🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Gratiot County, Michigan — Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse

Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Now Serving Gratiot County, Michigan

📞 24/7 Hazing Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing

Gratiot County Parents & Students: Your Child Is at Risk

Hazing is happening right now at colleges and universities near Gratiot County. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston, forced pledges to drink until they died, and sent students to the hospital with kidney failure have active chapters near Gratiot County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at Central Michigan University, Alma College, or another institution near Gratiot County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

This Is Happening Near Gratiot County

The Same Fraternities Are Here

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — these are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. They have active chapters at universities near Gratiot County, including:

Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) — Just 20 minutes from Gratiot County
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Beta Theta Pi
- Kappa Sigma
Alma College (Alma) — Located in Gratiot County
- Sigma Chi
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
- Greek organizations with documented hazing risks
Michigan State University (East Lansing) — 90 minutes from Gratiot County
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) — 2 hours from Gratiot County
- Sigma Chi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Gratiot County-area fraternities.

The Same Hazing Is Happening Here

Gratiot County families need to know what hazing really looks like. This isn’t “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” This is torture disguised as tradition.

What we’ve documented in our current $10 million hazing lawsuit (Houston, TX):
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups — until muscles break down (rhabdomyolysis)
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to keep running in vomit-soaked grass
✅ Another pledge collapsed unconscious — they kept going
✅ Hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour — with an object in his mouth

This is what your child could be experiencing at Central Michigan University, Alma College, or another school near Gratiot County.

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Gratiot County Families

Our Current $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit — What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Gratiot County

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
University: University of Houston
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter)
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was 7 weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and damages the kidneys.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Him:

Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups — until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed — they did nothing to stop
Hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour — with an object in his mouth

The Result:

3 nights, 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure
Couldn’t walk or move for days
Crawled up the stairs when he got home (per our attorney Ralph Manginello)
Permanent health risks including potential chronic kidney disease

The Defendants We’re Suing:

Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter
University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house where torture occurred)
UH Board of Regents
Individual fraternity members (president, pledgemaster, active members)
Former members and their spouses (hazing occurred at their residence)

Why This Matters to Gratiot County:

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Gratiot County
The same national organization that failed to prevent this in Houston operates at Central Michigan University and other schools near Gratiot County
Universities near Gratiot County face the same liability failures as UH
If this can happen in Houston, it can happen in Mount Pleasant, Alma, or East Lansing

This Has Happened Before — And It Will Happen Again in Gratiot County If We Don’t Stop It

Andrew Coffey (2017) — Pi Kappa Phi (FSU)

Forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon
Died from alcohol poisoning
Same fraternity that hazed Leonel Bermudez

Maxwell Gruver (2017) — Phi Delta Theta (LSU)

Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event
Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
Phi Delta Theta has chapters at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University

Timothy Piazza (2017) — Beta Theta Pi (Penn State)

Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes
Fell down stairs multiple times
Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
Died from traumatic brain injury
Beta Theta Pi has chapters at Central Michigan University and University of Michigan

Stone Foltz (2021) — Pi Kappa Alpha (BGSU)

Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol
Died from alcohol poisoning
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) has a chapter at Central Michigan University
Family received $10.1 million settlement — same amount we’re seeking for Leonel Bermudez

These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a pattern. And it’s happening near Gratiot County.

Gratiot County Families: You Have Legal Rights

If your child has been hazed at Central Michigan University, Alma College, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, or any other school near Gratiot County, you have legal rights — even if the incident didn’t happen in Texas.

What Gratiot County Hazing Victims Can Sue For:

Damage Type	Examples
Medical Expenses	Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, therapy, future treatment
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from hazing, emotional trauma from abuse
Mental Anguish	PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
Lost Wages	Time missed from work during recovery
Educational Impact	Disruption to studies, failed courses, delayed graduation
Punitive Damages	Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)

Who Gratiot County Families Can Sue:

Defendant	Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity Chapter	Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Fraternity Organization	Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise
University/College	Failed to protect students; may own fraternity house
Individual Members	Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
Chapter Officers	Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Housing Corporations	Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Alumni	Allowed hazing at their residence

Michigan Hazing Laws — What Gratiot County Families Need to Know

Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t — Hazing

Definition:

“Hazing” means an intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or acting with others that is directed against an individual and that the person knew or should have known endangers the physical health or safety of the individual, and that is done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

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:

“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.”

This is critical for Gratiot County families. When fraternities argue “your child agreed to participate,” Michigan law says consent doesn’t matter.

Civil Liability in Michigan

Gratiot County families can sue for:

Negligence — Duty of care owed to students; breach of that duty
Assault and Battery — Intentional harmful contact (paddling, forced exercise)
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
Premises Liability — If hazing occurred on university-owned property
Negligent Supervision — University/fraternity failed to monitor activities

Statute of Limitations in Michigan:

Personal Injury: 3 years from date of injury
Wrongful Death: 3 years from date of death

Gratiot County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Gratiot County

Immediate Steps for Gratiot County Families:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos — even if they’re embarrassing
- Take screenshots of all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing
- Save any physical evidence (paddles, clothing, objects used in hazing)
Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure your child to sign documents
- They will try to get your child to admit fault
- Anything your child says can be used against them
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Posts can be taken out of context
- Photos showing your child “having fun” can be used to claim they weren’t really hurt
- Stay off social media until your case is resolved
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 hazing emergency hotline
- We offer free consultations for Gratiot County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- We will travel to Gratiot County for depositions, meetings, and trials
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to the university’s Title IX office (if applicable)
- Report to the national fraternity organization

Why Gratiot County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are the Hazing Litigation Experts

✅ Currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit — We’re in the fight right now
✅ Nationwide reach — We represent hazing victims across America, including Gratiot County
✅ Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how the other side thinks
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York (strategic for national fraternity litigation)
✅ Se habla español — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Gratiot County families
✅ Contingency fee — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you get paid
✅ We travel to Gratiot County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials

Our Hazing-Specific Experience

Rhabdomyolysis litigation — The same injury our Houston client suffered
Kappa Sigma fraternity cases — Experience with Greek life culture
Texas A&M University hazing cases — Institutional negligence expertise
Wrongful death from hazing — Representing families who lost children
University liability — Holding institutions accountable for failing to protect students

Our Track Record

$10 million currently being sought in our Houston hazing case
Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience
Former insurance defense attorneys — Know the playbook; use it against them
Google 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews — Gratiot County families deserve this level of service

Gratiot County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

What Other Hazing Victims Say

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” — Lupe Pena, Attorney 911 (on our current hazing case)

“We are all concerned about his mental health and want him to get some help.” — Ralph Manginello, Attorney 911 (on a high-profile criminal case)

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett (Google Review)

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz (Google Review)

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris (Google Review)

Frequently Asked Questions for Gratiot County Families

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

YES. While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Gratiot County. We have:

Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
Video consultation technology — Meet with Gratiot County families remotely
Travel commitment — We come to Gratiot County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
Experience with out-of-state cases — We know how to litigate across state lines

2. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

$0 upfront. We work on contingency, which means:

You pay nothing to hire us
We advance all case expenses
We only get paid if we win your case
Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest

Gratiot County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

3. What if my child consented to the hazing activities?

Consent is NOT a defense under Michigan law. Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t explicitly states:

“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.”

The law recognizes that:

Hazing involves coercion and peer pressure
Victims often don’t understand what they’re consenting to
The power dynamics in Greek organizations prevent true consent
Assault is assault — even if the victim “agreed” to participate

4. What if the fraternity says it was just “tradition” or “brotherhood”?

“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. The law recognizes that:

Waterboarding is torture — not tradition
Forcing someone to exercise until they collapse is assault — not brotherhood
Hog-tying someone for over an hour is false imprisonment — not bonding
Making someone lie in their own vomit is degradation — not character-building

If it causes physical or psychological harm, it’s not tradition — it’s hazing.

5. What if my child is afraid of retribution?

We understand. Our Houston client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). Hazing victims often fear:

Social ostracization
Academic retaliation
Physical threats
Damage to their reputation

We protect our clients:

Confidential consultations — No one needs to know you called
Legal protection — Retaliation is illegal; we can take action
Discreet representation — We work behind the scenes to build your case
Media strategy — We control the narrative to protect you

6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus under Michigan law. Many hazing incidents occur:

At fraternity houses (even if not university-owned)
At private residences (like our case, where hazing occurred at a former member’s home)
At off-campus events
During road trips or retreats

Wherever it happened, we can pursue the case.

7. What if my child was injured but not hospitalized?

You may still have a case. Hazing injuries include:

Physical injuries — Bruises, cuts, broken bones, burns, muscle damage
Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear
Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
Educational impact — Failed courses, delayed graduation

Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, the abuse they suffered may entitle them to compensation.

8. What if my child is an international student?

Your immigration status does not affect your legal rights. We represent students from all backgrounds, including:

International students
DACA recipients
Undocumented students
Students with visa concerns

Hazing is illegal regardless of immigration status. We will protect your privacy and your case.

9. What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

Universities often claim ignorance — but the law holds them accountable. In our Houston case:

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 real oversight despite knowing the risks

Universities near Gratiot County have the same responsibilities:

Duty to protect students
Power to regulate Greek organizations
Knowledge that hazing is a risk in Greek life

We will prove they knew or should have known.

10. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Michigan law gives you 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However:

Evidence disappears quickly — Texts are deleted, witnesses forget
Fraternities destroy records — They don’t want to be held accountable
The sooner you act, the stronger your case

Gratiot County families: Don’t wait. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Gratiot County Hazing Resources

Report Hazing:

Central Michigan University Police: (989) 774-3081
Alma College Campus Safety: (989) 463-7777
Michigan State University Police: (517) 355-2221
University of Michigan Police: (734) 763-1131
Michigan Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

Medical Care Near Gratiot County:

McLaren Central Michigan (Mount Pleasant): (989) 772-6700
Gratiot Medical Center (Alma): (989) 463-1101
MidMichigan Medical Center – Gratiot: (989) 466-3250

Mental Health Support:

CMU Counseling Center: (989) 774-3381
Alma College Counseling Services: (989) 463-7225
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

Gratiot County Parents: Protect Your Child

Warning Signs of Hazing

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Gratiot County, watch for these warning signs:

Physical Signs	Behavioral Signs	Emotional Signs
Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns	Withdrawing from family/friends	Anxiety or panic attacks
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion	Changes in sleep patterns	Depression or sadness
Weight loss or gain	Avoiding certain people	Mood swings or irritability
Difficulty walking or moving	Secretive behavior	Fear of going to school
Signs of alcohol poisoning	Sudden academic decline	Nightmares or flashbacks
Vomiting or nausea	Loss of interest in activities	Talking about “traditions” or “tests”

If you notice these signs, ask your child what’s happening. And call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Message to Gratiot County Fraternities

To the fraternities operating near Gratiot County:

We know who you are.

We know your corporate structures.

We know your insurance policies.

We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

We know your chapters at Central Michigan University, Alma College, Michigan State University, and University of Michigan have the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Houston.

If you haze students in Gratiot County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. And we will hold you accountable.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

Gratiot County Families: Call Now

Your Child Deserves Justice. Your Family Deserves Compensation.