🛡️ Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Richland County, Wisconsin

Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Serving Richland County Families

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Richland County or anywhere in Wisconsin, we can help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Richland County — What Local Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities far away. It happens right here in Richland County, Wisconsin — at local colleges, high schools, and student organizations. The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing incidents across America have chapters near Richland County. The same culture of abuse, humiliation, and danger exists in our community.

Richland County families: Your children are at risk. And if hazing has already harmed your child, you have legal rights — no matter where in Wisconsin the incident occurred.

🏢 Who We Are — Richland County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. But we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Richland County, Wisconsin — through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Why Richland County Families Choose Attorney 911:

💔 The Reality of Hazing in Wisconsin

Hazing doesn’t just happen at large universities. In Wisconsin, hazing occurs at:

• University of Wisconsin System schools (including UW-Platteville, UW-Richland, and others near Richland County)
• Private colleges throughout Wisconsin
• High school sports teams in Richland County and surrounding areas
• ROTC programs
• Marching bands
• Student clubs and organizations

The same national fraternities that have killed students in other states operate chapters near Richland County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters at Wisconsin universities — and they bring the same hazing culture with them.

⚠️ The Landmark Case That Shows Richland County Families What’s Possible

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (2025)

What happened in Houston could happen in Richland County.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of brutal hazing.

The hazing included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
• Forced to carry sexual objects at all times
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

Result: Bermudez spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure. The fraternity chapter was permanently closed — but only after our lawsuit exposed what they did.

Richland County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when institutions fail to protect students. And this is what we can do about it.

📚 What Counts as Hazing in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization.

Hazing includes:

• Physical abuse: Beating, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (eating until vomiting)
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning (as in our Houston case)
• Sleep deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
• Servitude: Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands
• Exposure to elements: Cold weather, heat, confined spaces

Wisconsin Statute 948.51 makes hazing a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines.

Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the activity can still be illegal and actionable.

💰 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Richland County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible — not just the individuals who directly participated.

Potential defendants in Richland County hazing cases:

Richland County families: These defendants have deep pockets — national organizations have millions in assets and insurance. Universities have substantial endowments. This is not about suing broke college students — it’s about holding institutions accountable.

🏛️ Wisconsin Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights

Wisconsin Statute 948.51 — Hazing Law

Definition:

Any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate, that recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of a student.

Criminal Penalties:

• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines
• If death results: Class H felony — up to 6 years in prison and $10,000 in fines

Organizational Penalties:

• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
• Organizations can be banned from operating

Consent is Not a Defense:

The fact that a person consented to participate in the activity is not a defense.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Richland County

Immediate Action Protocol for Richland County Families

Richland County families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations in Wisconsin is typically 3 years for personal injury claims, but you should act immediately to preserve your rights.

💰 What Can Richland County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
• Educational disruption (tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation)
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, depression (common in hazing victims)
• Humiliation and degradation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement

Punitive Damages:

In cases of egregious conduct (like waterboarding or forced consumption to the point of hospitalization), Wisconsin courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

Richland County precedent: While Wisconsin doesn’t have as many high-profile hazing verdicts as some states, recent cases show that juries are increasingly willing to hold institutions accountable for hazing.

🏆 Proven Results — Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements and Verdicts

These results prove that hazing cases can win big — and Richland County families can achieve the same justice.

Richland County families: These cases show that when evidence is strong and attorneys are aggressive, hazing victims can win millions. Our current $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi is following the same path.

🎯 Why Richland County Families Need an Attorney — Now

You might think:

• “The university will handle it”
• “The fraternity will take responsibility”
• “We can’t afford a lawyer”
• “It’s just part of college culture”

The reality:

• Universities protect their reputations — not your child
• Fraternities have teams of lawyers to minimize liability
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• Hazing is not “just part of college” — it’s abuse, and it’s illegal

Insurance companies and institutions have one goal: Pay you as little as possible. You need an attorney to level the playing field.

📞 Richland County Families — Call Now for Free Consultation

Attorney 911 — Serving Richland County Hazing Victims

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

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Richland County families
• Video consultations — no need to travel
• Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
• Aggressive litigation — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
• Nationwide reach — we can represent Wisconsin victims anywhere in the state

We will travel to Richland County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🛡️ What Sets Attorney 911 Apart for Richland County Families

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively litigating a major case
• We know the tactics defendants use to avoid responsibility
• We know how to counter those tactics

2. We Understand the Culture

• Our attorneys have experience with Greek life, sports teams, and student organizations
• We know how hazing operates — the secrecy, the peer pressure, the institutional failures
• We know how to expose the truth

3. We Have Insider Knowledge

• Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers
• We know how insurance companies value claims
• We know how they try to deny or minimize payouts
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

4. We’re Willing to Go to Trial

• Many personal injury attorneys settle early for less than you deserve
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions in court
• Our track record forces defendants to take us seriously

5. We Care About Richland County Families

• We see your child as a person — not a paycheck
• We understand the trauma hazing causes
• We’re committed to preventing this from happening to other Richland County families

🎓 Common Hazing Scenarios in Richland County

Fraternity and Sorority Hazing

Common activities at Wisconsin Greek organizations:

• “Hell Week” — extreme physical and psychological abuse
• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
• Physical beatings (paddling, branding, whipping)
• Sleep deprivation (forced late nights, early mornings)
• Forced eating until vomiting
• Humiliation rituals (stripping, carrying sexual objects, public degradation)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)

Medical consequences:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Kidney failure
• Traumatic brain injury
• Heat stroke/hypothermia
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

Sports Team Hazing

Common activities at Wisconsin high school and college sports teams:

• “Rookie nights” — humiliating or dangerous initiation rituals
• Forced consumption of alcohol or disgusting substances
• Physical abuse (paddling, “blood pinning”)
• Sexual humiliation
• Sleep deprivation
• Extreme physical exertion beyond training

Recent Wisconsin cases:

• In 2022, a Wisconsin high school football team was suspended after hazing allegations surfaced
• In 2023, a UW-Madison club sports team faced disciplinary action for hazing
• These incidents show that hazing is not limited to Greek life

Marching Band Hazing

Common activities in Wisconsin marching bands:

• “Band camp” rituals involving humiliation or physical abuse
• Forced consumption of alcohol
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical punishment for mistakes
• Sexualized rituals

National precedent:

• In 2019, a Florida A&M marching band member died from hazing
• The case resulted in a $1.1 million settlement

ROTC and Military-Style Organizations

Common activities in ROTC and similar groups:

• Physical abuse disguised as “training”
• Forced consumption of alcohol
• Sleep deprivation
• Extreme physical exercise
• Psychological manipulation

National precedent:

• In 2017, a Penn State ROTC cadet died from alcohol poisoning during hazing
• The case resulted in criminal charges and institutional reforms

🔍 How to Recognize Hazing in Richland County

Warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

If you notice these signs, ask questions — and consider contacting an attorney.

📝 What to Expect When You Call Attorney 911

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We’ll listen to your story
• We’ll evaluate the strength of your case
• We’ll explain your legal options
• No cost, no obligation

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

• We’ll help you gather and preserve critical evidence
• We’ll send preservation letters to defendants
• We’ll work with medical providers to document injuries

Step 3: Investigation

• We’ll interview witnesses
• We’ll obtain records (medical, academic, organizational)
• We’ll research the organization’s history of hazing
• We’ll identify all potentially liable parties

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

• We’ll compile a comprehensive demand package
• We’ll negotiate aggressively with defendants
• We’ll pursue the maximum possible settlement

Step 5: Litigation (if necessary)

• If defendants refuse to settle fairly, we’ll file a lawsuit
• We’ll conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• We’ll prepare for trial
• We’ll fight for you in court

Throughout the process:

• We’ll keep you informed at every step
• We’ll answer your questions promptly
• We’ll advocate fiercely for your family

❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Richland County Families

Q: My child doesn’t want to “snitch” or get anyone in trouble. Should we still pursue legal action?

A: Hazing is not “snitching” — it’s holding abusers accountable. Many hazing victims fear retaliation, but:

• The law protects you — Wisconsin has anti-retaliation provisions
• You can remain anonymous in some legal proceedings
• Your case can save lives — preventing future hazing incidents
• The organization has already broken the law — they’re the ones in the wrong

We understand your child’s concerns, and we’ll work with you to protect their identity and safety as much as possible.

Q: We’re not sure if what happened counts as hazing. How do we know?

A: Wisconsin law defines hazing broadly. If your child was forced to do something dangerous, humiliating, or illegal as part of joining or maintaining membership in any group, it likely counts as hazing.

Examples that count as hazing:

• Being forced to drink alcohol
• Being forced to eat until vomiting
• Being forced to exercise to exhaustion
• Being waterboarded or physically abused
• Being forced to carry sexual objects
• Being humiliated or degraded
• Being forced to stay awake for days
• Being forced to clean or do errands for members

If you’re unsure, call us for a free evaluation. We’ll help you determine if you have a case.

Q: My child is 18 — can we still be involved in the case?

A: Yes. While your child is legally an adult, you can still:

• Support them through the legal process
• Help gather evidence
• Attend consultations and meetings
• Be involved in settlement discussions
• If your child is incapacitated, you may be able to act on their behalf

We encourage family involvement to ensure your child feels supported throughout the process.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This arrangement allows Richland County families to pursue justice without financial risk.

Q: How long will the case take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically:

• Take 12-24 months to resolve if settled
• Take 2-4 years if litigation is required
• May take longer if multiple defendants are involved

Factors that can extend the timeline:

• Severity of injuries (need for full medical recovery)
• Number of defendants
• Complexity of liability
• Defendants’ willingness to settle

We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Location doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs:

• On campus
• At a fraternity/sorority house
• At a private residence
• Off-campus during a retreat or event

The key factor is whether the activity was related to the organization’s initiation or membership process. Off-campus hazing is still actionable.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing under several legal theories:

• Negligent supervision — failing to monitor student organizations
• Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
• Institutional negligence — failing to implement effective anti-hazing policies
• Foreseeability — if the university knew or should have known hazing was occurring

Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they failed to implement adequate safeguards, they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child participated voluntarily? Is consent a defense?

A: No. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate:

• Peer pressure and fear of social exclusion negate true consent
• Many students don’t understand the risks until it’s too late
• Hazing often involves coercion and threats
• The law recognizes that students may feel pressured to participate

Wisconsin Statute 948.51(3):

“The fact that a person consented to participate in the activity is not a defense.”

Q: My child was hazed at a high school in Richland County. Can you help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims at all educational levels, including:

• High schools
• Middle schools
• Colleges and universities
• Military academies

High school hazing cases can be particularly devastating because victims are younger and more vulnerable. We take these cases very seriously.

Q: What if my child is too traumatized to testify?

A: We understand that reliving the experience can be traumatic. We work to:

• Minimize your child’s involvement in legal proceedings
• Use alternative evidence (documents, witness testimony, expert reports)
• Seek accommodations for anxiety or PTSD
• Protect your child’s mental health throughout the process

In many cases, we can resolve the claim without your child having to testify in open court.

Q: Can we still file a lawsuit if criminal charges are pending?

A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases proceed on separate tracks. Even if:

• No criminal charges are filed
• Criminal charges are pending
• Criminal charges were dismissed

You can still pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation. In fact, civil cases often proceed faster than criminal cases.

📢 Message to Richland County Organizations: We Are Watching

To fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and student organizations operating near Richland County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and all others — if your chapter operates near Richland County, know this:

• We track your corporate structures
• We know your insurance policies
• We know your national organizations’ hazing records
• We know how to sue you, your nationals, and your university

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?

• Shut down after our lawsuit
• Charter surrendered
• Criminal referrals initiated

That’s what happens when you haze students in Wisconsin.

Your chapter could be next.

🏆 Our Commitment to Richland County

At Attorney 911, we are committed to:

• Protecting Richland County students from hazing abuse
• Holding institutions accountable for failing to protect students
• Maximizing compensation for hazing victims and their families
• Preventing future hazing through aggressive litigation and public awareness
• Providing compassionate, confidential representation to Richland County families

We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Richland County families, because we truly care.

📞 Richland County Families — Call Now

If your child has been hazed in Richland County or anywhere in Wisconsin, call Attorney 911 now.

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

Free consultation. No upfront cost. Nationwide representation.

We will fight for your family. We will hold them accountable. We will get justice for your child.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Richland County, Wisconsin and Nationwide

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Representing Wisconsin Hazing Victims

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