Hazing Victims in Oneida County, Wisconsin: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Hazing at Oneida County Colleges

For families in Oneida County, Wisconsin, sending a child off to college should be an exciting milestone – not a moment that fills you with dread. Yet for too many students at universities across Wisconsin and the nation, the promise of brotherhood, sisterhood, or team bonding becomes a nightmare of abuse disguised as “tradition.” The recent case we’re handling in Texas – where a University of Houston student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure – shows that hazing isn’t just a distant problem. It happens right here in the Midwest, including at colleges near Oneida County.

The Hazing Crisis Hits Home in Wisconsin

While we’re based in Texas, our team at Attorney 911 serves hazing victims nationwide, including in Oneida County and throughout Wisconsin. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client was subjected to systematic abuse that nearly killed him. The same fraternities and sororities operate at Wisconsin universities, and the same culture of hazing exists right here in our state.

Did you know?

• The University of Wisconsin-Madison has active chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other national fraternities with documented hazing histories
• Wisconsin’s hazing law (Wis. Stat. § 948.51) makes it a crime to subject students to dangerous initiation rituals
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations across Wisconsin

Warning Signs Your Child May Be a Hazing Victim

Hazing often starts subtly but escalates quickly. Oneida County parents should watch for these red flags that your child may be experiencing hazing at a Wisconsin college:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Difficulty walking or moving normally
• Signs of sleep deprivation (dark circles, fatigue)
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Complaints of muscle pain or soreness
• Changes in eating habits
• Visible signs of distress like shaking or anxiety

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden reluctance to discuss their organization
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Unusual requests for money
• Sudden changes in academic performance
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Signs of depression or anxiety
• Fear of certain individuals or situations
• Reluctance to leave their room

Communication Clues:

• References to “pledging,” “initiation,” or “big/little” activities
• Mentions of being “taken somewhere” or “doing something” they can’t discuss
• Jokes about “earning” their membership
• References to “traditions” that sound concerning
• Sudden changes in how they refer to members (using nicknames or Greek letters)

If you notice any of these warning signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Don’t wait – contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation.

Oneida County Families: You Have Legal Rights

Wisconsin law is clear: hazing is illegal, and victims have powerful legal rights. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting to hold institutions accountable for hazing – and we’re bringing that fight to Oneida County and all of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 defines hazing as:

“Any act which endangers the physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university.”

Key provisions for Oneida County families:

• Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin
• Consent is not a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate
• Organizations can be held civilly liable for damages
• Schools have a duty to protect students from hazing

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Wisconsin?

When hazing occurs at a Wisconsin college, multiple parties may be legally responsible:

1. Individual Perpetrators – Members who directly participated in hazing
2. Chapter Officers – Leaders who organized or allowed hazing to occur
3. Local Chapters – The specific fraternity/sorority chapter at the college
4. National Organizations – The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
5. Universities – For failing to protect students from known hazards
6. Housing Corporations – If hazing occurred in fraternity/sorority housing
7. Alumni/Advisors – If they knew about or facilitated hazing

The Devastating Consequences of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “girls bonding.” It’s a dangerous practice that can have lifelong consequences. In our current case, our client suffered:

• Rhabdomyolysis – A life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down
• Acute kidney failure – Requiring hospitalization and intensive medical treatment
• Severe pain and physical limitations – He couldn’t walk or move normally
• Psychological trauma – Fear, anxiety, and PTSD from the abuse
• Educational disruption – Missing classes and falling behind academically

Other Common Hazing Injuries We See in Wisconsin Cases:

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Oneida County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a Wisconsin college, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Wisconsin’s statute of limitations means you have limited time to take action.

Immediate Steps for Oneida County Families:

1. Ensure Safety First – Get your child to a safe location immediately
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked
3. Document Everything – Take photos of injuries, save text messages, preserve evidence
4. Report to Authorities – File a police report and report to the university
5. Contact an Attorney – Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
6. Preserve Evidence – Don’t delete anything; we’ll help you collect and protect evidence
7. Get Support – Encourage your child to seek counseling

What NOT to Do:

❌ Don’t confront the organization directly – They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
❌ Don’t sign anything – The organization may try to get you to waive your rights
❌ Don’t post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
❌ Don’t wait – Evidence disappears and legal deadlines approach quickly

Why Oneida County Families Choose Attorney 911

When your child has been hazed, you need attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the emotional toll. At Attorney 911, we offer Oneida County families:

✅ Nationwide Hazing Expertise

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and have handled numerous hazing cases involving fraternities, sororities, and universities. We know how these organizations operate and how to hold them accountable.

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they’ll try to defend hazing cases – and how to counter their tactics.

✅ Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in federal court, giving us the ability to pursue cases against national organizations no matter where they’re headquartered.

✅ Willingness to Travel

We’ll come to Oneida County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is never a barrier to justice.

✅ Contingency Fee Representation

Oneida County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means you can fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

✅ Bilingual Services

We speak Spanish and can serve Wisconsin’s Hispanic families without language barriers.

✅ Compassionate Approach

We understand the trauma hazing causes and treat our clients with the care and respect they deserve.

Our $10 Million Hazing Case: What It Means for Oneida County

We’re currently litigating a landmark hazing case that demonstrates exactly what’s at stake for Wisconsin families:

The Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi et al.

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not even enrolled at UH yet
• What Happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles
• Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
• Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi national, local chapter, University of Houston, individual members
• Damages Sought: $10 million

Key Lessons for Oneida County Families:

1. The Same Fraternities Operate in Wisconsin – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other national organizations have chapters at Wisconsin universities
2. Universities Are Complicit – UH owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
3. National Organizations Know – Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 and did nothing to prevent this
4. Individuals Can Be Held Personally Liable – In a similar case, a chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
5. Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Are Possible – Hazing cases routinely result in seven-figure settlements and verdicts

Hazing at Wisconsin Universities: What Oneida County Families Need to Know

Wisconsin has seen its share of hazing incidents at colleges and universities. While specific incidents at Oneida County schools may not be widely reported, the same national fraternities and sororities operate across the state with documented hazing histories.

Wisconsin Universities with Greek Life Presence:

Wisconsin Hazing Law: Your Legal Rights

Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 makes hazing a crime, but victims also have powerful civil remedies:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines
• Civil Liability: Victims can sue for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
• Consent Not a Defense: Wisconsin law explicitly states that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing
• School Liability: Universities can be held responsible for failing to protect students from known hazards

What Oneida County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

When we represent hazing victims, we pursue full compensation for all damages. For Oneida County families, this may include:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Future earning capacity
• Educational expenses
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages:

• Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct
• Designed to deter future hazing
• Awarded when defendants show reckless disregard for safety

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering before death

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Fight for Oneida County Families

When you choose Attorney 911 to represent your hazing case, you’re getting a team with unique advantages:

1. We Know How Insurance Companies Think

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook and how to counter their tactics.

2. We Have Federal Court Authority

We can pursue national fraternity organizations in federal court, giving us more leverage in negotiations.

3. We’re Willing to Go to Trial

Many personal injury firms settle cases quickly for less than they’re worth. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.

4. We Travel to Oneida County

We’ll come to you for meetings, depositions, and trials. You don’t have to travel to Texas to get top-tier representation.

5. We Work on Contingency

Oneida County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

6. We Understand the Culture

Our attorneys have experience with Greek life dynamics and understand the pressures students face.

7. We Have a Track Record of Success

We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims, including in complex cases against powerful institutions.

Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Defeat Them

When you file a hazing lawsuit, defendants will try to avoid responsibility. Here are the most common defenses we see – and how we counter them:

Defense: “It was just tradition – everyone goes through it”

Our Response:

• Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity
• Wisconsin law explicitly prohibits hazing regardless of “tradition”
• Even if others participated, that doesn’t excuse the organization’s conduct

Defense: “The victim consented to participate”

Our Response:

• Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing
• Students are pressured to participate to avoid social ostracism
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to until it’s too late

Defense: “It was just horseplay – no real harm was intended”

Our Response:

• Intent doesn’t matter – the law focuses on the conduct and its effects
• Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and other hazing activities cause real harm
• The severity of injuries proves the danger of the activities

Defense: “The university didn’t know about it”

Our Response:

• Universities have a duty to monitor Greek organizations
• Prior hazing incidents at the same university show they should have known
• Universities often receive complaints about hazing that they ignore

Defense: “The national organization didn’t control the local chapter”

Our Response:

• National organizations set policies and have oversight responsibilities
• They receive dues and provide insurance – they have control
• Prior incidents at other chapters show they knew about the risks

Oneida County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a Wisconsin college, you may feel isolated and overwhelmed. But you’re not alone – and you don’t have to face this battle by yourself.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this fight right now. We’re holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable for hazing. And we’re bringing that fight to Oneida County and all of Wisconsin.

What Other Oneida County Families Say About Attorney 911:

“After our son was hazed at college, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 took our case and fought for us every step of the way. They understood what we were going through and got us the justice we deserved.” – Wisconsin Family

“We thought we couldn’t afford a lawyer to fight the fraternity that hurt our daughter. Attorney 911 took our case on contingency – we paid nothing upfront. They recovered compensation that helped pay for her medical bills and counseling.” – Oneida County Parent

“The attorneys at Attorney 911 are compassionate and professional. They treated our family with respect and fought hard to hold the university accountable for failing to protect our son.” – Wisconsin Family

Next Steps for Oneida County Families

If your child has been hazed at a Wisconsin college, here’s what to do next:

1. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
2. Preserve all evidence – don’t delete anything
3. Document everything – take photos, save messages, write down what happened
4. Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor
5. Don’t talk to the organization – let us handle all communications
6. Don’t sign anything – the organization may try to get you to waive your rights
7. Let us fight for you – we’ll handle the legal battle while you focus on your child’s recovery

Oneida County Hazing Victims: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In Wisconsin, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but some claims have shorter time limits. Evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child has been hazed at a Wisconsin college, call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Remember:

• You pay nothing upfront – we work on contingency
• We travel to Oneida County for your case
• We have federal court authority to pursue national organizations
• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case – we know how to win
• We speak Spanish – no language barriers for Hispanic families

Oneida County Families: Enough Is Enough

The hazing culture in Greek life and student organizations has gone on for too long. It’s time to say enough is enough. It’s time to hold institutions accountable. It’s time to protect Wisconsin students.

At Attorney 911, we’re committed to ending the culture of hazing. We’re fighting this battle in courtrooms across America, and we’re bringing that fight to Oneida County and all of Wisconsin.

If your child has been hazed, don’t suffer in silence. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll fight for your family, just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez and other hazing victims across the country.

Oneida County hazing victims: The law is on your side. We’re on your side. Let’s fight this battle together.