🚨 Hazing Victims in Wexford County, Michigan: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Wexford County, you are not alone. What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “brotherhood.” It was abuse. And you have the right to seek justice.
At Attorney 911, we are 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 abuse happens at colleges and universities across Michigan — including in Wexford County.
We are here to fight for Wexford County families. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Michigan. We will travel to Wexford County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Your child deserves the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.
🏥 What Happens in Hazing: The Medical Reality
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s a culture of abuse that has sent countless students to the hospital — or worse. In our current case, a University of Houston student was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to do extreme physical exercises.
Common Hazing Injuries Seen in Wexford County and Nationwide:
| Injury | Cause | Medical Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, potential death |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Organ failure, coma, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, paddling | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to cold/heat | Organ damage, death |
| Sexual Assault | Forced sexual acts or nudity | PTSD, depression, long-term trauma |
| Psychological Trauma | Humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
If your child was hazed in Wexford County, their injuries are real. Their pain is real. And their right to compensation is real.
⚖️ Michigan Hazing Laws: What Wexford County Families Need to Know
Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t, hazing is defined as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or with others that is directed against an individual and that the person knew or should have known endangers the physical health or safety of the individual, and that is done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
Michigan Hazing Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Hazing | Up to 93 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Hazing Causing Injury | Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Hazing Causing Death | Up to 15 years in prison |
Important: Consent is not a defense in Michigan. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
💰 Who Is Liable for Wexford County Hazing?
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility. In our Houston case, we are suing:
- The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter — The individuals who directly organized and participated in the hazing
- The National Organization — They set the culture and failed to supervise despite knowing about prior incidents
- The University — They have a duty to protect students and often own or control the property where hazing occurs
- Individual Members — Every person who participated or failed to stop the abuse can be held personally liable
Wexford County families: The same liability applies in Michigan. If your child was hazed at a Wexford County college or university, we can pursue all responsible parties.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Wexford County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
- Write down everything you remember about what happened
- Get names and contact info of witnesses
- Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
- They may ask your child to sign documents waiving their rights
- Do not give statements to the organization or their lawyers
- Do not post on social media about the incident
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations for Wexford County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront
- We will handle all communications with the organization and insurance companies
🏛️ Colleges and Universities in Wexford County Area
Wexford County is home to Cadillac, Michigan, and is served by several colleges and universities within driving distance where Greek life and hazing may occur:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Distance from Cadillac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Yes (multiple fraternities/sororities) | ~45 minutes |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | Yes (large Greek system) | ~1 hour |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City, MI | Limited Greek life | ~1 hour |
| Grand Valley State University | Allendale, MI | Yes (active Greek life) | ~2.5 hours |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | Yes (very large Greek system) | ~2.5 hours |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Yes (large Greek presence) | ~3.5 hours |
Important: Hazing doesn’t just happen at large universities. It occurs at community colleges, private schools, and even high schools. If your child was hazed at any Wexford County institution, we can help.
💸 What Is Your Wexford County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current Houston case, we are seeking $10 million for injuries including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Factors That Increase Case Value:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Physical injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression requiring therapy |
| Sexual assault component | Significantly increases damages |
| Wrongful death | Highest value cases |
| Institutional knowledge | Did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing? |
| Cover-up attempts | Dramatically increases punitive damages |
| Academic impact | Dropped out, failed courses, lost scholarships |
| Career impact | Lost internships, damaged reputation |
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
Wexford County families: These results are possible for your case too.
📞 Why Wexford County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Houston
- We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability
- We are experts in hazing litigation
2. We Serve Wexford County Nationwide
- Federal court authority — we can file cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- We travel to Wexford County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Video consultations available — meet with us remotely
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies value claims, delay payments, and deny liability
- We know their playbook — and how to beat it
- We will maximize your compensation
4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- No hourly fees, no retainers
- Level the playing field against institutions with deep pockets
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
- Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
- We provide bilingual legal services for Spanish-speaking families
- No language barriers to justice
6. We Care About Wexford County Families
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” — Lupe Pena
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We fight hard for Wexford County families because we truly care.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Wexford County
Hazing often starts with subtle signs. Wexford County parents, watch for these red flags:
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries | Physical abuse |
| Sudden weight loss or gain | Forced eating or extreme exercise |
| Fatigue, sleep deprivation | Late-night activities, forced servitude |
| Mood changes — anxiety, depression, withdrawal | Psychological trauma |
| Decline in academic performance | Hazing taking time/energy from studies |
| Avoiding questions about Greek life | Fear of retaliation |
| Suddenly carrying unusual items | “Fanny pack with sexual objects” (as seen in our case) |
| Unexplained absences from class | Hazing activities during school hours |
| Changes in social circle | Isolation from non-Greek friends |
| Talk of “traditions” or “tests” | Hazing disguised as initiation |
If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately. And contact us.
🗣️ What Wexford County Victims Are Saying (From Our Other Cases)
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“I got into my first accident. Had no idea what to do called Attorney911 right away… It only took 6 months amazing thank you Attorney 911.” — Chavodrian Miles
📞 Wexford County Families: Contact Us Today
Hazing victims in Wexford County deserve justice. We are here to fight for you.
📅 Free Consultation — Available 24/7
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911
✉️ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Video Consultation: Available for Wexford County families
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
Serving Wexford County, Michigan and nationwide. We will travel to you.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Wexford County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Ferris State University. Can you help?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at Ferris State, Central Michigan University, and all Michigan schools. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Wexford County hazing case?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. You pay nothing to hire us.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?
A: Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be affected by other deadlines. Contact us immediately.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight or ignored warning signs, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution”. We take this seriously. We will:
- Handle all communications with the organization
- Protect your child’s identity when possible
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
- Work with law enforcement if threats occur
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Liability still applies. Hazing that occurs off-campus can still result in legal consequences for the organization, the university, and individuals.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: Absolutely. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Ignoring prior hazing incidents
- Creating a culture that enables abuse
Q: My child is an international student. Does that affect their rights?
A: No. Your child has the same legal rights as any other student. Hazing is illegal regardless of immigration status. We provide bilingual services and will protect your child’s rights.
🔥 Wexford County Fraternities: We Are Watching You
To fraternities operating in Wexford County and across Michigan:
We are tracking your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history.
- Pi Kappa Alpha paid $6.5 million in a personal judgment against a chapter president
- Pi Kappa Phi is currently facing a $10 million lawsuit after a student was hospitalized
- Sigma Chi is facing a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas right now
If you haze students in Wexford County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your nationals, your university, and your individual members.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
🏆 Our Commitment to Wexford County
At Attorney 911, we are committed to:
✅ Fighting for justice for Wexford County hazing victims
✅ Holding institutions accountable — no more cover-ups
✅ Protecting students from abuse disguised as “tradition”
✅ Supporting families through the legal process
✅ Creating change — so no other Wexford County family has to go through this
Wexford County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today
Justice for Wexford County hazing victims starts with a phone call.
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
Serving Wexford County, Michigan and nationwide.
