🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support for Lake County, Michigan Families
Attorney911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Hazing Victims Nationwide — Now Serving Lake County, Michigan
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Lake County: What Families Need to Know
Lake County, Michigan, is home to tight-knit communities where families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the idyllic college towns and university campuses lies a dangerous secret: hazing is happening right here in Michigan, and it’s putting Lake County students at serious risk.
The same fraternities that waterboarded a University of Houston student until he suffered kidney failure have active chapters at Michigan universities. The same national organizations that ignored deadly hazing at Penn State and LSU operate near Lake County. And the same institutional failures that allowed a student to be hospitalized in Texas are happening at Michigan colleges.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Michigan, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
At Attorney911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Lake County families whose children have been hazed in Michigan.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Lake County
The Case That Should Alarm Every Michigan Parent
On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the fraternity in September 2025.
What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that nearly killed him:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
- One pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished with extreme physical exercise. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This wasn’t just hazing. This was torture.
And here’s the most alarming part for Lake County families: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across Michigan. The same national organization that allowed this to happen in Texas operates in our state. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Michigan fraternities.
📚 Hazing in Michigan: The Reality for Lake County Families
Michigan Universities Where Hazing Occurs
While we cannot comment on specific incidents at Michigan universities without documented evidence, we can tell you this: hazing is a national epidemic, and Michigan is not immune.
Universities near Lake County where Greek life thrives include:
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) — home to multiple fraternities and sororities
- Ferris State University (Big Rapids) — active Greek system
- Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo) — large Greek community
- Michigan State University (East Lansing) — major Greek life presence
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) — prestigious Greek organizations
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have active chapters at these Michigan universities:
| Fraternity | Michigan Chapters | Hazing Deaths/Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Multiple | Stone Foltz (2021), David Bogenberger (2012) |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Multiple | Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025 – our case) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple | Multiple deaths, including at Texas A&M |
| Phi Delta Theta | Multiple | Maxwell Gruver (2017) |
| Beta Theta Pi | Multiple | Timothy Piazza (2017) |
Lake County parents: If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client. The same “traditions” that nearly killed Leonel Bermudez exist at Michigan chapters.
⚖️ Michigan Hazing Laws: What Lake County Families Need to Know
Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Michigan:
“Hazing” means an intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or acting with others that is directed against an individual and that the person knew or should have known endangers the physical health or safety of the individual, and that is done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.
This definition covers:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation)
- Dangerous activities (waterboarding, exposure to elements)
Criminal Penalties in Michigan:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Hazing that does not cause serious impairment | Up to 93 days in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing causing serious impairment of a body function | Up to 5 years in prison; up to $2,500 fine |
| Felony | Hazing causing death | Up to 15 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Important for Lake County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense in Michigan
- Organizations can be held criminally liable
- Individuals face personal criminal liability
💔 What Hazing Does to Lake County Students
The Medical Consequences
Rhabdomyolysis — The same condition our client suffered:
- Muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion
- Myoglobin released into bloodstream damages kidneys
- Can cause acute kidney failure (as in our case)
- May require dialysis or transplant
- Can be fatal
Alcohol Poisoning:
- Binge drinking forced during hazing
- Can cause death from respiratory failure
- Common in hazing deaths
Traumatic Brain Injury:
- From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects
- Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
Psychological Trauma:
- PTSD from waterboarding, humiliation, threats
- Anxiety and depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Trust issues and social withdrawal
Other Physical Injuries:
- Broken bones from paddling or beatings
- Internal injuries from forced consumption
- Burns from branding or hot objects
- Hypothermia from exposure
🏢 Who Is Liable When Lake County Students Are Hazed?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organizes and conducts hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility
- Individual members who participate
2. The National Organization
- Failed to supervise local chapter
- Knew about hazing risks (pattern evidence)
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Have deep pockets and insurance
3. The University
- Duty to protect students — even if they don’t own the property
- Power to regulate Greek life — can suspend or remove organizations
- Knowledge of prior incidents — should have acted to prevent
- Premises liability — if they own or control the property
4. Individual Members
- Each person who participated in hazing
- Each person who witnessed and failed to stop it
- Each person who failed to call for medical help
5. Alumni and Hosts
- Former members who allow hazing at their homes
- Spouses of members who allow hazing on their property
6. Insurance Companies
- National organization’s liability insurance
- University’s institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus locations
- Personal liability coverage
💰 What Lake County Families Can Recover
Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Are Possible
Hazing cases win big — and juries award substantial damages. Here’s what Lake County families can pursue:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Lawsuit Filed | $10 million |
For Lake County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win. The same legal strategies apply to Michigan cases.
Damages You Can Recover:
🩺 Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (hospital, treatment, therapy, future care)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
- Educational disruption (tuition, lost scholarships)
😢 Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering (the agony of rhabdomyolysis, injuries)
- Mental anguish (trauma from waterboarding, abuse)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, anxiety)
- PTSD and psychological treatment
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
💥 Punitive Damages
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or reckless
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Appropriate when organizations knew about risks and did nothing
📋 What Lake County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Immediate Action Protocol
If your child has been hazed, follow these steps:
-
🏥 Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning symptoms can be delayed
- Medical records create documentation trail
-
📸 Preserve All Evidence
- Photos: Injuries at all stages of healing
- Screenshots: Text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts
- Videos: Any recordings of hazing activities
- Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
- Witnesses: Names and contact info of other pledges
-
🚫 Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may destroy evidence
- They may intimidate witnesses
- Anything you say can be used against you
-
📞 Call an Attorney Immediately
- Free consultation available
- We’ll guide you through the next steps
- 2-year statute of limitations in Michigan — don’t wait
- Evidence disappears quickly
-
📝 Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- Consider filing a police report
- Consider filing a Title IX complaint with the university
- We can help you decide what’s best for your case
-
📱 Stay Off Social Media
- Don’t post about the incident
- Don’t post about being “fine” or “doing okay”
- Don’t engage with Greek life members online
- Insurance companies and defendants will use your posts against you
🛡️ Why Lake County Families Choose Attorney911
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for You
✅ Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- We’re not theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW
- Same strategies available for Lake County families
✅ Nationwide Reach — We Serve Michigan Families
- Based in Texas, but serve hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willing to travel to Michigan for depositions and trials
- Remote consultations available for Lake County families
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know their playbook — and we use it against them
- We’ve seen their tactics from the inside
✅ Aggressive, Battle-Tested Trial Attorneys
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Handled multi-billion dollar cases (BP Texas City explosion)
- Not afraid to take cases to trial
- We don’t back down from powerful institutions
✅ Deep Hazing Expertise
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation experience
- Texas A&M hazing case experience
- Rhabdomyolysis injury litigation
- We know the culture, the tactics, and how to win
✅ Compassionate Client Care
- We understand the trauma you’re going through
- We treat Lake County families like family
- Bilingual staff — Se habla español
- We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
✅ Payment Flexibility
- $0 upfront — we work on contingency
- You pay nothing unless we win
- No hidden fees
- We take the risk so you don’t have to
📞 Lake County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Michigan, you have legal rights. We can help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Lake County hazing emergencies
We travel to Michigan for Lake County cases.
Remote consultations available for Lake County families.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lake County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if you’re not sure about suing, a free consultation can help you understand your options. You may have rights you don’t know about. And consulting with us doesn’t commit you to anything.
Q: The fraternity said my child “consented” to the activities. Does that matter?
A: No. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The fraternity cannot claim your child agreed to be abused.
Q: My child attends a university outside Lake County. Can you still help?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at Michigan State, University of Michigan, Central Michigan, and other Michigan universities.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Does the university have any responsibility?
A: Possibly. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life, they may share liability.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect them?
A: We take confidentiality and protection very seriously. We can:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity/university
- Protect your child’s identity when possible
- Advise on safety measures
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you do.
Q: How long do these cases take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others may take 1-3 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if my child was hazed last year? Is it too late to sue?
A: Michigan has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If the hazing occurred within the last two years, you may still have time. Call us immediately to evaluate your case.
Q: Can we sue if my child wasn’t physically injured?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) from hazing is compensable. Even without physical injuries, you may have a strong case.
Q: The university already suspended the chapter. Why do we need a lawyer?
A: Suspension is not justice. It doesn’t compensate your child for their injuries. It doesn’t hold the individuals accountable. And it doesn’t prevent the same thing from happening to another Lake County family. A lawsuit sends a message that hazing has consequences.
🎯 Our Message to Michigan Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating at Michigan universities:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Michigan, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates in Michigan, know that Attorney911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million case is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Michigan.
🏆 Our Track Record: We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing — We Fight It
Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi et al. — $10 Million Lawsuit (Filed November 21, 2025)
What We’ve Achieved So Far:
- Chapter shut down within days of hazing reports
- Members voted to surrender their charter
- Chapter permanently closed
- University called conduct “deeply disturbing”
- Criminal referrals initiated
- National media coverage (ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media)
What We’re Fighting For:
- $10 million in damages for our client
- Accountability for every defendant — national, local, university, individuals
- A message to all fraternities — hazing will cost you
Other Hazing Cases We’ve Handled:
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- Texas A&M hazing cases
- Rhabdomyolysis injury claims
- University accountability cases
📢 Lake County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice
If your child has been hazed at a Michigan university, they didn’t deserve it.
What happened to them wasn’t “tradition.” It wasn’t “building brotherhood.” It wasn’t “character building.”
It was abuse. It was assault. It was preventable.
You trusted the university to keep your child safe. You trusted the fraternity to provide a positive experience. That trust was betrayed.
Now it’s time to hold them accountable.
At Attorney911, we’re fighting this battle right now in Texas. We’re ready to bring that same fight to Michigan for Lake County families.
Call us. We’ll listen. We’ll fight. And we won’t stop until justice is served.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Serving Lake County, Michigan and nationwide
Free consultation • $0 upfront • We travel to you
Attorney911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
When a legal emergency hits, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
Lake County families: We’re your hazing litigation experts. Call now.
