challenge to spot hazing activities and to punish the wrongdoers.
A Child Injury Lawyer can advise, consult, and represent the hazing victim in a case against the bullies, homeowner’s insurance, school, and other possible defendants. There are a myriad of problems associated with hazing activities. The victims of hazing often suffer physical and / or emotional personal injuries. In some instances, serious personal injuries and even wrongful death result from hazing related activities.
It was reported in Warsaw New York that two high school wrestlers were charged with crimes involving alleged hazing acts that took place in a locker room. The victim suffered a broken jaw as a result of the hazing related activities. The charges were filed after a criminal investigation that included almost 30 interviews. The Wyoming County District Attorney filed the charged against a 16 year old and a 17 year old. The students charged reportedly bullied two other students into fighting against each other. The inverstigation also uncovered evidence in the form of a mobile phone video of at least a portion of the fight. The students charged will be entitled to representation by a New York Criminal Defense attorney or the services of the public defender’s office.
It is difficult for victims and their parents to deal with the aftermath of a hazing incident. There are many issues to address including continued attendance at the school, dealing with or being around the bullies involved in the incident, medical care / treatment counseling, and other issues. The book titled – The ABCs of Child Injuries – Legal Rights of the Injured Child – What Every Parent Should Know – has chapters on School Injuries, Homeowner’s Insurance, Damages / Comnpensation, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.