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Jackson County (Earth/North America/United States/Michigan/Jackson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | $24M Pike Settlements | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 16 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Jackson County, Michigan – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening right here in Jackson County.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Jackson County, Michigan, you’re not alone. The same dangerous hazing practices that hospitalized a University of Houston student with kidney failure are occurring at colleges and universities near Jackson County. We can help.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The same fraternities operate in Jackson County. The same risks exist here. And we’re ready to fight for Jackson County families with the same determination.

πŸ“ž Jackson County Hazing Victims – Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ”₯ The Hazing Crisis in Jackson County – It’s Closer Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in Michigan, near Jackson County. Fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities like Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and other institutions in our region have the same dangerous cultures that led to our client being waterboarded and hospitalized.

The Reality of Hazing in Jackson County:

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study)
  • 40% of student athletes report hazing (National Study)
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
  • 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it – often due to fear, shame, or loyalty
  • The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have chapters at Michigan universities near Jackson County

Jackson County families: Your child could be next. But you don’t have to wait until it’s too late.

⚠️ What Hazing Really Looks Like – The Jackson County Warning Signs

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” It’s systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and physically harm students. In our current case, a student was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
  • Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to eat until vomiting – then forced to keep running through his own vomit
  • Humiliated with sexual objects – forced to carry a fanny pack containing sexual items
  • Sleep-deprived – forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
  • Threatened with expulsion – if he didn’t comply with abuse

These same activities are happening at universities near Jackson County. And they’re causing serious injuries – or worse.

Common Hazing Injuries in Jackson County:

Injury Type What Happens Medical Consequences
Rhabdomyolysis Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise Kidney failure, hospitalization, permanent damage
Alcohol Poisoning Forced binge drinking Coma, death, brain damage
Traumatic Brain Injury Beatings, falls, or being struck Long-term cognitive impairment, disability
Internal Bleeding Physical abuse Life-threatening complications
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia Exposure to extreme cold or heat Organ failure, death
PTSD/Anxiety/Depression Psychological trauma Long-term therapy, medication, disability
Sexual Assault Forced nudity, sexual acts Trauma, STIs, pregnancy

If your child has experienced any of these, they may be a victim of hazing – and you may have a legal case.

πŸ›οΈ Who’s Responsible? The Jackson County Institutions That Let This Happen

When hazing occurs, multiple parties are responsible – and they all have deep pockets. In our current case, we’re suing:

  1. The Local Chapter – The fraternity/sorority that directly organized and conducted the hazing
  2. The National Organization – The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise and allowed the culture to continue despite knowing about prior incidents
  3. The University – The institution that had the power to stop hazing but failed to protect students
  4. Individual Members – The chapter officers and members who participated in or allowed the abuse

Jackson County families: These same defendants exist at Michigan universities. We know how to hold them all accountable.

πŸ’° Why $10 Million? What Jackson County Victims Can Recover

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages. This isn’t an arbitrary number – it’s based on:

1. Medical Expenses

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Specialists (nephrologists, therapists)
  • Future medical monitoring
  • Potential dialysis or transplant costs

2. Pain and Suffering

  • Physical pain from injuries
  • Emotional trauma from abuse
  • PTSD, anxiety, depression
  • Humiliation and degradation

3. Punitive Damages

  • To punish the defendants for their egregious conduct
  • To send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
  • To deter other organizations from engaging in similar abuse

Precedent supports this amount:

  • $10.1 million awarded in the Stone Foltz hazing death case (Ohio)
  • $6.1 million jury verdict in the Maxwell Gruver case (Louisiana)
  • $110+ million estimated settlement in the Timothy Piazza case (Penn State)

Jackson County families: Your child’s case could be worth millions. Don’t settle for less than they deserve.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Jackson County

Step 1: Seek 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 critical evidence

Step 2: Document Everything

  • Take photos of injuries
  • Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts
  • Write down what happened, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses
  • Keep all medical records and bills

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

  • The fraternity/sorority, university, or their representatives will try to control the narrative
  • Anything your child says can be used against them
  • Do not sign any documents or accept any settlements without legal counsel

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer

  • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free, confidential consultations
  • We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

Step 5: Preserve Evidence

  • Do not delete any messages or posts
  • Do not throw away any physical evidence
  • Do not talk to anyone about the incident without your lawyer present

βš–οΈ Michigan Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights in Jackson County

Michigan has strong laws against hazing. Under Michigan Compiled Laws Β§ 750.411t, hazing is a crime that can result in:

  • Misdemeanor charges for basic hazing
  • Felony charges if the hazing causes serious injury or death
  • Up to 15 years in prison for hazing that results in death

Importantly, consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Michigan:

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can sue for:

  • Negligence – Failure to protect students
  • Assault and Battery – Physical abuse
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Psychological trauma
  • Premises Liability – If hazing occurred on university property
  • Wrongful Death – If hazing results in death

Jackson County families: You have legal rights. We can help you enforce them.

πŸŽ“ Universities Near Jackson County with Greek Life – The Same Risks Exist Here

Jackson County is home to many students who attend universities with active Greek life. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have chapters at these schools:

University Location Distance from Jackson County Greek Life Presence
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI ~60 miles Strong Greek system with many national fraternities and sororities
Michigan State University East Lansing, MI ~50 miles Large Greek community with national organizations
Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI ~40 miles Active Greek life with national chapters
Albion College Albion, MI ~30 miles Smaller but active Greek system
Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI ~50 miles Greek organizations present
Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MI ~15 miles Greek life organizations
Adrian College Adrian, MI ~50 miles Active Greek system

The same fraternities that waterboarded our client at University of Houston have chapters at these Michigan schools. The same risks exist in Jackson County.

πŸ† Why Jackson County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies and institutions think. We know their playbook – and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. We Offer Nationwide Representation

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Jackson County. We offer:

  • Video consultations
  • Travel to Jackson County for depositions and meetings
  • Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Jackson County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record

  • 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
  • Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how to dismantle their defenses
  • Federal court admission – can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses – Texas AND New York
  • Multi-million dollar case experience – including the BP Texas City explosion litigation

6. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

We have bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking families in Jackson County without language barriers.

πŸ“ž Jackson County Hazing Victims – Call Us Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in Michigan, you typically have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

What Happens When You Call:

  1. Free, confidential consultation – We’ll listen to your story and explain your options
  2. Case evaluation – We’ll determine if you have a viable legal claim
  3. Immediate action plan – We’ll start preserving evidence and building your case
  4. No upfront cost – You pay nothing unless we win

We Come to Jackson County

Our attorneys will travel to Jackson County for:

  • Client meetings
  • Depositions
  • Court appearances
  • Any other necessary proceedings

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

πŸ”₯ The Message to Jackson County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities and universities operating near Jackson County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Jackson County, we will find every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Jackson County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

To the universities in Jackson County and surrounding areas:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the buildings. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. Act now – or face the same accountability.

πŸ“š Frequently Asked Questions – Jackson County Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. Should we still call a lawyer?

A: Yes. Many hazing victims fear retribution or feel loyalty to their organization. We can help protect your child’s identity and build a case without them having to come forward publicly until they’re ready.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it’s part of a student organization’s activities, the university and national organization may still be liable.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars, especially when there are serious injuries or institutional failures. We’ll evaluate your case based on:

  • The severity of injuries
  • The egregiousness of the conduct
  • The defendants’ ability to pay
  • The impact on your child’s life

Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that hurt the case?

A: No. Under Michigan law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child was drinking, the organization is still responsible for their actions. Forced consumption of alcohol is itself a form of hazing.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?

A: In Michigan, you typically have 3 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the sooner you act, the better – evidence disappears and witnesses forget over time.

Q: Can we afford a lawyer?

A: Yes. We work on contingency for hazing cases – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Most cases settle before trial. If your case does go to trial, your child may need to testify, but we’ll prepare them thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

Q: What if the fraternity or university offers a settlement? Should we take it?

A: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and institutions often offer lowball settlements that don’t cover the full extent of damages. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

πŸ† Our Promise to Jackson County Families

  1. We will listen – Your story matters. We’ll give you the time and attention you deserve.
  2. We will investigate – We’ll gather all the evidence to build a strong case.
  3. We will fight – We won’t back down from powerful institutions or insurance companies.
  4. We will protect – We’ll shield your child from further harm and retribution.
  5. We will win – We have the experience and determination to secure the compensation your family deserves.

Jackson County hazing victims: You don’t have to suffer in silence. Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Serving Jackson County, Michigan and nationwide. We come to you.

Remember:

  • Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse.
  • Universities and fraternities have a duty to protect students.
  • You have legal rights – and we can help you enforce them.
  • Time is critical. Call us today.

Jackson County families: Your child’s safety and future are worth fighting for. Let us fight for you.

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