Legal Question in Personal Injury in Kentucky

When i was pledging my fraternity, after a weekly function, we drank alcohol at the house. What turned into hours of binge drinking became something more. Being almost blackout drunk, one of the brothers mentioned a game of chicken with a cigarette where you lay your arms together and lay a cigarette there until it goes out or someone moves. Another game was played where two people burned circles onto the other ones arm and which ever one coudnt take the pain gave up or the circle was completed. I declined originally to take any legal action because i didnt want to jeopardize my admission into the fraternity. I was left with a shocking circle shaped scar with a four inch circumference on my left arm and three deep scars on my right arm. I was hazed, I know this. I was at their house, drunk off their beer, and was scarred by a brother of the fraternity. There are witnesses, but they are members of the fraternity so i dont know if they would willingly testify. I would like a settlement for pain and suffering or at least compensation to pay for the scars, but im aiming for the former.


Asked on 8/12/10, 8:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrea Welker Welker Law Office

You should contact a personal injury attorney who practices in your area to pursue your claim, and make certain your claim is not barred by the statute of limitations.

I assume, since you were pledging, that you were a freshman at the time, and likely also underage. Clearly, you now realize the binge drinking was extremely dangerous and how lucky you are that all you have are scars. Not only was the excessive consumption of alcohol dangerous in itself, but you did so in the company of individuals who certainly were not concerned with keeping you safe. Your decision to engage in excessive drinking, however, does not excuse that these individuals who plied you with alcohol then proceeded to assault you. These individuals are not your "brothers;" they are your abusers. They could also be subject to criminal charges for their actions, something you should discuss with your attorney.

Read more
Answered on 8/18/10, 8:09 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Kentucky