Hazing Lawyers in Pepin County, WI | Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

Pepin County Parents: Is Your Child Being Hazed at a Wisconsin College?

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s happening right now at universities near Pepin County, Wisconsin.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure from fraternity hazing. The same national fraternities operate chapters at Wisconsin universities. The same abuse is happening to Pepin County students.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Pepin County — whether at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout, Winona State, or another Wisconsin institution — we can help. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Pepin County families, and we know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Wisconsin)

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Common Hazing Activities That Are Illegal in Wisconsin:

✅ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
✅ Waterboarding/simulated drowning – Yes, this is happening in Wisconsin
✅ Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities, early morning drills
✅ Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats, isolation, carrying degrading objects
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, sexual humiliation
✅ Extreme servitude – Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

Wisconsin Hazing Law (Wis. Stat. § 948.51)

In Wisconsin, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines. If the hazing causes great bodily harm, it becomes a Class H felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison.

Most importantly for Pepin County families: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the hazers accountable.

The Hazing Crisis in Wisconsin: It’s Happening Near Pepin County

Wisconsin universities have a long history of hazing incidents, many of which go unreported due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization. But recent cases prove that hazing is alive and well in the Badger State:

Recent Hazing Incidents in Wisconsin:

🔴 UW-Eau Claire (2023) – Multiple fraternities suspended for hazing, including forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and sleep deprivation. Several students required medical attention.

🔴 UW-Stout (2022) – A student was hospitalized after a fraternity event involving excessive alcohol consumption. The chapter was suspended for hazing violations.

🔴 UW-Madison (2021) – A sorority was suspended after reports of forced drinking, humiliation rituals, and physical punishment during pledge activities.

🔴 Winona State University (2020) – A student suffered a traumatic brain injury after being forced to participate in dangerous physical challenges during a fraternity initiation. The chapter was permanently banned.

🔴 UW-La Crosse (2019) – A student was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after a fraternity event. The chapter was placed on probation for hazing.

These are just the cases that were reported. Studies show that 95% of hazing victims never report the abuse due to fear of retaliation, social ostracism, or being expelled from their organization.

The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Are Active Near Pepin County

The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that waterboarded and hospitalized our client has 150+ chapters across the U.S., including in the Midwest. Other national fraternities with hazing histories — like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi — also have chapters at Wisconsin universities.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Pepin County, they could be at risk.

What Happens to Hazing Victims? The Medical Consequences

Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable — it can destroy lives, cause permanent injuries, and even kill.

Physical Injuries from Hazing:

🚑 Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise (like 500 squats) that can lead to kidney failure (this happened to our client)
🚑 Alcohol poisoning – Forced drinking can lead to coma or death
🚑 Traumatic brain injury – From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects
🚑 Broken bones – From physical abuse or dangerous stunts
🚑 Internal bleeding – From blunt force trauma
🚑 Hypothermia/hyperthermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures
🚑 Heart attacks – From extreme physical exertion or stress

Psychological Trauma from Hazing:

🧠 PTSD – From waterboarding, physical abuse, or sexual humiliation
🧠 Anxiety & depression – From ongoing fear of retaliation
🧠 Suicidal ideation – Hazing victims are at higher risk of suicide
🧠 Trust issues – Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
🧠 Academic decline – Inability to focus due to trauma

Long-Term Consequences:

💔 Permanent kidney damage – Requiring lifelong dialysis or a transplant
💔 Chronic pain – From injuries sustained during hazing
💔 Career limitations – If injuries prevent certain jobs
💔 Financial ruin – From medical bills and lost wages

Hazing doesn’t just hurt for a few weeks. It can ruin a lifetime.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Wisconsin?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. At Attorney 911, we pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for Pepin County victims.

1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority)

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) can be personally liable
• Members who participated can be sued individually

2. The National Organization (Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters)

• Failed to supervise the local chapter
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Had policies that were ignored or unenforced
• Deep pockets – National organizations have millions in assets and insurance

3. The University

Universities near Pepin County — like UW-Eau Claire or Winona State — have a legal duty to protect students. If they:
✔ Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred (many do)
✔ Knew or should have known about hazing risks
✔ Failed to investigate reports of hazing
✔ Allowed Greek organizations to operate without proper oversight

…then they can be held liable for the harm caused.

Example: In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded and hospitalized. They collected rent while students were tortured.

4. Individual Members

• Anyone who participated in hazing can be sued personally
• Anyone who failed to stop hazing can be held liable
• Homeowner’s insurance may cover their liability

5. Alumni & Housing Corporations

• If hazing occurred at an alumni’s home, they can be sued for premises liability
• Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority houses can be liable

What Can Pepin County Families Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

💰 Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work due to injuries)
• Future lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, counseling)

😢 Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame from hazing rituals
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

⚖️ Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was especially cruel, intentional, or reckless, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Example: In the Maxwell Gruver case (LSU), a jury awarded $6.1 million in damages after a student died from forced alcohol consumption. The fraternity was also criminally convicted.

Wisconsin Hazing Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Precedents

Hazing lawsuits routinely result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some recent cases that show what’s possible for Pepin County families:

💰 Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha) – $10.1 Million

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
• Who paid: University ($2.9M) + Fraternity ($7.2M)
• Why it matters: Same fraternity we’re suing now — shows they have a pattern of deadly hazing

💰 Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink during “Bible Study” hazing ritual; BAC reached 0.495 (6x legal limit); died from alcohol poisoning
• Who paid: Fraternity and members
• Criminal outcome: Chapter president convicted of negligent homicide
• Legislation: Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony

💰 Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi) – $110+ Million

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911; died from traumatic brain injury
• Who paid: University and fraternity (confidential settlement, estimated $110M+)
• Criminal outcome: 18 members charged; multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter
• Legislation: Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law

💰 Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi) – Confidential Settlement

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
• Who paid: Fraternity and members
• Criminal outcome: 9 members charged with hazing
• Chapter status: Permanently closed at FSU

💰 Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi) – Pending Lawsuit

• What happened: Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during hazing
• Current status: Lawsuit filed; fraternity members charged criminally

These cases prove one thing: Hazing lawsuits win. And the settlements are massive.

What Should Pepin County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what to do immediately:

🚨 Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• If they’re in immediate danger, call 911
• If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately (even if injuries seem minor)
• Remove them from the situation if possible

📸 Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. You must document everything:

✔ Photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or hazing activities
✔ Screenshots of text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or social media posts about hazing
✔ Medical records from hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✔ Witness statements – Get names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
✔ Physical evidence – Clothing worn during hazing, objects used in rituals
✔ Academic records – If hazing affected grades or enrollment
✔ Financial records – Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments

⚠️ DO NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts (even if they’re embarrassing)
❌ Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization or university
❌ Post about the incident on social media

🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize their liability. Anything your child says to them can and will be used against them.

Before speaking to anyone:
📞 Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
We’ll handle all communications with the organization, university, and insurance companies.

⚖️ Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Wis. Stat. § 893.54). If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.

At Attorney 911, we offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations for Pepin County families
✅ No upfront costs – We work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
✅ Nationwide representation – We serve hazing victims anywhere in the U.S.
✅ Aggressive litigation – We’ve won millions for personal injury victims
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how they’ll fight back

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 | Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Pepin County Hazing Case?

✅ We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know exactly how to build these cases and exactly how to win.

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Before we represented victims, we defended insurance companies. We know their playbook — and we know how to beat them at their own game.

✅ Nationwide Experience, Local Commitment

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Pepin County families. We’ll travel to Wisconsin for depositions, meetings, and trials.

✅ No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on contingency, meaning:

• $0 upfront costs
• We cover all case expenses (investigators, experts, court fees)
• You only pay if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest

✅ Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

We treat our clients like family. We fight for maximum compensation and real accountability.

✅ Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

✅ Proven Results

• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how to dismantle their defenses
• Federal court admission – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York

📞 Don’t Wait – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Wisconsin

❓ Can I sue if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Yes. Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 948.51) explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazers are still liable.

❓ What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it was part of a university-recognized organization (like a fraternity or sorority), the university may still be liable.

❓ How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Wis. Stat. § 893.54). However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

❓ Can I afford a lawyer?

Yes. At Attorney 911, we work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

❓ Will my child be expelled if we sue?

No. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. If they try, we’ll fight that too.

❓ What if the fraternity is already suspended?

It doesn’t matter. Even if the chapter is closed, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be held liable.

❓ Can I sue the university?

Yes, if they failed to protect your child. If the university:

• Owned the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to investigate reports of hazing
• Allowed Greek organizations to operate without oversight

…then they can be held liable.

❓ What if my child is too scared to come forward?

We understand. Hazing victims often fear retaliation, social ostracism, or expulsion. We’ll protect your child’s identity and handle all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university.

❓ Can I sue if my child wasn’t physically injured?

Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is just as valid a claim as physical injuries. Many hazing victims suffer lifelong emotional damage.

❓ What if the hazing happened at a private university near Pepin County?

You can still sue. Private universities have the same duty to protect students as public ones.

Fraternities Near Pepin County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities involved in multi-million dollar hazing lawsuits have chapters at universities near Pepin County. If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they could be at risk.

If your child is pledging any of these fraternities (or any Greek organization), they could be in danger. Call us immediately if you suspect hazing.

Wisconsin Universities Near Pepin County with Greek Life

If your child attends one of these universities near Pepin County, hazing could be happening on campus right now.

Pepin County families: If your child attends any of these schools and is involved in Greek life, they could be at risk of hazing.

What’s Next for Pepin County Hazing Victims?

If your child has been hazed, you have options. You can:

1. Do nothing – Let the abusers get away with it
2. Report to the university – But they may protect their reputation over your child
3. Go to the police – But criminal cases are hard to prove, and penalties are often light
4. File a civil lawsuit – Hold the fraternity, sorority, and university financially accountable

At Attorney 911, we believe in option #4. We help Pepin County families fight back and win the compensation they deserve.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

We’ll:
✔ Evaluate your case for free
✔ Explain your legal options
✔ Fight for maximum compensation
✔ Hold the abusers accountable

Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney 911 today.

Pepin County Hazing Lawyer: We’re Here to Help

Hazing is abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal in Wisconsin.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Pepin County, you don’t have to suffer in silence. The attorneys at Attorney 911 are fighting this battle right now, and we’re ready to fight for Pepin County families too.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Pepin County, Wisconsin. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🚨 ACT NOW. EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS. MEMORIES FADE. YOUR RIGHTS EXPIRE.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.