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

February 27, 2026 15 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Racine County: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a university near Racine County, you have legal rights — and Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now.

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This same fraternity — and others like it — operate at universities across Wisconsin, including near Racine County. The same abuse that hospitalized our client happens in Racine County too.

You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept “tradition” as an excuse. And you don’t have to fight alone.

🏢 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Racine County

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of inpatient care.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during these workouts — they kept going
  • Forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature — humiliation and degradation

This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “brotherhood.” This is torture.

And it’s happening at universities near Racine County too.

📍 Hazing in Racine County: The Same Fraternities, The Same Risks

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Racine County. Other national fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and Beta Theta Pi also have chapters in Wisconsin — and all have documented histories of hazing deaths and serious injuries.

Universities near Racine County include:

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • University of Wisconsin-Parkside
  • Carthage College
  • Gateway Technical College
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering

These institutions have Greek life organizations. And where there’s Greek life near Racine County, there’s hazing risk.

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities near Racine County. The same negligence that allowed this to happen at UH exists at universities near Racine County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Racine County, they face the same risks.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Racine County Family

Hazing is illegal in Wisconsin. It’s also a violation of civil law, meaning you can sue for compensation if your child is injured.

Wisconsin Hazing Law (Wis. Stat. § 948.51):

  • Defines hazing as any activity that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation
  • Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
  • Criminal penalties include fines and jail time
  • Civil lawsuits are also possible — for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

Who Can Be Sued in Racine County Hazing Cases:

  • The local fraternity or sorority chapter — direct organizers of hazing
  • The national organization — failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks
  • The university — failed to protect students; may own the property where hazing occurred
  • Individual members — participated in or facilitated hazing
  • Alumni or property owners — allowed hazing at their homes

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Hazing Cases Win Big

Hazing lawsuits result in substantial settlements and jury verdicts. Our firm is currently seeking $10 million in the UH case — and that’s in line with recent precedents:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ million settlement
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement
Bermudez (OUR CASE) University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi $10 million lawsuit pending

These results are possible for Racine County victims too. The same legal strategies apply.

🎯 Why Racine County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win. Racine County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Nationwide Service for Racine County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Racine County. We have:

  • Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
  • Willingness to travel — we’ll come to Racine County for depositions and trials
  • Remote consultation — video meetings for Racine County families

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for victims.

4. Proven Track Record of Results

  • $10 million lawsuit currently pending in hazing case
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with massive institutional defendants
  • Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish for Racine County’s Hispanic families, including:

  • Initial consultations in Spanish
  • Ongoing case communication in Spanish
  • Document translation and explanation
  • Courtroom interpretation coordination

6. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Racine County Families

We understand that cost is a concern for Racine County families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

  • No upfront fees — you pay nothing to hire us
  • No hourly billing — we don’t charge by the hour
  • We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
  • We only get paid if you do — our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

Racine County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we WIN your case.

📋 What Racine County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Immediate Steps:

  1. Seek Medical Attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Some conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) may not show symptoms immediately.
  2. Preserve All Evidence — Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness contact information.
  3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority — They will try to control the narrative. Anything you say can be used against you.
  4. Do NOT Post on Social Media — Anything you post can be used as evidence, even if taken out of context.
  5. Contact an Attorney Immediately — The statute of limitations is 3 years in Wisconsin, but evidence disappears fast. Call us today.

How Attorney 911 Helps Racine County Families:

  • Free Consultation — We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • Evidence Preservation — We’ll send preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence
  • Medical Documentation — We’ll help gather all medical records
  • Witness Interviews — We’ll identify and interview witnesses
  • Legal Strategy — We’ll determine all liable parties and build your case
  • Negotiation — We’ll handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
  • Litigation — If needed, we’ll file a lawsuit and take your case to trial

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Racine County

Many Racine County parents don’t realize their child is being hazed until it’s too late. Be aware of these red flags:

Sign What It Might Mean
Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) Physical hazing
Sudden weight loss Forced exercise, sleep deprivation
Extreme fatigue Sleep deprivation, late-night activities
Avoiding certain people or places Fear of fraternity/sorority members
Sudden change in behavior Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Unexplained absences Forced activities, servitude
Carrying unusual items Humiliation objects, “pledge packs”
Talking about “traditions” or “tests” Hazing disguised as initiation
Sudden secrecy about activities Hiding hazing from parents

If you notice these signs in your Racine County child, ask questions — and consider contacting an attorney.

📞 Racine County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

Hazing victims in Racine County deserve justice. We can help.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Racine County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to the UH case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🎥 Hear From Our Attorneys

Ralph Manginello on the UH Hazing Case:

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Pena on Why We Fight Hazing:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Racine County families: This is why we fight. For your child. For justice. For change.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Racine County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. Should we still contact an attorney?

A: Yes. Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social consequences. We can help protect your child’s identity and build a case without immediate public disclosure. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve evidence.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a valid defense?

A: No. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable for any injuries.

Q: We’re in Racine County. Can you still represent us even though you’re based in Texas?

A: Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Racine County. We offer video consultations, travel to Racine County when needed, and can pursue your case in federal court. Distance is not a barrier.

Q: How much will it cost to hire Attorney 911 for our Racine County hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning:

  • You pay $0 to hire us
  • We don’t charge by the hour
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

Racine County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: What kind of compensation can we recover for our Racine County hazing case?

A: Depending on the circumstances, you may recover:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
  • Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
  • Educational damages (disruption to academic plans)
  • Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

In serious cases, settlements and verdicts can reach millions of dollars.

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

A: In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait?

A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. Their goal is often to minimize liability and avoid bad publicity. You need your own legal team to protect your child’s interests.

🏆 Our Commitment to Racine County Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients — we fight for justice. When we take on a hazing case, we commit to:

Aggressive representation — We don’t back down from powerful institutions
Compassionate advocacy — We understand the trauma hazing causes
Nationwide reach — We serve Racine County families no matter where the hazing occurred
Proven results — We know how to win these cases
No upfront cost — You pay nothing unless we win

Racine County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we’ll fight for you too.

📢 To Fraternities Near Racine County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi — and all others:

We are tracking your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history of hazing settlements.

If your Racine County chapter harms a student, we will pursue every liable entity — the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and every individual member.

We already shut down the UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter. Your chapter could be next.

🚀 Take Action Now — Racine County Families

If your child has been hazed at a university near Racine County, time is critical.

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

We serve Racine County families with the same fury we’re bringing to the $10 million UH hazing case. Your child deserves justice. Let’s fight for it together.

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