🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support in Washtenaw County, Michigan

Washtenaw County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Washtenaw County, Michigan, you have legal rights—and we can help. While based in Texas, our attorneys at Attorney 911 are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We bring that same aggressive representation to Washtenaw County families.

This Happens in Washtenaw County Too

The same fraternities involved in national hazing scandals—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have active chapters at University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and other local institutions. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston happen right here in Washtenaw County.

If your child has been:
✔ Forced to drink alcohol to the point of alcohol poisoning
✔ Physically abused (paddling, beatings, forced exercise to exhaustion)
✔ Psychologically tortured (waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation)
✔ Sexually assaulted or harassed
✔ Hospitalized from hazing injuries

You have the right to hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Why Washtenaw County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure—all because he wanted to join a fraternity.

The same fraternities operate in Washtenaw County. The same negligence exists at local universities. We will fight for Washtenaw County families with the same intensity.

2. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Washtenaw County

While headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Washtenaw County. Our attorneys:

• Are admitted to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Hold dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Travel to Washtenaw County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Offer remote consultations for Washtenaw County families

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—previously worked for insurance defense firms, representing corporations and insurers in personal injury cases. We know exactly how they will try to minimize or deny your claim. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Washtenaw County victims.

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience (mass tort, complex liability)
• Former federal court experience (U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals)

5. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront Cost

We understand that Washtenaw County families may be concerned about legal fees. We take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you have no financial risk.

The Hazing Crisis in Washtenaw County

Hazing Is Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

Hazing is not harmless “tradition.” It is assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi members:

• Waterboarded a pledge with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck him with wooden paddles
• Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him lie in the vomit
• Hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This happens in Washtenaw County too. Fraternities and student organizations across Michigan engage in the same dangerous activities, and universities often turn a blind eye until it’s too late.

Washtenaw County Universities with Greek Life

Washtenaw County is home to several institutions with active Greek organizations, including:

• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) – One of the largest Greek systems in the nation
• Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti) – Multiple fraternities and sororities
• Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor) – Smaller but active Greek presence

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate in Washtenaw County. If your child has been hazed, we can help.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Washtenaw County?

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

In our current case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university (University of Houston)
• Individual members
• A former member and his spouse (who hosted hazing at their home)

The same liability applies to Washtenaw County cases.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Washtenaw County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, hazing can cause serious medical conditions, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown, kidney failure) – as seen in our current case
• Alcohol poisoning – common in forced drinking hazing
• Traumatic brain injury – from beatings or falls
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression

Go to the ER or urgent care and document everything.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do NOT delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails about hazing
• Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
• Medical records from hospital/doctor visits
• Witness names and contact information
• Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• Do NOT give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media
• Do NOT confront the perpetrators

Anything you say can be used against you.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (typically 2 years in Michigan). The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call us 24/7 for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

What Damages Can Washtenaw County Families Recover?

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

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work due to injuries)
• Educational disruption (tuition refunds, scholarship loss)
• Future medical costs (dialysis, kidney transplant, mental health care)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (the agony of hazing injuries)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages

If the conduct was egregious, intentional, or reckless, juries may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing. In our current case, we allege:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
• Forced exercise to the point of kidney failure
• Striking with wooden paddles
• Forced eating until vomiting

This conduct justifies punitive damages.

Precedent Cases – Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here are some key cases that support Washtenaw County families:

These cases prove that hazing victims can—and do—win big. The same legal strategies apply to Washtenaw County.

Michigan Hazing Laws – Your Rights as a Washtenaw County Victim

Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students and hold perpetrators accountable.

Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t – Hazing

• Hazing is a crime in Michigan, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines
• Consent is not a defense – Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
• Universities must report hazing – Failure to report is a misdemeanor

Civil Liability in Michigan

In addition to criminal charges, Washtenaw County hazing victims can sue for damages under:

• Negligence – The organization failed to protect your child
• Assault & Battery – Physical abuse is a civil wrong
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Psychological torture is actionable
• Premises Liability – If hazing occurred on university-owned property

Michigan does not cap pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases, meaning Washtenaw County victims can recover full compensation for their suffering.

Washtenaw County Hazing Hotspots: Where It Happens

Hazing occurs in many student organizations, but Greek life is the most common setting. Here are some of the most active fraternities and sororities in Washtenaw County with documented hazing histories:

University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)

• Pi Kappa Phi – Currently facing a $10M lawsuit in Texas
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple hazing deaths nationally
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Involved in multiple lawsuits
• Phi Delta Theta – $6.1M verdict in Louisiana (Maxwell Gruver case)
• Beta Theta Pi – $110M+ settlement in Penn State case

Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti)

• Sigma Chi – Multiple hazing incidents nationally
• Kappa Sigma – Hazing deaths and lawsuits
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) – Hazing lawsuits in Missouri

Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor)

While smaller, WCC has active Greek organizations that may engage in hazing.

If your child was hazed at any of these organizations, we can help.

What Washtenaw County Families Should Ask Themselves

If you’re unsure whether your child was hazed, ask:
✅ Did they come home with unexplained injuries? (bruises, cuts, burns)
✅ Did they seem unusually tired, anxious, or depressed?
✅ Did they mention forced drinking, physical activities, or humiliation?
✅ Did they suddenly want to quit the organization?
✅ Did they show signs of PTSD, anxiety, or depression?
✅ Did they mention “traditions” that sounded dangerous?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, your child may have been hazed.

Next Steps for Washtenaw County Families

1. Call Attorney 911 for a Free Consultation

We will evaluate your case at no cost and explain your legal options.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

2. Gather Evidence

• Medical records
• Photos/videos of injuries
• Text messages, social media posts
• Witness names
• Any documents from the organization

3. Do NOT Sign Anything

Universities and fraternities may try to pressure you into lowball settlements or waivers. Talk to us first.

4. Let Us Handle the Legal Fight

We will:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Investigate the incident thoroughly
• Negotiate with defendants for maximum compensation
• File a lawsuit if necessary
• Take the case to trial if needed

Washtenaw County Hazing Victims: We Are Here for You

You are not alone. Hazing is abuse, and the institutions that allow it must be held accountable.

We are fighting this battle right now—and we will fight for Washtenaw County families too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Washtenaw County families: Enough is enough.