🛡️ Marquette County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither does justice.

If your child has been hazed at Northern Michigan University, Finlandia University, or any other institution in Marquette County, you’re not alone. The same fraternities, the same negligent universities, and the same culture of abuse that led to our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston exist right here in the Upper Peninsula.

We’re fighting this battle in Texas. We’ll fight it for Marquette County families too.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Marquette County

It’s happening here. It’s happening now.

Marquette County is home to Northern Michigan University (NMU) and Finlandia University, both with active Greek life programs. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—operate chapters at universities near Marquette County.

These organizations have a documented history of hazing, including:

• Forced alcohol consumption (leading to alcohol poisoning)
• Extreme physical exertion (causing rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as seen in our Houston case)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats)
• Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects)
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning (yes, this is happening at American universities)

The facts don’t lie:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study on Student Hazing, 2008)
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States (Hank Nuwer, Hazing Researcher)
• 95% of students who are hazed do not report it (Allan et al., 2019)

Marquette County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at NMU, Finlandia, or any other institution, they are at risk. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Marquette County-area universities.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why It Matters to Marquette County

This isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s a Marquette County problem too.

On November 21, 2025, Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of systematic hazing, including:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather
• Carrying a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times

Why this matters to Marquette County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Marquette County.
• The same national organization that failed to prevent Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 is the same one that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez in 2025.
• Universities near Marquette County face the same liability failures as the University of Houston.
• If your child is being hazed in Marquette County, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

From Ralph Manginello to ABC13:

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

From Lupe Pena to ABC13:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Marquette County Hazing Victim

Hazing is illegal in Michigan. It’s also grounds for a civil lawsuit.

Michigan Hazing Laws

Michigan has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions in the state, including Northern Michigan University and Finlandia University.

Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t — Hazing

“A person shall not recklessly or knowingly commit an act of hazing against an individual.”

Definition of Hazing:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against an individual for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 93 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
• Felony (if serious injury or death occurs): Up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine

Key Point: 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 in Marquette County can sue for damages in civil court. Potential claims include:

Damages You Can Recover:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if hazing impacted ability to work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Marquette County families: You don’t have to prove criminal intent to win a civil case. You only need to show that the defendants acted negligently or recklessly.

💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Marquette County Victims Can Win

Hazing cases result in MILLIONS in settlements and verdicts. The same results are possible for Marquette County victims.

Key Takeaway: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies that secured these verdicts apply to Marquette County cases.

🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Marquette County?

When hazing happens, EVERYONE who allowed it can be held accountable.

Marquette County families: You don’t have to sue just the individuals who directly hazed your child. You can—and should—hold the institutions accountable too.

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

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Marquette County Families

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the situation immediately.
• If there’s a medical emergency, call 911.
• Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention—some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.

2. Preserve Evidence

DO:

• Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
• Document everything in writing (dates, times, what happened, who was involved).
• Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders).
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing).

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts (even if they’re embarrassing).
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel.
• Sign anything from the organization or their insurance company.
• Post about the incident on social media.

3. Report the Incident

• File a police report with the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office or local police.
• Report to the university (NMU Dean of Students, Finlandia Student Affairs).
• Report to the national organization (if applicable).

4. Contact an Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
• We work on contingency—you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
• We offer video consultations for Marquette County families who cannot travel.

5. Do NOT Accept Early Settlement Offers

• Insurance companies and universities will try to lowball you with early offers.
• Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney.
• Early settlements often don’t cover long-term medical or psychological costs.

🎯 Why Marquette County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re not just lawyers. We’re former insurance defense attorneys who know how to beat them at their own game.

From our client testimonials:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris

🏆 Our Track Record in Hazing and Personal Injury Cases

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.

📞 Marquette County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now

The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Your rights expire.

Marquette County families: If your child has been hazed at Northern Michigan University, Finlandia University, or any other institution, call us immediately.

✅ Free consultation — No obligation.
✅ $0 upfront — We work on contingency.
✅ Video consultations — Available for Marquette County families.
✅ We travel to Marquette County — For depositions, trials, and meetings.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Serving Marquette County and all of Michigan from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Marquette County Families

1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, the property owner may also be liable.

2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense in Michigan. Michigan law explicitly states that victims cannot consent to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the perpetrators are still liable.

3. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should act immediately—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights can be compromised.

4. Can we sue the university if they didn’t directly participate?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

5. What if the fraternity is already suspended or closed?

That doesn’t absolve them of liability. In fact, it’s an admission that something was wrong. We can still pursue the national organization, individual members, and the university.

6. How much is our case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
• Pattern of abuse (prior incidents at the same chapter)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know?)
• Psychological impact (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

7. Will this affect my child’s standing at the university?

No. Title IX and other laws protect students from retaliation. We will ensure your child’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.

8. Can we afford a lawyer?

Yes. We work on contingency, which means:

• $0 upfront
• We don’t get paid unless you win
• No hourly fees or hidden costs

9. What if we’re not in Marquette County? Can you still help?

Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including all of Michigan. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Travel to Marquette County for depositions and trials
• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

10. What’s the first step?

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline the best path forward.

🔥 A Message to Marquette County Fraternities and Universities

We are watching. We are coming. The reckoning has begun.

To the fraternities operating near Marquette County:

• Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—we know your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies.
• The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
• If your Marquette County chapters are hazing students, we will pursue every liable entity.
• We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.

To Northern Michigan University and Finlandia University:

• The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses.
• You have a duty to protect your students. If you fail, you will be held accountable.
• Act now, or face the same accountability we’re bringing to Texas.

To the national fraternities:

• You’ve had decades to fix your hazing culture.
• Andrew Coffey died in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. You’ve had 8 years to prevent this.
• Your “risk management policies” are meaningless if you don’t enforce them.
• We will dismantle your corporate structures in court.

The message is clear:

Hazing will cost you MILLIONS. We have the receipts. And we’re not afraid to use them.

📢 Enough Is Enough, Marquette County

This stops now. This stops with you.

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not bonding.

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

Marquette County families: If your child has been hazed, you have the power to stop it. You have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the power to protect the next student.

This is your moment. This is your fight. And we’re here to help you win it.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

Serving Marquette County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
Free consultations. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

Your child deserves justice. Marquette County deserves accountability. Let’s make it happen.