🚨 Hazing Victims in Mason County: Your Legal Rights and How to Take Action
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
Mason County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any student organization — you are not alone, and you are not powerless. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston operate right here in Michigan. The same culture of abuse that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exists at institutions near Mason County. And the same legal strategies that won $10 million in Texas can protect your family right here.
Attorney 911 is 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 will bring the same fight to Mason County.
This Happened in Houston. It’s Happening in Mason County.
The UH Hazing Case: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez — a student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of brutal hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
What they did to him:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him continue exercising
- Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during hazing — they kept going
- Made him drive fraternity members at all hours, causing exhaustion
- Humiliated him — carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather
The result:
- 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure
- Brown urine — his muscles were breaking down
- Couldn’t walk or move for days
- Fear of retribution — he’s afraid to speak publicly
The defendants:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local UH chapter
- The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members who participated
- Former members who hosted hazing at their home
The outcome:
- We filed a $10 million lawsuit
- The chapter was permanently closed
- The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
- Criminal charges are being considered
Mason County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when institutions prioritize reputation over safety. And this is happening right here in Michigan.
Hazing in Mason County: The Same Greek Letters, the Same Danger
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi — these are the same national fraternities that have chapters near Mason County. The same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate at universities and colleges in Michigan.
These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern.
| Fraternity | Hazing Incident | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz died from forced drinking | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver died from forced drinking | Louisiana State | $6.1 million verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza died after forced drinking and multiple falls | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey died from forced drinking | Florida State | Settlement; chapter closed |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez hospitalized with kidney failure | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Mason County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Mason County, they face the same risks. The same “traditions.” The same culture of abuse.
Michigan Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Michigan Penal Code § 750.411t — Hazing
In Michigan, hazing is a crime. It is defined as:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with 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
- If serious bodily injury occurs — Up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine
- If death occurs — Up to 15 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
Who can be sued?
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university or college
- Individual members who participated
- Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority property
- Alumni who enabled or hosted hazing
Mason County families: Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can still sue for damages. And the money comes from the institutions — not from broke college students.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Mason County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening
- Alcohol poisoning can be fatal
- Head injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding — all require immediate care
- Document everything — hospital records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Text messages | All communications about hazing |
| Group chats | GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Discord |
| Social media | Screenshots of posts, messages, stories |
| Photos/videos | Injuries, hazing activities, locations |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules |
| Witnesses | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders |
| Medical records | Hospital bills, doctor notes, test results |
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure you to sign documents
- They will offer lowball settlements
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Insurance companies and defense attorneys will use your posts against you
- Even innocent posts (“I’m fine!”) can be twisted to minimize your claim
- Stay off social media until your case is resolved
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
We offer free consultations 24/7.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Why Mason County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. Mason County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Fraternities and universities will argue: “They agreed to participate. They knew the risks.” Michigan law says consent is not a defense. We know how to dismantle this argument and hold them accountable.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
While based in Texas, we can represent Mason County victims through:
- Federal court admission — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — we come to Mason County for depositions and trials
4. We Know the Defendants’ Playbook
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.
5. We Have a Proven Track Record
- $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Google 4.9-star rating — 250+ reviews from satisfied clients
6. We Speak Spanish
Se habla español. Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families. We provide bilingual legal services so language is never a barrier to justice.
7. We Care About Mason County Families
We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting to make sure this never happens to another Mason County family.
What You Can Recover: Damages in Hazing Cases
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Example for Mason County Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, rehabilitation | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Future Medical | Ongoing treatment, specialists, potential dialysis | $100,000–$1,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Lost Earning Capacity | If injuries affect future career | $100,000–$1,000,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing and recovery | $250,000–$2,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse | $250,000–$3,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) | $500,000–$5,000,000+ |
| Total Potential Recovery | $1,000,000–$10,000,000+ |
Mason County families: These are real numbers from real cases. The same compensation is available to you.
Universities Near Mason County: Are They Protecting Your Child?
Mason County is home to Ludington, and within driving distance of major universities including:
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant)
- Ferris State University (Big Rapids)
- Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo)
- Grand Valley State University (Allendale)
- Michigan State University (East Lansing)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
These universities have active Greek life programs. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate on these campuses.
Mason County parents: Do you know what your child’s university is doing to prevent hazing? Have they had prior incidents? Are they monitoring Greek life effectively?
We can help you find out.
Fraternities Near Mason County with Hazing Histories
| Fraternity | Hazing Incident | Location | Chapter Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz died from forced drinking | Bowling Green State | Chapter closed |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Multiple hazing violations | University of Michigan | Multiple suspensions |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Chemical burns from hazing | Texas A&M | Chapter closed |
| Sigma Phi Epsilon | Tucker Hipps died from hazing | Clemson | Chapter closed |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza died after forced drinking | Penn State | Chapter banned |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez hospitalized with kidney failure | University of Houston | Chapter closed |
| Sigma Chi | Hazing lawsuit filed | University of Alabama | Ongoing litigation |
Mason County parents: These are the same organizations your child may be pledging. They have not changed their culture. They will not change unless forced.
The Time to Act Is Now: Statute of Limitations in Michigan
In Michigan, you have 3 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
DO NOT WAIT.
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your rights expire
If your child was hazed in the last 3 years, call us immediately.
Mason County Families: We Will Travel to You
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Mason County.
How we serve Mason County families:
- Free video consultations — meet with our attorneys remotely
- Travel to Mason County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Federal court representation — we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
- Bilingual services — English and Spanish
- Contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
What Happens Next: The Legal Process for Mason County Victims
| Step | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free Consultation | We evaluate your case, explain your rights | 1 day |
| 2. Evidence Preservation | We send letters demanding evidence preservation | 1 week |
| 3. Investigation | Gather medical records, witness statements, communications | 1–3 months |
| 4. Demand Letter | Send formal demand to defendants | After medical treatment complete |
| 5. Negotiation | Attempt to reach fair settlement | 3–12 months |
| 6. Litigation (if needed) | File lawsuit, conduct discovery, depositions | 6–18 months |
| 7. Mediation | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement | 1 day |
| 8. Trial (if needed) | Present case to judge and jury | Days to weeks |
| 9. Resolution | Settlement or verdict; payment received | Varies |
Mason County families: We handle every step of the process for you. You focus on your child’s recovery — we focus on justice.
Mason County Parents: You Have the Power to Stop This
Hazing doesn’t stop by itself. It stops when:
- Victims speak up
- Families demand accountability
- Institutions are forced to change
You can be the one who protects the next Mason County student.
Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you. We have the experience. We have the strategy. We have the passion.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation. No upfront cost. Available 24/7.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Mason County families: The same fight we’re bringing to Houston, we’ll bring to Michigan. Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And the next student deserves protection.
🚨 If Your Child Is in Immediate Danger, Call 911
Hazing can be life-threatening. If your child is experiencing:
- Severe muscle pain
- Brown or dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of alcohol poisoning
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions for Mason County Families
Q: My child consented to join. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity, university, and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can hold the organization liable for activities at private residences, hotels, or other locations.
Q: We’re in Mason County. How can a Texas law firm help us?
A: We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Michigan. We offer:
- Free video consultations
- Travel to Mason County for meetings and depositions
- Federal court representation
- Experience with out-of-state cases
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retaliation — our client in the UH case is afraid to speak publicly. We ensure your child’s identity is protected during litigation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?
A: They should have known. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house, they have a premises liability. If they have prior hazing incidents, they have actual knowledge. We will uncover what they knew and when they knew it.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity?
A: Absolutely. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies. They are often more liable than local chapters because they have the power to regulate and failed to do so.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not hospitalized?
A: You may still have a case. Even without hospitalization, hazing can cause:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Academic decline
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact us for a free evaluation.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Most cases settle within 12–24 months. Complex cases can take longer, but we work aggressively to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Q: Can we still sue if criminal charges aren’t filed?
A: Yes. Civil lawsuits and criminal charges are separate. Even if no one is criminally prosecuted, you can still sue for damages.
Mason County Families: The Choice Is Clear
✅ Do nothing — Let the fraternity and university get away with it. Let them continue hazing the next student. Let your child suffer in silence.
❌ OR
✅ Take action — Hold them accountable. Get compensation for your child’s injuries. Protect the next Mason County student.
The choice is yours. But the time to act is now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now. And we’ll fight for Mason County families too.
