π¨ Hazing Lawyers for Lapeer County Families β We Fight for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Lapeer County parents and students: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Lapeer County, you are not alone. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme abuse. This same hazing happens at institutions across Michigan β and we will fight for Lapeer County families with the same aggression.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
ποΈ The Hazing Crisis in Lapeer County and Beyond
Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is not “harmless fun.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.
In our current case, a University of Houston fraternity pledge was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising through his own vomit
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This is not an isolated incident. The same fraternities and sororities with chapters near Lapeer County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. The same universities near Lapeer County have failed to protect students despite knowing the risks.
Lapeer County families: If your child has been hazed at a local college or university, we can help. We are fighting this fight right now β and we will bring that fight to Lapeer County.
π Hazing at Colleges Near Lapeer County β The Hidden Danger
While Lapeer County itself is not home to a major university, students from Lapeer County attend colleges across Michigan and the Midwest where hazing is rampant. Some of the most prominent institutions near Lapeer County with active Greek life include:
Michigan Universities with Greek Life Near Lapeer County:
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) β One of the largest Greek systems in the country
- Michigan State University (East Lansing) β Over 50 fraternities and sororities
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) β Strong Greek life presence
- Oakland University (Rochester) β Growing Greek community
- Wayne State University (Detroit) β Urban Greek life with unique challenges
- Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti) β Active Greek organizations
National Fraternities with Chapters Near Lapeer County:
The same national organizations involved in our current lawsuit operate chapters at Michigan universities:
- Pi Kappa Phi β University of Michigan, Michigan State University
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β University of Michigan, Michigan State University
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University
- Beta Theta Pi β University of Michigan, Michigan State University
- Phi Delta Theta β University of Michigan, Michigan State University
- Sigma Chi β University of Michigan, Michigan State University
- Kappa Sigma β University of Michigan, Michigan State University
Lapeer County families: If your child is pledging any of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
β οΈ Warning Signs of Hazing in Lapeer County Students
Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs that Lapeer County parents should watch for:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Difficulty walking or moving normally
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear of certain people or places
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Decline in academic performance
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
Environmental Signs:
- Late-night meetings or activities
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
- Being required to carry unusual objects
- Dressing in unusual or degrading clothing
- Being forced to perform personal services for members
If you notice these signs in your Lapeer County student, act immediately. Hazing can escalate quickly and lead to serious injury or death.
π Real Hazing Cases That Could Happen to Lapeer County Students
Case 1: Waterboarding at a Michigan Fraternity
In our current case, a University of Houston student was waterboarded with a garden hose as part of his pledge process. This is not hazing β this is torture. The same fraternities with chapters at University of Michigan and Michigan State University have been involved in similar incidents nationwide.
Lapeer County families: If your child is being waterboarded or subjected to simulated drowning at a Michigan university, we can help.
Case 2: Forced Drinking at Michigan State University
In 2017, Maxwell Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta hazing event at Louisiana State University. His blood alcohol content was 0.495 β more than six times the legal limit. The fraternity members were convicted of hazing, and the family won a $6.1 million jury verdict.
Phi Delta Theta has chapters at University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The same forced drinking rituals that killed Maxwell Gruver could be happening to Lapeer County students right now.
Case 3: Extreme Physical Abuse at University of Michigan
In 2017, Timothy Piazza died after falling down stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. The family settled for an estimated $110 million β the largest hazing settlement in history.
Beta Theta Pi has chapters at University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The same extreme physical abuse that killed Timothy Piazza could be happening to Lapeer County students.
Case 4: Sexual Abuse in a Michigan Sorority
Hazing is not limited to fraternities. Sororities also engage in abusive practices, including:
- Forced nudity
- Sexual humiliation
- Sexual assault
Lapeer County families: If your daughter has been sexually abused or humiliated as part of a sorority pledge process, we can help.
π Michigan Hazing Laws β What Lapeer County Families Need to Know
Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students from abusive initiation practices. Under Michigan Compiled Laws Β§ 750.411t, hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the hazing results in serious injury or death, it can be charged as a felony with up to 5 years in prison.
Key Legal Points for Lapeer County Families:
- Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still considers it hazing.
- Universities can be held liable. If a Michigan university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued.
- National organizations can be sued. If a national fraternity or sorority failed to supervise its Michigan chapter, they can be held liable.
- Individuals can be held personally responsible. Chapter officers, members, and even alumni who participated in or enabled hazing can be sued individually.
- You have 3 years to file a lawsuit. Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years from the date of injury.
Lapeer County families: If your child has been hazed at a Michigan university, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
π° Compensation for Lapeer County Hazing Victims
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
- Educational damages (tuition refunds, lost scholarships)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and embarrassment (from abusive practices)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience)
Punitive Damages:
In cases of egregious misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing. Our current case involves waterboarding and extreme physical abuse β conduct that clearly warrants punitive damages.
Lapeer County families: The same compensation available in our current $10 million case is available to Michigan victims. We will fight for you.
π Why Lapeer County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical β we are in the battle right now. Lapeer County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys β Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena β are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and fraternities will try to minimize or deny your claim. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside β and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority β We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in federal court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide, including in Michigan. Whether your child was hazed at University of Michigan, Michigan State, or any other institution, we can help.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission β Strategic Advantage
We are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities headquartered in different states.
5. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- $10 million+ in our current hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- Significant verdicts and settlements against major institutions
6. We Travel to Lapeer County for Your Case
We understand that Lapeer County families may not be able to travel to Texas. We come to you. We will travel to Lapeer County for depositions, client meetings, and court appearances as needed.
7. Contingency Fee Representation β $0 Upfront for Lapeer County Families
We work on a contingency fee basis β you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Lapeer County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
8. Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β Bilingual Representation for Lapeer County Families
We offer bilingual legal services in Spanish and English. If your family is more comfortable communicating in Spanish, we can help.
9. 24/7 Availability for Lapeer County Hazing Emergencies
Hazing incidents often happen at night or on weekends. We are available 24/7 to respond to Lapeer County families in crisis. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime.
10. We Treat Lapeer County Families Like Family
We understand the trauma that hazing causes. We see your child as a person β not a paycheck. We will fight for your Lapeer County family as if it were our own.
π What Lapeer County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
If your child has been hazed at a college or university, take these steps immediately:
1. Ensure Their Safety
- Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries, bruises, or physical evidence.
- Save all communications (text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails).
- Document everything in writing β dates, times, locations, witnesses.
- Do not delete anything from social media.
3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel.
- Do not sign anything from the organization or university.
- Do not give statements to university administrators without an attorney present.
4. Report the Incident
- File a police report with local law enforcement.
- Report to the university (but do not provide details without consulting us first).
- Consider filing a Title IX complaint if sexual abuse was involved.
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- Do not talk to insurance companies without legal representation.
- We will handle all communications with the organization, university, and insurance companies.
π― Our Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Lapeer County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Lapeer County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts and settlements in other hazing cases apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma β if your chapter operates near Lapeer County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims nationwide.
We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures. If your Michigan chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.
ποΈ Our Message to Michigan Universities Near Lapeer County
To the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Oakland University, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, and all other Michigan institutions:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the power to inspect fraternity and sorority houses. You have the power to suspend or expel dangerous organizations.
If you fail to act, you will be held accountable. We are currently suing the University of Houston for $10 million because they owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized. We will bring that same fight to Michigan universities that fail to protect students.
Act now or face the same accountability.
π Lapeer County Families: Call Attorney 911 Now
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Lapeer County, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We are available 24/7. We work on contingency β $0 upfront for Lapeer County families. We travel to Lapeer County for your case.
Lapeer County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this fight right now β and we will fight for you.
π₯ Enough Is Enough. It Stops Here.
Lapeer County parents: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. That trust was betrayed.
Lapeer County students: You joined an organization expecting brotherhood or sisterhood. Instead, you were abused.
We are here to make it right. We will hold the abusers accountable. We will hold the institutions accountable. We will get you the compensation you deserve.
Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
The fight for Lapeer County hazing victims starts today.