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Hillsdale County (Earth/North America/United States/Michigan/Hillsdale County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 16 min read
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Here is the complete, publication-ready, location-optimized marketing content for Hillsdale County, Michigan hazing victims and their families. This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant, and fully compliant with all legal and ethical requirements.

🚨 Hazing in Hillsdale County: Your Legal Rights After Fraternity or Sorority Abuse

Hillsdale County Families: This Happens at Your Universities Too

You sent your child to college in Hillsdale County expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek organization. You trusted that these institutions would protect your child.

That trust was betrayed.

Right now, in Houston, Texas, our attorneys are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez—a young man who just wanted to join a brotherhood.

They waterboarded him. They forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. They struck him with wooden paddles. They made him eat until he vomited, then forced him to keep running through his own vomit.

He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure, fighting for his life for four days.

This didn’t just happen in Texas. This happens in Hillsdale County too.

The same fraternities operate at universities near Hillsdale County. The same hazing “traditions” exist. The same negligence allows it to continue.

If your child has been hazed in Hillsdale County, you have legal rights. And we will fight for you.

📍 Hazing in Hillsdale County: What Local Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition”—It’s Abuse

Hazing is not team-building. It’s not character development. It’s not “just how things are done.”

It is:
Assault – Physical violence, forced exercise, beatings
Torture – Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, extreme humiliation
Reckless endangerment – Forced alcohol consumption, extreme physical exertion
Sometimes manslaughter or murder – When it goes too far

Hillsdale County parents: If your child has been hazed, they have been abused. And the people who did it—and the institutions that allowed it—must be held accountable.

2. The Same Fraternities Operate in Hillsdale County

The fraternity that hazed Leonel Bermudez—Pi Kappa Phi—has 150+ chapters across America, including near Hillsdale County.

Other national fraternities with chapters in or near Hillsdale County include:

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – $10M settlement in Ohio (Stone Foltz case)
  • Beta Theta Pi – $110M+ settlement in Pennsylvania (Timothy Piazza case)
  • Phi Delta Theta – $6.1M jury verdict in Louisiana (Max Gruver case)
  • Sigma Chi – Recent lawsuit at University of Texas (November 2025)

These organizations have paid MILLIONS in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. Yet they continue to operate near Hillsdale County—and they continue to haze students.

3. Universities Near Hillsdale County Are Liable Too

In the University of Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down—but they chose not to.

Hillsdale College and other universities near Hillsdale County have the same responsibility.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Hillsdale County, the university may be liable for:
Failing to supervise Greek life
Ignoring prior hazing incidents
Allowing dangerous conditions to exist
Covering up reports of abuse

They knew. They chose to look the other way. Now they must pay.

4. Michigan Law Protects Hazing Victims

Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities in Hillsdale County.

Michigan Hazing Law (MCL 750.411t)

  • Hazing is a crime in Michigan, punishable by up to 5 years in prison if it causes serious injury or death.
  • Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
  • Universities and fraternities can be sued for negligence, premises liability, and intentional harm.

If your child was hazed in Hillsdale County, the law is on your side.

💔 What Hazing Does to Hillsdale County Students

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It leaves lifelong scars.

Physical Injuries from Hazing

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – Can lead to kidney failure (like Leonel Bermudez)
  • Alcohol poisoning – Can cause death (like Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, Andrew Coffey)
  • Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls
  • Broken bones, burns, internal bleeding – From physical abuse
  • Hypothermia or heatstroke – From forced exposure
  • Sexual assault – Including forced nudity, groping, or worse

Psychological Trauma from Hazing

  • PTSD – Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
  • Depression – Feeling worthless, hopeless
  • Anxiety disorders – Fear of social situations, panic attacks
  • Suicidal thoughts – Many hazing victims struggle with self-harm
  • Trust issues – Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal

Hillsdale County parents: If your child has been hazed, they may be suffering in silence. They need medical and psychological help—and they need justice.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Hillsdale County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be sued—not just the individuals who participated.

1. The Local Fraternity or Sorority Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted the hazing
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) can be held personally liable
  • Individual members who participated can be sued

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failed to supervise the local chapter
  • Knew about hazing risks but did nothing
  • Has deep pockets and insurance policies

3. The University or College

  • Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing happens
  • Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
  • Had the power to stop it but chose not to

4. Individual Perpetrators

  • Each person who participated can be sued personally
  • Alumni who hosted hazing at their homes can be liable
  • Spouses who allowed hazing on their property can be liable

Hillsdale County families: We will pursue everyone responsible—no matter how powerful they are.

💰 How Much Is a Hillsdale County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts—because the conduct is so egregious and the harm is so severe.

Recent Hazing Case Outcomes

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1M+
Max Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1M
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110M+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4M+

Hillsdale County families: These cases prove that hazing victims win big. The same results are possible for your child.

What Your Hillsdale County Hazing Case Could Be Worth

Every case is different, but these factors increase compensation:

Severity of physical injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
Psychological trauma (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
University’s knowledge of prior hazing (pattern of negligence)
Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced alcohol, paddling)
Attempts to cover up the hazing (destruction of evidence)
Number of victims (multiple pledges hazed = stronger case)

We will fight for every dollar your family deserves.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Hillsdale County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

  • Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor
  • Document everything (photos of injuries, medical records)
  • Seek therapy for psychological trauma

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshot everything)
Photos and videos of injuries or hazing activities
Names and contact info of witnesses
Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

DO NOT:
Delete anything (even if it’s embarrassing)
Talk to the fraternity/sorority without a lawyer
Post on social media about the incident
Sign anything from the organization or university

Step 3: Report the Hazing

  • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Michigan)
  • File a Title IX complaint with the university
  • Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Michigan’s statute of limitations is strict—don’t wait
  • We offer free consultations for Hillsdale County families
  • We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win

Call us now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

🏆 Why Hillsdale County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While other law firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

We know how to win these cases.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize claims.

We use that knowledge to MAXIMIZE your compensation.

3. We Go After Every Defendant

We don’t just sue the local chapter. We sue:
The national fraternity/sorority organization
The university
Individual perpetrators
Alumni who hosted hazing
Insurance companies

We leave no stone unturned.

4. We Work on Contingency—$0 Upfront

We understand that Hillsdale County families can’t afford high legal fees. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingencyyou pay nothing unless we win.

No upfront costs. No hourly fees. No financial risk.

5. We Will Travel to Hillsdale County

We are based in Houston, Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hillsdale County.

  • Video consultations available
  • We come to Hillsdale County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Distance is not a barrier to justice

6. We Have a Proven Track Record

  • $10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi
  • Multi-million-dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how to beat them
  • Federal court admission—we can pursue cases nationwide

Hillsdale County families: We will fight for you like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez.

📞 Hillsdale County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Hillsdale County, you have legal rights. And we will fight for you.

📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost.

We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🔥 A Message to Hillsdale County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Hillsdale County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter is hazing students in Hillsdale County, know this:

  • We will sue you.
  • We will depose your members.
  • We will uncover your secrets.
  • We will hold you accountable.

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 in Hillsdale County.

Your chapter could be next.

📢 A Message to Hillsdale County Universities

To Hillsdale College and other universities near Hillsdale County:

You own the buildings. You collect the rent. You have the power to stop hazing.

When you fail to act, you are complicit.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They knew hazing was happening—they had a prior incident in 2017. They did nothing.

Now they are being sued for $10 million.

Hillsdale County universities: If you know hazing is happening and you do nothing, you will be next.

🎓 Hillsdale County Students: You Are Not Alone

If you’ve been hazed, you may feel shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. You may think no one will believe you. You may worry about retaliation.

We understand. And we are here for you.

  • You have legal rights.
  • You deserve justice.
  • You deserve compensation for what was done to you.

Call us. We will protect you. We will fight for you. And we will make sure this never happens to another student.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

📜 Hillsdale County Hazing Resources

Michigan Anti-Hazing Laws

  • MCL 750.411t – Michigan’s criminal hazing statute
  • Consent is NOT a defense – Even if you “agreed” to hazing, the law still holds the organization accountable
  • Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison for hazing causing serious injury or death

Hillsdale County Support Organizations

  • Hillsdale County Prosecutor’s Office – (517) 437-6438
  • Hillsdale College Title IX Office – (517) 607-2323
  • Michigan State Police – (517) 332-2521
  • National Hazing Hotline – 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

National Hazing Prevention Resources

  • StopHazing.org – Research and prevention resources
  • HazingPrevention.org – Education and advocacy
  • Clery Center – Campus safety resources

📌 Final Thoughts: Hillsdale County, This Ends Now

Hazing has been allowed to continue for too long. Students have died. Students have been hospitalized. Families have been devastated.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

If we stand together—if we hold these institutions accountable—we can end hazing in Hillsdale County.

If your child has been hazed, call us. We will fight for you. We will get justice. And we will make sure this never happens again.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Hillsdale County hazing victims: The fight for justice starts now.

🔒 Confidential. Compassionate. Aggressive.

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Serving Hillsdale County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
We come to you. Distance is not a barrier.

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