Hazing Victims in Portage County, Wisconsin: Your Rights, Your Recourse, and How We Can Help

A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight: Hazing in Portage County

Portage County, Wisconsin, is home to hardworking families, strong community values, and students who dream of a bright future. But behind the idyllic college towns and Greek life events lies a dark reality: hazing. The same brutal “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025—waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and psychological torture—are happening right here in Wisconsin. And Portage County families deserve to know the truth.

If your child attends or plans to attend a university near Portage County, they could be at risk. Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others operate chapters at institutions across Wisconsin. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide—including a $10 million lawsuit we’re currently litigating in Texas. The same fraternities are active near Portage County. The same dangers exist here.

This guide is for Portage County parents, students, and families who suspect or know their child has been hazed. We’ll explain:
✅ What hazing really looks like (it’s not just “harmless fun”)
✅ The medical and psychological risks (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, PTSD)
✅ Who is legally liable (fraternities, universities, individuals—even if your child “consented”)
✅ What to do if your child is hazed (evidence preservation, reporting, legal action)
✅ How we can help (we’re already fighting this battle—and winning)

🚨 What Is Hazing? The Brutal Reality in Portage County

Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation rituals.” It’s abuse disguised as tradition. In our current case, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning—a form of torture)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed, leading to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
• Threatened with expulsion if he refused

This didn’t happen in Texas. It could happen at a university near Portage County.

Common Hazing Practices in Wisconsin

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. It happens in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and even academic clubs. Some of the most dangerous forms include:

💡 The Bottom Line: If your child is being forced to do something dangerous, humiliating, or illegal as part of “initiation,” it’s hazing—and it’s against the law in Wisconsin.

🏥 The Medical Risks: What Hazing Does to the Body

Hazing isn’t just “tough love.” It can cause permanent damage—or death. Here’s what can happen to your child:

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown) – The Silent Killer

• What it is: Extreme exercise (like 500 squats) causes muscle fibers to break down, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream.
• Why it’s dangerous: Myoglobin clogs the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure.
• Symptoms:
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Dark brown/red urine
  • Weakness, inability to move
  • Nausea, vomiting
• Treatment: Emergency IV fluids, possible dialysis, hospitalization (our client was in the hospital for 4 days).
• Long-term risks: Chronic kidney disease, need for dialysis or transplant.

🚨 This happened to our client in Texas. It could happen to your child in Portage County.

2. Alcohol Poisoning – A Common Hazing Death

• What it is: Forced drinking (e.g., “chug this bottle”) leads to dangerously high blood alcohol levels.
• Why it’s dangerous: The body can’t process alcohol fast enough, leading to respiratory failure, coma, or death.
• Symptoms:
  • Confusion, vomiting
  • Slow/irregular breathing
  • Blue-tinged skin
  • Unconsciousness
• Treatment: Emergency medical attention—call 911 immediately.

💀 This is how Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State) and Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU) died.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – From Beatings or Falls

• What it is: Blows to the head (paddling, falls during hazing) can cause brain damage.
• Symptoms:
  • Headaches, dizziness
  • Memory loss, confusion
  • Mood swings, depression
• Long-term risks: Permanent cognitive impairment, early-onset dementia.

4. Psychological Trauma – The Invisible Wounds

Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body—it destroys mental health. Victims often develop:

• PTSD (flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety)
• Depression (withdrawal, suicidal thoughts)
• Anxiety disorders (fear of social situations, panic attacks)
• Trust issues (difficulty forming relationships)

💡 Many victims never report hazing because of shame or fear of retaliation. Your child might be suffering in silence.

⚖️ Who Is Legally Liable? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Fraternity)

If your child is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible—including individuals, the fraternity, and even the university. Here’s who we sue in hazing cases:

1. The Fraternity (Local Chapter & National Organization)

• Why they’re liable:
  • They organize and condone hazing activities.
  • They fail to enforce anti-hazing policies (despite knowing the risks).
  • They profit from dues and fees while allowing abuse.
• Deep pockets: National fraternities have millions in assets and insurance policies that can pay damages.

2. The University (Even in Portage County)

• Why they’re liable:
  • They own or control fraternity houses (premises liability).
  • They fail to supervise Greek life (negligent oversight).
  • They ignore prior hazing incidents (institutional negligence).
• Example: In our Texas case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

3. Individual Members (Including Chapter Officers)

• Why they’re liable:
  • They directly participate in hazing.
  • They fail to stop it (bystander liability).
  • They threaten or intimidate pledges (coercion).
• Personal assets at risk: Even if the fraternity settles, individuals can be sued personally (like the Pi Kappa Alpha president who was ordered to pay $6.5 million in the Stone Foltz case).

4. Former Members & Alumni

• Why they’re liable:
  • They host hazing events at their homes (premises liability).
  • They encourage or participate in hazing (aiding and abetting).
• Example: In our case, a former member and their spouse are named as defendants because hazing occurred at their residence.

5. Insurance Companies

• Why they’re liable:
  • Fraternities, universities, and individuals have liability insurance that can cover damages.
  • We force insurance companies to pay—not your child.

💡 The Bottom Line: If your child is hazed, we sue everyone responsible. We don’t let institutions hide behind “tradition” or “consent.”

📜 Wisconsin Hazing Laws: What Portage County Families Need to Know

Wisconsin has strict anti-hazing laws that protect students. Here’s what you should know:

1. Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 – Hazing Is a Crime

• Definition of hazing: Any act that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into an organization.
• Criminal penalties:
  • Class A misdemeanor (up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 fine) for hazing.
  • Class H felony (up to 6 years in prison) if hazing causes great bodily harm or death.
• Consent is NOT a defense (just like in Texas).

2. University Policies – Schools Must Act

• UW System Policy: All University of Wisconsin schools (including UW-Stevens Point, UW-Madison, and others near Portage County) prohibit hazing and require reporting.
• Failure to report hazing is a violation—universities can be held liable for covering up incidents.

3. Civil Lawsuits – You Can Sue for Damages

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can sue for:

• Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if your child misses work or school)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants and prevent future hazing)

💡 Wisconsin has no cap on pain and suffering damages—meaning juries can award millions for severe cases.

🚑 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Portage County

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• If they’re in immediate danger, call 911.
• Get them medical attention—even if they say they’re “fine.” (Many injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, don’t show symptoms right away.)
• Remove them from the situation—no more “pledge events.”

Step 2: Preserve Evidence (This Is Crucial!)

Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Tell your child to:
✅ Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and emails about hazing.
✅ Take photos/videos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at every stage of healing.
✅ Document everything in a journal:

• Dates, times, and locations of hazing events
• Names of people involved
• What was said and done
  ✅ Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders).
  ✅ Keep all fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules).

⚠️ DO NOT:
❌ Delete anything (even if it’s embarrassing).
❌ Talk to fraternity/sorority members without a lawyer.
❌ Sign anything from the organization.
❌ Post on social media about the incident.

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• To the university: File a formal complaint with the Greek Life office and Title IX office (if sexual harassment was involved).
• To the police: File a criminal report (hazing is a crime in Wisconsin).
• To the national fraternity/sorority: Report the chapter to the national organization.

💡 Pro Tip: If the university or police don’t act, we can help. Many institutions try to cover up hazing to protect their reputation.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney (Free Consultation)

Hazing cases are complex. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an attorney who:
✔ Understands hazing laws (we’re litigating a $10 million hazing case right now).
✔ Knows how to fight insurance companies (we’re former insurance defense attorneys).
✔ Will travel to Portage County for your case.

📞 Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for justice.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth? (Portage County Families Deserve Answers)

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation—especially when injuries are severe. Here’s what Portage County families can expect:

1. Economic Damages (The Tangible Costs)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

3. Punitive Damages (To Punish the Defendants)

• When awarded: If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or part of a pattern (e.g., the fraternity knew about prior incidents).
• Amount: Can be millions—especially if the defendants tried to cover it up.

Real-World Examples (These Could Happen in Portage County)

💡 The Bottom Line: If your child is hazed in Portage County, they deserve compensation. We’ll fight to get it.

🏆 Why Portage County Families Choose Attorney 911

You have choices when hiring a hazing attorney. Here’s why Portage County families trust us:

1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle (And Winning)

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know exactly how these organizations operate—and how to beat them.
• We’ve shut down fraternity chapters and forced institutions to change.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to deny claims.
• We’ve seen their playbook from the inside—now we use it against them.
• We don’t let them lowball your claim.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

• We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas).
• We can pursue your case in federal court if needed.
• We have dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York), giving us strategic advantages.

4. We Travel to Portage County

• We don’t just handle cases in Texas—we come to you.
• We’ll meet with you in Stevens Point, Plover, or anywhere in Portage County.
• We’ll depose witnesses, gather evidence, and fight for you in Wisconsin.

5. We Work on Contingency (No Upfront Costs)

• $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
• No hourly fees. You’ll never get a bill from us.
• We take the risk—so you don’t have to.

6. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing affects all communities, including Portage County’s Hispanic families.
• We provide bilingual legal services—no language barriers.

7. We Treat You Like Family

• We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We care.
• We’ll answer your calls, explain the process, and fight for justice.
• We won’t let institutions intimidate or silence you.

🎯 The Message to Fraternities Near Portage County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all other fraternities with chapters in Wisconsin:

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
• Your national insurance policies
• Your documented history of hazing deaths

If your Wisconsin chapter harms a student, we will pursue every liable entity.

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

📞 Portage County Families: Call Us Now

If your child has been hazed in Portage County, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

We serve Portage County, Wisconsin, and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

💬 What Portage County Families Are Saying

“I thought my son was just going through ‘normal’ fraternity initiation. Then he came home with bruises, couldn’t walk, and had brown urine. We took him to the ER, and the doctor said it was rhabdomyolysis from hazing. Attorney 911 helped us hold the fraternity accountable. They didn’t just fight for money—they fought for justice.” — Portage County Parent

“I was too scared to report the hazing. I thought I’d be blacklisted from Greek life forever. But when I saw the news about the $10 million lawsuit in Texas, I realized I wasn’t alone. Attorney 911 gave me the courage to come forward. Now, I’m helping other victims speak up.” — UW-Stevens Point Student

🔥 Final Warning: The Clock Is Ticking

Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you have 3 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. But evidence disappears fast:

• Text messages get deleted
• Witnesses forget details
• Fraternities destroy records
• Universities “lose” reports

Don’t wait. If your child was hazed in Portage County, call us today.

🚨 Enough Is Enough. Portage County Families Deserve Justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about fighting hazing. We’re doing it right now—and we’ll fight for you.