If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college in Michigan. Instead, they were brutalized, humiliated, and injured, perhaps even permanently. We understand that panicked search through Google at 2 AM, looking for answers, looking for help. We’re here to tell parents in Michigan, and across the country, that you are not alone, and we are here to help your family fight back.

Hazing is far more than a “prank” or a “traditional rite of passage.” It is systematic abuse, often bordering on torture, that can leave lasting physical and psychological scars, or tragically, even lead to death. The stories you hear in the news, the ones that seem too horrific to be real, are happening in Michigan, on college campuses your children attend, within organizations that promise brotherhood and sisterhood. We have seen this nightmare unfold in our own backyard in Houston, Texas, and we are actively fighting it. The same fight, the same relentless pursuit of justice, is available for your family in Michigan.

The Landmark Case Against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston: A Warning for Michigan Families

This Is Not Hypothetical. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now.

We believe that to truly understand the gravity of the hazing crisis, we must look at real cases, with real victims, and real consequences. The current lawsuit we are aggressively pursuing in Texas, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is a stark example of what hazing looks like today and the comprehensive legal action we take to hold every responsible party accountable. This case, filed in November 2025, seeks $10 million in damages against a national fraternity, a major university, and numerous individuals for the horrific hazing of a prospective member. What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston could happen to, or already has happened to, a student at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, or any other institution in Michigan where Greek life thrives.

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston at the time of the hazing. He was planning to transfer for a future semester. This fact alone demonstrates the reckless disregard Pi Kappa Phi had for his well-being. He was an outsider, yet he was subjected to weeks of escalating abuse after accepting a bid to join the fraternity on September 16, 2025.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: A Catalog of Torture

The allegations in our $10 million lawsuit are not merely disturbing; they detail acts of systematic torture that caused severe physical and psychological trauma. Michigan families need to understand that this is the reality of hazing:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Leonel was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act that mimics drowning and is internationally recognized as torture. The media, including Houston Public Media, explicitly called this “a form of torture.” Is this what brotherhood looks like in Michigan?
• Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to endure over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warm-ups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling exercises, under threat of immediate expulsion if he stopped. Another pledge reportedly lost consciousness during a similar workout just weeks earlier, yet the hazing continued. This is not “building character”; it is breaking bodies and minds.
• Forced Consumption to Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were forced to continue competitive running drills, lying in the vomit-soaked grass after they became sick. This is a tactic designed to humiliate and incapacitate.
• Physical Beatings: The Houston Chronicle reported that pledges were “struck with wooden paddles.” This is direct physical assault, plain and simple.
• Psychological Humiliation: He was compelled to carry a fanny pack containing “objects of a sexual nature” at all times. In another incident, a pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose. These acts are designed to degrade, control, and break the will of young people.
• Sleep Deprivation and Servitude: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and leading to exhaustion. He was also subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews.

The Devastating Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The immediate aftermath of this brutal hazing landed Leonel in the hospital for three nights and four days. His mother, seeing his deteriorating state, rushed him to the emergency room, where they observed him “passing brown urine”—a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis. This severe condition occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins that harm the kidneys, leading to potentially fatal acute kidney failure. Laboratory tests confirmed “very high creatine kinase levels,” further indicating severe muscle damage.

As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Leonel Bermudez suffered from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. While he survived, he faces long-term risks, including chronic kidney disease, the potential need for dialysis, or even a kidney transplant. He also carries the psychological scars of an experience that involved torture and humiliation.

The Institutional Response: An Attempt to Limit Liability, Not an Apology

The official responses to Leonel’s hazing demonstrate the calculated efforts institutions make to protect themselves when exposed.

• Pi Kappa Phi National: In a statement published on their website on November 21, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi National stated they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure occurred seven days before our lawsuit was filed, clearly an attempt to distance themselves from the chapter and mitigate liability. Yet, chillingly, they also stated, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This reveals a profound lack of remorse and a business-as-usual mentality that parents in Michigan should find deeply troubling.
• University of Houston: A UH spokesperson admitted to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They also noted that the university was “conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement” and threatened “potential criminal charges.” This acknowledgment highlights their awareness of serious wrongdoing and the potential for criminal conduct within their student organizations. KHOU 11 further reported that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” directly implicating the university with premises liability.

This case is not just about Leonel Bermudez; it is a vital warning for Michigan families. Pi Kappa Phi, like other national fraternities, has chapters at universities across Michigan, including at Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. The “traditions” that hospitalized our client could be happening at any of these institutions. The institutional negligence that allowed this at UH is a pervasive issue in higher education, applicable to colleges and universities across Michigan. When you hire Attorney911, you are hiring the firm that is already in the fight, actively holding these organizations accountable.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Michigan may have outdated ideas about hazing, picturing harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. The reality we encounter in our practice, and particularly in the Bermudez case, is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing is a calculated form of psychological and physical abuse designed to assert dominance, enforce conformity, and create a false sense of loyalty through shared trauma.

It is not “boys being boys” or “character building.” It is abuse, assault, battery, and often reckless endangerment.

The Disturbing Spectrum of Hazing Activities Today:

The horrors Leonel Bermudez endured are not isolated incidents. They reflect a widespread, deeply ingrained culture within certain organizations. Here’s what hazing truly looks like in Michigan and across the country:

• Physical Abuse: This includes forced, extreme physical exertion (like hundreds of squats or push-ups), running until collapse, carrying heavy objects for long periods, paddling, beatings, branding, sleep deprivation, and exposure to extreme weather.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol, sometimes mixed with other substances; consuming non-food items; or ingesting unhealthy amounts of food until vomiting. This leads to alcohol poisoning, choking, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and forced subservience are common. The fanny pack incident in the Bermudez case and the hog-tying of another pledge exemplify this deliberate psychological torment.
• Simulated Abuse/Sexual Hazing: Acts like waterboarding, mock kidnappings, forced nudity, or simulating sexual acts are deeply traumatic and often lead to lasting psychological harm, including PTSD.
• Servitude and Dehumanization: Being forced to perform chores, drive members around at all hours, or treat older members as masters rather than peers contributes to breaking down self-worth.

The Medical and Psychological Toll:

The consequences of hazing are severe and can be lifelong. For Leonel, it was rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Other victims suffer:

• Alcohol Poisoning: The most common cause of hazing deaths.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from falls, beatings, or violence.
• Internal Organ Damage: Like the lacerated spleen suffered by a University of Houston student in a 2017 hazing incident (Jared Munoz, Pi Kappa Alpha).
• Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Infections: From unsanitary conditions or open wounds.
• Psychological Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, loss of trust, and academic failure are common. As Leonel’s attorneys, we noted his “fearful… due to retribution,” a testament to the deep psychological impact.
• Death: Tragically, hazing claims at least one life every year in the United States.

University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and other Michigan institutions are not immune to these dangers. These organizations operate under the same national charters, often with the same “traditions” that lead to these devastating outcomes. We believe deeply that if your child has experienced any of these horrific acts in Michigan, you deserve justice.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Negligent Party Accountable

One of the most crucial aspects of hazing litigation is identifying all parties who bear responsibility. Hazing incidents are rarely the fault of just one individual; they involve local chapter members, national organizations, and often the universities themselves. In the Bermudez case, our $10 million lawsuit targets every entity that contributed to Leonel’s injuries, and we apply this exhaustive approach to every hazing case we pursue in Michigan and nationwide.

The Defendants We Target:

1. The Local Chapter: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter is directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing. This includes the chapter as an entity, which holds assets, collects dues, and operates under bylaws.
2. Individual Chapter Members and Officers: We have named 13 individual fraternity members in the Bermudez lawsuit, including the chapter president and pledgemaster, who orchestrated or actively participated in the abuse. Also named are former members who hosted hazing at their residence, along with the spouse of one of them for allowing the torture on their property. These individuals are directly liable for assault, battery, and hazing. As seen in the $6.5 million judgment against a former chapter president in the Stone Foltz case, individuals can and will be held personally accountable.
3. The National Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., the national headquarters, is a key defendant. National fraternities often claim ignorance of local chapter activities, but our litigation consistently shows otherwise. They fund and oversee local chapters, dictating rules, policies, and risk management guidelines. When a student like Andrew Coffey dies in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017, and then Leonel Bermudez is hospitalized in 2025 in another Pi Kappa Phi chapter, it clearly demonstrates a systemic failure and “a hazing crisis” that the national organization knew about and failed to address. Pi Kappa Phi’s own admission of “violations” and their swift closure of the UH chapter before our lawsuit further proves their consciousness of guilt.
4. The University: The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are also defendants. Universities have a fundamental duty to provide a safe educational environment. In the Bermudez case, KHOU 11 reported that the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” making the University of Houston directly liable under premises liability laws. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Jared Munoz, Pi Kappa Alpha), meaning they had actual knowledge of the risks of hazing on their campus and failed to implement effective safeguards. Universities like Michigan State or the University of Michigan cannot claim ignorance when hazing occurs under their watch or on their property.
5. Housing Corporations: These often separate legal entities own the fraternity houses and are responsible for maintaining safe premises. Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu Housing Corporation is named in our lawsuit.
6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and housing corporation are substantial insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. As former insurance defense attorneys, our team knows exactly how to navigate these complex policies to maximize compensation for victims.

This comprehensive approach is crucial because it ensures full accountability and targets all “deep pockets.” We do not shy away from taking on powerful institutions in Michigan or anywhere else.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Michigan Families

Hazing incidents, when aggressively litigated, result in substantial verdicts and settlements. These multi-million dollar recoveries send a clear message that institutions will not tolerate, nor will the justice system overlook, the physical and psychological destruction caused by hazing. Michigan families grappling with the aftermath of hazing should know that precedent strongly supports significant compensation for victims.

Landmark Cases That Shaped Hazing Litigation:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total $10.1 Million+

   • What Happened: In March 2021, Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. He was found unresponsive the next morning.
   • The Outcome: The Foltz family received nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University and over $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and individuals. In a separate action, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a personal judgment in December 2024.
   • Significance for Michigan: Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case aligns directly with the multi-million dollar payouts seen even when the victim’s injuries, while severe, did not result in death. It proves that both universities and national fraternities face immense financial liability.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning at a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers to trivia questions. His BAC was 0.495.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. Criminal convictions for negligent homicide also resulted in actual prison time for some members. The case led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Significance for Michigan: This jury verdict demonstrates that courts are willing to assign massive monetary penalties for hazing. It also shows that families can not only achieve justice but also drive legislative change.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110+ Million (Estimated)

   • What Happened: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual involving consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down stairs repeatedly while highly intoxicated, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras recorded the events.
   • The Outcome: Although confidential, reports indicate settlements totaling over $110 million from Penn State and the national Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Multiple fraternity members were charged, with some convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in his memory.
   • Significance for Michigan: This case exemplifies the extraordinary damages awarded when evidence is strong (like clear video footage), showing the potential for generational justice. It highlights the severe institutional negligence and cover-ups that often accompany hazing.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

   • What Happened: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a “Big Brother Night” event.
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. The family reached a confidential settlement.
   • Significance for Michigan: This case is particularly relevant because it involves the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that we are currently suing in the Bermudez case. This proves a documented history of deadly hazing within Pi Kappa Phi, raising serious questions about the organization’s systemic failures. It means that Pi Kappa Phi knew about their deadly hazing culture in 2017, yet failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later. This pattern of negligence strengthens our pursuit of punitive damages.

These cases are not isolated incidents; they represent a nationwide pattern of egregious hazing that leads to significant liability for fraternities, universities, and individuals. Whether your child attends a smaller liberal arts college in Michigan like Albion College or Adrian College, or a large public institution, the same national fraternities operate there, and the same legal precedents apply. We use these prior wins to aggressively pursue accountability and compensation for every family we represent.

Michigan Law Protects You: Consent Is Not a Defense

While our firm is based in Texas, the core legal principles that allow us to succeed in hazing cases extend nationwide, including into Michigan. Michigan parents should understand that their state has laws specifically designed to combat hazing and hold perpetrators accountable.

The Michigan Anti-Hazing Law defines hazing broadly, covering any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with an organization. This includes acts similar to those in the Bermudez case, such as forced consumption, physical activity, and psychological torment. Importantly, Michigan law, like Texas law, often tackles the common misconception that victims “consent” to hazing.

Key Legal Principles Applicable to Michigan Hazing Cases:

• Consent Is Not a Defense: In Michigan, a person cannot legally consent to be hazed. This crucial legal principle recognizes the immense power imbalance and psychological coercion inherent in hazing. When a fraternity tries to argue that a pledge “chose” to participate, the law rightly dismisses this defense. No one can consent to assault, torture, or reckless endangerment, especially under duress.
• Negligence Claims: We can pursue claims of negligence against the local chapter, the national organization, and the university. This involves proving that they had a duty to protect your child, they breached that duty through their actions or inaction, this breach caused injury, and your child suffered damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned property, in a fraternity house, or at a private residence, the property owners can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment or allowing dangerous activities to occur. This was a direct factor in the University of Houston’s liability for the Bermudez case.
• Assault and Battery: Any physical contact without consent that causes injury or offense can be classified as assault and battery. This applies directly to acts like paddling, beatings, or forced physical activity where there is no genuine consent.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The extreme and outrageous conduct typical of hazing, such as waterboarding, forced humiliation, or prolonged psychological torment, can lead to claims of IIED, compensating victims for severe mental and emotional distress.
• Organizational Liability: Universities and national fraternities have a responsibility to supervise their chapters and ensure adherence to anti-hazing policies. Their failure to do so, especially when they have knowledge of previous incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi’s history or UH’s prior hazing cases), directly implicates them in liability.
• Wrongful Death Claims: If hazing tragically leads to a student’s death in Michigan, families have the right to file wrongful death lawsuits, seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one’s life, future earnings, companionship, and the profound grief suffered.

Michigan universities like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University also have their own strict anti-hazing policies, and their failure to enforce these can be a critical element of institutional negligence. Whether the hazing happened on campus in Ann Arbor or East Lansing, or off-campus in a local fraternity house, we will apply our deep understanding of these legal frameworks to your Michigan case.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Michigan Families

When your child has been subjected to the trauma of hazing, you need a legal team that understands the unique complexities of these cases, has a proven track record, and will fight relentlessly for justice. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our expertise and reach extend nationwide, and we are fully equipped and committed to representing families in Michigan.

Our Unmatched Advantages for Michigan Hazing Victims:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We are not theoretical; we are actively fighting hazing right now in the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case. This hands-on, real-time experience arms us with unparalleled insights and strategies directly applicable to your child’s case in Michigan. We understand the current tactics defense attorneys use and how to counter them.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers working for insurance companies, defending corporations and institutions against claims like yours. This means we literally know their playbook. We understand how they evaluate cases, the tactics they use to minimize payouts, and their legal strategies. This insider knowledge is a massive unfair advantage we bring to every client, including Michigan families. Lupe Peña’s experience at a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, dealing with product liability, commercial litigation, and construction law, gives him an exceptional understanding of how large corporate defendants operate across various legal landscapes.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and is licensed in both Texas and New York. Lupe is also admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdictions across the country, providing robust legal avenues against national fraternities and universities in Michigan. Our dual-state bar licenses offer a strategic advantage when dealing with national organizations that may be headquartered or incorporated out of state.
4. Battle-Tested Litigation Experience: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello has handled complex, high-stakes litigation, including involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience against massive corporate defendants directly applies to taking on national Greek organizations and major universities in Michigan. Lupe Peña has recovered millions of dollars for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, directly relevant to severe hazing outcomes.
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise: We have represented hazing victims dealing with rhabdomyolysis and other severe injuries. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making him uniquely qualified to understand the medical and legal complexities involved.
6. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain extensive internal databases of Greek organizations and hazing incidents across the country. We don’t guess who is responsible; we know their corporate structures, their insurance policies, and their history of negligence. This intelligence allows us to target every liable entity, ensuring maximum accountability.
7. No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fee Basis: We understand that Michigan families facing the trauma of hazing may also be under immense financial strain. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to justice and allows you to fight powerful institutions, regardless of your economic situation.
8. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment for Michigan: While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing incidents know no state lines. We leverage remote consultation technology, including video conferences, to serve families anywhere in Michigan—from Detroit to Grand Rapids, from Lansing to Ann Arbor. Our attorneys are also prepared to travel to Michigan for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary. Distance will not be a barrier to securing justice for your child.
9. Empathetic and Aggressive Advocacy: We are fathers, family members, and community leaders. We see your child as a person, not just a case file. Our firm’s culture is built on empathy, warmth, and genuine care for our clients, combined with aggressive and relentless advocacy in the courtroom. We treat Michigan families like our own.
10. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language barriers never prevent Hispanic families in Michigan from accessing the legal representation they deserve.

Michigan parents, if you are looking for a legal team that combines fierce legal expertise with genuine compassion, that has the experience of fighting these battles right now, and that will travel to you to prosecute the case, then Attorney911 is your choice.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Michigan Hazing Victims

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. While fear, shame, and confusion are natural responses, timely action can be crucial to preserving evidence and building a strong legal case. If your child has been a victim of hazing in Michigan, we urge you to take these steps immediately.

Immediate Steps After a Hazing Incident:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic in Michigan. Even if injuries seem minor, some serious conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, have delayed symptoms. Obtaining prompt medical documentation creates an undeniable record of the injuries and their connection to the hazing.
2. Preserve All Evidence: Hazing often leaves a trail. Gather and secure every piece of evidence, even if it seems insignificant.
   • Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels), bills, and prescriptions.
   • Photos and Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. If your child has photos or videos of the hazing activities themselves, or the conditions where they occurred, save them securely.
   • Communications: Crucially, preserve all digital communications. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram direct messages, emails, and any social media posts related to the hazing, the fraternity/sorority, or the university. Do not delete anything from any device. Consider screenshots that include timestamps.
   • Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the hazing, participated in it, or knows about it. This includes other pledges, members, or even bystanders.
   • Documents: Retain any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the organization.
   • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and any tuition or fees for semesters disrupted by the hazing.
   • Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.
3. Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Alone: Do not speak with fraternity/sorority leadership, other members, university administrators, or their attorneys without legal counsel. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect the institution, not your child. Any statements made to them can be twisted and used against your case.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the hazing incident on social media. Avoid posting about your feelings, physical state, or opinions about the organization. Defense attorneys will scour social media for anything that can undermine your case, including posts that might suggest you are “fine” or enjoying yourself after the incident.
5. Do NOT Sign Any Documents: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or releases from the fraternity/sorority, university, or their insurance providers without first consulting with an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights to pursue legal action.
6. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney Immediately: This is perhaps the most critical step. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Michigan is typically three years, but evidence disappears quickly, memories fade, and perpetrators may try to cover their tracks. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can act to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and begin building your child’s case.

Michigan families, we want to make it clear: distance is NOT a barrier to justice. We offer free, confidential video consultations for Michigan families, and our team is prepared to travel to Michigan for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. We have the federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses to pursue these cases wherever justice demands.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Michigan Hazing Victims

If your child has been subjected to hazing at a university in Michigan—whether in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, club, or any other organization—you need immediate, aggressive, and expert legal representation. The trauma of hazing is profound, and the institutions responsible must be held accountable.

We are Attorney911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. We are actively fighting the biggest hazing case in America right now, and we are ready to bring that same ferocity and expertise to your family in Michigan.

Michigan Families: Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline Now for a Free Consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We are available 24/7. Your call is confidential, and your consultation is absolutely free.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Fees. No Hourly Charges. We Work on a Contingency Basis: You pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. This means you can pursue justice against powerful universities and national fraternities without any financial risk.

Michigan Families, We Serve Hazing Victims Everywhere:

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we proudly represent hazing victims across the United States, including all of Michigan.

• Universities in or near Michigan: We understand that students from Michigan attend colleges throughout the state and region. Whether the hazing occurred at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan State University in East Lansing, Wayne State University in Detroit, Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, or any other institution, our legal strategies apply.
• National Reach: National fraternities and sororities operate across state lines. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) provide a strategic advantage in pursuing these national organizations, regardless of where their headquarters are located.
• Video Consultations: We can meet with you securely and confidentially via video conference, saving you travel time and costs.
• Travel Commitment: Our attorneys will travel to Michigan for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed to aggressively litigate your case.

“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 Peña, Attorney 911

This statement, made by Lupe Peña regarding the Bermudez case, embodies our firm’s mission. Your decision to pursue legal action can not only secure justice and compensation for your child but also prevent future tragedies in Michigan and beyond.

Don’t let fear or loyalty keep you from acting. Don’t let the institutions that harmed your child get away with it. Contact Attorney911 today. We will fight for you.