🚨 Dane County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | Greek Life Negligence
Serving Dane County Families from Our Houston, Austin & Beaumont Offices
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority in Dane County, you have legal rights. Our hazing litigation attorneys are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Dane County families too.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
Dane County Families: This Is Happening in Your Community
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Dane County. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have active chapters at universities near Dane County. The same culture of abuse, the same institutional failures, the same life-threatening “traditions” exist in Dane County Greek organizations.
We are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston right now. A student was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This same abuse happens at Dane County institutions. We will fight for Dane County families with the same aggression.
What Is Hazing? Dane County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Dane County, hazing includes:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or passing out
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning: Torture disguised as “tradition”
- Sleep deprivation: Forced late-night activities that prevent rest
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Exposure: Forced to endure extreme cold, heat, or confined spaces
This isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes criminal. And it’s happening to Dane County students right now.
Dane County Universities with Greek Life — Where Hazing Happens
Dane County is home to several colleges and universities with active Greek life organizations. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters near Dane County:
Universities Near Dane County with Greek Life:
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 60+ fraternities and sororities |
| Edgewood College | Madison, WI | Multiple chapters |
| Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | Some Greek presence |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI (~70 miles) | Multiple chapters |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI (~50 miles) | Multiple chapters |
| Beloit College | Beloit, WI (~50 miles) | Multiple chapters |
These universities have a duty to protect their students. When they fail, they can be held legally accountable — just like University of Houston is being held accountable in our current case.
The Hazing Crisis in Dane County
Hazing is not rare. It’s not isolated. It’s a systemic problem across America — and Dane County is not immune.
National Hazing Statistics (Relevant to Dane County):
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report being hazed
- Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S.
- 95% of hazing victims do not report it — fear of retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the organization
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other organizations
Dane County families: These statistics represent real students in your community. Your child could be next.
Why Dane County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. Dane County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims. We use their own tactics against them.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Dane County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Dane County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier to justice.
- Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- We travel to Dane County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials
4. Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience
We have handled cases with damages in the billions (BP Texas City explosion) and millions (wrongful death, catastrophic injury). Hazing cases are no different — we know how to win big.
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Dane County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.
6. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Dane County Families
We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer. We take hazing cases on contingency — you don’t pay us unless and until you get paid.
Contingency Fee for Dane County Hazing Victims:
- $0 upfront
- $0 unless we win
- We advance all case costs
- You only pay if we recover compensation for you
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Dane County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue every liable defendant to maximize compensation for Dane County families.
Defendants We Sue in Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Dane County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Dane County fraternity/sorority chapter |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. — same nationals in Dane County |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability | UW-Madison, Edgewood, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | President, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | Active members at Dane County chapters |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing; failed to intervene | Alumni near Dane County who enable culture |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Chapter houses near Dane County |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | National org, university, housing corp policies |
Dane County families: We don’t just sue one person. We sue everyone responsible to ensure full accountability and maximum compensation.
What Dane County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. Dane County families can recover compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills — Hospitalization, ER, specialists, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational costs — Tuition, fees, lost scholarships
- Future earning capacity — If injuries cause permanent limitations
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — The agony of hazing injuries
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — Scars from burns, branding, or injuries
Punitive Damages:
- Punishment for egregious conduct — When hazing is intentional, reckless, or malicious
- Deterrence for other organizations — To prevent future hazing in Dane County
- Applicable when defendants knew about risks and did nothing — Like Pi Kappa Phi after Andrew Coffey’s death
Precedent Settlements in Hazing Cases:
- $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 million — Leonel Bermudez (Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston — our current case)
Dane County families: These verdicts prove that hazing cases win millions. The same results are possible in Dane County.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dane County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury)
- Even if your child “feels fine,” get checked — adrenaline can mask symptoms
- Document everything — medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs — Any communication about hazing
- Photos/videos — Of injuries, hazing activities, chapter events
- Social media posts — From fraternity/sorority accounts or members
- Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
- Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership — They will coordinate their story and destroy evidence
- Do not give statements to university administrators — They protect the institution, not your child
- Do not sign anything — You may waive your rights without realizing
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — Free, confidential consultation
- Email ralph@atty911.com — We respond quickly
- Video consultation available — If you can’t travel to our offices
The statute of limitations in Wisconsin is 3 years for personal injury cases. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Why Dane County Families Can’t Fight This Alone
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize claims. They will:
- Deny liability — “It was just tradition”
- Shift blame — “Your child consented”
- Destroy evidence — Delete texts, erase security footage
- Intimidate witnesses — Pressure others to stay quiet
- Lowball settlements — Offer pennies on the dollar
Dane County families need their own legal team to level the playing field. We have:
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense insight — We know their playbook
- Federal court authority — Can pursue Dane County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Multi-million dollar case experience — We know how to win big
- Aggressive negotiation skills — We don’t accept lowball offers
Frequently Asked Questions for Dane County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact you?
A: Yes. We can advise you on your options, including:
- Reporting to authorities — Criminal charges may apply
- University disciplinary actions — Expulsion of perpetrators
- Title IX complaints — If hazing involved gender discrimination
- Future legal rights — Preserving evidence in case your child changes their mind
Even if you don’t pursue a lawsuit now, documenting the incident protects your child’s rights later.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: YES. Wisconsin law (like Texas) does not recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing. Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 makes hazing illegal regardless of consent.
Defendants will argue:
- “Your child agreed to participate”
- “They knew the risks”
- “They could have left”
The law says: Consent does not matter. Hazing is illegal, and organizations can be held liable.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks, they can be held liable.
Evidence that shows institutional knowledge:
- Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
- Complaints to Greek life office
- Public records of hazing reports
- University ownership of fraternity/sorority houses
In our University of Houston case, UH owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They knew about a prior hazing incident in 2017. They are being held accountable.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Dane County?
A: Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately because:
- Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records — Security footage, communications
- Insurance policies change — Coverage may expire
Contact us as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Q: My child attends a small college near Dane County. Is hazing still a risk?
A: YES. Hazing happens at all types of schools, including:
- Large universities (UW-Madison)
- Small private colleges (Edgewood, Beloit)
- Community colleges (Madison College)
- Technical schools
Smaller schools often have less oversight, making hazing even more dangerous.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Liability still applies. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If hazing occurred at:
- A private residence
- A rented event space
- A hotel
- A park or field
The organization, university, and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does it cost?
A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency — you only pay if we win.
How it works:
- We advance all case costs (investigation, experts, court fees)
- If we win, our fee is a percentage of the recovery
- If we lose, you owe us nothing
Dane County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
The Message to Dane County Fraternities and Universities
To fraternities operating near Dane County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Dane County, we will find every liable entity — your national organization, your housing corporation, your individual members.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Dane County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To universities in Dane County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Edgewood College
- Madison Area Technical College
- UW-Platteville
- UW-Whitewater
- Beloit College
You have a duty to protect your students. If you fail, you will pay.
Dane County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims and families feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for you.
If your child was hazed in Dane County, contact us immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. Confidential. No obligation.
We will travel to Dane County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Dane County Hazing Resources
Reporting Hazing in Wisconsin:
- Wisconsin Department of Justice: https://www.doj.state.wi.us
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Dean of Students: https://doso.students.wisc.edu
- Edgewood College Student Affairs: https://www.edgewood.edu/student-life
- Local law enforcement: Dane County Sheriff’s Office (608) 284-6800
Mental Health Support:
- UW-Madison University Health Services: (608) 265-5600
- Journey Mental Health Center (Madison): (608) 280-2700
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Anti-Hazing Organizations:
- HazingPrevention.org: https://hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing: https://stophazing.org
- Clery Center: https://clerycenter.org
About Attorney 911 — Dane County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Our Mission for Dane County Families:
“When a legal emergency hits — whether it’s on a Dane County campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. For hazing victims in Dane County, our team builds cases with expert witnesses, preserves evidence immediately, and negotiates from strength. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, and we bring that same aggression to Dane County families. If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Dane County hazing victims, we take it to court.”
Our Dane County Hazing Litigation Team:
Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience — Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts
- Former insurance defense attorney — Knows how insurance companies think and fight claims
- Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Dual-state bar admission — Texas AND New York
- Multi-billion dollar case experience — BP Texas City explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
- Hazing-specific expertise — Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case; previous Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M hazing cases
Dane County families can reach Ralph directly:
📧 ralph@atty911.com
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience — Skilled in personal injury and complex liability cases
- Former national insurance defense attorney — Worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending insurance companies
- Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience — Recovered millions for families
- Fluent in Spanish — Serves Dane County’s Spanish-speaking community
- Aggressive negotiation philosophy — “Outwork, outsmart, outfight”
Dane County families can reach Lupe directly:
📧 lupe@atty911.com
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Our Dane County Service Commitment:
| Service | How We Help Dane County Families |
|---|---|
| Immediate Response | 24/7 availability for Dane County hazing emergencies |
| Video Consultations | Meet with us remotely from Dane County |
| Travel to Dane County | For depositions, client meetings, and trials |
| Evidence Preservation | Immediate action to secure texts, photos, videos |
| Expert Network | Medical, hazing culture, institutional negligence experts |
| Aggressive Negotiation | Fight insurance companies and institutions |
| Trial Readiness | Willing to take Dane County cases to court if needed |
Dane County Hazing Lawyer Testimonials
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
“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
Contact Attorney 911 — Dane County Hazing Legal Emergency Hotline
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Houston Office (Headquarters):
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 528-9070
Austin Office:
(713) 528-9070
Beaumont Office:
(713) 528-9070
Serving Dane County and nationwide. We come to you.
Dane County Families: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing destroys lives. It hospitalizes students. It kills. And it leaves families devastated.
But you have power. You have legal rights. You have Attorney 911.
We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Dane County families too.
If your child was hazed in Dane County, contact us immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. Confidential. No obligation.
Dane County families: Enough is enough.