Hazing Victims in Houghton County, Michigan: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
Houghton County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Houghton County, Michigan, you need to know: this is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. And you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—right now. We know how to hold fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable. And we will fight just as hard for hazing victims in Houghton County.
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Houghton County
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, and beaten with wooden paddles during a fraternity “initiation.” He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—a life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical abuse.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Houghton County.
The same negligence exists at Houghton County institutions.
And the same legal rights apply to Houghton County families.
What Is Hazing? Michigan Law Explained
Hazing is any intentional act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Michigan’s Anti-Hazing Law (MCL 750.411t)
Under Michigan law, hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Felony charges if the hazing causes serious injury or death
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
What Counts as Hazing?
Hazing can include:
✔ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✔ Forced consumption – Alcohol, drugs, food until vomiting
✔ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
✔ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✔ Dangerous activities – Blindfolded exercises, extreme weather exposure
This is not just “college fun.” This is assault. This is battery. And it can be criminal.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Houghton County?
If your child was hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/college | Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) | Directed hazing activities |
| Individual members | Participated in or enabled hazing |
| Alumni/hosts | Allowed hazing at private residences |
| Insurance companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
In our Houston case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local UH chapter
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
The same legal strategy applies to Houghton County.
What Damages Can Houghton County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
1. Medical Expenses
- Hospital bills
- Emergency room visits
- Ongoing treatment (physical therapy, mental health)
- Future medical costs (dialysis, kidney transplant, etc.)
2. Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain from injuries
- Emotional trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and degradation
3. Lost Wages & Future Earnings
- Time missed from work
- Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries
4. Educational Disruption
- Tuition refunds if forced to drop classes
- Cost of transferring to another school
5. Punitive Damages
- Additional money to punish the organization for extreme misconduct
- Our Houston case seeks $10 million in punitive damages because of the fraternity’s history of hazing
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
These cases prove that hazing victims CAN and DO win big.
The same results are possible for Houghton County families.
What Should Houghton County Families Do Next?
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) take time to develop.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or abusive activities
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts about hazing
✅ Witness names and contact information
✅ Medical records and bills
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
❌ Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity/university without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer
Houghton County families deserve aggressive legal representation.
At Attorney 911, we offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – No upfront cost
✔ Contingency fee basis – You pay $0 unless we win
✔ Nationwide representation – We travel to Houghton County for depositions and trials
✔ Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✔ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how they’ll fight back
Call us 24/7 at 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Houghton County Hazing Cases?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- We know how to build strong cases against fraternities, universities, and national organizations.
- Houghton County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.
2. We Have Proven Results
- $10+ million in hazing case experience
- Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts and settlements
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know their playbook
3. We Understand the Culture of Hazing
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach—he understands the pressures students face.
- We know how fraternities hide, minimize, and cover up hazing.
- We know how universities fail to act until it’s too late.
4. We Serve Houghton County Families
- We travel to Houghton County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- Video consultations available for Houghton County families who cannot travel.
- We handle everything—you focus on your child’s recovery.
The Clock Is Ticking: Michigan’s Statute of Limitations
Michigan law gives hazing victims only 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
If you wait too long, you lose your right to compensation forever.
Act now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Houghton County Universities with Greek Life: We Are Watching
The following universities near Houghton County have active Greek organizations. If your child was hazed at any of these schools, we can help.
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Multiple fraternities & sororities |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette, MI | Multiple fraternities & sororities |
| Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste. Marie, MI | Greek life presence |
| Finlandia University | Hancock, MI | Greek life presence |
The same fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta—have chapters at these schools.
If your child was hazed at any of these universities, call us immediately.
To Houghton County Fraternities: We Are Coming for You
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma—if your chapter operates near Houghton County, know this:
- We are actively tracking your corporate structures.
- We know your insurance policies.
- We know your history of hazing.
- If you haze students in Houghton County, we will find every liable entity.
- We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH.
- Your chapter could be next.
The $10 million lawsuit we filed in Houston is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
Houghton County Parents: Protect Your Child
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Houghton County, they are at risk.
Talk to them about hazing. Tell them:
- They have the right to say no.
- They can report hazing anonymously.
- They should never be forced to do anything dangerous.
- If they’re hazed, they should call us immediately.
You trusted the university to keep them safe. If that trust was betrayed, we will fight for you.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
Houghton County hazing victims and families: You have rights. We will fight for you.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Houghton County Families: Enough Is Enough.
It’s time to hold them accountable.
