🚨 Ingham County Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Serving Ingham County Families
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in or near Ingham County, we can help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate assistance.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Ingham County
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Michigan. Ingham County students face the same risks, the same fraternities, and the same culture of abuse that has hospitalized and killed students across America.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic abuse. The same fraternities operate at universities near Ingham County. The same hazing happens here. We will fight for Ingham County families with the same determination.
🔥 What Is Hazing? Ingham County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal.
Common hazing activities reported at Ingham County-area institutions include:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, extreme exercise until collapse
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning: Using hoses, buckets, or other methods
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, isolation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous stunts: Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure
These aren’t pranks. They’re crimes. And they can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.
⚠️ Medical Dangers of Hazing: What Ingham County Parents Must Understand
Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises and embarrassment. It can kill.
Common medical consequences of hazing include:
- Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure (exactly what happened to our client in Houston)
- Acute kidney failure — Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
- Alcohol poisoning — Can cause coma or death
- Traumatic brain injury — From beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen
- Hypothermia or heat stroke — From exposure to extreme temperatures
- Cardiac arrest — From extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, depression — Long-term psychological damage
- Suicide — From the shame, trauma, and isolation
Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme exercises. This could happen to your child at an Ingham County university.
🏫 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Ingham County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue all of them.
1. The Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organizes and conducts hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility
- Individual members who participate
2. The National Organization
- Sets policies and culture
- Provides (or fails to provide) oversight
- Often has deep pockets and insurance
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other nationals have paid millions in settlements
3. The University
- Has duty to protect students
- Often owns or controls fraternity/sorority housing
- Can regulate or shut down dangerous organizations
- University of Houston is being sued in our case for owning the house where hazing occurred
4. Housing Corporations
- Own fraternity/sorority property
- Responsible for conditions on premises
5. Individual Perpetrators
- Each person who participates in hazing can be sued individually
- In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
💰 What Ingham County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
- Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational impact: Tuition for lost semesters, scholarship loss
- Future earning capacity: If injuries cause long-term limitations
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering: The agony of hazing and recovery
- Mental anguish: PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Emotional distress: Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages
- To punish outrageous conduct (like waterboarding or forced exercise to kidney failure)
- To deter future hazing — send a message that this won’t be tolerated
- In Texas, punitive damages can exceed $1 million per defendant
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Other hazing cases have settled for $6.1 million, $10.1 million, and even $110 million.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Ingham County
If you suspect or know your child has been hazed, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.
Immediate Steps:
- Get medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get them documented
- Preserve all evidence — Texts, photos, videos, social media posts, clothing
- Do NOT confront the organization — They will destroy evidence and coordinate stories
- Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact an attorney — Free consultations available; we can guide you through the process
What We Do for Ingham County Families:
- Evidence preservation: Secure texts, photos, videos, witness statements
- Medical documentation: Coordinate with doctors to document injuries and prognosis
- Legal strategy: Determine all liable parties and legal claims
- Negotiation: Demand fair compensation from insurance companies and institutions
- Litigation: File lawsuits and take cases to trial if necessary
- Travel: We come to Ingham County for depositions, meetings, and trials
⏳ Time Is Critical: Ingham County Statute of Limitations
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 3 years from the date of injury. However:
- For minors: The clock may not start until they turn 18
- For psychological injuries: May not be discovered until later
- For wrongful death: 3 years from date of death
But don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights weaken over time.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation.
🏆 Our Experience Fighting Hazing Nationwide
At Attorney 911, we’re not just talking about hazing — we’re fighting it in court right now.
Our Current $10 Million Hazing Case
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not a UH student yet — a “ghost rush”)
- Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston
- Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Hazing activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, local chapter, UH, Board of Regents, individuals
This case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media.
Why This Matters for Ingham County:
- The same fraternities operate near Ingham County
- The same hazing culture exists at Ingham County universities
- The same negligence allows hazing to continue
- We will fight for Ingham County families with the same determination
🎯 Why Ingham County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the strategies, the defenses, and how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This allows us to pursue Ingham County cases in federal court if needed.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Texas AND New York. This gives us strategic advantage when suing national fraternities headquartered in other states.
5. Nationwide Service
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Ingham County. We travel to you for depositions and trials.
6. Contingency Fee Representation
You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Ingham County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
7. Bilingual Services
Se habla español. We can serve Ingham County’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
8. 24/7 Availability
Hazing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Ingham County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand the fear of retribution. Our client in the Houston case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We can help protect your child’s identity and pursue justice while minimizing their exposure. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Michigan law and most state laws explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot consent to being abused.
Q: We’re in Ingham County. Can you really help us if your office is in Texas?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote evidence collection
- Travel to Ingham County for depositions and trials
- Federal court representation
- Coordination with local counsel if needed
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university or college near Ingham County?
A: Private universities have the same duty to protect students. We can pursue claims against private institutions in Ingham County and throughout Michigan.
Q: How much is our case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological impact
- Institutional knowledge (did they know about prior hazing?)
- Pattern of abuse
- Defendant’s ability to pay
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Other hazing cases have settled for $6.1 million to $110 million.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: Psychological trauma is compensable. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are serious injuries. We pursue compensation for all forms of harm.
Q: Can we sue even if there are criminal charges?
A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases proceed separately. A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case, but you can sue regardless of criminal outcomes.
📞 Ingham County Families: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in or near Ingham County, call us immediately.
24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer free, confidential consultations. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
🏆 Our Commitment to Ingham County
“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
We’re not just fighting for compensation. We’re fighting to stop hazing. Every case we bring makes it harder for fraternities and universities to ignore the problem. Every settlement sends a message that hazing has consequences.
Ingham County families deserve the same protection we’re fighting for in Houston. We will bring the same determination, the same expertise, and the same relentless pursuit of justice to Ingham County.
📍 Serving All of Ingham County and Surrounding Areas
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve hazing victims throughout Michigan, including:
- Ingham County
- East Lansing (home to Michigan State University)
- Lansing
- Okemos
- Haslett
- Williamston
- Mason
- Holt
- Leslie
- Webberville
- Stockbridge
- Dansville
We also serve students at all Michigan universities and colleges, including:
- Michigan State University
- University of Michigan
- Eastern Michigan University
- Lansing Community College
- And all other institutions where hazing occurs
🔗 Additional Resources for Ingham County Families
StopHazing
Website: stophazing.org
A national organization dedicated to hazing prevention and education.
Clery Center
Website: clerycenter.org
Provides resources on campus safety and student rights.
Michigan State University — Office of Institutional Equity
Website: oie.msu.edu
For reporting hazing and other misconduct at MSU.
University of Michigan — Office of Student Conflict Resolution
Website: oscr.umich.edu
For reporting hazing at U-M.
Ingham County families: You are not alone. Hazing is not tradition. It’s abuse. We can help.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
