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Outagamie County (Wisconsin/Outagamie County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 27, 2026 16 min read
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Here is the complete, publication-ready, location-optimized marketing content for Outagamie County, Wisconsin hazing victims and families. This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant, and fully compliant with all provided directives.

Hazing Victims in Outagamie County Deserve Justice – We Can Help

Fraternity and Sorority Hazing Is Happening at Outagamie County Colleges – And It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable

Outagamie County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities like the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College, and nearby institutions will protect their students from harm. But for too many students in Outagamie County and across Wisconsin, that trust is betrayed by a dangerous culture of hazing in Greek organizations.

If your child was hazed, abused, or injured by a fraternity or sorority near Outagamie County, you are not alone. Hazing isn’t just “tradition” – it’s assault. It’s battery. And in some cases, it’s torture. At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at colleges near Outagamie County, and we will fight just as hard for Wisconsin families.

What Is Hazing – And Why Is It So Dangerous in Outagamie County?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in an organization that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. In Wisconsin, hazing is not only unethical – it’s illegal.

Common Hazing Practices in Outagamie County and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just “harmless pranks.” It includes:

Physical Abuse – Forced exercise to exhaustion (pushups, squats, runs), paddling, branding, or being struck with objects.
Forced Consumption – Being made to drink alcohol until vomiting, consuming large amounts of food, or ingesting non-food substances.
Psychological Torture – Waterboarding (simulated drowning), sleep deprivation, humiliation, or threats of expulsion.
Sexual Humiliation – Being forced to carry sexual objects, strip in public, or endure degrading acts.
Sleep Deprivation – Late-night activities, forced driving for fraternity members, or being kept awake for hours.
Isolation & Control – Enforced dress codes, required study hours, or being denied basic freedoms.

These aren’t “traditions” – they’re crimes. And they’re happening at colleges near Outagamie County.

The Outagamie County Hazing Crisis: It’s Closer Than You Think

You may have heard about hazing incidents at big-name universities, but the truth is, hazing is happening right here in Wisconsin. The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing lawsuits – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others – have active chapters at universities near Outagamie County, including:

  • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh)
  • Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)
  • Lawrence University (Appleton)
  • St. Norbert College (De Pere)
  • University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay)

These organizations have a documented history of hazing nationwide – and they’re operating in Outagamie County’s backyard.

Recent Hazing Cases That Prove the Danger Is Real

Victim Fraternity University Outcome Location
Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston $10M lawsuit filed (2025) Houston, TX
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State $10.1M settlement (2021) Ohio
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State $6.1M jury verdict (2017) Louisiana
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State $110M+ settlement (2017) Pennsylvania

These cases aren’t just headlines – they’re warnings. If it can happen at these universities, it can happen at colleges near Outagamie County. And when it does, the institutions responsible must be held accountable.

How Outagamie County Families Can Fight Back

If your child was hazed, you may feel powerless. Universities and fraternities have deep pockets, teams of lawyers, and a vested interest in covering up their mistakes. But you have rights – and we know how to fight for them.

1. Recognize the Signs of Hazing

Hazing often goes unreported because victims are ashamed, afraid of retaliation, or don’t realize they were abused. Common warning signs include:

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, sprains)
  • Sudden changes in behavior (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
  • Missing class or declining academic performance
  • Avoiding certain people or places
  • Being forced to perform tasks that seem excessive or degrading
  • Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities

If your child is exhibiting these signs, they may be a victim of hazing – even if they won’t admit it.

2. Preserve Evidence Immediately

Evidence disappears fast in hazing cases. If you suspect hazing, take these steps right away:
Save all communications – Texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, or social media posts about hazing.
Take photos – Of injuries, hazing locations, or any objects used in hazing.
Document medical records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, or therapy records.
Get witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
Don’t delete anything – Even if it seems harmless, it could be crucial evidence.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

3. Know Your Legal Rights in Outagamie County

Wisconsin has strong laws against hazing, and victims have multiple legal options:

Wisconsin Hazing Law (Wis. Stat. § 948.51)

  • Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines).
  • Consent is not a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
  • Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for negligence.

Civil Lawsuits for Hazing Victims

You can sue for:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Lost wages (if hazing affected your child’s ability to work)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing case – and we will pursue the same justice for Outagamie County families.

4. Don’t Let the University or Fraternity Intimidate You

Universities and Greek organizations will try to silence victims. They may:

  • Pressure your child to “move on” or “not make a big deal” of it.
  • Offer a quick, lowball settlement to avoid bad publicity.
  • Threaten expulsion or disciplinary action if your child speaks out.
  • Destroy evidence or coordinate stories to avoid liability.

This is why you need an experienced hazing attorney. We know their tactics, and we won’t let them bully you into accepting less than you deserve.

Why Outagamie County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Not Just Lawyers – We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys Who Know How to Beat Them

Most personal injury firms have never worked on the other side. We have. Before representing victims, we worked for insurance companies – and we know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight back harder for Outagamie County families.

We’re Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case Right Now – And We’ll Fight Just as Hard for You

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles – leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The fraternity and university knew about prior hazing incidents but did nothing to stop it.

This isn’t just a case for us – it’s a mission. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Outagamie County families.

We Serve Outagamie County – No Matter Where the Hazing Happened

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Outagamie County. We can:
Travel to Outagamie County for depositions, meetings, or trials.
Offer remote consultations via video call.
File lawsuits in federal or state court to maximize your recovery.
Work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.

Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed near Outagamie County, we will fight for you.

We Understand the Outagamie County Community

Outagamie County is home to hardworking families who value education, community, and fairness. When a university or fraternity betrays that trust, we hold them accountable. Whether your child attends UW-Oshkosh, Fox Valley Tech, Lawrence University, or another nearby school, we know how to navigate Wisconsin’s legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Outagamie County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
  • Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
  • Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, or any objects used.
  • Save all communications (texts, social media, emails).
  • Get witness statements from other pledges or bystanders.
  • Document medical records (hospital visits, therapy notes).
  • Do not delete anything – even if it seems unimportant.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

Universities and Greek organizations will try to manipulate your child into saying something that hurts their case. They may:

  • Offer a quick settlement (that’s far less than they deserve).
  • Pressure your child to sign a release (waiving their right to sue).
  • Threaten disciplinary action if they speak out.
  • Destroy evidence to cover up the hazing.

Before speaking to anyone, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll handle all communications and protect your rights.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations). In Wisconsin, you typically have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but evidence disappears fast – so the sooner you act, the better.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Outagamie County Hazing Lawsuit FAQ

1. Can I sue a fraternity or sorority for hazing in Outagamie County?

Yes. If your child was hazed, you can sue:

  • The local chapter (for organizing the hazing).
  • The national organization (for failing to prevent it).
  • The university (if they knew or should have known about the hazing).
  • Individual members (for participating in or facilitating the abuse).

2. What kind of compensation can I get for hazing in Outagamie County?

Hazing victims can recover:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment).
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma).
  • Lost wages (if hazing affected their ability to work).
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct).

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million – and we will pursue the same for Outagamie County families.

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

Consent is not a defense in Wisconsin. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable. Wis. Stat. § 948.51 explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing.

4. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Outagamie County?

In Wisconsin, you typically have 3 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s best to act as soon as possible.

5. Can I sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t physically injured, they may still have a case for:

  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress (if the hazing was extreme and outrageous).
  • Negligent supervision (if the university or national organization failed to prevent the abuse).

6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs – whether it’s at a fraternity house, a private residence, or anywhere else.

7. Can I sue if my child wasn’t a student at the university yet?

Yes. In our current case, the victim was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member who wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet. If the fraternity hazed them, they can be held liable.

8. What if the fraternity or university threatens my child with expulsion?

This is illegal retaliation. Universities cannot punish students for reporting hazing. If they try, we can sue for retaliation and seek additional damages.

9. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Outagamie County?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • You pay nothing to hire us.
  • We only get paid if we win your case.
  • Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict – you keep the rest.

10. What if the fraternity or university offers me a settlement?

Do not accept it without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies and universities lowball victims to avoid paying what they truly deserve. We’ll review any offer and negotiate for maximum compensation.

Fraternities Near Outagamie County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing lawsuits have chapters at colleges near Outagamie County. If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks.

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases Universities Near Outagamie County with Chapters
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021) UW-Oshkosh
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021), David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012) UW-Oshkosh
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) St. Norbert College
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) UW-Oshkosh
Sigma Chi College of Charleston (2024) UW-Green Bay
Kappa Sigma Chad Meredith (Miami, 2001) UW-Oshkosh

These aren’t just names on a list – they’re organizations with a documented history of abuse. If your child is pledging one of these fraternities near Outagamie County, they could be at risk.

A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Outagamie County

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures.

If you haze students in Outagamie County, we will pursue every liable entity.

The Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

Outagamie County Families: We’re Here to Help

If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Outagamie County, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. We’ve seen what these organizations do to students, and we know how to hold them accountable.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll travel to Outagamie County, fight for your rights, and make sure the people responsible pay for what they’ve done.

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s torture. And it ends now.

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