Hazing Lawyers in Kent County, MI – Holding Fraternities Accountable for Abuse
Kent County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or worse due to fraternity hazing in Kent County, Michigan, you deserve justice. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Kent County families.
Hazing is Not Tradition. It’s Torture.
What happened in Houston can – and does – happen here in Kent County. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student until he suffered kidney failure operate chapters at universities near Kent County. The same institutional failures that allowed a student to be hospitalized in Texas exist right here in Michigan.
We’ve seen what these organizations do. We know how they try to silence victims. And we know how to make them pay.
The Hazing Crisis in Kent County, MI
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Kent County is home to several universities with active Greek life communities, including:
- Grand Valley State University (Allendale)
- Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids)
- Calvin University (Grand Rapids)
- Aquinas College (Grand Rapids)
- Nearby institutions like Michigan State University (45 minutes away)
The same fraternities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide have chapters at these schools:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing incidents across the country. They operate the same way in Kent County – and they need to be held accountable.
Kent County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next
In our current case, a student 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 keep running
- Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
This wasn’t at some distant university. This happened at a major public university – just like those near Kent County.
The same “traditions” that put our client in the hospital exist in Kent County fraternities.
Why Kent County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the courtroom fighting for hazing victims today. Kent County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this landmark case.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims – and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, giving us the ability to pursue Kent County cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate.
4. Dual-State Licensed
We’re licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternity organizations headquartered outside Michigan.
5. We Come to Kent County
While we’re based in Texas, we travel to Kent County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. $0 Upfront Cost
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win. Kent County families don’t pay a dime unless we secure compensation for you.
7. Bilingual Services
Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking Kent County families without language barriers.
What Kent County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational expenses (tuition, fees if enrollment was disrupted)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause long-term limitations)
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering (from injuries sustained during hazing)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and shame (from degrading hazing activities)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience)
Punitive Damages
For particularly egregious conduct, Michigan courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing. Our current case involves:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forced exercise until collapse
- Physical beatings with wooden paddles
- Forced consumption until vomiting
This is not hazing. This is torture – and it warrants punitive damages.
Who We Can Sue for Kent County Hazing Victims
1. The Local Chapter
The Kent County fraternity chapter that directly organized and participated in the hazing.
2. National Fraternity Organization
The national headquarters that failed to supervise their Kent County chapter despite knowing about hazing problems nationwide.
3. University Administration
The university that failed to protect students despite having the power to regulate Greek life. Many universities near Kent County own fraternity houses – making them directly liable for what happens on their property.
4. Individual Members
Every member who participated in, witnessed, or failed to stop the hazing can be held personally liable.
5. Alumni and Housing Corporations
Former members and their spouses who allowed hazing to occur at their homes.
6. Insurance Companies
Most fraternities and universities carry liability insurance that should cover hazing incidents.
Kent County Hazing Case Examples
$10.1 Million Settlement (Ohio)
Victim: Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)
Incident: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
Result: Death; $10.1 million settlement
$6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Louisiana)
Victim: Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta)
Incident: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event
Result: Death; $6.1 million verdict
$110+ Million Settlement (Pennsylvania)
Victim: Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi)
Incident: 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
Result: Death; $110+ million settlement
$10 Million Lawsuit (Texas – Our Current Case)
Victim: Leonel Bermudez (Pi Kappa Phi)
Incident: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles
Result: Kidney failure; $10 million lawsuit pending
These results are possible for Kent County victims too.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Kent County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Text messages (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
- Photos and videos (of injuries, hazing activities)
- Witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
- Medical records (hospital bills, doctor notes)
- Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules)
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability. Anything you say can be used against you.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
Insurance companies and fraternity lawyers will use your posts to argue you weren’t really hurt.
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
Kent County families have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears quickly – don’t wait.
Kent County Hazing Warning Signs
Physical Hazing
- Extreme exercise (100+ pushups, 500+ squats)
- Beatings with objects (paddles, belts, etc.)
- Branding or burning
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
Psychological Hazing
- Verbal abuse and humiliation
- Forced to carry embarrassing objects
- Isolation from friends/family
- Threats of physical harm or expulsion
- Forced to perform degrading acts
Sexual Hazing
- Forced nudity
- Sexualized activities
- Inappropriate touching
- Carrying sexual objects
Kent County Parents: Watch for These Red Flags
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
- Missing classes or declining academic performance
- Unexplained absences from home
- Secretive behavior about fraternity activities
- Sudden requests for money (for “fraternity expenses”)
Kent County Universities and Greek Life: The Reality
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
- Active Greek life community with multiple fraternities and sororities
- National organizations with hazing histories operate on campus
- University has disciplinary procedures but often reacts only after incidents occur
Michigan State University (MSU)
- Large Greek system with over 50 fraternities and sororities
- History of hazing incidents (though not always publicly reported)
- University has faced criticism for Greek life oversight
Cornerstone University & Calvin University
- Smaller Greek systems but still susceptible to hazing culture
- Christian institutions where hazing may be disguised as “character building”
Kent County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kent County Hazing Cases
Q: My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. In Michigan, as in Texas, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed something or agreed to participate, they cannot legally consent to being hazed.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
A: No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and physical beatings are not traditions – they’re crimes.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do we protect our child?
A: We take victim protection seriously. We can:
- File restraining orders if necessary
- Ensure anonymity in court documents
- Handle all communications with the fraternity/university
- Protect your child’s academic standing
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency – we only get paid if we win your case. Kent County families pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a fraternity house, private residence, or any other location, we can pursue the case.
Q: What if my child was drinking? Will that hurt our case?
A: No. Even if alcohol was involved, the fraternity is responsible for forcing or coercing consumption. They cannot use your child’s actions against them when they created the dangerous environment.
Kent County Hazing Resources
Reporting Hazing in Michigan
- Michigan State Police: 1-800-342-7677
- Local Police: Call 911 for emergencies
- University Reporting:
- GVSU: Office of Student Conduct
- MSU: Office of Student Support & Accountability
- Calvin University: Student Life Office
Support for Hazing Victims
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Legal Resources
- Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Michigan Attorney General: Consumer Protection Division
Kent County Parents: This Is Your Call to Action
1. If Your Child Was Hazed – Call Us Now
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer free, confidential consultations for Kent County families. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
2. If You Suspect Hazing – Act Immediately
Don’t wait for your child to be hospitalized. If you suspect hazing is occurring, contact us before it’s too late.
3. If You Know Someone Who Was Hazed – Refer Them
Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward. If you know someone who was hazed, refer them to us. We can protect their identity and help them seek justice.
4. Join the Movement to End Hazing
Follow us on social media to stay updated on our hazing cases and learn how you can help end hazing culture in Kent County and nationwide.
Our Promise to Kent County Families
- We will listen – without judgment, without blame.
- We will fight – aggressively, relentlessly, for maximum compensation.
- We will protect – your child’s identity, academic standing, and future.
- We will win – because we know how these organizations operate and how to make them pay.
You trusted these organizations with your child’s safety. They betrayed that trust. Now trust us to make it right.
Kent County Hazing Lawyers: 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Kent County, Michigan from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
📍 We come to Kent County for your case
💬 Video consultations available for Kent County families
📞 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough. The time for change is now.
