Hazing Victims in Monroe County, Michigan: Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Monroe County

Monroe County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations will provide a positive environment for growth and friendship. Tragically, this trust is too often betrayed by a dangerous culture of hazing that has infiltrated fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations across Michigan and the nation.

This is happening right here in Monroe County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at universities near Monroe County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston – waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, psychological torture – exist at Michigan institutions. And the same institutional failures that allowed hazing at the University of Houston are present at universities serving Monroe County students.

If your child has been hazed in Monroe County or at any Michigan university, you are not alone. We are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of a student who ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. Monroe County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

What Monroe County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing is Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them – regardless of whether the person consents. In Michigan, hazing is illegal and can result in both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

Common hazing activities reported at Michigan universities include:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical exercise causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
• Sleep deprivation affecting academic performance and health
• Psychological abuse including humiliation and threats
• Physical assaults including paddling and beatings
• Sexual humiliation and assault
• Waterboarding and other forms of simulated drowning

The Medical Consequences Can Be Life-Threatening

The hazing that hospitalized our client in Houston caused rhabdomyolysis – a serious medical condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the bloodstream that can cause kidney failure. This is the same condition that has affected hazing victims at Michigan universities.

Other serious medical consequences of hazing include:

• Alcohol poisoning (which can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or beatings
• Heat stroke or hypothermia from exposure
• Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
• Permanent psychological trauma including PTSD
• Death

Michigan’s Anti-Hazing Laws Protect Your Child

Michigan has strong laws against hazing. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t, hazing is a criminal offense that can result in:

• Up to 93 days in jail for misdemeanor hazing
• Up to 5 years in prison for hazing that causes serious injury
• Up to 15 years in prison for hazing that causes death

Importantly, Michigan law states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible.

Universities Near Monroe County Have a Duty to Protect Students

Universities serving Monroe County students have a legal responsibility to:

• Implement and enforce anti-hazing policies
• Train students and staff to recognize and report hazing
• Investigate reports of hazing promptly and thoroughly
• Take appropriate disciplinary action against organizations and individuals involved in hazing
• Provide a safe environment for all students

When universities fail in these duties, they can be held legally and financially responsible for the harm caused to students.

The University of Houston Case: What Happened and Why It Matters to Monroe County

Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case demonstrates exactly what Monroe County families are up against when hazing occurs.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. Despite not yet being enrolled at the university (he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer for the spring semester), he was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning as a form of torture
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting – then made to continue physical activities while in distress
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological abuse – threats of expulsion, humiliation, carrying sexual objects

On November 3, 2025, after being forced to perform extreme physical exercises as punishment, Bermudez collapsed and couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. By November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

Why This Case Matters to Monroe County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Monroe County
   Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across Michigan, including some that Monroe County students attend. The same national organization that failed to prevent this hazing oversees chapters where your children might be pledging.

2. Universities Near Monroe County Face the Same Liability Issues
   The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Many Michigan universities have similar relationships with Greek organizations – they own the property, collect rent, and have the power to inspect and regulate these organizations.

3. Pattern of Negligence
   This wasn’t Pi Kappa Phi’s first hazing incident. In 2017, a student died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. The national organization had 8 years to fix their culture but failed to do so. Similarly, the University of Houston had a hazing hospitalization in 2017 at a different fraternity but failed to implement effective safeguards.

4. $10 Million Demand Shows What’s Possible
   We are seeking $10 million in damages for our client. This amount is supported by precedent – other hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Monroe County families can seek similar compensation.

5. The Defendants Are Already Trying to Minimize Their Responsibility
   Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter before our lawsuit was filed – an attempt to distance themselves from the wrongdoing. They’ve already stated they “look forward to returning to campus” – showing no remorse and planning to continue operations. This demonstrates why strong legal action is necessary to force real change.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Hazing in Monroe County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities can be held responsible for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Having knowledge of hazing risks and failing to act
• Maintaining a culture that enables hazing

3. The University

Universities can be held responsible for:

• Failing to implement effective anti-hazing policies
• Failing to train students and staff about hazing
• Failing to investigate reports of hazing
• Failing to discipline organizations or individuals involved in hazing
• Premises liability – if the university owns or controls the property where hazing occurred

4. Individual Members

Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued individually, including:

• Chapter presidents
• Pledgemasters
• Active members
• Alumni who host or participate in hazing events

5. Housing Corporations

Organizations that own fraternity or sorority houses can be held responsible for hazing that occurs on their property.

6. Insurance Companies

Most organizations carry liability insurance that may cover hazing claims. As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to pursue these policies aggressively.

What Monroe County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future) – hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, medications
• Lost wages – time missed from work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity – if injuries affect future career prospects
• Educational expenses – tuition for time missed, cost of transferring schools
• Other out-of-pocket expenses – travel for medical treatment, home modifications

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering – the physical agony caused by hazing injuries
• Mental anguish – emotional distress from the abuse
• Emotional distress – anxiety, depression, PTSD resulting from hazing
• Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in activities the victim once enjoyed
• Disfigurement – permanent scars or other visible injuries
• Loss of consortium – impact on family relationships

Punitive Damages

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. The waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and other torture our client endured support a claim for punitive damages.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Can and Do Win Big

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These cases show what’s possible for Monroe County families:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha

• $10.1 million total settlement (largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history)
• $2.9 million from the university
• $7.2 million from the fraternity and individuals
• Foltz died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta

• $6.1 million jury verdict
• Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 – more than 6 times the legal limit)
• Resulted in the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi

• $110+ million estimated settlement (confidential)
• Piazza died after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes and falling down stairs
• Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911
• Resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi

• $4+ million settlement (October 2024)
• Oakes died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Resulted in criminal charges against 6 fraternity members

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Monroe County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately. Medical documentation is crucial for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of any visible injuries
• Save all communications – text messages, emails, social media posts about hazing
• Document everything – write down what happened, when, who was involved
• Get witness information – names and contact information of others who witnessed the hazing
• Keep all medical records – hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel

• The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
• The university may try to protect its reputation
• Anything you say can be used against you in a legal proceeding
• Do not sign any documents without consulting an attorney

4. Do NOT Post About the Incident on Social Media

• Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for evidence
• Even innocent posts can be taken out of context
• Stay off social media until your case is resolved

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

• Statute of limitations – Michigan has deadlines for filing lawsuits (typically 3 years for personal injury, but shorter in some cases)
• Evidence disappears – organizations may destroy records, witnesses may forget details
• Insurance companies move quickly – they’ll try to get you to accept a low settlement before you know the full extent of your damages

Why Monroe County Families Choose Attorney 911

Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW. Monroe County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate. This is particularly important when dealing with national fraternities and sororities that operate across state lines.

Dual-State Bar Admission

Both attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national organizations headquartered in different states.

Proven Track Record of Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
• Significant recoveries in catastrophic injury cases
• Successful outcomes against large institutions and corporations

Experience with Complex Litigation

Our attorneys have experience with complex, high-stakes litigation including:

• BP Texas City Explosion – mass tort litigation involving 15 deaths and 180+ injuries
• Federal civil rights cases – including First Amendment retaliation claims
• High-profile criminal defense – with multiple case dismissals

We Travel to Monroe County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Monroe County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that Monroe County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

We treat our clients like family. Monroe County families will receive:

• Personal attention from experienced attorneys
• Clear communication throughout the legal process
• Compassionate understanding of the trauma you’ve experienced
• Aggressive advocacy against powerful institutions

What to Expect When You Contact Us

1. Free, Confidential Consultation

We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case at no cost to you. This consultation is completely confidential.

2. Immediate Action Plan

If we take your case, we’ll:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve evidence
• Begin collecting and preserving evidence
• Handle all communications with the defendants and their insurance companies
• Coordinate medical treatment and documentation
• Investigate all potential sources of liability

3. Comprehensive Case Development

We’ll build your case by:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Obtaining medical records
• Reviewing university policies and procedures
• Researching the history of hazing at the organization
• Consulting with medical and hazing experts

4. Aggressive Negotiation

We’ll pursue maximum compensation through:

• Demand letters to all defendants
• Negotiations with insurance companies
• Mediation when appropriate
• We will not accept lowball settlement offers

5. Trial Preparation and Litigation

If necessary, we’ll take your case to court and fight for justice before a judge and jury. We are trial attorneys who are not afraid to go to court against powerful institutions.

Monroe County Universities and Hazing Risks

Monroe County students attend various universities across Michigan and the region. Some of the universities with active Greek life where hazing risks exist include:

Universities Near Monroe County with Greek Life

Note: The presence of Greek life at these universities does not mean all chapters engage in hazing. However, the risk exists at all universities with Greek organizations, and families should be aware of the potential dangers.

National Fraternities with Chapters Near Monroe County

Many of the same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases have chapters at universities near Monroe County:

Warning Signs of Hazing for Monroe County Parents

Hazing often begins subtly and escalates over time. Monroe County parents should watch for these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden reluctance to talk about their organization
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep)
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Unexplained absences from class
• Avoiding certain topics or acting evasive when asked about their activities

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Difficulty walking or moving normally
• Signs of exhaustion or sleep deprivation
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Unusual smells (alcohol, vomit, etc.)
• Wearing unusual or inappropriate clothing

Organizational Red Flags

• Being required to carry specific items at all times
• Being assigned “tasks” or “errands” for older members
• Being excluded from certain activities or events
• Being required to wear specific clothing or costumes
• Being subjected to public humiliation or degrading activities
• Being required to memorize extensive information about the organization
• Being required to perform physical challenges or tests

Communication Patterns

• Receiving late-night calls or texts from organization members
• Sudden increase in phone or social media activity at odd hours
• Using coded language or inside jokes you don’t understand
• Being reluctant to let you see their phone or social media
• Receiving mysterious packages or items

Frequently Asked Questions from Monroe County Families

Q: My child agreed to participate in the activities. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible. The law recognizes that peer pressure, threats, and the desire to belong can coerce students into participating in activities they wouldn’t otherwise agree to.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still responsible?

A: Yes. Universities have a legal duty to implement and enforce anti-hazing policies. They also have a duty to investigate reports of hazing and take appropriate action. If they failed to do so, they can be held responsible even if they claim they didn’t know about specific incidents.

In our University of Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect and regulate the property but failed to do so. Many Michigan universities have similar relationships with Greek organizations.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “a few bad apples.” Why sue the whole organization?

A: Because hazing is rarely the work of just a few individuals. It’s typically a systemic problem that involves:

• Chapter leadership that organizes and approves hazing activities
• National organizations that fail to supervise and enforce policies
• Universities that fail to implement effective oversight
• A culture that enables and protects hazing

By suing the entire organization, we can force real systemic change that protects future students.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: We understand this fear – our client in the University of Houston case is also afraid of retribution. Here’s what we can do to protect your child:

• Handle all communications with the organization and university
• Ensure your child’s identity is protected when possible
• Take legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Work with law enforcement if threats are made
• Provide resources for psychological support

Q: We’re in Monroe County. Can you really help us if the hazing happened in another city or state?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We can evaluate your case regardless of where the hazing occurred through:

• Video consultations – we can meet with you remotely
• Federal court authority – we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Travel commitment – we come to Monroe County for client meetings, depositions, and trials
• Local partnerships – we work with local counsel when needed to ensure compliance with state laws

Q: How long will this take? We don’t want this hanging over our child’s head for years.

A: We understand that families want to move forward. The timeline depends on several factors:

• Severity of injuries – more severe injuries may require longer treatment and documentation
• Number of defendants – cases with multiple defendants often take longer to resolve
• Willingness to settle – some cases settle quickly; others require litigation
• Court schedules – trial dates depend on court availability

While some cases settle within months, others may take a year or more. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation.

Q: How much will this cost us? We can’t afford expensive legal fees.

A: You won’t pay anything upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency, which means:

• No retainer or hourly fees
• No upfront costs
• We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)

This arrangement allows Monroe County families to pursue justice without financial barriers.

Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late to take legal action?

A: Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 3 years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions:

• If the victim was a minor at the time, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• In some cases, the clock may start when the injury is discovered rather than when it occurred
• Different deadlines may apply to different defendants

It’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may expire.

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t require hospitalization. Do we still have a case?

A: Yes. You don’t need to be hospitalized to have a valid hazing claim. Even if your child’s injuries were “minor,” they may still be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disruption to education

Many hazing victims suffer long-term psychological effects that don’t require hospitalization but still warrant compensation.

Q: The fraternity says they’ve already punished the individuals involved. Why do we need to sue?

A: Because individual punishments don’t address the systemic failures that allowed hazing to occur. To prevent future hazing, we need to:

• Hold the entire organization accountable
• Force changes in policies and culture
• Send a message that hazing has financial consequences
• Ensure victims receive compensation for their injuries

In our University of Houston case, the fraternity closed the chapter before our lawsuit was filed – an attempt to distance themselves from the wrongdoing. But this doesn’t compensate our client or prevent future hazing.

Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that hurt our case?

A: No. Even if your child consumed alcohol, the organization is still responsible for:

• Providing alcohol to minors (if applicable)
• Encouraging or forcing excessive drinking
• Failing to provide proper supervision
• Allowing dangerous activities to occur

Michigan law recognizes that peer pressure and coercion can lead students to make poor decisions. The focus should be on the organization’s conduct, not the victim’s.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Michigan’s hazing law applies to activities that occur on or off campus. Many hazing incidents occur at:

• Fraternity/sorority houses (even if not university-owned)
• Off-campus apartments
• Hotels or rented event spaces
• Outdoor locations
• Vehicles

The location doesn’t matter – if hazing occurred, the organization can be held responsible.

Monroe County Resources for Hazing Victims

Reporting Hazing in Michigan

If you suspect hazing is occurring, you can report it to:

Medical Resources in Monroe County

Support Organizations

Contact Attorney 911 – Monroe County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

If your child has been hazed in Monroe County or at any Michigan university, we can help. Our attorneys are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit and will bring the same aggressive representation to Monroe County families.

How to Reach Us

📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

📍 Monroe County Families: We offer video consultations and will travel to Monroe County for client meetings, depositions, and trials.

What to Expect When You Call

1. Immediate response – We answer calls 24/7
2. Free, confidential consultation – No obligation, no pressure
3. Case evaluation – We’ll assess your legal options
4. Action plan – Next steps to protect your rights
5. No upfront costs – We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

Serving Monroe County and Beyond

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. Monroe County families can expect:

• Personal attention from experienced attorneys
• Aggressive advocacy against powerful institutions
• Compassionate understanding of your situation
• Nationwide reach – we can handle cases at any Michigan university
• Federal court authority – for cases involving national organizations
• Travel commitment – we come to Monroe County as needed

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims often delay seeking help due to shame, fear, or loyalty to their organization. But waiting can jeopardize your legal rights:

• Evidence disappears – organizations may destroy records, witnesses may forget details
• Statutes of limitations expire – Michigan has deadlines for filing lawsuits
• Insurance companies move quickly – they’ll try to get you to accept a low settlement before you know the full extent of your damages

Don’t let powerful institutions silence your child’s voice. Don’t let them get away with abuse. Monroe County families deserve justice.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for Monroe County’s hazing victims.