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Midland County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 Midland County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone β€” We Will Fight for You

Midland County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Midland County, we can help. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” and we will bring that same aggressive representation to Midland County victims.

We serve Midland County and all of Michigan from our offices in Texas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🏒 Who We Are: Midland County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

About Attorney 911 β€” Now Serving Midland County

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We proudly serve hazing victims and their families in Midland County and across Michigan through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers β€” we know exactly how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for Midland County victims.

Why Midland County families choose Attorney 911 for hazing cases:

Advantage Midland County Benefit
25+ Years Litigation Experience Proven trial attorneys with courtroom success
Former Insurance Defense Insight We know how Midland County defendants will fight back
Federal Court Authority Can pursue Midland County cases in federal jurisdiction
Dual-State Bar Admission Texas AND New York licensed β€” strategic advantage against national organizations
Se Habla EspaΓ±ol Bilingual staff serving Midland County’s Spanish-speaking families
Nationwide Hazing Expertise Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case β€” same strategies available for Midland County
Will Travel to Midland County For depositions, trials, and client meetings when needed

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Midland County β€” What Every Parent Needs to Know

Midland County Universities and Colleges: Greek Life Hazing Risks

While Midland County itself may not have large universities, students from Midland County often attend institutions across Michigan where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities that hazed our client in Texas operate chapters at Michigan universities near Midland County, including:

  • Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) β€” 1.5 hours from Midland County
  • Saginaw Valley State University (University Center) β€” 30 minutes from Midland County
  • Northwood University (Midland) β€” In Midland County
  • Alma College (Alma) β€” 1 hour from Midland County
  • Michigan State University (East Lansing) β€” 2 hours from Midland County
  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) β€” 2.5 hours from Midland County

These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. The fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas have chapters at these Michigan schools.

The Hazing Reality: What Happens at Midland County-Area Universities

Midland County parents: Your child faces the same risks that hospitalized our client. Hazing at universities near Midland County includes:

Hazing Activity Real Examples Medical Risks
Waterboarding Simulated drowning with garden hoses Hypoxia, panic attacks, PTSD
Forced Exercise 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure
Wooden Paddles Physical beatings Bruising, fractures, internal injuries
Forced Eating Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting Choking, aspiration, gastrointestinal damage
Sleep Deprivation Forced late nights, early mornings Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health crises
Exposure Forced to strip in cold weather Hypothermia, frostbite
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, threats PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk
Forced Alcohol Consumption Binge drinking, chugging Alcohol poisoning, death

This isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. And it happens at universities near Midland County.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What This Means for Midland County Families

Our $10 Million Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi β€” The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Midland County

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.

What happened:

  • September 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston as a “ghost rush” (not yet enrolled)
  • September-November 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing including:
    • Waterboarding with garden hoses (simulated drowning)
    • Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls
    • Struck with wooden paddles
    • Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
    • Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15
  • November 3, 2025: Bermudez punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand
  • November 4-5, 2025: Couldn’t move, condition worsening
  • November 6, 2025: Mother rushes him to hospital with kidney failure
  • November 6-10, 2025: Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis

Key fact for Midland County families: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America β€” including chapters at Michigan universities near Midland County. The same organization that did this in Texas operates near Midland County.

Why This Case Matters to Midland County

  1. PROOF THAT “TRADITION” IS TORTURE β€” Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles β€” this isn’t hazing, it’s abuse
  2. UNIVERSITIES ARE COMPLICIT β€” UH owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
  3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS KNOW β€” Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter when exposed
  4. THEY KNEW IT WAS DANGEROUS β€” Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15 β€” they kept going
  5. VICTIMS ARE AFRAID β€” Our client fears retribution for speaking out
  6. MIDLAND COUNTY VICTIMS FACE THE SAME FEAR β€” We protect our clients

The same fraternities that did this in Texas operate at universities near Midland County. If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez.

βš–οΈ Midland County Victims’ Legal Rights: Michigan Hazing Laws

Michigan Hazing Law: MCL 750.411t

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.”

Michigan Penalty for Hazing:

  • Misdemeanor: Up to 93 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
  • If serious impairment of a body function or death occurs: Felony β€” up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,500 fine

Important for Midland County victims: Consent is not a defense in Michigan. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Civil Liability for Midland County Hazing Victims

Michigan law allows Midland County victims to sue for:

  1. Negligence β€” Organizations failed to prevent foreseeable harm
  2. Assault and Battery β€” Intentional harmful contact
  3. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress β€” Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
  4. Premises Liability β€” Hazing occurred on unsafe property
  5. Negligent Supervision β€” National organizations failed to oversee local chapters

Midland County families can pursue compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost academic time
  • Future medical expenses
  • Punitive damages (in extreme cases)

πŸ’° Precedent Cases: Midland County Victims Can Win Big

Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Settlements in Hazing Cases

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win β€” and win big. The same results are possible for Midland County victims.

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
Tucker Hipps Clemson Sigma Phi Epsilon Settlement $500,000+

Midland County families: These verdicts show that juries and institutions take hazing seriously. The same legal strategies apply to Midland County cases.

Why These Cases Matter for Midland County

  1. Universities and fraternities PAY MILLIONS when they fail to protect students
  2. Juries are outraged by egregious conduct like waterboarding and physical abuse
  3. Pattern evidence matters β€” prior incidents at the same organization increase case value
  4. Michigan has strong hazing laws β€” Midland County victims have legal rights

If your child was hazed at a university near Midland County, you have a case. We can help.

πŸ“‹ Midland County Victim Guidance: What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed

Immediate Steps for Midland County Families

If your child tells you they’ve been hazed:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately β€” Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
  2. Preserve all evidence β€” Texts, photos, videos, social media posts
  3. Do NOT confront the organization β€” They will destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses
  4. Do NOT post on social media β€” Anything you post can be used against you
  5. Call Attorney 911 immediately β€” 1-888-ATTY-911 β€” We offer free consultations

Evidence to preserve:

  • Medical records
  • Photos of injuries
  • Text messages and social media chats about hazing
  • Names and contact information of witnesses
  • Any documents or schedules given to your child
  • Photos/videos from hazing activities

Why Midland County Families Should Act Now

  1. Evidence disappears quickly β€” Organizations delete messages and destroy records
  2. Witnesses forget details β€” Memories fade over time
  3. Statutes of limitations apply β€” Michigan has time limits for filing lawsuits
  4. Other victims may exist β€” Your case could help protect others

Midland County families: Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and will travel to Midland County for your case.

πŸ“’ Message to Midland County Fraternities and Universities

To the Organizations Operating Near Midland County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

If you haze students near Midland County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and every individual who participated.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston? We shut them down. Your chapter could be next.

Midland County universities: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

🎯 Why Midland County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

Our Midland County Hazing Litigation Approach

When a Midland County family’s child is hazed, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY:

  1. Immediate evidence preservation β€” Secure texts, photos, medical records before they disappear
  2. Aggressive legal action β€” File lawsuits against all responsible parties
  3. Expert network β€” Medical experts, hazing culture experts, institutional negligence experts
  4. Media strategy β€” Public pressure to force accountability
  5. Legislative advocacy β€” Work with Michigan lawmakers on hazing reform
  6. Travel to Midland County β€” For depositions, client meetings, and trials

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it RIGHT NOW in court β€” and we’ll fight for Midland County victims too.

Midland County Families: We Come to You

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims in Midland County and across Michigan through:

  • Federal court authority β€” Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Video consultations β€” Meet with us remotely
  • Willingness to travel β€” We come to Midland County for depositions and trials
  • Remote case management β€” Handle most aspects of your case without travel

Distance is not a barrier to justice for Midland County families.

πŸ’¬ Midland County Testimonials: Why Families Trust Us

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

“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” β€” Debra Cambric-Chisolm

“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 pick up this handsome check.” β€” Donald Wilcox

“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” β€” Devin Hebert

Midland County families: We treat you like family. Your child’s case is personal to us.

πŸ“ž Midland County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at a university near Midland County, call Attorney 911 now.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Free consultation β€” $0 upfront cost β€” We don’t get paid unless you win

We serve Midland County and all of Michigan. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Midland County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Midland County β€” can you help even though you’re in Texas?

A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Midland County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel allow us to represent Midland County families regardless of location.

Q: What if my child consented to the hazing activities?

A: Consent is not a defense under Michigan law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for hazing. Peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and power dynamics negate true consent.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you for a Midland County hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.

Q: What can we sue for in a Midland County hazing case?

A: Midland County families can pursue compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost academic time
  • Future medical expenses
  • Punitive damages (in extreme cases)

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

A: Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Most cases settle without going to trial. If your case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Yes. National organizations can be held liable for failing to supervise local chapters and for having knowledge of hazing risks. In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for exactly these reasons.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Off-campus hazing is still illegal and creates liability. We can pursue the organization, its leaders, and any property owners where hazing occurred.

πŸ† Midland County Hazing Justice: Our Commitment to You

To Midland County families affected by hazing:

We understand the pain, the anger, and the fear you’re experiencing. We understand that your child trusted these organizations to keep them safe. We understand that trust was betrayed.

We are committed to:

  1. Holding every responsible party accountable β€” from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations
  2. Maximizing your compensation β€” so your child can get the medical and emotional support they need
  3. Protecting your privacy β€” we handle sensitive cases with discretion
  4. Preventing future hazing β€” your case can help protect other Midland County families
  5. Fighting for justice β€” no matter how long it takes or how far we have to travel

Midland County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911 β€” your first responders to legal emergencies. Call us now.

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

Midland County hazing victims deserve justice. We will fight for you.

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