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Clinton County (Earth/North America/United States/Michigan/Clinton County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | $10M Lawsuit Filed Against Pi Kappa Phi — Chapter Shut Down | Attorney911 — Federal Court Admitted | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 28 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Clinton County, Michigan | Fraternity Abuse Attorney

Protecting Students from Dangerous Greek Life Traditions in Clinton County and Across Michigan

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “team building.” It’s abuse. And if your child has been the victim of hazing in Clinton County or at any Michigan college or university, you need aggressive legal representation that understands both the medical consequences and the institutional cover-ups that follow these incidents.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity operates at universities across Michigan, including near Clinton County. The same dangerous culture exists in Michigan Greek life. And we’re ready to fight for Clinton County families.

If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or anywhere in Michigan, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Clinton County and Michigan

Hazing is a widespread, dangerous epidemic in Michigan’s colleges and universities. While Clinton County may not have a major university within its borders, families in Clinton County send their children to institutions across Michigan where Greek life thrives – and where hazing happens.

Michigan Universities with Active Greek Life Near Clinton County:

While Clinton County itself doesn’t host a major university, Michigan families from Clinton County send their children to institutions throughout the state where Greek life is active and hazing risks exist:

  • Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) – Approximately 1 hour from Clinton County
  • Michigan State University (East Lansing) – Approximately 1.5 hours from Clinton County
  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) – Approximately 2 hours from Clinton County
  • Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo) – Approximately 2.5 hours from Clinton County
  • Ferris State University (Big Rapids) – Approximately 2.5 hours from Clinton County
  • Grand Valley State University (Allendale) – Approximately 3 hours from Clinton County

These are the same national fraternities that have chapters in Clinton County-area universities and across Michigan – the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.

The Same National Fraternities Operate in Michigan:

The same fraternities involved in our current $10 million lawsuit – and the same organizations that have killed students across America – maintain active chapters at Michigan universities near Clinton County:

Fraternity Michigan Universities with Chapters Notable Hazing Incidents Nationwide
Pi Kappa Phi University of Michigan, Michigan State, Central Michigan Our current $10M case (2025); Andrew Coffey death (2017)
Pi Kappa Alpha University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan Stone Foltz death (2021); $10.1M settlement
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Michigan State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case
Beta Theta Pi University of Michigan, Michigan State Timothy Piazza death (2017); $110M+ settlement
Phi Delta Theta University of Michigan, Michigan State Maxwell Gruver death (2017); $6.1M verdict
Kappa Sigma University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan Multiple hazing incidents; rhabdomyolysis cases

Clinton County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity at any Michigan university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

🏥 What Hazing Does to Clinton County Students

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s medically dangerous and can cause permanent, life-altering injuries. Our current client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme physical activities.

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

Injury Type Description Michigan Hazing Examples
Rhabdomyolysis Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure Multiple Michigan cases reported; our current client hospitalized with this
Acute Kidney Failure Kidneys stop filtering waste; can be fatal Result of rhabdomyolysis; requires hospitalization
Alcohol Poisoning Can cause coma or death Multiple Michigan hazing deaths from forced drinking
Traumatic Brain Injury From beatings or falls Reported in Michigan hazing incidents
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia From exposure to extreme temperatures Michigan’s cold winters make hypothermia risk severe
Fractures and Broken Bones From physical beatings or falls Documented in Michigan hazing cases
Psychological Trauma PTSD, anxiety, depression Long-term impact on Michigan students
Sexual Assault Forced nudity, inappropriate touching Reported in Michigan Greek life
Death From any of the above Multiple Michigan hazing deaths in recent years

Michigan Hazing Incidents – The Reality for Clinton County Families:

While specific Clinton County incidents aren’t documented, Michigan universities have seen serious hazing cases:

  • Michigan State University has faced multiple hazing investigations in recent years
  • University of Michigan fraternities have been suspended for hazing violations
  • Central Michigan University has disciplined Greek organizations for hazing
  • Western Michigan University has suspended fraternities for hazing activities

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our Houston client happen at Michigan universities near Clinton County. The same national organizations oversee these chapters. And the same institutional failures allow it to continue.

⚖️ Michigan Hazing Laws – What Clinton County Families Need to Know

Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students from dangerous initiation practices. If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or at any Michigan university, they have legal rights.

Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t – Hazing

Definition of Hazing:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution, and that is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, causing physical injury or mental harm to any student.

Key Elements:

  • Applies to all organizations affiliated with educational institutions (fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, etc.)
  • Includes physical injury or mental harm
  • Consent is NOT a defense – Michigan law explicitly states that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing

Penalties:

  • Misdemeanor: Up to 93 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
  • Felony (if serious impairment of bodily function): Up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine
  • Felony (if death occurs): Up to 15 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine

Organizational Penalties:

  • Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
  • Organizations can be suspended or banned from campus

Why This Matters for Clinton County Families:

  • Your child’s consent does NOT matter – Even if they “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
  • The fraternity, sorority, and university can ALL be held responsible
  • Criminal charges can be filed against individual perpetrators
  • Civil lawsuits can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

💰 Who We Sue for Clinton County Hazing Victims

When hazing happens, multiple parties are responsible – and we sue them all.

1. The Local Chapter (Most Immediate Responsibility)

Why they’re liable:

  • Directly organized and conducted the hazing
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
  • Individual members participated in or failed to stop hazing
  • Example: In our current case, we’re suing the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and its officers

Clinton County Application:

  • If your child was hazed at a Michigan university chapter, that local chapter is directly responsible
  • Chapter officers can be held personally liable – just like in the Stone Foltz case where the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

2. The National Organization (Deep Pockets)

Why they’re liable:

  • Failed to supervise local chapters
  • Knew or should have known about hazing culture
  • Had power to stop hazing but didn’t
  • Often have millions in assets and insurance coverage

Clinton County Application:

  • National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon maintain chapters at Michigan universities near Clinton County
  • They have actual knowledge of hazing risks – our current case shows Pi Kappa Phi knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
  • They have deep pockets – settlements in hazing cases often come from national organizations’ insurance

3. The University (Institutional Failure)

Why they’re liable:

  • Have a duty to protect students
  • Often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
  • Can regulate, suspend, or ban dangerous organizations
  • Have failed to act despite knowing about hazing risks

Clinton County Application:

  • Michigan universities like Michigan State, University of Michigan, Central Michigan have Greek life oversight responsibilities
  • They know hazing happens – multiple Michigan universities have disciplined Greek organizations for hazing
  • They have substantial resources – public universities have budgets in the billions

4. Individual Members (Personal Accountability)

Why they’re liable:

  • Participated in hazing activities
  • Failed to stop known hazing
  • Directed or encouraged hazing
  • Can be held personally responsible for damages

Clinton County Application:

  • Individual fraternity members at Michigan universities can be sued personally
  • They may have homeowner’s insurance that covers liability
  • They face criminal charges under Michigan law

5. Housing Corporations (Premises Liability)

Why they’re liable:

  • Own or control property where hazing occurs
  • Failed to maintain safe premises
  • Failed to prevent illegal activities

Clinton County Application:

  • Many Michigan fraternity and sorority houses are owned by housing corporations
  • If hazing occurred in a fraternity house, the housing corporation may be liable

6. Alumni (Ongoing Influence)

Why they’re liable:

  • May have hosted hazing activities
  • Often provide financial support to chapters
  • Can influence chapter culture

Clinton County Application:

  • Michigan Greek organizations have active alumni networks
  • Some hazing activities occur at alumni-owned properties

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clinton County or at a Michigan University

TIME IS CRITICAL. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. If your child has been hazed, follow these steps immediately:

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
  • Medical records are crucial evidence – document everything
  • If your child is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately

2. Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. SAVE EVERYTHING.

Evidence Type What to Preserve
Photos/Videos Any images from hazing activities; injuries at all stages of healing
Text Messages All communications about hazing; screenshots of group chats
Social Media Screenshots of posts, messages, Snapchats, Instagrams about hazing
Emails Any communications about pledge activities
Documents Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
Witness Information Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders
Clothing/Objects Any items used in hazing (paddles, clothing, etc.)
Medical Records All hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

  • Do NOT meet with fraternity/sorority leaders without an attorney
  • Do NOT give statements to university administrators alone
  • Do NOT sign any documents from the organization
  • Do NOT accept any settlement offers without legal advice

They will try to control the narrative. They will try to minimize what happened. They will try to protect themselves – not your child.

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

  • Do NOT post about the incident on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
  • Do NOT post photos that could be misinterpreted
  • Do NOT engage with Greek life members online
  • Do NOT delete old posts – that’s destruction of evidence

Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for anything they can use against you.

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free, confidential consultations for hazing victims
  • We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
  • We can preserve evidence before it disappears
  • We can protect your child from institutional pressure

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

6. Report to Authorities

  • Consider filing a police report – hazing is a crime in Michigan
  • File a Title IX complaint with the university
  • Report to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights

💸 What Clinton County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries.

Types of Compensation Available:

Category What It Covers Clinton County Examples
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment Our client’s 4-day hospital stay; ongoing kidney monitoring
Pain and Suffering Physical pain from injuries Pain from rhabdomyolysis; pain from beatings
Emotional Distress PTSD, anxiety, depression Trauma from waterboarding; fear of retribution
Lost Wages Time missed from work Student jobs; summer internships
Educational Impact Disruption to education; lost scholarships Delayed graduation; transfer to different school
Punitive Damages Punishment for egregious conduct Waterboarding; 500 squats until collapse
Wrongful Death If hazing results in death Funeral expenses; loss of companionship

Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Our Current Case University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi $10M lawsuit pending (2025)
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1M settlement (2021)
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1M jury verdict (2017)
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110M+ settlement (2017)
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement (2017)

These results are possible for Clinton County families. The same legal strategies apply to Michigan hazing cases.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?

A: YES. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should consult with an attorney. Here’s why:

  • The statute of limitations is running – if you wait, you may lose your rights
  • Evidence disappears – texts get deleted, witnesses forget, injuries heal
  • The organization will try to control the narrative – they have lawyers working to protect themselves
  • Other victims may exist – your child’s case could help prevent future hazing
  • You may have options you don’t know about – Title IX, criminal complaints, university investigations

We offer free, confidential consultations. What you do with the information is up to you.

Q: The fraternity 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.

Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t(4):

“It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the individual against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

Why this matters:

  • Fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate”
  • They’ll say: “He knew what he was getting into”
  • They’ll claim: “He could have left at any time”

The law says: CONSENT DOESN’T MATTER.

Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “agreed” to participate.

Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Clinton County. Can you still help us?

A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Michigan.

How we serve Clinton County families:

  • Federal court authority – We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Video consultations – Meet with us remotely from Clinton County
  • Travel commitment – We come to Michigan for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Nationwide experience – We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case and have experience with fraternity litigation

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?

A: YES. Universities can be held liable for hazing even if they claim they didn’t know about it. Here’s why:

  1. They have a duty to protect students – This includes monitoring Greek life activities
  2. They often own or control fraternity houses – If hazing occurs on their property, they’re responsible
  3. They have the power to regulate Greek organizations – They can inspect, suspend, or ban dangerous chapters
  4. They should have known – If there’s a pattern of hazing at their institution, they can’t claim ignorance

In our current case:

  • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
  • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
  • They failed to implement effective oversight
  • They are named as defendants in our $10M lawsuit

Michigan universities have the same responsibilities.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can you do to protect them?

A: We take retaliation very seriously. Hazing victims often fear speaking out because they worry about:

  • Being ostracized by their peers
  • Losing their place in the fraternity/sorority
  • Academic retaliation
  • Social consequences

How we protect our clients:

  1. Confidentiality – We protect your child’s identity to the extent possible
  2. Legal protections – Retaliation against a hazing victim is illegal
  3. University pressure – We can demand that the university protect your child
  4. Evidence preservation – We document everything to build a strong case
  5. Criminal referrals – If retaliation occurs, we can refer it to law enforcement

Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). We understand this fear and will protect your child.**

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • You pay nothing to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict
  • If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Why this matters for Clinton County families:

  • You can fight powerful institutions without financial risk
  • We have the same incentive as you – to maximize your recovery
  • You get experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation

Q: How long do hazing lawsuits take?

A: The timeline varies, but most hazing cases take 12-24 months to resolve. Factors that affect the timeline:

Factor Impact on Timeline
Severity of injuries More severe injuries = longer medical treatment = longer case
Number of defendants More defendants = more complex case = longer timeline
Insurance company cooperation Uncooperative defendants = longer negotiations
Need for litigation If we have to file a lawsuit = longer timeline
Criminal investigation Parallel criminal case can delay civil case

Our approach:

  • We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible
  • But we won’t rush if it means accepting a low settlement
  • We’ll keep you informed every step of the way

Q: Can you guarantee a specific outcome for my case?

A: No ethical attorney can guarantee a specific outcome. However, we can guarantee:

  1. Aggressive representation – We’ll fight for maximum compensation
  2. Expert legal strategy – We know how to build strong hazing cases
  3. Clear communication – You’ll always know what’s happening with your case
  4. No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
  5. Nationwide experience – We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case

Our track record speaks for itself:

  • We’ve won millions for personal injury victims
  • We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit
  • We have former insurance defense attorneys – we know how the other side thinks

🚨 Why Clinton County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the legal strategies that work because we’re using them right now.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – worked for insurance companies before switching sides. This means:

  • We know how insurance companies think
  • We know how they try to minimize claims
  • We know how to defeat their strategies

3. Nationwide Experience

We represent hazing victims across America, including in Michigan. Our services for Clinton County families include:

  • Video consultations – Meet with us from Clinton County
  • Travel commitment – We come to Michigan for your case
  • Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York

4. Greek Life Expertise

We understand the culture of fraternities and sororities:

  • The power dynamics between pledges and members
  • The psychological pressure to conform
  • The “tradition” excuses used to justify abuse
  • The institutional cover-ups that follow hazing incidents

5. Medical Knowledge

We understand the medical consequences of hazing:

  • Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (like our current client)
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Psychological trauma

We work with medical experts to document injuries and calculate future medical needs.

6. Aggressive Litigation Approach

We don’t just negotiate – we fight:

  • We sue every responsible party – individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
  • We preserve evidence before it disappears
  • We depose key witnesses to build strong cases
  • We take cases to trial when necessary

7. Compassionate Client Care

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families:

  • We listen to your story
  • We respect your concerns
  • We protect your privacy
  • We guide you through the legal process

📞 Clinton County Families: Contact Us Immediately

If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or at any Michigan university, time is critical.

Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies

Or email: ralph@atty911.com

Free, confidential consultation

$0 upfront – we don’t get paid unless you win

🏆 Our Commitment to Clinton County Families

When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers – you’re getting a team committed to justice:

Immediate response – We act fast to preserve evidence
Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation
Compassionate care – We understand the emotional toll
Clear communication – You’ll always know what’s happening
Nationwide reach – We serve Clinton County and all of Michigan
Proven results – We’re currently fighting a $10M hazing case

⚠️ To Michigan Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating at Michigan universities near Clinton County:

We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. And we know what you’re doing.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same criminal laws apply. The same civil liability applies.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma – if your chapter operates in Michigan, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze students. That could be your chapter next.

🎓 To Michigan Universities: The Same Liability Applies

To the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, and all Michigan institutions:

You have a duty to protect students. When you own fraternity houses, you have premises liability. When you have the power to regulate Greek life, you have oversight responsibility.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They failed to act. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

Michigan universities have the same responsibilities. The same liability applies.

If hazing happens on your campus, we will hold you accountable.

📢 To Clinton County Parents: Protect Your Children

Clinton County parents: Your children are at risk.

They’re going to college. They’re joining Greek organizations. They’re being told that hazing is “tradition” and “brotherhood.”

But hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s waterboarding. It’s 500 squats until muscles break down. It’s forced drinking until alcohol poisoning. It’s wooden paddles. It’s psychological torture.

You can protect your children:

  • Talk to them about the dangers of hazing
  • Tell them consent is not a defense – it’s still illegal
  • Encourage them to document everything
  • Let them know they can come to you if something happens
  • Contact us immediately if hazing occurs

We’re fighting for Clinton County families. We’re fighting for your children.

🚨 Enough Is Enough. Call Attorney 911 Today.

Clinton County families: If your child has been hazed, we can help.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies

Free consultation • $0 upfront • We don’t get paid unless you win

Serving Clinton County, Michigan, and nationwide

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