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. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in Wisconsin fight back. In the quiet, close-knit communities of Wisconsin, from the bustling campuses of Madison and Milwaukee to the serene landscapes of the Northwoods, parents send their children off to college with dreams of academic success, personal growth, and lifelong friendships. They trust that the institutions of higher learning, the fraternities, sororities, and student organizations, will provide a safe and enriching environment. Yet, for too many families in Wisconsin, that trust is shattered by the dark reality of hazing.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is often criminal. It destroys lives, leaves deep psychological scars, and in the most tragic cases, it kills. When a hazing incident shatters the peace of a Wisconsin family, leaving a child injured, traumatized, or worse, they are often left feeling isolated, confused, and overwhelmed. Who do they turn to? How do they fight against powerful universities and national Greek organizations with limitless resources and legal teams?

We are Attorney911. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. While our roots are deeply planted in Texas, where we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now, our reach extends across the nation, including to families in Wisconsin. We understand the unique challenges facing victims in Wisconsin, from navigating the state’s specific laws to confronting the deeply ingrained cultures at institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and countless other colleges and universities across the state. We bring our aggressive, data-driven approach, our insider knowledge of how insurance companies and large institutions operate, and our unwavering commitment to justice directly to your family in Wisconsin. We are here to tell you that you are not alone, and you have powerful legal allies in your corner.

The Haunting Echoes of Inaction: Why Wisconsin Families Need Attorney911

The headlines from Texas paint a grim picture that resonates across state lines, warning families in Wisconsin about the very real dangers lurking beneath the surface of supposedly reputable institutions. Just recently, in our home state, a 19-year-old named Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied, forced to eat until he vomited, subjected to psychological torture, and deprived of sleep until his muscles broke down and his kidneys failed. He spent four agonizing days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis, an extreme and life-threatening condition. The perpetrators were members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. This brutal hazing was inflicted not even on an enrolled student, but a young man planning to transfer in the spring.

This horrifying incident, which occurred just weeks ago, led to a swift and aggressive $10 million lawsuit filed by our firm, Attorney911, against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. The chapter was suspended, then permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. This is not a hypothetical case; it is a live, ongoing battle in Harris County Civil District Court that demonstrates exactly what kind of firm Attorney911 is: aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries.

For families across Wisconsin, from Bayfield to Beloit, from Green Bay to La Crosse, these are not distant tragedies. They are stark warnings. The same national fraternities that operate in Texas, including Pi Kappa Phi, have active chapters at universities throughout Wisconsin. The same dangerous “traditions” and cultures of abuse can be found at institutions your children attend. And the same institutional failures that allowed hazing to spiral out of control in Houston are present on campuses across Wisconsin.

We understand that parents in Wisconsin send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to be nurtured, and to thrive. They shouldn’t have to worry that the very organizations meant to enhance the college experience could instead become instruments of torture and abuse. Whether your child attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison with its vibrant Greek Row, the urban campus of UW-Milwaukee, the historic halls of Marquette University, or any of the state’s other respected colleges and universities, the risk of hazing is real. These incidents are not isolated anomalies; they are part of a national crisis that demands national-level expertise to combat.

The Hazing Crisis: Confronting the Uncomfortable Truth in Wisconsin

The hazing crisis in America is far more pervasive and brutal than most parents in Wisconsin realize. When families imagine hazing, they might think of silly pranks or embarrassing rituals. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and countless others across the country, is one of systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological torment.

Statistics paint a sobering picture for any parent across Wisconsin:

Over half of students (55%) involved in fraternities and sororities report experiencing hazing. This isn’t a fringe activity; it’s deeply embedded.
40% of student athletes report hazing, extending this dangerous culture beyond just Greek life.
Since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. These are preventable deaths, often from forced alcohol consumption or extreme physical exertion.
Alarmingly, 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it. The culture of silence, intimidation, and fear of retribution is incredibly powerful, making it difficult for victims to come forward.

Hazing exists not just in fraternities and sororities, but also in athletic teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, clubs, and other student organizations. It thrives in environments where power imbalances exist, where secrecy is enforced, and where loyalty is twisted into a command to endure abuse.

For families in Wisconsin, this means that even if your child isn’t in a fraternity, the risk is still present. A student athlete at UW-Green Bay, a band member at UW-Eau Claire, or a club member at Carroll University could all become victims. The common denominator is the abuse of power and the normalization of dangerous rituals.

The problem is particularly acute because of institutional failures. Universities across Wisconsin, like those across the nation, are often aware of hazing. National Greek organizations, with their vast networks and financial resources, frequently have policies against hazing. Yet, time and again, these policies are not enforced, oversight is lax, and the pursuit of reputation and alumni donations overshadows the safety and well-being of students. They often act only when a tragedy forces their hand, or, as in the Bermudez case, when a $10 million lawsuit is staring them down.

This is why Attorney911 exists. We expose these failures. We leverage our deep experience against these powerful institutions. We fight for victims in Wisconsin and nationwide, turning their trauma into justice and sending an undeniable message: hazing will no longer be tolerated. We are here to ensure that the silence is broken and that accountability is served, protecting the futures of Wisconsin’s students.

A Terrifying Reality: What Hazing Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Wisconsin, the word “hazing” often conjures up images of mild embarrassment: silly costumes, scavenger hunts, or late-night pranks. The horrifying truth, as revealed in our landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case in Houston, is that modern hazing is systematic torture, psychological abuse, and life-threatening physical torment. This is not harmless fun; it is calculated infliction of injury, and it is happening across the country, including potentially at institutions your children attend in Wisconsin.

When we discuss hazing, we are talking about incidents like those suffered by Leonel Bermudez. These are not isolated acts of foolishness. They are deeply disturbing, often escalating rituals designed to break down a person’s will, enforce submission, and instill fear. The tactics used are frequently borrowed from military interrogation or severe forms of abuse, stripped of any pretense of “brotherhood” or “tradition.”

Consider the events Bermudez endured and imagine them happening to a student from your community in Appleton, from Janesville, or from Waukesha, attending any of Wisconsin’s respected universities.

Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: Imagine your child, gasping for air, having water sprayed directly into their face, simulating drowning. This isn’t a prank; it’s a known torture technique. News reports on the Bermudez case explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This alone should shatter any illusions about the “innocence” of hazing.
Forced Eating Until Vomiting, Followed by Continued Physical Abuse: Leonel was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, while lying in his own vomit-soaked grass, he was forced to continue running sprints, completely exhausted. This is designed to degrade, humiliate, and push a person to their absolute physical and mental limits.
Extreme Physical Exertion Leading to Organ Failure: His tormentors pushed him through 100+ pushups, 500 squats, “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion while physically collapsing. This relentless exertion resulted in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, conditions that can be fatal. He nearly died because his fraternity brothers pushed him until his organs began to shut down.
Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Leonel was made to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature. Another 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 face physical punishment. These acts are designed to break a person mentally, to make them feel powerless, objectified, and completely under the control of their abusers.
Sleep Deprivation and Servitude: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to severe exhaustion. This isn’t about bonding; it’s about control, reducing resistance, and fostering dependence.

These are not isolated incidents that defy easy categorization. They are distinct types of abuse that, when combined, create an environment of terror.

Physical Abuse: Beatings with wooden paddles, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, exposure to extreme temperatures.
Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, consuming nauseating or dangerous substances, eating until vomiting.
Sleep Deprivation: Orchestrated disruptions intended to disorient and weaken resistance.
Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, isolation, threats, and verbal abuse that leaves deep, often invisible, scars.
Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexually explicit acts, or handling sexual objects, which are not just hazing but criminal sexual assault.

The medical consequences are equally devastating:

Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure, as seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, requiring hospitalization and posing long-term health risks.
Alcohol Poisoning, a common cause of hazing deaths, leading to organ damage and respiratory arrest.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from falls, blows to the head, or violent assaults.
Hypothermia or Heatstroke from forced exposure to the elements.
Cardiac Arrest from extreme physical exertion.
Severe psychological conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can linger for years or a lifetime.

When we take on a hazing case for a Wisconsin family, we make it our mission to expose this reality. We don’t just talk about “hazing;” we meticulously detail the assault, the battery, the torture, the forced consumption, and the psychological abuse that occurred. We seek accountability not just for “hazing violations,” but for the criminal and tortious acts that destroyed a student’s well-being. Parents in Wisconsin deserve to know the truth about what is truly happening behind closed doors, and we are here to help them fight back with every legal tool available.

Unmasking the Culprits: Who Bears Responsibility for Hazing in Wisconsin?

When hazing seriously injures or kills a student from Wisconsin, the immediate focus is often on the individual perpetrators. While these individuals are undoubtedly responsible and must be held accountable, they are rarely the only ones. The true power of hazing litigation lies in unmasking the layers of institutional failure and holding every complicit entity accountable, from the local chapter to the national organization, and crucially, the universities themselves.

Our current $10 million lawsuit involving Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a living blueprint for comprehensive hazing litigation. We are actively suing a broad spectrum of defendants, illustrating precisely who can be held responsible when hazing harms a student from Wisconsin.

The Individual Perpetrators:
- Chapter Officers: The President, Pledgemaster, and other chapter leaders often orchestrate, direct, or facilitate the hazing. They have a direct responsibility to ensure the safety of pledges and uphold anti-hazing policies. In the Bermudez case, the President and Pledgemaster are specifically named as defendants.
- Current and Former Members: Any individual who actively participates in hazing, encourages it, or even stands by and allows it to happen without intervention can be held personally liable for assault, battery, negligence, and other intentional torts. We have named 13 individuals in the Bermudez lawsuit.
- Hosts and Property Owners: In Leonel’s case, former members and even a spouse of a former member are named because some of the hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability to anyone who provides a venue or allows hazing to occur on their property.
The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu at UH):
- This is the direct entity that organized and conducted the hazing activities. They are responsible for the actions of their members, for fostering a dangerous culture, and for failing to enforce their own rules and those of their national organization and university.
The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters):
- National organizations wield immense power and influence over their local chapters. They set policies, provide training, conduct audits, and often have the power to suspend or revoke chapter charters.
- The Argument for Liability: National organizations are frequently held liable for negligent supervision, failing to enforce anti-hazing policies, and for a pattern of tolerating hazing within their chapters. In Leonel’s case, our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical point: they knew there was a problem and failed to act. The fact that Andrew Coffey died in a Pi Kappa Phi hazing incident in 2017 makes this failure even more egregious; they had eight years to change.
- The Deep Pockets: National fraternities and sororities are multi-million dollar corporations with extensive insurance policies. They are often the primary target because they have the financial resources to provide meaningful compensation to victims.
The University or College (e.g., University of Houston, UW-Madison, Marquette):
- Universities have a fundamental duty to provide a safe educational environment for their students. This duty extends to campus activities, including Greek life.
- The Argument for Liability: Universites can be held liable for negligent supervision of student organizations, institutional negligence, failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, allowing a dangerous culture to persist, and in some cases, for premises liability if hazing occurs on university-owned property. In the Bermudez case, the University of Houston is a key defendant because it owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They also had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge with a lacerated spleen), demonstrating a pattern of institutional failure.
- Board of Regents: Governing bodies like the UH Board of Regents are often named to ensure full institutional accountability.
- The Deep Pockets: Universities often have substantial endowments and comprehensive insurance policies, making them significant targets for compensation.
Insurance Carriers:
- Behind every national organization, university, housing corporation, and often even individual homeowners, there are insurance policies designed to cover liabilities. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña at Attorney911 possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers operate, how they value claims, and, crucially, how to dismantle their defenses to maximize recovery for victims.

The Bottom Line for Wisconsin Families:
When your child is harmed by hazing, our firm does not just target a single individual or even an isolated chapter. We meticulously investigate every layer of responsibility, uncovering the participation of individuals, the negligence of the local chapter, the systemic failures of the national organization, and the oversight deficiencies of the university. We pursue every possible avenue for accountability, ensuring that all liable parties contribute to the justice and compensation your family in Wisconsin deserves. This aggressive, comprehensive approach ensures that those with the deepest pockets and the greatest responsibility are held to account.

Million-Dollar Settlements and Landmark Verdicts: Proving Wisconsin Families Can Win Big

When a hazing incident devastates a family in Wisconsin, one of the most pressing questions is often, “Can we really fight these powerful institutions and win?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Our firm, Attorney911, is built on the belief that these cases are winnable, and that multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements are not only possible but necessary to hold institutions accountable and drive change. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not an outlier; it is rooted in a strong foundation of national precedent.

These landmark cases prove that communities and juries across America have an overwhelming antipathy towards hazing. They hate it, and they will punish those responsible. Here are just a few examples that demonstrate the significant compensation and systemic change that can result from aggressive hazing litigation, and why similar results are absolutely within reach for hazing victims in Wisconsin:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Recovery: Over $10.1 Million
What Happened: Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old Fostoria, Ohio, native and pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 20.
The Payout: The family received $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals involved. This case became the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Critically, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was issued against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, personally. This proves that individual perpetrators cannot hide behind organizational shields.
Significance for Wisconsin: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez lawsuit. It shows that both the university and the national fraternity will pay substantial amounts. It also proves that individual officers are vulnerable to multi-million dollar personal judgments.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Total Recovery: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died of acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where pledges were forced to chug hard liquor if they answered trivia questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—six times the legal driving limit.
The Payout: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million in a wrongful death verdict.
Significance for Wisconsin: This case highlights that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts against fraternities for hazing deaths. It also resulted in the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of these cases to drive legislative change.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total Recovery: Over $110 Million (Estimated)
What Happened: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died two days later. Security cameras captured every horrifying detail.
The Payout: While confidential, reports estimate the combined settlements reached well over $110 million.
Significance for Wisconsin: This case demonstrates the immense value of strong evidence (like the video footage) and the catastrophic financial repercussions for institutions that fail to prevent hazing. It also led to the “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania, influencing stricter anti-hazing legislation nationwide.

4. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021)

Total Recovery: Over $4 Million Settlement
What Happened: Adam Oakes, a VCU freshman, died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event where he was forced to drink a liter of Jack Daniel’s.
The Payout: His family settled for over $4 million in October 2024 for his wrongful death.
Significance for Wisconsin: Another recent settlement for a hazing death, reaffirming the multi-million dollar value of these cases.

5. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Total Recovery: Confidential Settlement (multi-million)
What Happened: Andrew Coffey was found unresponsive after a “Big Brother Night” at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at FSU. He died of alcohol poisoning, having been forced to drink a bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon.
Significance for Wisconsin: This is the SAME national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that is involved in our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez. Andrew Coffey’s death eight years prior proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew the dangers within their organization and failed to take adequate steps to prevent another tragedy. This establishes a pattern of negligent conduct that significantly strengthens our clients’ cases.

These precedents, and many others, send a clear, undeniable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations with chapters in Wisconsin: Hazing costs millions. The legal framework exists, the public outrage is real, and the juries are willing to hold accountable every single entity responsible for these devastating actions. Our firm uses these past victories to inform our strategies, demonstrate the potential for significant recovery, and instill confidence in Wisconsin families that their fight for justice is not only valid but powerful. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, survived his ordeal, and while his injuries are severe, his case, like these, is positioned for similar monumental impact. We are prepared to bring this established track record of success to your family in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s Legal Shield: Understanding Hazing Laws and Civil Rights

For families in Wisconsin confronting the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of civil liability and the fundamental rights protecting students are consistent across state lines. Furthermore, a strong body of Wisconsin state law, coupled with our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), positions us uniquely to advocate for your child, no matter where the hazing occurred in Wisconsin.

Federal Civil Rights and Negligence Claims (Nationwide Application)

Regardless of a specific state’s hazing statutes, federal civil rights and broad negligence claims serve as powerful tools to hold institutions accountable for hazing.

Negligence: Universities and national organizations have a fundamental duty of care to protect students from foreseeable harm, including hazing. When they breach this duty (e.g., by failing to supervise, ignoring warning signs, or inadequately enforcing policies) and that breach causes injury, they are negligent. This is the cornerstone of virtually all hazing lawsuits and is applicable in Wisconsin as it is anywhere else.
Federal Civil Rights: In certain grievous cases, hazing can violate a student’s civil rights, particularly if it involves discrimination based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics, or if it amounts to institutional indifference to severe psychological or physical trauma. Our experience in federal court allows us to pursue these complex claims directly.

Wisconsin’s Anti-Hazing Laws: A Foundation for Accountability

While we operate under Texas law for our current lawsuit, Wisconsin has its own robust legal framework designed to combat hazing. Understanding these laws helps victims and their families in Wisconsin realize the gravity of the offenses committed against them and the clear avenues for justice:

Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 – Hazing

Definition of Hazing: Most states, including Wisconsin, define hazing broadly to include any intentional or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with an organization. This is typically applicable on or off campus.
Criminal Penalties: Wisconsin law establishes criminal penalties for hazing. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it can be prosecuted as a felony. Lesser acts of hazing can be charged as misdemeanors. This means individuals who participated in hazing, such as those who perpetrated the abuse against Leonel Bermudez, could face criminal charges in Wisconsin, just as they could in Texas. In cases where hazing leads to death, higher felony charges, including manslaughter, would likely apply.
Consent is Not a Defense: Like Texas Education Code § 37.154, Wisconsin law clearly states that a victim’s consent to participate in hazing is not a defense to prosecution. This is a critical point that disarms one of the primary arguments fraternities and universities often employ—that the victim “willingly participated.” This legal provision explicitly acknowledges the coercive nature of hazing and ensures that perpetrators cannot evade responsibility by claiming the victim “agreed” to the abuse.

Civil Liability in Wisconsin: Pursuing Justice and Compensation

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits offer the most direct path for victims and their families in Wisconsin to recover substantial compensation for their suffering and financial losses. The civil theories of liability in Wisconsin are largely parallel to those we utilize in Texas:

Negligence: This is the most common claim. It targets the individuals who directly caused the harm, the local chapter for its actions and culture, the national organization for its failure to supervise, and the university for its failure to protect.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (like a fraternity house owned by UW-Madison or UW-Milwaukee) or a local chapter, the property owner can be held liable for allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
Negligent Supervision: This applies broadly to both national organizations and universities that fail to adequately oversee their chapters and student groups, particularly when there is a history of hazing or known risks.
Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts that can be pursued against individual perpetrators for direct physical harm (e.g., paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding).
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Reserved for particularly egregious conduct that causes severe emotional distress, such as the psychological torture experienced by Leonel Bermudez.
Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a student’s death, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their immense losses, including funeral expenses, loss of future income, and loss of companionship.

Why Wisconsin Families Need Specialized Legal Counsel:

While these laws exist, navigating the complex interplay between state statutes, federal regulations, civil torts, and the intricate defense strategies employed by universities and national fraternities requires specialized knowledge. Our firm excels in:

Translating legal jargon into understandable terms for worried parents.
Building a comprehensive case that identifies and targets every liable party.
Leveraging our federal court authority to ensure your case can be heard in the most advantageous jurisdiction, irrespective of where in Wisconsin the incident occurred.
Utilizing our insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics to anticipate and counter the arguments that will be made against your family.

For parents in Wisconsin, this means that even if a local prosecutor decides not to pursue criminal charges, or even if the university attempts to sweep the incident under the rug, your civil rights remain intact. We are prepared to stand with you, armed with a deep understanding of hazing law, a track record of aggressive litigation, and an unwavering commitment to securing justice for your child.

Why Attorney911 is the Unmatched Choice for Wisconsin Hazing Victims

When your child in Wisconsin has been victimized by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team. You need experts who understand the profound emotional, physical, and financial devastation hazing inflicts, and who possess the unique skills and unwavering resolve to hold powerful institutions accountable. Attorney911 is precisely that team, and here’s why families in Wisconsin, from Marquette to Madison, are choosing us to fight their hazing battles.

1. Active, Aggressive Hazing Litigation on a National Scale

We aren’t just talking about hazing; we are fighting it in the trenches right now. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez is proof of our active, aggressive approach. This isn’t a theoretical exercise for us; it’s a current battle in court. Wisconsin families get the same battle-tested, relentless representation that is fighting for justice in Houston right now. We don’t just “handle” hazing cases; we lead the charge.

2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, our founding attorneys, honed their skills working for insurance companies and national defense firms. Ralph was an insurance defense attorney, and Lupe Peña spent years at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This isn’t just a detail; it’s our unfair advantage.

Ralph Manginello knows how they strategize, what evidence they prioritize, and how they attempt to minimize payouts. He saw their playbook from the inside.
Lupe Peña has firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims, build defenses, and deploy tactics to lowball victims. He learned their internal strategies across a spectrum of cases, from products liability to construction law.

When your family in Wisconsin faces a university’s legal team or a national fraternity’s insurance lawyers, we know exactly how they are thinking. We’ve been in their war room. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and leverage our strategies to maximize your compensation. They cannot bluff us because we know their hand.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: No Geographical Limits

Hazing often involves national organizations and universities that receive federal funding. Our attorneys are admitted to U.S. District Courts and hold licenses in both Texas AND New York.

Federal Authority: This means we can pursue your hazing case in federal court, a powerful advantage when dealing with national fraternities and university systems that span multiple states, including Wisconsin.
Dual-State Bars: Our New York bar license provides a strategic edge against national fraternities headquartered in states outside of Texas, allowing us to pursue critical discovery or litigation where their corporate structures reside, creating a national footprint that benefits victims in Wisconsin.
We Travel to Wisconsin: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer remote consultations via phone and video for families anywhere in Wisconsin, and our team is prepared to travel to Wisconsin for depositions, court proceedings, and crucial client meetings if necessary. We bring our expertise directly to your doorstep.

4. Battle-Tested Experience Against Corporate Giants

Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants and complex, high-stakes mass tort cases. Hazing litigation against national fraternities and universities involves similar challenges, requiring extensive resources, meticulous investigation, and aggressive advocacy. This experience means we are not intimidated by the size or power of any institution involved in your child’s hazing case in Wisconsin.

5. Proven Track Record of Results and Deep Financial Recovery

Our case results aren’t just statistics; they are stories of justice. Whether it’s securing millions of dollars in personal injury or wrongful death cases, our focus is always on maximizing compensation for our clients. We understand that monetary awards cannot erase the trauma of hazing, but they can provide access to necessary medical care, long-term therapy, educational support, and a foundation for healing. Our success in cases involving rhabdomyolysis and severe trauma positions us perfectly to advocate for hazing victims.

6. Compassionate, Bilingual, and Client-Centered Approach

We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. Our approach is empathetic, warm, and parent-facing. We say, “We understand what you’re going through,” because we genuinely do.

Se Habla Español: Our team, including Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that Hispanic families in Wisconsin can communicate fully and comfortably in their native language, removing any barriers to legal representation.
Client Communication: We believe in consistent, transparent communication. Our clients are always kept updated, treated with respect, and made to feel like family, not just another case number. This is reflected in our 4.9-star Google rating with over 250 reviews.

7. Contingency Fees: Access to Justice, No Upfront Cost

We know that fighting powerful institutions can be financially daunting. That’s why we take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis. For families in Wisconsin:

You pay $0 upfront.
We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.
This aligns our interests completely with yours and ensures that financial constraints never prevent your family from seeking justice.

8. Deep Cultural Understanding and Strategic Local Integration

While our home is Texas, we recognize that Wisconsin has its own distinct culture, community values, and specific institutions. We use our detailed knowledge of universities like UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and Marquette, the prevalence of Greek life in these areas, and the values of integrity and community that are so important in Wisconsin to tailor our approach. We are keenly aware that hazing undermines these very values, and we articulate our cases in a way that resonates with Wisconsin juries and communities. We don’t just swap in a city name; we understand the fabric of the community.

Choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that is actively fighting the hazing crisis today, a firm with the insider knowledge to outmaneuver the opposition, and a firm with the national reach to bring justice to your family in Wisconsin. We are not just lawyers; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a proven commitment to holding every wrongdoer accountable.

Texas Law Protects You: Why Consent is NEVER a Defense in Hazing Cases

One of the most insidious arguments often raised by universities and fraternities defending against hazing allegations is that “the victim consented” or “they knew what they were signing up for.” This argument attempts to shift blame from the perpetrators to the victim, and it is a tactic we are intimately familiar with—and prepared to dismantle—in every hazing case, including those for families in Wisconsin.

In Texas, where our landmark Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit is ongoing, the law is unequivocally clear on this matter, and similar statutes exist in Wisconsin: Consent is never a defense in hazing.

The Explicit Legal Mandate

Texas Education Code § 37.154 states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This is a critical, deliberate provision enacted by the Texas legislature that directly addresses and preempts one of the most common and manipulative defenses in hazing cases. This same legal principle applies in Wisconsin.

Why Consent is Irrelevant in Hazing

Let’s break down why this legal principle is so crucial and why any attempt to use “consent” as a defense in your child’s hazing case in Wisconsin is legally invalid and morally repugnant:

Coercion, Not Choice: Hazing is inherently coercive. Students seeking to join a fraternity, sorority, or team are often desperately trying to fit in, make friends, and secure a social network. They face immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, social ostracization, and threats of being dropped from the organization if they don’t comply. This constitutes duress, not free consent. No one truly “consents” to being waterboarded, forced to eat their own vomit, or physically abused.
Lack of Informed Consent: Victims are rarely, if ever, given a clear, explicit, and truthful outline of the exact abuse they will endure. Hazing is shrouded in secrecy precisely because it is illegal and dangerous. How can someone “consent” to acts they are not fully aware of?
Illegal Acts Cannot Be Consented To: You cannot consent to be assaulted. You cannot consent to a crime. Hazing, by its very definition, involves acts that typically constitute criminal offenses under state law (assault, battery, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment). The law recognizes that participation in such illegal acts, even if seemingly “agreed upon,” does not absolve the perpetrators of their criminal or civil liability.
Power Imbalance: There is a significant power imbalance between seasoned fraternity members and vulnerable pledges. This dynamic makes true, voluntary consent virtually impossible.
Focus on Perpetrator, Not Victim: The purpose of anti-hazing laws is to deter and punish dangerous behavior by perpetrators, not to scrutinize the victim’s choices under duress. By removing consent as a defense, the law rightly places the onus of responsibility squarely on those who inflict the hazing.

Our Strategy Against the “Consent” Defense

When an opposing attorney dares to suggest that your child “consented” to being abused, our response, for families in Wisconsin and nationwide, is swift and decisive:

Cite the Law: We immediately point to state statutes, like Texas Education Code § 37.154, that directly dismantle this defense.
Expose Coercion: We highlight the intense peer pressure, the threats, and the social dynamics that strip away any semblance of free will.
Focus on the Criminality: We emphasize that the acts committed were illegal and that illegal acts cannot be consented to.
Show Institutional Complicity: We demonstrate how the university and national organization contributed to the culture where coerced “consent” was expected and abuse thrived.

For parents in Wisconsin, this means that if your child was hazed, any suggestion that they “agreed to it” is legally baseless and an attempt to re-victimize them. We are here to ensure that their voices are heard, their suffering is acknowledged, and the legal fiction of “consent” is never allowed to shield their abusers. Your child is a victim, not a willing participant, and the law, as we will demonstrate, stands firmly with them.

Attorney911: Your Fierce Advocates in Wisconsin and Beyond

When hazing shatters a family in Wisconsin, leaving a child injured, traumatized, or worse, the need for exceptional legal representation is paramount. Attorney911 is not just another law firm; we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™—a specialized team built for these critical moments. Our unique blend of experience, insight, and aggressive advocacy makes us the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families across Wisconsin.

What Makes Attorney911 the Right Choice for Your Wisconsin Family:

Ralph P. Manginello: The Battle-Tested Strategist and Former Insider
- 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience: Ralph is a seasoned trial attorney with over two decades of experience, honed in countless courtrooms across Texas and federal jurisdictions. He brings this deep well of litigation experience directly to your hazing case in Wisconsin.
- Former Insurance Defense Attorney: This is his invaluable “unfair advantage.” Ralph spent critical years working for insurance companies. He knows their valuation models, their delay tactics, their settlement strategies, and every trick they use to deny or minimize claims. He now uses that intimate knowledge to dismantle their defenses and fight vigorously for hazing victims in Wisconsin.
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Ralph’s involvement in this multi-billion dollar mass tort case against a corporate giant demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against powerful defendants like national fraternities and universities.
- Dual-State Bar (Texas & New York) & Federal Court Admitted: This gives us expanded reach, allowing us to pursue national organizations and leverage federal litigation strategies that benefit your case in Wisconsin.
- Journalism Background: Ralph’s background in investigative journalism means he’s trained to uncover facts, build compelling narratives, and expose truths that institutions often try to hide—a critical skill in hazing cases where secrecy is paramount.
- Community Roots & Personal Understanding: As a father of three and a youth coach, Ralph intimately understands the environments where hazing occurs and the devastating impact it has on families. His commitment extends beyond the courtroom to community safety.
Lupe Eleno Peña: The Insurance Counter-Intelligence Expert
- Former National Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a prominent national defense firm. He literally sat on the other side of the table, defending insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims. He learned their secrets, their negotiation tactics, and their weaknesses.
- “Outwork, Outsmart, Outfight” Philosophy: Lupe’s litigation philosophy is aggressive and effective. He outworks the opposition in preparation, outsmarts them with insider knowledge, and outfights them with relentless advocacy. This is the mentality needed to take on well-funded universities and national fraternities.
- Wrongful Death & Dram Shop Expertise: His experience in wrongful death cases and Dram Shop liability (holding establishments accountable for over-serving alcohol) is directly applicable to hazing cases, particularly those involving alcohol poisoning or fatalities.
- Finance Background & Bilingual (Se Habla Español): His pre-law career in finance aids in calculating complex economic damages, while his fluency in Spanish ensures we can serve Wisconsin’s diverse communities, removing language barriers to justice.
- Third-Generation Texan: Lupe’s deep family roots in Texas connect our firm to generations of community values, reflecting a commitment to ensuring justice for all Texans, and by extension, all Americans, including those in Wisconsin.

Our Attorney911 Advantage for Wisconsin Hazing Victims:

Holistic Insight: We have built a firm comprised entirely of former insurance defense attorneys. This unique perspective means we anticipate every move the defense will make, understand their pressure points, and strategize accordingly to maximize your outcome.
Data-Driven Litigation: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, housing corporation details, and insurance structures. This intelligence allows us to identify and target every liable entity without guessing, a process we apply to national organizations with chapters in Wisconsin.
Aggressive Pursuit of Accountability: We don’t settle for partial justice. We pursue every individual, every local chapter, every national organization, and every university that bears responsibility for your child’s harm. The $10 million Bermudez lawsuit is our active demonstration of this commitment.
National Reach, Local Commitment: While headquartered in Houston, our federal court admissions and willingness to travel mean that families in Wisconsin receive the same high-caliber representation. We offer extensive remote consultation options and will be on the ground in Wisconsin when your case demands it.
Client-Centered Care: We understand that a hazing incident is a profound trauma. We approach every client with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to transparent communication. Our 24/7 legal emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, ensures that help is always available when you need it most.
Contingency Fee Basis: We eliminate financial barriers to justice. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that every family in Wisconsin, regardless of their financial situation, can access top-tier legal representation.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team of legal strategists who have faced the opposition from both sides of the courtroom. We bring unparalleled expertise, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record of fighting for justice against the very institutions that enabled the trauma. For hazing victims in Wisconsin, Attorney911 is your Legal Emergency Lawyer™, ready to fight back.

What to Do Right Now: Protecting Your Child and Your Case in Wisconsin

If your child in Wisconsin has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While shock, fear, and confusion are natural responses, taking swift, decisive action can profoundly impact your child’s recovery and the strength of any potential legal case. We understand you’re likely searching for help at all hours, from Milwaukee to Madison, and we want to provide clear, actionable steps you can take right now.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Ensure Immediate Safety: Get your child out of the hazing environment. If they are still being subjected to abuse, remove them from the situation at once and ensure they are in a safe place. This is paramount.
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child is reluctant, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis from extreme exercise or internal damage from forced consumption, may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline can mask pain.
- Go to the Emergency Room: For any significant injury, trauma, or concern of alcohol poisoning (like in the cases of Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, or Andrew Coffey), head to the nearest emergency room in Wisconsin.
- Document Everything: Ensure all injuries, symptoms, and the circumstances of the hazing are thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Mention that the injuries are hazing-related. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and discharge papers from hospitals or clinics in Wisconsin.
Address Psychological Trauma: Hazing inflicts severe psychological harm. Seek therapy or counseling for your child from a licensed mental health professional in Wisconsin. These records will be vital for documenting emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence Immediately

Hazing incidents often happen in secret, and perpetrators frequently attempt to destroy evidence. Your prompt action can secure critical proof.

Digital Communications (CRITICAL!):
- DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Screenshots of texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, or any other social media communications are invaluable. These often contain direct evidence of coercion, threats, instructions, and even admissions.
- Take screenshots of entire conversations, ensuring dates and participants are visible.
- Save any photos or videos exchanged related to the hazing.
Photos and Videos of Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photographs of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) immediately, and continue to document the healing process over time. This helps illustrate the severity and duration of the harm.
Physical Evidence: If safe to do so, document the location of the hazing with photos or videos. Preserve any items directly related to the hazaging (e.g., specific clothing, items described in the hazing ritual).
Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and contact information for any witnesses, including other pledges, former members, bystanders, or anyone who can corroborate your child’s story.
Hazing “Manuals” or Schedules: If your child received any written materials related to the pledge process (e.g., secret handbooks, calendars, rules), preserve them.
Academic and Financial Records: Keep any records detailing the impact on your child’s academic performance or their financial losses (medical bills, lost tuition, lost wages from missed work/internships).

Step 3: Understand What NOT to Do – Avoid Critical Mistakes

The defense will be looking for any misstep to weaken your case.

DO NOT Delete Anything: Deleting digital communications can be construed as spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case.
DO NOT Speak to the Fraternity/Sorority Leadership: They are not on your side. They will gather their ranks, coordinate stories, and likely try to intimidate or silence your child. Any conversation with them should occur only with legal counsel present.
DO NOT Speak to University Officials Alone: University administration’s primary loyalty is to the institution, not to your child. Any statements given to them can be used against you. Have legal counsel present for any official discussions.
DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, the university, or their representatives without your attorney reviewing it. You could unknowingly waive critical legal rights.
DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child or anyone in your family posts on social media can and will be used against them by defense attorneys (e.g., photos of your child looking “fine,” social activities that suggest they are not traumatized, complaints that can be spun as unreliable). Stay completely silent on social media regarding the incident.
DO NOT Delay: The statute of limitations in Wisconsin, like Texas, for personal injury and wrongful death cases is typically two years. This may seem like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities to connect with witnesses diminish quickly. Waiting too long can mean losing your legal rights entirely.

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 Immediately for a Free Consultation

This is the most crucial step. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.

Call Our Legal Emergency Hotline: Our team is available 24/7. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. This call is free, confidential, and places no obligation on you.
Email Us: You can also reach us at ralph@atty911.com.
Remote Consultations: No matter where you are in Wisconsin—whether you’re in Green Bay, Eau Claire, Superior, or La Crosse—we can schedule a video consultation to discuss your child’s case. Distance is not a barrier to our representation.
Contingency Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This removes any financial barrier to obtaining top-tier legal representation.

When you contact us, we will listen empathetically, thoroughly evaluate your child’s situation, and provide clear guidance on the next steps. We will leverage our expertise, our insider knowledge of how defense teams operate, and our unwavering commitment to justice to build the strongest possible case for your family in Wisconsin. Your child deserves justice, and we are ready to fight for it.

Your Call for Justice: Contact Attorney911 in Wisconsin Today

If you or your child in Wisconsin has been a victim of hazing, whether it was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette, or any other institution, the time to act is now. The trauma, the physical injuries, the emotional scars, and the financial burdens of hazing are profound, and you do not have to carry them alone. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can set in when your family faces such a crisis. We are here to transform that pain into a powerful pursuit of justice and accountability.

We are Attorney911. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now, proving that we don’t just talk about justice; we deliver it. We bring this same aggressive, data-driven, and client-focused approach to every family in Wisconsin who has suffered at the hands of hazing.

Why Call Attorney911 for Your Wisconsin Hazing Case?

Active Hazing Litigation Experts: We are currently in the field, fighting the very battle your family may be facing. Our expertise is current, proven, and unparalleled.
Insider Advantage: Our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know the tactics, the strategies, and the weaknesses of the universities and national fraternities you’ll be up against.
Zero Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Access to justice should never depend on your financial situation.
Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions mean we can proficiently handle hazing cases across every state, including Wisconsin. We offer remote consultations and will travel to Wisconsin when your case requires our on-the-ground presence.
Comprehensive Accountability: We pursue every liable party—individual perpetrators, local chapters, national organizations, universities—to ensure maximum compensation and meaningful change.
Empathetic and Confidential Support: We understand the sensitive nature of hazing. Your call is confidential, and our team approaches every client with compassion and respect. We are here to listen without judgment.
Se Habla Español: Our bilingual team ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Wisconsin receive full and comfortable legal support in their native language.

Do Not Wait. Time is Critical.

Evidence disappears, memories fade, and the statute of limitations in Wisconsin (typically two years for personal injury and wrongful death) can expire. Every moment counts. Your decisive action today can be the catalyst for healing, accountability, and preventing future tragedies for other Wisconsin families.

Your Call for Justice Starts Here.

Pick up the phone, and let us be your first responders to this legal emergency. We are ready to listen, to fight, and to secure the justice your child deserves.

📞 Call Our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email Us Anytime: ralph@atty911.com

Learn More About Our Firm: Visit attorney911.com

If your child in Wisconsin has been injured or worse due to hazing, contact Attorney911 today. Let us transform your pain into power, and ensure that the institutions responsible are held fully accountable. Enough is enough. We are here to fight for you.