🚨 Michigan Hazing Lawyer: Justice for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
Serving Michigan families from our offices in Houston, Austin & Beaumont — Nationwide representation for hazing victims
🏆 Why Michigan Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
Michigan parents send their children to college expecting safety, growth, and opportunity. When fraternities and sororities betray that trust through hazing abuse, the consequences can be devastating — from physical injuries requiring hospitalization to psychological trauma that lasts a lifetime. If your child was hazed in Michigan, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to hold powerful institutions accountable.
Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — the same national fraternity that operates chapters at Michigan universities. We know how to build these cases, we know how to win, and we know how to secure maximum compensation for Michigan families. While we’re based in Texas, our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands means distance is not a barrier — we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Michigan.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Michigan: What Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” In Michigan and across America, hazing has led to:
- Hospitalizations from extreme physical exertion, alcohol poisoning, or beatings
- Life-threatening conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
- Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Sexual assault during initiation rituals
- Wrongful death from alcohol poisoning, drowning, or other preventable causes
Michigan universities with Greek life face the same risks as schools nationwide. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements operate at Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, and other institutions across the state.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis in court right now. Our current $10 million lawsuit involves a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure — all at a fraternity house owned by the university. This isn’t happening just in Texas. It’s happening in Michigan too.
📋 What Constitutes Hazing in Michigan?
Michigan law defines hazing broadly to include any activity that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
- Is required for initiation, admission, or continued membership in an organization
- Can occur on or off campus
Common hazing activities that violate Michigan law:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members |
Michigan parents: If your child experienced any of these activities, they were hazed — and you have legal rights.
⚖️ Michigan Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t — Hazing Prohibition
Michigan law makes hazing a crime:
“A person who engages in or participates in hazing is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.”
For hazing that causes serious impairment of a body function or death:
- Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine
Important for Michigan victims:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
- Organizations can be held criminally liable — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face charges
- Civil liability follows criminal conduct — Criminal charges strengthen civil lawsuits
💰 Who Can Be Held Liable for Michigan Hazing?
When hazing occurs in Michigan, multiple parties share responsibility:
1. Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
- Individual members participated
2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Failed to supervise Michigan chapter
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Have deep pockets and insurance coverage
3. University/College
- Failed to monitor Greek life at Michigan institutions
- Failed to respond to prior hazing reports
- Own or control property where hazing occurred (premises liability)
- Have substantial institutional resources
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Each person who participated in hazing
- Each person who failed to stop hazing
- Can be sued personally for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress
5. Alumni & Housing Corporations
- Allowed hazing at their residences
- Premises liability for off-campus locations
Michigan families: We sue everyone responsible. We don’t let institutions hide behind corporate shields.
🏥 Common Hazing Injuries in Michigan
Hazing can cause serious, sometimes permanent injuries:
| Injury | Description | Michigan Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exertion; can cause kidney failure | Hospitalization, long-term kidney damage |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys unable to filter waste; can be fatal | Emergency treatment, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking can lead to coma or death | Emergency room visits, potential death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or being struck | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse or forced activities | Surgery, physical therapy, permanent damage |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | From exposure to extreme temperatures | Hospitalization, organ damage |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Therapy, medication, long-term treatment |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Physical and psychological trauma | Therapy, STI testing, pregnancy concerns |
| Wrongful Death | From alcohol poisoning, drowning, or other causes | Funeral expenses, loss of future earnings |
Our current hazing client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises. This could happen to your Michigan child too.
📚 Precedent Cases: Michigan Families Can Win Big
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t theoretical — they’re proven results that apply to Michigan victims:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Michigan note: These cases were litigated in other states, but the same legal principles apply in Michigan. The same national fraternities operate at Michigan universities. Your Michigan child deserves the same justice.
🎯 Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight That Shows Michigan Families What’s Possible
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over several weeks, he was subjected to systematic hazing that included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme exercises
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to continue running after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during a workout — they kept going
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home, and his condition worsened over the next two days. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent 4 days hospitalized, fighting for his life.
The Defendants:
- Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
- Local chapter (Beta Nu)
- University of Houston (owned the fraternity house)
- Individual fraternity members
- Former members who hosted hazing at their home
The Outcome So Far:
- Chapter permanently closed by national organization
- $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
- Media coverage from ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Why This Matters for Michigan:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at Michigan universities — the same organization that waterboarded our client
- Universities in Michigan own fraternity properties — just like UH owned the house where hazing occurred
- The same “traditions” exist at Michigan fraternities — forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torture
- Michigan families can achieve the same results — $10 million is achievable for Michigan victims
🏢 Michigan Universities with Pi Kappa Phi Chapters
Pi Kappa Phi operates chapters at several Michigan universities. These are the same chapters overseen by the national organization we’re currently suing:
| University | Chapter Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | Alpha Rho | East Lansing, MI |
| University of Michigan | Alpha Xi | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Western Michigan University | Gamma Rho | Kalamazoo, MI |
Michigan parents: If your child was hazed at any of these chapters, we can help. The same national organization that failed to stop waterboarding at UH oversees these Michigan chapters.
📞 What to Do If Your Michigan Child Was Hazed
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all symptoms and treatment
- Request copies of all medical records
-
Preserve Evidence
- DO NOT delete any communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
- Take screenshots of all relevant messages
- Save photos/videos from hazing events
- Document names of witnesses and participants
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
-
Report the Incident
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in Michigan)
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post about the incident on social media
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation for Michigan families
WHY ACT FAST:
- Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records
- Statute of limitations — Michigan law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit
- Medical documentation — Early treatment records strengthen your case
- Institutional response — Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative
💼 Why Michigan Families Choose Attorney 911
1. Hazing Litigation Expertise
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma litigation, Texas A&M hazing cases
- Track record of multi-million dollar results for personal injury victims
2. Nationwide Representation for Michigan Victims
- Based in Texas but represent hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Willing to travel to Michigan for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Video consultations available for Michigan families
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know their playbook — how they value claims, how they try to deny liability
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
- Licensed in Texas AND New York
- Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered in New York or other states
5. Aggressive Trial Experience
- We don’t back down from powerful institutions
- We take cases to trial when necessary
- We’ve won multi-million dollar verdicts against major defendants
6. Compassionate Client Service
- We treat Michigan families like family
- Bilingual staff (Se habla español)
- 24/7 availability for legal emergencies
- Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
📋 Michigan Hazing Case Evaluation: What We Need to Know
When Michigan families contact us, we evaluate cases based on:
| Factor | What We Consider | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hazing Activities | What specific activities occurred | Meets legal definition of hazing |
| Injuries | Physical injuries, hospitalization, psychological trauma | Documented harm strengthens case |
| Evidence | Texts, photos, videos, witness statements | Proves what happened |
| Defendants | Who organized/participated; which organizations involved | Identifies who to sue |
| University Involvement | Did university own property; did they know about hazing | Establishes institutional liability |
| National Organization | Which fraternity/sorority; do they have prior incidents | Pattern evidence for punitive damages |
| Timing | When did hazing occur; is it within statute of limitations | Michigan deadlines apply |
Michigan families: Even if your case seems complex, contact us. We’ll evaluate it for free and explain your options.
💰 Damages Michigan Families Can Recover
Michigan law allows hazing victims to recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Future lost earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
Punitive Damages
- Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent or intentional
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Appropriate for egregious hazing cases
Our current hazing client is seeking $10 million for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and the torture he endured. Michigan families can achieve similar results.
🏛️ Michigan Universities with Greek Life: Know the Risks
Michigan is home to major universities with active Greek life. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate at these institutions:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Notable Fraternities/Sororities |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Very Active | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | Very Active | Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Theta, others |
| Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | Active | Various national organizations |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | Active | Pi Kappa Phi, others |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | Active | Various national organizations |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Active | Various national organizations |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | Active | Various national organizations |
| Oakland University | Rochester, MI | Active | Various national organizations |
| Grand Valley State University | Allendale, MI | Active | Various national organizations |
Michigan parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any Michigan university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Michigan
Michigan parents should watch for these red flags that may indicate hazing:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; exhaustion; weight loss; difficulty walking |
| Behavioral | Sudden withdrawal from family/friends; secrecy about activities; fear of Greek life members; anxiety or depression |
| Academic | Sudden drop in grades; missed classes; difficulty concentrating |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses; pressure to pay for events/items |
| Social Media | Deleted posts; new, secretive accounts; references to “pledge activities” |
| Schedule | Late-night activities; early-morning commitments; inability to explain whereabouts |
If you notice these signs, ask questions. If you suspect hazing, contact us immediately.
📞 Michigan Hazing Victims: Contact Attorney 911 Today
You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Michigan families too.
Free Consultation for Michigan Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
What Michigan Families Can Expect:
- Free, confidential case evaluation
- Honest assessment of your legal options
- No upfront cost — we work on contingency
- Aggressive representation against powerful institutions
- Nationwide service, including Michigan
Serving Michigan from Our Offices:
Houston Headquarters:
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office
Beaumont Office
We travel to Michigan for your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Michigan Families
Q: My child was hazed at a Michigan university. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Michigan. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel means distance is not a barrier. We currently represent a hazing victim in Texas and can provide the same aggressive representation for Michigan families.
Q: What if my child consented to participate in hazing activities?
A: Consent is not a defense under Michigan law. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter. The law recognizes that peer pressure, threats, and the desire to belong can coerce students into dangerous situations. Michigan Penal Code explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Michigan hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to Michigan families. We believe that financial barriers should not prevent victims from seeking justice.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit for hazing in Michigan?
A: Michigan law sets a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Generally, you have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, and the timeline can be complex. Contact us immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus at a private residence?
A: Off-campus hazing is still illegal and actionable. We can pursue:
- The individuals who hosted the hazing
- The fraternity/sorority chapter
- The national organization
- The university (if they had knowledge or control)
- Homeowner’s insurance policies
Our current hazing case involves activities that occurred at a private residence — we know how to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Q: Can we sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. Given the widespread knowledge of hazing in Greek life, universities should be monitoring these organizations. If they failed to implement adequate oversight, they can be held liable even if they didn’t have actual knowledge of specific incidents.
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. Many hazing victims are intimidated into silence. We take steps to protect our clients, including:
- Keeping your identity confidential when possible
- Filing lawsuits against organizations, not just individuals
- Seeking court orders to prevent retaliation
- Connecting you with support resources
Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we respect and address these concerns.
Q: How much is a Michigan hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars, especially when:
- The hazing was egregious (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
- The injuries were severe (hospitalization, permanent damage)
- The university or national organization had prior knowledge
- Multiple victims are involved
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Michigan families can achieve similar results.
Q: What if the fraternity or sorority has already suspended the chapter?
A: Chapter suspensions are damage control, not accountability. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before we filed the lawsuit — they knew litigation was coming. Suspensions don’t compensate victims or prevent future hazing. We pursue the national organization, the university, and individuals for full financial accountability.
Q: Can we still sue if the hazing happened last year?
A: Possibly. Michigan’s statute of limitations is generally 3 years, but the timeline can vary based on:
- When the injury was discovered
- Whether the victim was a minor
- Whether the university or fraternity concealed evidence
Contact us immediately for a case evaluation. Even if time has passed, we may still be able to help.
🎯 Michigan Hazing Lawyer: Our Commitment to Michigan Families
At Attorney 911, we believe that no family should suffer in silence. Michigan parents trust universities to protect their children, and when that trust is betrayed through hazing abuse, the consequences can be devastating.
We are currently fighting this battle in court with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, we know how to win, and we know how to secure justice for Michigan families.
Our commitment to Michigan hazing victims:
- Immediate response — We move quickly to preserve evidence
- Aggressive representation — We don’t back down from powerful institutions
- Nationwide reach — We represent Michigan families from our Texas offices
- Compassionate service — We treat you like family
- No upfront cost — We only get paid if you win
Michigan families: If your child was hazed, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold those responsible accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries.
Contact Attorney 911 today. We’re ready to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Michigan hazing victims with the same determination we bring to our current $10 million case.
