Hazing Victim Legal Support in Forest County, Wisconsin
Justice for Students Harmed by Hazing in Forest County
If you or someone you love has been a victim of hazing in Forest County, Wisconsin, you are not alone. Hazing is not just “tradition” or “team bonding”—it is abuse, assault, and often illegal. At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive legal representation to Forest County families.
Hazing Happens in Forest County—And It’s Time to Stop It
Hazing is a serious problem across Wisconsin, including in Forest County. Whether it’s at Nicolet College, high schools, sports teams, fraternities, sororities, or other student organizations, dangerous initiation rituals can lead to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even death.
Common hazing activities include:
✔ Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
✔ Extreme physical punishment (excessive exercise, paddling, beatings)
✔ Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, forced servitude)
✔ Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
✔ Waterboarding or simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)
✔ Forced consumption of food or non-food items (eating until vomiting)
✔ Sexual humiliation or assault (forced nudity, inappropriate acts)
These are not harmless pranks—they are violent, dangerous, and often illegal. If you or your child has been subjected to hazing in Forest County, you have legal rights.
Why Forest County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now—And Winning
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure—all as part of a fraternity’s “initiation.”
This is not just a case—it’s a movement. We are holding institutions accountable, and we will do the same for Forest County victims.
2. We Know Wisconsin Hazing Laws
Wisconsin has strong anti-hazing laws (Wis. Stat. § 948.51), making it a crime to engage in hazing that risks physical harm. Even if the victim “consented,” consent is not a defense under Wisconsin law.
Penalties for hazing in Wisconsin:
- Up to 9 months in jail (misdemeanor)
- Up to 6 years in prison if serious injury or death occurs (felony)
- Civil lawsuits for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
Hazing victims in Forest County may be entitled to:
✅ Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
✅ Lost wages (if injuries prevented work or education)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✅ Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless behavior)
✅ Wrongful death damages (if hazing led to a fatality)
Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million-dollar settlements. We will fight for the maximum compensation for your family.
4. We Serve Forest County—Even Though We’re Based in Texas
While we are headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Forest County, Wisconsin. We offer:
✔ Free consultations (phone or video)
✔ Contingency fee representation ($0 upfront—we only get paid if we win)
✔ Willingness to travel to Forest County for depositions, trials, and meetings
✔ Federal court authority (we can sue national fraternities and universities anywhere in the U.S.)
5. We Protect Victims from Retaliation
Many hazing victims in Forest County are afraid to come forward because of fear of retaliation—being ostracized, expelled, or even physically harmed. We protect our clients. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to speak publicly because of threats, but we are still fighting for him.
What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Forest County
If you suspect hazing in Forest County, take these steps immediately:
1. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Hazing can cause internal injuries, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and long-term trauma.
- Document everything—medical records are crucial for your case.
2. Preserve Evidence
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
- Write down what happened (dates, times, people involved, what was said).
- Get witness names and contact info (other victims, bystanders).
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Alone
- Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and schools will try to silence you.
- Do not sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
- Do not give statements to university officials or insurance companies.
4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call our 24/7 hazing hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation—we’ll evaluate your case right away.
Time is critical. Wisconsin has a statute of limitations (time limit to file a lawsuit), so do not wait.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Forest County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority/Team) | Directly organized and participated in hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it happens |
| Coaches/Advisors | Knew or should have known about hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Property Owners | Allowed hazing on their premises (e.g., fraternity house, off-campus location) |
We will pursue every liable party to ensure full justice for Forest County victims.
Recent Hazing Cases That Prove Justice Is Possible
1. Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston) – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (pledge)
- Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Injury: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Status: Lawsuit filed; case ongoing
2. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University) – $10.1 Million Settlement (2021)
- Victim: Stone Foltz (pledge)
- Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Injury: Died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement from university and fraternity
3. Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (2017)
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver (pledge)
- Hazing: Forced drinking (“Bible Study” drinking game)
- Injury: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495—6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide
4. Timothy Piazza (Penn State University) – $110+ Million Settlement (2017)
- Victim: Timothy Piazza (pledge)
- Hazing: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly
- Injury: Died from traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; 18 fraternity members charged
These cases prove that hazing victims can win justice—and we will fight for Forest County families to get the same.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Forest County
Q: What is considered hazing in Wisconsin?
A: Under Wis. Stat. § 948.51, hazing is any act that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into an organization. This includes:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical punishment
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual humiliation
- Any activity that risks injury or death
Q: Can I sue even if I “consented” to hazing?
A: Yes. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, you can still sue for injuries.
Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Wisconsin?
A: Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may expire.
Q: Can I sue the national fraternity or just the local chapter?
A: Yes. National organizations can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing both the local chapter and the national organization.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, the property owner may also be liable.
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can result in:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (if injuries affected work or school)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless behavior)
Recent cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110 million.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Most hazing cases settle out of court, but we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We will fight for the maximum compensation, whether through settlement or a jury verdict.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. You pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation?
A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retaliation from fraternities, sororities, or teammates. We will keep your case confidential and take steps to prevent retaliation.
Forest County Hazing Lawyer – Free Consultation
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Forest County, Wisconsin, contact Attorney 911 today. We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations
✅ $0 upfront—we only get paid if we win
✅ 24/7 availability for hazing emergencies
✅ Aggressive representation against fraternities, sororities, schools, and national organizations
Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We will fight for you—just like we’re fighting for hazing victims nationwide.
Serving Forest County and All of Wisconsin
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the United States, including in:
- Forest County (Crandon, Laona, Wabeno, Mole Lake)
- Nicolet College (Rhinelander, WI)
- High schools (Crandon High School, Laona High School)
- Sports teams, ROTC, marching bands, and other student organizations
Hazing is not just a “college problem”—it happens in high schools, community colleges, and youth organizations too. If you or your child has been hazed in Forest County, we can help.
The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing in Forest County is dangerous, illegal, and unacceptable. If you or someone you love has been harmed, you have rights. Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you.
