π¨ Genesee County Hazing Lawyer: Aggressive Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s torture. And it’s happening at Genesee County colleges.
If your child was hospitalized, traumatized, or lost because of fraternity or sorority hazing in Genesee County, we can help. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Genesee County families.
Call our hazing hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911
β οΈ The Hazing Crisis in Genesee County
Genesee County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters at universities near Genesee County, a dangerous culture persists:
- Forced alcohol consumption until vomiting or passing out
- Physical abuse including paddling, extreme exercise, and waterboarding
- Psychological torture β humiliation, sleep deprivation, and threats
- Medical emergencies β rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, alcohol poisoning
- Wrongful death β students dying from hazing “traditions”
This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening near Genesee County.
National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi have chapters at universities throughout Michigan. The same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths nationwide operate right here in our community.
π₯ Real Hazing Injuries β The Same Risks Genesee County Students Face
Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Here’s what happened to our client β and what could happen to your child at a Genesee County university:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose β simulated drowning as “initiation”
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles β physical abuse disguised as “tradition”
- Forced to eat until vomiting β then made to continue exercising
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing β they kept going
This happened in Texas. It happens in Genesee County.
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Genesee County. If they’re waterboarding students in Houston, how many other chapters are doing the same?
π° Why Genesee County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases because we’re doing it.
2. Nationwide Reach β We Serve Genesee County
- Federal court authority β can pursue cases anywhere in America
- Dual-state bar licenses β Texas AND New York
- Travel commitment β we come to Genesee County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultations β Genesee County families can meet with us via video
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know:
- How they value claims
- How they delay payments
- How they try to deny liability
- How to counter their strategies
We use their own tactics against them.
4. Proven Track Record of Massive Settlements
We’ve secured millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases
- Wrongful death recoveries for families who lost loved ones
- Federal court victories in complex litigation
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β mass tort experience
5. No Upfront Cost for Genesee County Families
We work on contingency β you pay $0 unless we win your case. No hourly fees. No retainers. No financial risk to you.
Contingency fee example:
- Settlement: $1,000,000
- Our fee (33%): $330,000
- You receive: $670,000
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
6. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
Genesee County has a diverse community. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure language isn’t a barrier to justice.
7. 24/7 Availability for Genesee County Hazing Emergencies
Hazing incidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Call us anytime: 1-888-ATTY-911
βοΈ Genesee County Hazing Laws β Your Legal Rights
Michigan Hazing Law (MCL 750.411t)
Definition of Hazing in Michigan:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a student organization.
Criminal Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 93 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Felony (if serious injury or death occurs): Up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine
Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter.
Civil Liability β Who Genesee County Families Can Sue
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks |
| University | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Insurance Companies | Policy coverage for institutional liability |
Statute of Limitations for Genesee County Hazing Cases
- Personal Injury: 3 years from date of injury (MCL 600.5805)
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from date of death (MCL 600.5805)
- Minors: May have extended deadlines
β οΈ Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
π Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements β What Genesee County Families Can Win
These aren’t hypothetical numbers. These are real verdicts and settlements from hazing cases:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential settlement |
| Our Current Case | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Genesee County families: These same results are possible for your case.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Genesee County
IMMEDIATE STEPS β Protect Your Rights
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
- Document all medical treatment β this creates evidence
- Tell doctors the injuries were from hazing
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries at all stages
- Save all communications β texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Document witness names β other pledges, bystanders
- Keep all physical evidence β clothing, objects used in hazing
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
- They may offer “apologies” or “settlements” to silence you
- Anything you say can be used against you
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Insurance companies and attorneys will monitor your accounts
- Posts showing you “having fun” can be used to claim you weren’t hurt
- Stay off social media until your case is resolved
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β our hazing hotline
- We’ll guide you through the next steps
- We’ll handle all communication with the organization
π― Why Genesee County Fraternities Should Be Worried
To fraternities operating near Genesee County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We track:
- Your national organization’s hazing history
- Your chapter’s corporate structure
- Your insurance policies
- Your prior incidents
Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit.
Your chapter could be next.
π Genesee County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child was hazed at a Genesee County university or college, call us now.
- Free consultation β no obligation
- $0 upfront cost β we only get paid if we win
- 24/7 availability β hazing emergencies don’t wait
- Bilingual services β se habla espaΓ±ol
- Nationwide reach β we serve Genesee County families
We will fight for your child. We will hold the perpetrators accountable. We will get justice.
ποΈ Universities Near Genesee County with Greek Life β The Same Risks Exist
Genesee County families should know that hazing isn’t limited to one school or one fraternity. The same national organizations operate at universities throughout Michigan:
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and many more |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others |
| Wayne State University | Detroit | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
| Oakland University | Rochester | Greek life organizations |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant | Greek life organizations |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti | Greek life organizations |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo | Greek life organizations |
The same fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide have chapters at these universities. If it happened in Houston, it can happen in Michigan.
π₯ Real Stories from Real Hazing Cases
“They Waterboarded Him with a Garden Hose”
Our client at the University of Houston was waterboarded with a garden hose during pledging. He was forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed. He was struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure for 4 days.
This isn’t hazing. This is torture.
“They Forced Him to Drink Until He Died”
Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol at a Pi Kappa Alpha event at Bowling Green State University. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family received a $10.1 million settlement.
“They Waited 12 Hours to Call 911”
Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes at a Beta Theta Pi event at Penn State. He fell down stairs multiple times. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. He died from traumatic brain injury. His family received a $110+ million settlement.
Genesee County families: These same tragedies happen at Michigan universities.
β Frequently Asked Questions for Genesee County Families
Q: My child consented to pledging. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Michigan law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
Q: The university says they didn’t know. Are they still responsible?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks (and they do), they can be held liable. Many universities own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Will the fraternity come after us?
A: We protect our clients. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We understand the intimidation culture. We’ll handle all communication with the organization to protect you.
Q: How much is our hazing case worth?
A: It depends on several factors:
- Severity of injuries (physical and psychological)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (for egregious conduct)
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior incidents
Severe injuries with institutional knowledge can result in multi-million dollar settlements β just like the cases we’ve listed.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Michigan, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury. However, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights can be compromised.
Q: We don’t live in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: ABSOLUTELY. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Genesee County
- Remote consultation capabilities
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not hospitalized?
A: You may still have a case. Hazing that causes:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Physical injuries (bruises, sprains, burns)
- Humiliation and emotional distress
- Academic disruption
- Any harm whatsoever
can support a legal claim. Contact us for a free evaluation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to your family.
π― Genesee County Hazing Warning Signs β What Parents Should Watch For
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Genesee County parents should be alert for these warning signs:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sudden academic decline
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in eating habits
Financial Red Flags:
- Unexplained requests for money
- Missing cash or valuables
- Unexplained purchases (alcohol, paddles, etc.)
- Pressure to buy fraternity/sorority merchandise
Communication Patterns:
- New phone or social media accounts
- Deleted messages or apps
- Reluctance to show you their phone
- Using coded language (“family,” “big/little,” “line brothers/sisters”)
If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be afraid to speak up.
π Genesee County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
We are Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’ for Genesee County hazing victims.
- Free consultation β no obligation
- $0 upfront cost β we only get paid if we win
- 24/7 availability β call anytime
- Bilingual services β se habla espaΓ±ol
- Nationwide reach β serving Genesee County families
The fraternities and universities won’t stop until someone makes them. Let that someone be us.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
ποΈ Genesee County Hazing Lawyer β Serving All of Michigan
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims throughout Michigan, including:
Genesee County Cities:
- Flint
- Burton
- Grand Blanc
- Fenton
- Davison
- Swartz Creek
- Clio
- Mount Morris
- Linden
- Goodrich
- Gaines
Nearby Counties:
- Oakland County
- Saginaw County
- Shiawassee County
- Livingston County
- Lapeer County
Major Michigan Universities:
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Michigan State University (East Lansing)
- Wayne State University (Detroit)
- Oakland University (Rochester)
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant)
- Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti)
- Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo)
Wherever hazing happens in Michigan, we will fight for your family.
π Enough is Enough β Genesee County Deserves Better
Genesee County families send their children to college to learn, grow, and prepare for the future β not to be tortured.
Enough with the excuses:
- “It’s tradition”
- “Boys will be boys”
- “They consented”
- “It’s just part of joining”
Hazing is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Always unacceptable
We are Attorney 911. We are the hazing watchdogs. We are the ones who make them stop.
If your child was hazed at a Genesee County university or college, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Β© 2025 Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β Serving Genesee County and Nationwide
Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com