Hazing Lawsuit Attorney in Iron County, Michigan | Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Iron County and Across Michigan
Has your child been the victim of fraternity hazing, sorority abuse, or other dangerous initiation rituals at a Michigan college or university? If so, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to fight this battle by yourself.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for the severe injuries suffered by a student who was waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical punishment, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening in Iron County, Michigan, and at universities across the state.
We are Michigan’s hazing litigation experts, and we fight for victims and families in Iron County and throughout the state. If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization, sports team, or student group, we can help you seek justice and compensation—no matter where in Michigan the incident occurred.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Michigan: What Iron County Families Need to Know
Hazing is not harmless “tradition.” It is abuse, torture, and reckless endangerment—and it happens right here in Iron County and across Michigan.
Michigan Universities Where Hazing Occurs
While we can’t name specific incidents without verified documentation, hazing is a documented problem at colleges and universities near Iron County, including:
- Northern Michigan University (Marquette, MI) – Home to multiple Greek organizations with active chapters
- Michigan Technological University (Houghton, MI) – Engineering and STEM-focused school with a strong Greek presence
- Lake Superior State University (Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – Smaller university with Greek life involvement
- Other Michigan institutions – Including University of Michigan, Michigan State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, and more
The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others—operate chapters at Michigan universities, including those near Iron County.
What Hazing Looks Like in Michigan
Hazing in Michigan takes many forms, including:
✅ Physical abuse – Forced exercise (500+ squats, 100+ pushups), beatings with paddles, branding, sleep deprivation
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, consumption of non-food substances
✅ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, verbal abuse, threats of expulsion
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Extreme exposure – Forced to endure cold weather in minimal clothing, confined spaces, dangerous conditions
This is not “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” This is assault. This is battery. This is illegal.
Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – Exactly what happened to our client in Texas
- Alcohol poisoning – Can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls
- Hypothermia or heatstroke – From forced exposure
- Sexual assault injuries – Physical and psychological trauma
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression – Long-term mental health damage
- Death – At least one hazing death occurs in the U.S. every year
💰 Why Iron County Families Are Choosing Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student who was:
✔ Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✔ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck with wooden paddles
✔ Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
✔ Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom fighting this case today. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Iron County and Michigan families.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
Universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. They will argue:
- “He consented to the activities.”
- “It’s just tradition—everyone goes through it.”
- “The university didn’t know it was happening.”
We know their playbook because we’ve seen it before—and we know how to beat it.
How We Counter Their Defenses:
| Their Argument | Our Response |
|---|---|
| “He consented.” | Michigan law says consent is NOT a defense to hazing. (MCL § 750.411t) |
| “It’s just tradition.” | Tradition doesn’t make abuse legal. Waterboarding is torture, not tradition. |
| “The university didn’t know.” | They knew. Michigan universities have had hazing incidents before—and they failed to stop it. |
| “He could have left.” | Victims face social retaliation, expulsion threats, and peer pressure. That’s coercion, not consent. |
3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We don’t just talk about fighting hazing—we win. Our firm has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for victims of institutional negligence, including:
- $10.1 million – Hazing death case (Bowling Green State University)
- $6.1 million jury verdict – Hazing death case (LSU)
- $110+ million (estimated) – Hazing death case (Penn State)
- Multi-million dollar settlements – For catastrophic injuries and wrongful death
These same results are possible for Iron County and Michigan hazing victims.
4. We Serve Iron County and All of Michigan
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Michigan and Iron County. Here’s how we can help you:
✅ Free consultation – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
✅ Video consultations – Meet with us remotely from Iron County
✅ We travel to Michigan – For depositions, court appearances, and client meetings
✅ Contingency fee – $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
✅ Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction if needed
Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Iron County families just like we’re fighting in Texas.
5. We Understand the Unique Challenges of Hazing Cases
Hazing cases are not like other personal injury cases. They require:
✔ Deep knowledge of Greek life culture – We understand fraternity and sorority dynamics
✔ Experience with institutional cover-ups – Universities and nationals will try to silence victims
✔ Understanding of criminal vs. civil liability – Hazing can lead to both lawsuits and criminal charges
✔ Sensitivity to victim trauma – Many victims fear retaliation or social ostracism
✔ Aggressive evidence preservation – Texts, photos, and witness statements disappear fast
We have the experience and resources to build a strong case for Iron County families.
⚖️ Michigan Hazing Laws: What Iron County Families Need to Know
Michigan’s Anti-Hazing Law (MCL § 750.411t)
Michigan law explicitly prohibits hazing and defines it as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against an individual for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates a risk of physical or mental harm
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Michigan
Hazing is a misdemeanor in Michigan, punishable by:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- If the hazing causes serious injury or death, penalties increase significantly
Universities and organizations can also face civil liability for failing to prevent hazing.
Consent Is NOT a Defense
Michigan law (MCL § 750.411t(7)) 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.”
This means:
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it does not make the hazing legal.
- Fraternities and sororities cannot use “consent” as an excuse.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Iron County or Michigan
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what to do right now:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can worsen over time.
- Document everything – Get copies of all medical records, test results, and bills.
- Take photos of injuries – Bruises, cuts, burns, or other visible harm.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
📱 Save all communications:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Emails from the organization or university
- Any written rules, manuals, or pledge materials
📸 Take photos and videos:
- Injuries at all stages of healing
- The location where hazing occurred (fraternity house, field, etc.)
- Any items used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.)
👥 Get witness information:
- Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Statements from anyone who saw or heard about the hazing
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They may ask you to sign documents or give statements—DON’T.
- Anything you say can be used against you in a lawsuit or criminal case.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines (typically 3 years in Michigan for personal injury). The sooner you contact us, the better we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Identify all liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
- File your claim before the statute of limitations expires
Call Attorney 911 now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Iron County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Iron County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Fraternity/sorority chapter at Northern Michigan University, Michigan Tech, or other Michigan schools |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter, ignored prior incidents | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, etc. |
| University | Owned fraternity house, failed to prevent hazing | Northern Michigan University, Michigan Tech, Lake Superior State, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility (President, Pledgemaster) | Individual students who directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who carried out abuse |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their home | Former members who facilitated abuse |
| Insurance Companies | Provided liability coverage | National fraternity, university, and homeowner’s insurance policies |
We sue EVERYONE responsible—so no one escapes accountability.
💵 What Compensation Can Iron County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)
- Medical bills (hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
- Educational expenses (tuition, lost scholarships, academic disruption)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation)
- Humiliation and shame from psychological abuse
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Our $10 million demand in the Texas case includes punitive damages because:
- Waterboarding is torture – Not just hazing, but a war crime
- They knew about prior deaths – Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at Pi Kappa Phi
- They did nothing to stop it – 8 years later, another student was hospitalized
- They’re already planning to reopen – No remorse, no accountability
🎯 Why Iron County Families Trust Attorney 911
1. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know:
✔ How insurance companies try to minimize claims
✔ What tactics they use to deny liability
✔ How to counter their arguments in court
We use their own strategies against them.
2. We Have Federal Court Authority—We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Licensed in Texas and New York (strategic for national fraternity cases)
- We can pursue Iron County and Michigan cases in federal court if needed
3. We Offer Contingency Fees—$0 Upfront for Iron County Families
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
- No hourly fees – We don’t bill by the hour
- We only get paid if we win – Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict
- If we lose, you owe us nothing
Justice should not be limited by financial means. We make it accessible for Iron County families.
4. We Have a 4.9-Star Google Rating (250+ Reviews)
Don’t just take our word for it—our clients speak for us:
“Ralph and Lupe are the best. They fought for me when no one else would. I was in a terrible accident, and they made sure I got the compensation I deserved. I can’t recommend them enough.” – Dame Haskett
“They treat you like family. I never felt like just another case. They kept me updated every step of the way and got me a settlement that changed my life.” – Ambur Hamilton
“I was hit by an 18-wheeler and had no idea what to do. Ralph and his team took over and handled everything. I didn’t have to worry about a thing.” – Mary F.
“The insurance company tried to lowball me. Ralph wouldn’t let them. He fought for me and got me a settlement that covered all my medical bills and more.” – Vivian Ruiz
5. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial
Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid the courtroom. We don’t.
- We prepare every case for trial from day one.
- We don’t back down from insurance companies or powerful institutions.
- We fight for maximum compensation—not quick, lowball settlements.
If the other side won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take them to court.
📞 Iron County Families: Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a Michigan fraternity, sorority, or student organization, you need to act fast.
✅ Free, confidential case evaluation
✅ No obligation—we’ll explain your legal options
✅ $0 upfront—we only get paid if we win
✅ Available 24/7 for Iron County emergencies
Call Now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Iron County, Michigan, and all of the Upper Peninsula—including Marquette, Houghton, Sault Ste. Marie, and beyond.
🚨 Don’t Wait—Your Legal Rights Are at Stake
Hazing victims often delay seeking help due to:
❌ Shame or embarrassment – “I should have known better.”
❌ Fear of retaliation – “They’ll ruin my reputation.”
❌ Loyalty to the organization – “I don’t want to get them in trouble.”
❌ Not recognizing it as hazing – “It’s just tradition.”
But delaying can cost you your legal rights. Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue forever.
Call Attorney 911 today. We’ll fight for you—just like we’re fighting for our client in Texas.
🔥 A Message to Michigan Fraternities and Universities: We Are Coming for You
To the fraternities operating near Iron County:
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma—we know your chapters.
- We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
- We know you think you can get away with it because “everyone does it.”
You’re wrong.
To the universities in Michigan:
- Northern Michigan University, Michigan Tech, Lake Superior State—we know you have Greek life.
- We know you have the power to stop hazing—and the liability when you don’t.
- We know you own fraternity houses where abuse happens.
We will hold you accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million in Texas apply to Michigan. If you haze students in Iron County, we will find every liable entity—and we will make you pay.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
📢 Iron County Parents: This Could Be Your Child Next
You send your child to college expecting them to be safe, supported, and respected. Instead, they’re being:
❌ Waterboarded – Simulated drowning, a war crime
❌ Forced to drink until they vomit – Alcohol poisoning risk
❌ Beaten with wooden paddles – Physical abuse
❌ Forced to do 500+ squats until they collapse – Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
❌ Humiliated and degraded – Psychological trauma
This isn’t “tradition.” It’s torture. And it’s happening at Michigan universities near Iron County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Iron County or anywhere in Michigan, they are at risk. Talk to them about hazing. Warn them about the dangers. And if the unthinkable happens—call us immediately.
🏆 Our Commitment to Iron County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients—we fight for families. When you hire us, you get:
✔ 25+ years of litigation experience – We’ve handled complex cases against powerful defendants
✔ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how the other side thinks
✔ Federal court authority – We can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
✔ Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront, we only get paid if we win
✔ Compassionate, aggressive advocacy – We treat you like family and fight like warriors
We will not rest until justice is served for Iron County families.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Your child’s future—and your family’s justice—depend on it.