🚨 Hazing Victims in Columbia County, Wisconsin: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back

Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts — Now Serving Columbia County Families

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a university, fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization near Columbia County, Wisconsin, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You can fight back. And you can win.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to hazing victims in Columbia County and across Wisconsin.

📞 Columbia County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

📍 Serving Columbia County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for legal emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🔍 Is Your Child a Victim of Hazing in Columbia County?

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in Wisconsin, it’s illegal.

Common Hazing Activities That Are Illegal in Wisconsin:

✅ Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
✅ Sleep deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
✅ Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats
✅ Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
✅ Waterboarding/drowning: Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater
✅ Exposure: Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces
✅ Servitude: Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members

If your child experienced any of these at a Columbia County university, college, or student organization, they may have a legal claim.

⚖️ Wisconsin Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Wisconsin has strong laws against hazing. Under Wisconsin Statute § 948.51, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines.

Key Provisions of Wisconsin Hazing Law:

• Definition: Any activity that recklessly endangers the physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization
• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter
• Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, universities, and student groups can all be sued
• Individuals can be held personally liable — Chapter officers, members, and alumni who participated or allowed hazing can be sued individually

Civil Liability in Wisconsin:

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Wisconsin does not cap damages for personal injury cases like some states do. This means juries can award millions for severe hazing cases.

🏫 Universities and Colleges Near Columbia County with Greek Life

Columbia County is home to several universities and colleges where Greek life is active. The same national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in Wisconsin.

Major Universities Near Columbia County with Greek Organizations:

Note: Even if your child attends a smaller college or community college near Columbia County, they may be involved in Greek life through nearby universities.

National Fraternities with Wisconsin Chapters (Same Organizations We’re Suing):

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Beta Theta Pi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• Delta Tau Delta
• And many more

These same fraternities have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across the country. If they have a chapter near Columbia County, they pose the same risk.

💔 The Hazing Crisis in Wisconsin: It’s Happening Here Too

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states. It’s happening right here in Wisconsin.

Documented Hazing Incidents in Wisconsin:

The Pattern is Clear:

• Hazing is endemic in Wisconsin Greek life
• Universities know it’s happening
• They suspend chapters after incidents, but don’t fix the culture
• The same fraternities keep getting in trouble at different schools

This is not isolated. This is systemic. And it’s happening near Columbia County.

🏥 When Hazing Becomes Medical Emergency: What to Watch For

Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms after a hazing incident, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY:

Physical Injuries:

• Extreme muscle pain (could indicate rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown)
• Dark/brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis; myoglobin in urine)
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Vomiting or inability to keep food down
• Severe headaches or confusion (could indicate traumatic brain injury)
• Dizziness or fainting
• Bruises, cuts, or burns that don’t heal properly
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, pale skin, unconsciousness)

Psychological Trauma:

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression or withdrawal from social activities
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Fear of retribution (not wanting to talk about what happened)
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating or performing in school

If your child shows any of these signs, get them to a doctor or therapist immediately. These could be signs of rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, or other serious conditions.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Columbia County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• If they are in immediate physical danger, call 911

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately
• Even if injuries seem minor, get them documented
• Ask for copies of all medical records

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

• Text messages (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.)
• Social media posts/messages (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X)
• Emails from the organization
• Photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or hazing activities
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

Step 4: Document Everything

• Write down a detailed timeline of what happened
• Note dates, times, locations, and people involved
• Document any threats or coercion used to make your child participate
• Keep a journal of your child’s physical and emotional symptoms

Step 5: Report to Authorities

• File a police report with local law enforcement (Portage Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office)
• Report to the university (Title IX office, Dean of Students)
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization (if applicable)

Step 6: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• The fraternity, sorority, or university may try to contact you
• DO NOT give statements or sign anything without talking to an attorney first
• They will try to minimize their liability and shift blame to your child

Step 7: Contact a Hazing Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free consultations for Columbia County families
• We can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights

🔍 Why Columbia County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing
• The same fraternities operate near Columbia County — we know their playbook

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know How They Think

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides
• We know exactly how they try to minimize claims
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Columbia County from Houston

• Based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide
• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Willing to travel to Columbia County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote consultations available for Columbia County families

4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• $10 million — Current hazing lawsuit (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi)
• $6.5 million — Personal judgment against fraternity president (Stone Foltz case)
• $10.1 million+ — Total recovery in Stone Foltz hazing case
• $6.1 million — Jury verdict in Maxwell Gruver hazing case
• $110 million+ — Estimated settlement in Timothy Piazza hazing case

5. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth sports coach
• We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face
• We know how fraternities, sororities, and universities operate
• We know how to expose the truth behind the “brotherhood” facade

6. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

• We treat Columbia County families like family
• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families
• We fight aggressively against institutions that cover up abuse
• We don’t back down from powerful defendants

7. No Upfront Costs — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• Contingency fee basis — we only get paid if you win
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We advance all case expenses
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

📞 Columbia County Hazing Victims: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out.

If your child has been hazed near Columbia County, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📍 Serving Columbia County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for legal emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We will travel to Columbia County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🏆 What Columbia County Families Can Win in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. Here’s what you may be entitled to:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Future lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Travel expenses (for medical treatment or legal proceedings)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):

• Physical pain from hazing injuries
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame from degrading hazing activities
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Fear of retribution (ongoing intimidation)

Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct):

• Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm
• Meant to punish the defendants and deter future hazing
• Can be millions of dollars in severe cases

Institutional Change:

• Policy changes at universities and national organizations
• Increased oversight of Greek life and student organizations
• Public accountability for institutions that cover up hazing

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Columbia County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

Many hazing victims are afraid of retribution or feel loyalty to their organization. This is normal. However, hazing is illegal and dangerous. If your child doesn’t want to report, you can:

• Document everything (save texts, photos, witness names)
• Seek medical attention (even if they don’t want to report, get injuries documented)
• Contact an attorney (we can advise you on your options without your child’s involvement)
• Report anonymously to the university or law enforcement

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?

No. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity is still liable.

3. The university says they had no knowledge of the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they should have known about hazing (for example, if there were prior incidents or red flags), they can be held liable for negligent supervision. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they had direct control and responsibility.

4. My child attends a small college near Columbia County. Is hazing still a risk?

Absolutely. Hazing happens at all types of schools — large universities, small colleges, community colleges, even high schools. Wherever there are student organizations with initiation rituals, there is a risk of hazing. Many small colleges have Greek life chapters through nearby universities, so your child could still be at risk.

5. I’m worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. Can we afford this?

Yes. At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• 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

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to justice. Columbia County families deserve the same aggressive representation as anyone else, regardless of financial situation.

6. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. However, you should not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

7. My child was hazed at a university outside of Columbia County. Can you still help?

Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Wisconsin. We can evaluate your case regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, and we have federal court authority, allowing us to pursue cases across the country.

8. What if my child was hazed by a sports team, not a fraternity?

Hazing happens in all types of student organizations, not just Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities
• Sports teams (football, basketball, soccer, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Student clubs and organizations
• Honor societies
• Military academies

If your child was hazed by any organization, contact us immediately.

9. The university is conducting an “investigation.” Should we participate?

Be very cautious. University investigations are not neutral — they are designed to protect the institution, not your child. Before participating in any university investigation:

• Consult with an attorney
• Do not give statements without legal counsel present
• Understand that anything your child says can be used against them

We can guide you through the university’s process and ensure your child’s rights are protected.

10. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, a bar, or any other off-campus location, the organization and individuals involved can still be held liable.

🚨 Columbia County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not harmless fun.

It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes torture. And it is always illegal.

If your child has been hazed near Columbia County, they are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for Columbia County families with the same fury.

Columbia County Hazing Victims — Call Attorney 911 Today

📍 Serving Columbia County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for legal emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for you.

📝 Free Case Evaluation for Columbia County Families

If your child has been hazed, fill out this confidential form for a free case evaluation:

Email your completed form to: ralph@atty911.com
Or call: 1-888-ATTY-911

All information is confidential. Case evaluations are free.

🏆 Our Promise to Columbia County Families

1. We will listen — Your story matters.
2. We will investigate — We leave no stone unturned.
3. We will fight — Against powerful institutions that cover up abuse.
4. We will win — For your child, for your family, and for the next student who might be hazed.
5. We will protect — Your privacy, your rights, and your future.

Columbia County families: You are not powerless. You have rights. And you have us.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Columbia County Families from Hazing Abuse