🛡️ Hazing Lawyers for Clare County, Michigan Families

Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse Across Mid-Michigan

At Attorney 911, we understand the unique challenges facing Clare County families when a child is hazed at a college or university. While we’re based in Texas, our federal court authority and nationwide hazing litigation experience allow us to represent Clare County victims with the same aggressive advocacy we bring to our current $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Clare County

Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in Michigan, at institutions near Clare County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate chapters at universities throughout Michigan, including:

Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant)
Ferris State University (Big Rapids)
Saginaw Valley State University (University Center)
Northwood University (Midland)
Alma College (Alma)
Albion College (Albion)

These institutions are just a short drive from Clare County, and the same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in Michigan chapters too.

🏥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Clare County

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston. The abuse included:

Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
Carrying objects of a sexual nature as humiliation
Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at Michigan universities too. And just like in Houston, the national organizations and universities know about it – they just choose to look the other way until someone gets seriously hurt.

⚖️ Clare County Families Have Legal Rights

Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws, and victims have legal recourse when universities and fraternities fail to protect them. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t, hazing is a crime that can result in:

Misdemeanor charges for basic hazing
Felony charges if the hazing causes serious injury or death
Up to 5 years in prison for hazing that results in death

But criminal charges aren’t your only option. Clare County families can also file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

Medical bills (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and PTSD
Lost educational opportunities
Punitive damages to punish egregious conduct

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Apply to Clare County Cases

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, but this isn’t our first hazing case – and it’s not the first time these organizations have paid millions for their negligence.

Recent hazing settlements and verdicts nationwide include:

$10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
$6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
$110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
$4+ million – Adam Oakes (Delta Chi, VCU)

These same results are possible for Clare County families. The national organizations that operate near Clare County have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover these claims.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable in Clare County Hazing Cases

When your child is hazed, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The local fraternity/sorority chapter – The individuals who directly participated
The national organization – For failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
The university – For failing to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks
Individual members – Chapter officers and active members who organized or participated
Alumni – Former members who may have hosted hazing events
Property owners – If hazing occurred at off-campus locations

In our current case, we’re suing 10 different defendants, including the national organization, the university, and individual members.

📋 What Clare County Families Should Do Immediately

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
Medical records create crucial evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Take photos/videos of any injuries
Save all communications (texts, emails, social media, GroupMe chats)
Document everything – write down dates, times, locations, and what happened
Get witness information – other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
Do not sign anything from the university or organization
Do not post about it on social media – anything you post can be used against you

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🎓 Why Clare County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now – We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and know exactly what it takes to win
Federal Court Authority – We can pursue your Clare County case in federal court if needed
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how the other side thinks and how to maximize your recovery
Nationwide Reach – We represent hazing victims across America, including Clare County
No Upfront Costs – We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
Bilingual Services – Se habla español – we serve Spanish-speaking families
We Travel to Clare County – For depositions, trials, and client meetings

📞 Clare County Families: Call Now for Immediate Help

Don’t let the fraternity or university silence your child. The organizations that allowed this to happen will try to intimidate you, minimize what happened, and pressure you into accepting a low settlement.

We know their tactics because we used to work for them. Now we work for victims like your family.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation • No upfront costs • We fight for Clare County families

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Clare County Families

Q: My child was hazed at Central Michigan University. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at Central Michigan, Ferris State, Saginaw Valley State, and other Michigan universities. Our federal court authority and nationwide litigation experience allow us to handle Clare County cases no matter where the hazing occurred.

Q: My child is afraid to come forward because they signed a non-disclosure agreement. What can we do?

A: Many fraternities and sororities try to silence victims with NDAs. These agreements are often unenforceable when they cover illegal activity like hazing. We can review any documents your child signed and advise you on your legal rights.

Q: The university says my child consented to the hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any harm caused. This is the same position taken by Texas law in our current case.

Q: How much is my Clare County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but recent hazing settlements have ranged from $4 million to over $100 million. Factors that increase case value include:

Severity of injuries
Hospitalization required
Permanent damage
Psychological trauma
University knowledge of prior incidents
Egregiousness of the conduct (like waterboarding)
Pattern of abuse at the chapter

Q: What if my child was hazed at an off-campus location?

A: Off-campus hazing doesn’t protect the organization from liability. We can pursue claims against:

The fraternity/sorority
The property owner
Individual members
The national organization
The university (if they knew or should have known about the activities)

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t suffer physical injuries. Do we still have a case?

A: Yes. Psychological injuries like PTSD, anxiety, and depression from hazing are compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional trauma even without physical injuries.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition” and not hazing. How do we prove it was hazing?

A: Michigan law defines hazing broadly. Activities that subject a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect their mental or physical health qualify as hazing. We work with experts in Greek life culture to demonstrate how “traditions” often cross the line into illegal hazing.

Q: What if my child participated in the hazing of others? Will that hurt their case?

A: Not necessarily. Many hazing victims are pressured into participating in hazing others as part of the process. We can help demonstrate how your child was also a victim of the organization’s culture of abuse.

Q: How long does a Clare County hazing lawsuit take?

A: Most cases settle within 1-2 years, but complex cases can take longer. We work aggressively to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation.

Q: What if my child is an international student? Can we still pursue a case?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to pursue a hazing claim. We’ve represented international students in personal injury cases and can help protect your child’s rights.

🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing for Clare County Parents

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Be alert for these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

Behavioral Changes

Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
Increased secrecy about activities
Unexplained mood swings or depression
Anxiety about attending certain events
Sudden decline in academic performance
Avoiding questions about their organization

Physical Signs

Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
Difficulty walking or moving (could indicate rhabdomyolysis)
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance abuse
Weight loss or poor nutrition
Appearing disheveled or unkempt

Academic Impact

Missing classes frequently
Falling grades
Skipping exams or assignments
Withdrawing from academic activities
Talking about dropping out

Financial Signs

Unexplained expenses
Requests for money for “organization activities”
Missing personal items
Damage to clothing or property

Social Media Clues

Deleted social media posts
New, secret social media accounts
Joining private messaging groups
Posts about “big brother” or “little brother” activities
Cryptic references to “traditions” or “tests”

📢 Message to Clare County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating at Michigan universities near Clare County:

We are watching. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know which chapters have histories of abuse.

If you haze students in Clare County or anywhere in Michigan, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will sue every responsible party.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.

Your chapter could be next.

🏆 Our Commitment to Clare County Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just talk about justice – we fight for it. When your child is hazed, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team that will:

Fight aggressively against institutions with deep pockets
Protect your child’s rights against organizations that try to silence victims
Maximize your compensation so your child can focus on healing
Hold every responsible party accountable – from individual members to national organizations
Travel to Clare County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Provide compassionate support throughout the legal process

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Clare County families because we truly care.

📞 Clare County Families: Call Now Before It’s Too Late

Time is critical in hazing cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.