Hazing Lawyers Serving Presque Isle County, Michigan – Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Northern Michigan – Nationwide Representation from Texas
If you or your child has been a victim of fraternity hazing, sorority abuse, or other dangerous initiation rituals at Presque Isle County schools, Alpena Community College, or nearby universities, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that these cases can win. We bring the same aggressive representation to Presque Isle County families, no matter where the hazing occurred.
📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Video Consultations Available – We Serve Presque Isle County Remotely
Why Presque Isle County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – The Same Fight Comes to Presque Isle County
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after he was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities and sororities operating near Presque Isle County—including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have chapters at Northern Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Michigan State University.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Michigan. And we will fight for Presque Isle County victims just like we’re fighting in Houston.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know How They’ll Fight Back
Both Ralph and Lupe previously worked for national insurance defense firms, meaning they know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to avoid liability. They’ve seen the playbook—now they use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in America
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Presque Isle County, through:
✅ Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
✅ Willingness to travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings in Michigan
✅ Remote consultations for Presque Isle County families who can’t travel
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Proven Results in Hazing & Wrongful Death Cases
- Currently litigating a $10M hazing lawsuit (Pi Kappa Phi / UH)
- Multi-million-dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – Experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Former insurance defense – Know how to dismantle fraternity/university defenses
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Presque Isle County come from Hispanic families. Our bilingual staff ensures no language barriers prevent you from getting justice.
6. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay $0 unless we win your case. This levels the playing field against universities and national fraternities with deep pockets.
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Michigan & Nationwide)
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group. It is illegal in Michigan under MCL 750.411t, and many activities that seem like “tradition” are actually assault, battery, or reckless endangerment.
Common Hazing Activities That Can Lead to Lawsuits in Presque Isle County
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion, waterboarding | Assault, battery, reckless endangerment |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol poisoning, forced eating/drinking until vomiting, drugs | Reckless endangerment, negligence |
| Psychological Torture | Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, isolation | Intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Sexual assault, battery |
| Dangerous Stunts | Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure, confined spaces | Reckless endangerment, wrongful death |
If your child was subjected to any of these at a Presque Isle County school, Alpena Community College, or another Michigan university, you may have a case.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Presque Isle County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held liable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Presque Isle County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at NMU, SAE at Ferris State |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew of prior incidents | Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing; owned property where it occurred | Northern Michigan University, Ferris State, Alpena Community College |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster) | Directed hazing activities | Individual members who planned events |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Students who carried out abuse |
| Alumni/Advisors | Enabled or hosted hazing | Former members who allowed it at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Fraternity, university, or homeowner’s insurance policies |
We sue everyone responsible—because hazing is never just one person’s fault.
Presque Isle County Hazing Cases We Handle
We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:
✅ Fraternities & Sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
✅ Sports Teams (Football, hockey, wrestling, cheerleading)
✅ Marching Bands & Performing Arts Groups
✅ ROTC & Military Training Programs
✅ Honor Societies & Academic Clubs
✅ High School & College Student Organizations
✅ Workplace Hazing (Military, Police, Firefighters)
If your child was injured or traumatized by hazing in Presque Isle County or anywhere in Michigan, we can help.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Presque Isle County
🚨 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Case
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
- Document Everything – Save texts, social media posts, photos, and videos. Do not delete anything.
- Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Alone – They will try to control the narrative. Let us handle all communications.
- Do NOT Post on Social Media – Anything you post can be used against you.
- Preserve Evidence – Clothing, objects used in hazing, medical records, witness names.
- Call Attorney 911 Immediately – 2-year statute of limitations in Michigan—don’t wait.
📞 Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
We will:
✔ Evaluate your case for free
✔ Explain your legal rights
✔ Preserve evidence before it disappears
✔ Handle all communications with the fraternity/university
✔ Fight for maximum compensation
Damages We Can Recover for Presque Isle County Hazing Victims
Hazing can cause lifelong physical and emotional damage. We pursue compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Lost Wages | Missed work due to injuries or trauma |
| Educational Impact | Dropped classes, lost scholarships, delayed graduation |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced alcohol poisoning) |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing led to death, we sue for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more |
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million—showing that these cases can result in substantial compensation.
Fraternities & Sororities Near Presque Isle County with Hazing Histories
Many national Greek organizations have documented hazing incidents, including:
| Fraternity/Sorority | Notable Hazing Cases | Michigan Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – kidney failure) | Northern Michigan University, Michigan State University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, alcohol poisoning cases | Ferris State University, University of Michigan |
| Kappa Sigma | Sexual assault, forced drinking | Central Michigan University, Michigan Tech |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – $10M settlement) | Michigan State University |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (LSU, 2017 – $6.1M verdict) | University of Michigan |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – $110M settlement) | Michigan State University |
These same organizations operate near Presque Isle County. If your child was hazed, we will hold them accountable.
Universities Near Presque Isle County with Hazing Risks
| University | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Michigan University (Marquette) | Multiple fraternities & sororities | Past hazing investigations |
| Ferris State University (Big Rapids) | Active Greek system | SAE chapter with hazing allegations |
| Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) | Large Greek life presence | Kappa Sigma hazing incidents |
| Michigan State University (East Lansing) | One of the largest Greek systems in Michigan | Multiple hazing deaths (e.g., 2017 Pike case) |
| Alpena Community College | Smaller but active student organizations | Hazing in clubs, sports teams |
If your child was hazed at any of these schools, we can sue the university, the fraternity, and the individuals responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Presque Isle County
1. Can I sue even if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Michigan law (MCL 750.411t) states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
2. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a fraternity house, an alumni’s home, or a private event, we can pursue the fraternity, the university, and the property owners.
3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Michigan has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
4. Can I sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to monitor Greek life, ignored prior hazing incidents, or owned the property where hazing occurred, they can be held liable.
5. What if my child was injured but not hospitalized?
You may still have a case. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) and minor physical injuries can still result in compensation. Contact us for a free evaluation.
6. Can I sue if the fraternity was already suspended?
Yes. Even if the chapter was closed, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be sued for their role in enabling the hazing.
7. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, including:
- $10.1M (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1M (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110M+ (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)
We will fight for maximum compensation for your family.
Presque Isle County Hazing Victims: We Will Fight for You
This is not just “boys being boys.” This is not “tradition.” This is abuse. And it must stop.
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities that did this to him operate near Presque Isle County. The same universities that failed to stop it have chapters in Michigan.
We are holding them accountable in court. And we will do the same for Presque Isle County families.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Video Consultations Available – We Serve Presque Isle County Remotely
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win. Justice for your child starts today.
