🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Clinton County, Michigan | Fraternity Abuse Attorney
Protecting Students from Dangerous Greek Life Traditions in Clinton County and Across Michigan
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “team building.” It’s abuse. And if your child has been the victim of hazing in Clinton County or at any Michigan college or university, you need aggressive legal representation that understands both the medical consequences and the institutional cover-ups that follow these incidents.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity operates at universities across Michigan, including near Clinton County. The same dangerous culture exists in Michigan Greek life. And we’re ready to fight for Clinton County families.
If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or anywhere in Michigan, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Clinton County and Michigan
Hazing is a widespread, dangerous epidemic in Michigan’s colleges and universities. While Clinton County may not have a major university within its borders, families in Clinton County send their children to institutions across Michigan where Greek life thrives – and where hazing happens.
Michigan Universities with Active Greek Life Near Clinton County:
While Clinton County itself doesn’t host a major university, Michigan families from Clinton County send their children to institutions throughout the state where Greek life is active and hazing risks exist:
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) – Approximately 1 hour from Clinton County
- Michigan State University (East Lansing) – Approximately 1.5 hours from Clinton County
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) – Approximately 2 hours from Clinton County
- Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo) – Approximately 2.5 hours from Clinton County
- Ferris State University (Big Rapids) – Approximately 2.5 hours from Clinton County
- Grand Valley State University (Allendale) – Approximately 3 hours from Clinton County
These are the same national fraternities that have chapters in Clinton County-area universities and across Michigan – the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
The Same National Fraternities Operate in Michigan:
The same fraternities involved in our current $10 million lawsuit – and the same organizations that have killed students across America – maintain active chapters at Michigan universities near Clinton County:
| Fraternity | Michigan Universities with Chapters | Notable Hazing Incidents Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | University of Michigan, Michigan State, Central Michigan | Our current $10M case (2025); Andrew Coffey death (2017) |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan | Stone Foltz death (2021); $10.1M settlement |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Michigan State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan | Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case |
| Beta Theta Pi | University of Michigan, Michigan State | Timothy Piazza death (2017); $110M+ settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | University of Michigan, Michigan State | Maxwell Gruver death (2017); $6.1M verdict |
| Kappa Sigma | University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan | Multiple hazing incidents; rhabdomyolysis cases |
Clinton County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity at any Michigan university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🏥 What Hazing Does to Clinton County Students
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s medically dangerous and can cause permanent, life-altering injuries. Our current client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme physical activities.
Medical Consequences of Hazing:
| Injury Type | Description | Michigan Hazing Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure | Multiple Michigan cases reported; our current client hospitalized with this |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste; can be fatal | Result of rhabdomyolysis; requires hospitalization |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Can cause coma or death | Multiple Michigan hazing deaths from forced drinking |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings or falls | Reported in Michigan hazing incidents |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | From exposure to extreme temperatures | Michigan’s cold winters make hypothermia risk severe |
| Fractures and Broken Bones | From physical beatings or falls | Documented in Michigan hazing cases |
| Psychological Trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Long-term impact on Michigan students |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, inappropriate touching | Reported in Michigan Greek life |
| Death | From any of the above | Multiple Michigan hazing deaths in recent years |
Michigan Hazing Incidents – The Reality for Clinton County Families:
While specific Clinton County incidents aren’t documented, Michigan universities have seen serious hazing cases:
- Michigan State University has faced multiple hazing investigations in recent years
- University of Michigan fraternities have been suspended for hazing violations
- Central Michigan University has disciplined Greek organizations for hazing
- Western Michigan University has suspended fraternities for hazing activities
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our Houston client happen at Michigan universities near Clinton County. The same national organizations oversee these chapters. And the same institutional failures allow it to continue.
⚖️ Michigan Hazing Laws – What Clinton County Families Need to Know
Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students from dangerous initiation practices. If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or at any Michigan university, they have legal rights.
Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t – Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution, and that is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, causing physical injury or mental harm to any student.
Key Elements:
- Applies to all organizations affiliated with educational institutions (fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, etc.)
- Includes physical injury or mental harm
- Consent is NOT a defense – Michigan law explicitly states that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 93 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Felony (if serious impairment of bodily function): Up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine
- Felony (if death occurs): Up to 15 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine
Organizational Penalties:
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
- Organizations can be suspended or banned from campus
Why This Matters for Clinton County Families:
- Your child’s consent does NOT matter – Even if they “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
- The fraternity, sorority, and university can ALL be held responsible
- Criminal charges can be filed against individual perpetrators
- Civil lawsuits can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
💰 Who We Sue for Clinton County Hazing Victims
When hazing happens, multiple parties are responsible – and we sue them all.
1. The Local Chapter (Most Immediate Responsibility)
Why they’re liable:
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
- Individual members participated in or failed to stop hazing
- Example: In our current case, we’re suing the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and its officers
Clinton County Application:
- If your child was hazed at a Michigan university chapter, that local chapter is directly responsible
- Chapter officers can be held personally liable – just like in the Stone Foltz case where the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
2. The National Organization (Deep Pockets)
Why they’re liable:
- Failed to supervise local chapters
- Knew or should have known about hazing culture
- Had power to stop hazing but didn’t
- Often have millions in assets and insurance coverage
Clinton County Application:
- National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon maintain chapters at Michigan universities near Clinton County
- They have actual knowledge of hazing risks – our current case shows Pi Kappa Phi knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
- They have deep pockets – settlements in hazing cases often come from national organizations’ insurance
3. The University (Institutional Failure)
Why they’re liable:
- Have a duty to protect students
- Often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
- Can regulate, suspend, or ban dangerous organizations
- Have failed to act despite knowing about hazing risks
Clinton County Application:
- Michigan universities like Michigan State, University of Michigan, Central Michigan have Greek life oversight responsibilities
- They know hazing happens – multiple Michigan universities have disciplined Greek organizations for hazing
- They have substantial resources – public universities have budgets in the billions
4. Individual Members (Personal Accountability)
Why they’re liable:
- Participated in hazing activities
- Failed to stop known hazing
- Directed or encouraged hazing
- Can be held personally responsible for damages
Clinton County Application:
- Individual fraternity members at Michigan universities can be sued personally
- They may have homeowner’s insurance that covers liability
- They face criminal charges under Michigan law
5. Housing Corporations (Premises Liability)
Why they’re liable:
- Own or control property where hazing occurs
- Failed to maintain safe premises
- Failed to prevent illegal activities
Clinton County Application:
- Many Michigan fraternity and sorority houses are owned by housing corporations
- If hazing occurred in a fraternity house, the housing corporation may be liable
6. Alumni (Ongoing Influence)
Why they’re liable:
- May have hosted hazing activities
- Often provide financial support to chapters
- Can influence chapter culture
Clinton County Application:
- Michigan Greek organizations have active alumni networks
- Some hazing activities occur at alumni-owned properties
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clinton County or at a Michigan University
TIME IS CRITICAL. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. If your child has been hazed, follow these steps immediately:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are crucial evidence – document everything
- If your child is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately
2. Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. SAVE EVERYTHING.
| Evidence Type | What to Preserve |
|---|---|
| Photos/Videos | Any images from hazing activities; injuries at all stages of healing |
| Text Messages | All communications about hazing; screenshots of group chats |
| Social Media | Screenshots of posts, messages, Snapchats, Instagrams about hazing |
| Emails | Any communications about pledge activities |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders |
| Clothing/Objects | Any items used in hazing (paddles, clothing, etc.) |
| Medical Records | All hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records |
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT meet with fraternity/sorority leaders without an attorney
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators alone
- Do NOT sign any documents from the organization
- Do NOT accept any settlement offers without legal advice
They will try to control the narrative. They will try to minimize what happened. They will try to protect themselves – not your child.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Do NOT post about the incident on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Do NOT post photos that could be misinterpreted
- Do NOT engage with Greek life members online
- Do NOT delete old posts – that’s destruction of evidence
Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media for anything they can use against you.
5. Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations for hazing victims
- We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
- We can preserve evidence before it disappears
- We can protect your child from institutional pressure
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
6. Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report – hazing is a crime in Michigan
- File a Title IX complaint with the university
- Report to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights
💸 What Clinton County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries.
Types of Compensation Available:
| Category | What It Covers | Clinton County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment | Our client’s 4-day hospital stay; ongoing kidney monitoring |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from rhabdomyolysis; pain from beatings |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Trauma from waterboarding; fear of retribution |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Student jobs; summer internships |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to education; lost scholarships | Delayed graduation; transfer to different school |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding; 500 squats until collapse |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses; loss of companionship |
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Current Case | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit pending (2025) |
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1M settlement (2021) |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1M jury verdict (2017) |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110M+ settlement (2017) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement (2017) |
These results are possible for Clinton County families. The same legal strategies apply to Michigan hazing cases.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: YES. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should consult with an attorney. Here’s why:
- The statute of limitations is running – if you wait, you may lose your rights
- Evidence disappears – texts get deleted, witnesses forget, injuries heal
- The organization will try to control the narrative – they have lawyers working to protect themselves
- Other victims may exist – your child’s case could help prevent future hazing
- You may have options you don’t know about – Title IX, criminal complaints, university investigations
We offer free, confidential consultations. What you do with the information is up to you.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: NO. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411t(4):
“It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the individual against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Why this matters:
- Fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate”
- They’ll say: “He knew what he was getting into”
- They’ll claim: “He could have left at any time”
The law says: CONSENT DOESN’T MATTER.
Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “agreed” to participate.
Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Clinton County. Can you still help us?
A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Michigan.
How we serve Clinton County families:
- Federal court authority – We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Video consultations – Meet with us remotely from Clinton County
- Travel commitment – We come to Michigan for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Nationwide experience – We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case and have experience with fraternity litigation
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: YES. Universities can be held liable for hazing even if they claim they didn’t know about it. Here’s why:
- They have a duty to protect students – This includes monitoring Greek life activities
- They often own or control fraternity houses – If hazing occurs on their property, they’re responsible
- They have the power to regulate Greek organizations – They can inspect, suspend, or ban dangerous chapters
- They should have known – If there’s a pattern of hazing at their institution, they can’t claim ignorance
In our current case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
- They failed to implement effective oversight
- They are named as defendants in our $10M lawsuit
Michigan universities have the same responsibilities.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can you do to protect them?
A: We take retaliation very seriously. Hazing victims often fear speaking out because they worry about:
- Being ostracized by their peers
- Losing their place in the fraternity/sorority
- Academic retaliation
- Social consequences
How we protect our clients:
- Confidentiality – We protect your child’s identity to the extent possible
- Legal protections – Retaliation against a hazing victim is illegal
- University pressure – We can demand that the university protect your child
- Evidence preservation – We document everything to build a strong case
- Criminal referrals – If retaliation occurs, we can refer it to law enforcement
Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). We understand this fear and will protect your child.**
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Why this matters for Clinton County families:
- You can fight powerful institutions without financial risk
- We have the same incentive as you – to maximize your recovery
- You get experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation
Q: How long do hazing lawsuits take?
A: The timeline varies, but most hazing cases take 12-24 months to resolve. Factors that affect the timeline:
| Factor | Impact on Timeline |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | More severe injuries = longer medical treatment = longer case |
| Number of defendants | More defendants = more complex case = longer timeline |
| Insurance company cooperation | Uncooperative defendants = longer negotiations |
| Need for litigation | If we have to file a lawsuit = longer timeline |
| Criminal investigation | Parallel criminal case can delay civil case |
Our approach:
- We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible
- But we won’t rush if it means accepting a low settlement
- We’ll keep you informed every step of the way
Q: Can you guarantee a specific outcome for my case?
A: No ethical attorney can guarantee a specific outcome. However, we can guarantee:
- Aggressive representation – We’ll fight for maximum compensation
- Expert legal strategy – We know how to build strong hazing cases
- Clear communication – You’ll always know what’s happening with your case
- No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
- Nationwide experience – We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case
Our track record speaks for itself:
- We’ve won millions for personal injury victims
- We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit
- We have former insurance defense attorneys – we know how the other side thinks
🚨 Why Clinton County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the legal strategies that work because we’re using them right now.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – worked for insurance companies before switching sides. This means:
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know how they try to minimize claims
- We know how to defeat their strategies
3. Nationwide Experience
We represent hazing victims across America, including in Michigan. Our services for Clinton County families include:
- Video consultations – Meet with us from Clinton County
- Travel commitment – We come to Michigan for your case
- Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
4. Greek Life Expertise
We understand the culture of fraternities and sororities:
- The power dynamics between pledges and members
- The psychological pressure to conform
- The “tradition” excuses used to justify abuse
- The institutional cover-ups that follow hazing incidents
5. Medical Knowledge
We understand the medical consequences of hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (like our current client)
- Alcohol poisoning
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological trauma
We work with medical experts to document injuries and calculate future medical needs.
6. Aggressive Litigation Approach
We don’t just negotiate – we fight:
- We sue every responsible party – individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- We preserve evidence before it disappears
- We depose key witnesses to build strong cases
- We take cases to trial when necessary
7. Compassionate Client Care
We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families:
- We listen to your story
- We respect your concerns
- We protect your privacy
- We guide you through the legal process
📞 Clinton County Families: Contact Us Immediately
If your child has been hazed in Clinton County or at any Michigan university, time is critical.
Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies
Or email: ralph@atty911.com
Free, confidential consultation
$0 upfront – we don’t get paid unless you win
🏆 Our Commitment to Clinton County Families
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers – you’re getting a team committed to justice:
✅ Immediate response – We act fast to preserve evidence
✅ Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation
✅ Compassionate care – We understand the emotional toll
✅ Clear communication – You’ll always know what’s happening
✅ Nationwide reach – We serve Clinton County and all of Michigan
✅ Proven results – We’re currently fighting a $10M hazing case
⚠️ To Michigan Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating at Michigan universities near Clinton County:
We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. And we know what you’re doing.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same criminal laws apply. The same civil liability applies.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma – if your chapter operates in Michigan, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze students. That could be your chapter next.
🎓 To Michigan Universities: The Same Liability Applies
To the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, and all Michigan institutions:
You have a duty to protect students. When you own fraternity houses, you have premises liability. When you have the power to regulate Greek life, you have oversight responsibility.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They failed to act. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.
Michigan universities have the same responsibilities. The same liability applies.
If hazing happens on your campus, we will hold you accountable.
📢 To Clinton County Parents: Protect Your Children
Clinton County parents: Your children are at risk.
They’re going to college. They’re joining Greek organizations. They’re being told that hazing is “tradition” and “brotherhood.”
But hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s waterboarding. It’s 500 squats until muscles break down. It’s forced drinking until alcohol poisoning. It’s wooden paddles. It’s psychological torture.
You can protect your children:
- Talk to them about the dangers of hazing
- Tell them consent is not a defense – it’s still illegal
- Encourage them to document everything
- Let them know they can come to you if something happens
- Contact us immediately if hazing occurs
We’re fighting for Clinton County families. We’re fighting for your children.
🚨 Enough Is Enough. Call Attorney 911 Today.
Clinton County families: If your child has been hazed, we can help.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies
Free consultation • $0 upfront • We don’t get paid unless you win
Serving Clinton County, Michigan, and nationwide