California: University and Fraternity Deaths

Estate of Deceased College Student v. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, et al.  Represented the family of a college student who died following an evening of fraternity hazing at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  Criminal charges were brought against the involved fraternity members.  Civil litigation was filed, resulting in multiple, substantial financial settlements which, while confidential, are likely the most ever paid for this kind of suit.  In addition, extensive, unprecedented non-economic changes were obtained that will make schools and fraternities safer.  All of this is a tribute to this fine young man and family. 

College Student v. Lambda Chi Alpha, et al.  With Ivo Labor, Esq., of San Francisco, California, retained by a student at San Diego State University who suffered a traumatic brain injury, resulting in serious and permanent impairment, following an evening of hazing by the fraternity and its members. The case is currently in litigation. 

Estate of Matthew Carrington  v. Chi Tau, et al.  Represented the family of a college student who died during a local fraternity initiation at California State University at Chico.  Suit was filed in May 2005 against numerous individuals and fraternity organizations.  The case was settled with significant financial settlements from many of the defendants.  The case has been portrayed in numerous national stories concerning the dangers of hazing, and the client's surviving mother was successful in causing passage of landmark anti-hazing legislation in California.