Here is the complete, publication-ready, Sauk County-optimized marketing content for hazing victims and their families:
Hazing Lawyers in Sauk County, WI | Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
Sauk County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. We Can Help.
What happened to your child wasn’t “tradition.” It wasn’t “brotherhood.” It was abuse.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi 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. The same fraternities operate at universities near Sauk County. The same negligence exists at Sauk County institutions. And we will fight for Sauk County families with the same aggression.
If your child was hazed in Sauk County—whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization—you have legal rights. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Sauk County, from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Why Sauk County Families Choose 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. Our client was hospitalized after being waterboarded, forced to eat until he vomited, and made to do extreme physical exercises that caused kidney failure. The same fraternities with chapters near Sauk County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. Sauk County victims deserve the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they minimize claims, delay payments, and try to blame victims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Sauk County families.
3. Federal Court Authority—We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court and licensed in Texas and New York. This means we can pursue hazing cases against national fraternities and universities regardless of where the incident occurred—including Sauk County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. We Travel to Sauk County for Your Case
While we’re based in Texas, we travel to Sauk County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We’re committed to serving Sauk County families in person when needed.
5. Bilingual Representation—Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Sauk County come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including consultations, case updates, and courtroom representation. No language barriers to justice.
6. No Upfront Costs—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures Sauk County families can fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
What Is Hazing? Sauk County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Wisconsin, hazing is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Common Hazing Activities in Sauk County:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)
- Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, forced driving)
- Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)
Medical Consequences of Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological damage)
- Death
If your child was hazed in Sauk County, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect their legal rights.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Sauk County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter at UH |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing | Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “a hazing crisis” |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority | UH owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Fraternity president and pledgemaster named in our lawsuit |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Multiple current members named as defendants |
| Former Members | Allowed hazing at their homes | Former member and spouse hosted hazing in our case |
| Alumni | Provided financial or organizational support | Discovery may reveal alumni involvement |
Sauk County families: We sue everyone responsible. No one escapes accountability.
$10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: What Happened at UH Could Happen in Sauk County
The Case That Proves Sauk County Families Need Legal Protection
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (not a UH student—he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer)
Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, individual members
Damages Sought: $10 million
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing (October 15, 2025)
- Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
Why This Matters to Sauk County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Sauk County.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Sauk County fraternities.
- Universities near Sauk County face the same liability failures as UH.
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Sauk County, they face the same risks.
Sauk County parents: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.
Sauk County Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Wisconsin Hazing Law (Wis. Stat. § 948.51)
Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin, punishable by:
- Up to 9 months in jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Key Provisions:
- Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter.
- Organizations can be penalized. Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face fines and loss of recognition.
- Schools must report hazing. Wisconsin law requires schools to report hazing incidents to authorities.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Sauk County
In addition to criminal charges, Sauk County victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected their ability to work)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Sauk County families: You have legal rights. We can help you enforce them.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Sauk County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries. If your child shows any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately:
- Severe muscle pain
- Dark/brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting or dehydration
- Signs of alcohol poisoning
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or other communications about hazing
- Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Medical records from hospital visits or doctor appointments
- Witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
- Any documents given to your child by the organization
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership.
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization.
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators without legal counsel.
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Sauk County Hazing Case Results: What’s Possible for Your Family
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Pending | $10 million |
Sauk County families: These results are possible for your case too.
Sauk County Universities and Greek Life: The Hazing Risk
Sauk County is home to Baraboo High School and is near several universities with active Greek life, including:
Nearby Universities with Greek Organizations:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (30+ fraternities and sororities)
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville (10+ Greek organizations)
- Edgewood College (Greek life present)
- University of Wisconsin-Richland (smaller Greek presence)
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate at these schools. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Sauk County, they face the same risks as our client in Houston.
Fraternities with Chapters Near Sauk County and Hazing Histories:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Universities Near Sauk County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | UW-Madison |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M | UW-Madison, UW-Platteville |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021, death), multiple lawsuits | UW-Madison |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death), $110M settlement | UW-Madison |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death), $6.1M verdict | UW-Madison |
Sauk County parents: If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they are at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Sauk County
1. My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?
Yes. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
2. The fraternity said it was “just tradition.” Is that an excuse?
No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal or dangerous conduct. Hazing is assault, battery, and reckless endangerment—not tradition.
3. The university said they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable for negligence.
4. How much is our hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases can result in millions of dollars in compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected their ability to work)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Sauk County families deserve similar compensation.
5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of the injury. However, you should act immediately—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations may destroy records.
6. We’re in Sauk County. Can you still represent us?
Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Sauk County. We offer video consultations and will travel to Sauk County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
7. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to Sauk County families.
8. What if my child was hazed at a high school in Sauk County?
Hazing isn’t just a college problem. If your child was hazed at a Sauk County high school (e.g., Baraboo High School), sports team, or club, you may still have a case. Call us to discuss your options.
Sauk County Hazing Lawyers: We Fight for Justice
Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s abuse. And when institutions fail to protect students, they must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.
Sauk County families: If your child was hazed, we can help. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Serving Sauk County and nationwide. We travel to you.
Why Sauk County Families Trust Attorney 911
⭐ Google Reviews: 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews
“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
“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” — Devin Hebert
“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
Sauk County families: We treat you like family. We fight for you like family.
Sauk County Hazing Resources
Emergency Contacts:
- Sauk County Sheriff’s Office: (608) 356-4895
- Baraboo Police Department: (608) 355-2720
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Police: (608) 264-2677
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police: (608) 342-1584
Medical Resources:
- SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo: (608) 356-1400
- UW Health University Hospital (Madison): (608) 263-6400
Mental Health Support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- UW-Madison Counseling Services: (608) 265-5600
Hazing Prevention Organizations:
- HazingPrevention.Org: hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing: stophazing.org
- Clery Center: clerycenter.org
Sauk County Hazing Lawyers: We’re Here to Help
You are not alone. Hazing happens in Sauk County, and it happens at universities near Sauk County. But you have legal rights. You have the right to justice. You have the right to compensation. And you have the right to hold those responsible accountable.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to protect Sauk County families.
If your child was hazed in Sauk County, call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
🚨 Sauk County Families: Act Now
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We serve Sauk County and nationwide. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you win.
