24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Osceola County (Earth/North America/United States/Michigan/Osceola County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 18 min read
osceola-county-featured-image.png

Hazing Lawyer in Osceola County, MI – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

If your child was hazed at a college near Osceola County, MI, we can help.

Hazing isn’t just “tradition” or “harmless fun”—it’s abuse, and it can cause life-altering injuries, trauma, and even death. At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity—and others like it—operate at colleges and universities across Michigan, including near Osceola County.

If your child was hazed in Osceola County, MI, or anywhere in Michigan, you have legal rights. We will fight for justice, accountability, and maximum compensation—no matter where the incident occurred.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Osceola County Families Trust Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

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—the same fraternity that has chapters near Osceola County, MI. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being forced to endure extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and humiliation. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight, and we know how to win.

2. We Know How to Sue Fraternities & Universities

Fraternities and universities will try to silence victims, destroy evidence, and avoid responsibility. We know their tactics because we’ve beaten them before. Our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers—we know how they think, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. We Serve Osceola County & All of Michigan

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Osceola County, MI. We offer:
Free remote consultations (video or phone)
Travel to Michigan for depositions, meetings, and trials
Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
Dual-state bar admission (Texas & New York) for strategic advantage

4. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field so you can fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

5. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

Our attorneys have decades of experience with Greek life, university oversight, and the psychology of hazing. We know:

  • How fraternities coerce and intimidate pledges
  • How universities fail to intervene despite knowing the risks
  • How to prove liability even when organizations try to hide evidence

What Counts as Hazing in Michigan?

Hazing isn’t just physical abuse—it includes any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group.

Common Hazing Activities That Can Lead to Lawsuits

Category Examples of Hazing Potential Injuries
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, brain injuries
Forced Consumption Binge drinking, forced eating (until vomiting), drugs Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage, death
Sleep Deprivation All-night activities, forced driving, disrupted sleep Exhaustion, accidents, mental health crises
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects Sexual assault, emotional trauma
Waterboarding/Drowning Simulated drowning, water torture Panic attacks, PTSD, physical harm
Exposure to Elements Forced to stay outside in extreme cold/heat Hypothermia, heatstroke, frostbite
Servitude Forced cleaning, running errands, personal favors Exploitation, exhaustion

If your child experienced any of these near Osceola County, MI, they may have a case.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Osceola County, MI?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held financially responsible. In our $10 million UH case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Osceola County, MI Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Osceola County, the local chapter can be sued.
National Organization Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other nationals operate near Osceola County—they can be held accountable.
University Owned/controlled property; failed to prevent hazing Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and other Michigan schools have a duty to protect students. If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and did nothing, they’re liable.
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing Each person who planned, participated in, or failed to stop hazing can be sued individually.
Former Members/Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes If hazing occurred at an off-campus location near Osceola County, the property owner can be held responsible.
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability Universities and fraternities have insurance policies—we know how to pursue them.

What Compensation Can Osceola County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation, including:

Type of Damages Examples Potential Compensation
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, ER visits, surgery, therapy, future treatment $50,000 – $500,000+
Lost Wages Time missed from work, lost internships, career setbacks $10,000 – $100,000+
Pain & Suffering Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety $250,000 – $5,000,000+
Mental Anguish Depression, humiliation, fear of retribution $100,000 – $2,000,000+
Punitive Damages Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, torture) $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+
Wrongful Death If hazing resulted in death, funeral costs, loss of companionship $1,000,000 – $20,000,000+

Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Win Millions:

  • $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
  • $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
  • $110 million+ – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
  • $10 millionOur current case (Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston)

If your child was hazed near Osceola County, MI, they deserve the same justice.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Osceola County, MI

🚨 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Case

  1. Seek Medical Attention

    • Even if injuries seem minor, get medical records—these are crucial evidence.
    • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
  2. Preserve All Evidence

    • Save all texts, social media messages, GroupMe chats, emails about hazing.
    • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
    • Write down names of witnesses, participants, and anyone who knew about the hazing.
  3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

    • They will try to control the narrative, intimidate your child, or destroy evidence.
    • Anything you say can be used against you in a lawsuit.
  4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

    • Insurance companies and defendants will use your posts against you.
    • Even innocent posts (“I’m fine!”) can be twisted to downplay injuries.
  5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

    • Evidence disappears fast—fraternities delete messages, universities destroy records.
    • Michigan has a statute of limitations—if you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
    • We offer free consultations—call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Osceola County, MI Hazing Case?

1. We’re Already Fighting This Fight

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know:

  • How fraternities hide evidence
  • How universities protect their reputations
  • How to build a winning case

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Our attorneys used to work for insurance companies—we know their playbook. Now, we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Osceola County, MI

  • Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)
  • Willingness to travel to Michigan for depositions and trials
  • Remote consultations available for Osceola County families

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases

  • BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
  • Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts
  • Successful criminal defense dismissals (we know how to fight powerful opponents)

5. We Care About Your Family

We don’t see you as just a case—we see you as a family that’s been wronged. We’ll fight for you like we’re fighting for our own child.

Colleges & Universities Near Osceola County, MI – Where Hazing Happens

Hazing occurs at colleges and universities across Michigan, including near Osceola County. Some of the schools where we’ve seen hazing incidents (or where Greek life is active) include:

School Location Greek Life Presence
Central Michigan University (CMU) Mount Pleasant, MI (~30 min from Osceola County) Strong Greek system (fraternities & sororities)
Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI (~45 min from Osceola County) Active Greek life
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Allendale, MI (~2.5 hours from Osceola County) Large Greek community
Michigan State University (MSU) East Lansing, MI (~2.5 hours from Osceola County) Major Greek life presence
University of Michigan (UMich) Ann Arbor, MI (~3 hours from Osceola County) Historic Greek system
Western Michigan University (WMU) Kalamazoo, MI (~2.5 hours from Osceola County) Active fraternities & sororities

If your child was hazed at any of these schools—or anywhere in Michigan—we can help.

Fraternities & Sororities Near Osceola County, MI – Known for Hazing

Many national fraternities and sororities have chapters near Osceola County, MI, and some have documented histories of hazing. These include:

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases Michigan Chapters
Pi Kappa Phi Our current $10M lawsuit (UH), Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017) CMU, Ferris State, GVSU, MSU
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Multiple hazing deaths, alcohol poisoning cases UMich, MSU, WMU
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), $10.1M settlement CMU, GVSU, MSU
Kappa Sigma Hazing lawsuits, alcohol-related deaths UMich, MSU
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza death (Penn State 2017), $110M+ settlement UMich, MSU
Sigma Chi Recent hazing death lawsuit (UT Austin 2025) CMU, GVSU, MSU
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver death (LSU 2017), $6.1M verdict UMich, MSU

If your child was hazed by any of these fraternities (or any others) near Osceola County, MI, we can hold them accountable.

Michigan Hazing Laws – What Osceola County Families Need to Know

Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws, and consent is not a defense. If your child was hazed, the fraternity, sorority, and university can be held criminally and civilly liable.

Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t – Hazing

  • Definition: Any intentional or reckless act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a group.
  • Penalties:
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
    • Felony (if serious injury or death occurs): Up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine
  • Consent is not a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be prosecuted.

Michigan’s “Garret’s Law” (2018)

  • Named after Garret Pope, a student who died from hazing at Western Michigan University.
  • Requires schools to report hazing incidents to police.
  • Provides immunity to those who report hazing in good faith.

Civil Lawsuits in Michigan

  • Negligence: Universities and fraternities have a duty of care to protect students.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on university-owned property, the school can be sued.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: If the hazing was extreme and outrageous (e.g., waterboarding, torture).
  • Wrongful Death: If hazing resulted in death, families can sue for millions in damages.

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

1. Evidence Disappears

  • Fraternities delete messages, destroy photos, and intimidate witnesses.
  • Universities cover up incidents to protect their reputation.
  • The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.

2. You Lose Your Right to Sue

  • Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
  • If you don’t file a lawsuit in time, you lose your right to compensation forever.

3. The Hazing Continues

  • Fraternities and universities won’t change unless forced to.
  • Your silence allows them to keep harming other students.
  • Your case could save lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Osceola County, MI Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still contact a lawyer?

Yes. Even if your child is hesitant, we can:

  • Protect their legal rights (so they don’t lose the option to sue later).
  • Preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.
  • Negotiate with the university to ensure your child’s safety and academic future.

2. Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing can occur anywhere—fraternity houses, private homes, hotels, even online. If the fraternity or university was involved, they can be held liable.

3. What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing?

Consent is not a defense in Michigan. The law explicitly states that even if a student agreed to participate, the hazers can still be held liable.

4. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we win your case. This means:

  • No hourly fees
  • No retainer
  • No risk to you

5. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

Yes. Universities have a duty to supervise Greek life and prevent hazing. If they should have known about the hazing (e.g., past incidents, complaints), they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

6. What if my child was hazed at a school outside of Osceola County?

We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and beyond. We’ll travel to you or handle the case remotely.

7. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

  • Settlement: 6–18 months (if defendants cooperate)
  • Trial: 18–36 months (if case goes to court)
  • Complex cases (multiple defendants): 2–4 years

We work as fast as possible to get you the compensation you deserve.

8. Can we sue if no one was physically injured?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t physically hurt, they may have suffered:

  • PTSD, anxiety, or depression (mental health damages)
  • Humiliation or emotional trauma (pain and suffering)
  • Academic setbacks (lost scholarships, failed classes)

Osceola County, MI Hazing Victims – You Are Not Alone

Hazing is widespread at colleges and universities near Osceola County, MI. But you don’t have to stay silent.

We’re fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we’re ready to bring the same fight to Michigan. We’ll hold the fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable—no matter how powerful they are.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We serve Osceola County, MI, and all of Michigan. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🚨 Don’t Wait – Evidence Disappears Fast

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Osceola County, MI from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
🌐 attorney911.com

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911