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Rock County (Wisconsin/Rock County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | $24M Pike Settlements | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 27, 2026 14 min read
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Hazing Lawyers for Rock County, Wisconsin – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hazing Happens in Rock County – And It’s Time to Fight Back

Rock County families trust our local colleges and universities to keep their children safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of hazing persists—one that can lead to severe injuries, psychological trauma, and even death.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic abuse of a student. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable, and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Rock County, Wisconsin.

If your child was hazed at UW-Whitewater, Blackhawk Technical College, or another Rock County institution, you have legal rights. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Rock County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse, assault, and reckless endangerment—and when it happens, fraternities, sororities, and universities often try to cover it up, minimize it, or blame the victim.

Common Hazing Practices in Rock County Fraternities & Sororities

Hazing takes many forms, but some of the most dangerous include:

Forced alcohol consumption – Binge drinking, chugging, or drinking until vomiting (a leading cause of alcohol poisoning deaths)
Extreme physical punishment – Paddling, beatings, or forced exercise to exhaustion (like the 500 squats that hospitalized our client)
Waterboarding & simulated drowning – A form of torture that can cause severe psychological trauma
Sleep deprivation – Forcing pledges to stay up all night, leading to exhaustion and accidents
Forced eating until vomiting – Consuming large amounts of food, milk, or peppercorns until the body rejects it
Sexual humiliation & assault – Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or other degrading acts
Isolation & psychological abuse – Threats, intimidation, and social ostracism if pledges refuse to comply

These aren’t just “pranks”—they’re violations of Wisconsin law, and victims deserve justice.

Wisconsin Hazing Laws – What Rock County Families Need to Know

Wisconsin has strict anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Wis. Stat. § 948.51, hazing is defined as:

“Any activity which recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization.”

Key Legal Protections for Hazing Victims in Wisconsin

Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for failing to prevent hazing.
Individuals can face criminal charges – Hazing that causes serious injury or death can result in felony charges.
Universities have a duty to protect students – If a school knew (or should have known) about hazing and did nothing, they can be held accountable.

Wisconsin Hazing Penalties

Offense Penalty
Hazing (misdemeanor) Up to 9 months in jail and/or $10,000 fine
Hazing causing great bodily harm (felony) Up to 6 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine
Hazing resulting in death (felony) Up to 25 years in prison

But criminal charges aren’t enough. Victims and families also deserve financial compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That’s where Attorney 911 comes in.

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Rock County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Fraternity or Sorority Chapter

  • The local chapter that organized and carried out the hazing
  • The pledgemaster, president, and active members who participated
  • The alumni advisors who failed to intervene

2. The National Organization

  • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other nationals often claim they have “anti-hazing policies,” but they rarely enforce them.
  • In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi knew about a “hazing crisis” but did nothing to stop it.
  • National organizations have deep pockets—they can and should pay for their negligence.

3. The University or College

  • UW-Whitewater, Blackhawk Technical College, and other Rock County schools have a legal duty to protect students.
  • If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
  • Many universities own or control fraternity/sorority houses, making them directly responsible for unsafe conditions.

4. Individual Members & Alumni

  • The pledgemaster, president, and active members who planned and carried out the hazing
  • Alumni who hosted hazing events at their homes (as happened in our current case)
  • Anyone who witnessed hazing and failed to report it (Wisconsin law requires reporting)

What Compensation Can Rock County Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing can cause lifelong physical and psychological damage. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation, future care)
Lost wages (if injuries prevent working or attending school)
Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD)
Mental anguish (anxiety, depression, humiliation)
Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless or intentional misconduct)

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (Proof That Justice Is Possible)

Case Fraternity University Outcome
Stone Foltz (2021) Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Phi Delta Theta LSU $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza (2017) Beta Theta Pi Penn State $110+ million settlement
Andrew Coffey (2017) Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Confidential settlement
Leonel Bermudez (2025) Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston $10 million lawsuit pending

These cases prove that hazing victims CAN win—even against powerful institutions. We’re fighting that battle right now, and we’re ready to bring it to Rock County.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Rock County

If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the statute of limitations (usually 3 years in Wisconsin) can expire.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
  • Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Medical records are crucial evidence in your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used.
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
  • Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
  • Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

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

  • They will try to minimize the incident, blame your child, or pressure you into silence.
  • Anything you say can be used against you in a lawsuit or criminal case.
  • Do NOT sign anything without legal review.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Free, confidential consultation – We’ll evaluate your case and explain your rights.
  • No upfront costs – We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
  • Aggressive representation – We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case, and we know how to fight these battles.

Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Rock County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now – And Winning

We’re 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 hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases, and we’re bringing that expertise to Rock County.

2. Former Insurance Defense Lawyers – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—previously worked for insurance companies and defense firms. We know how they minimize claims, deny liability, and try to blame victims. Now, we use that knowledge against them to maximize your compensation.

3. Nationwide Experience – We Can Handle Rock County Cases

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Wisconsin. We can:

  • Travel to Rock County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
  • Handle federal court cases (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court).
  • Pursue national fraternities no matter where they’re headquartered.

4. Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español

Hazing affects students from all backgrounds. If your family speaks Spanish, we can communicate in your language—no translation barriers, no misunderstandings.

5. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • $0 upfront – No retainer, no hourly fees.
  • We only get paid if you win – Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict.
  • No financial risk – If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Rock County Schools Where Hazing Occurs

Hazing isn’t limited to big universities—it happens at colleges and technical schools across Rock County, including:

🏫 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including:

  • Pi Kappa Phi
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Delta Zeta
  • Alpha Sigma Tau

🏫 Blackhawk Technical College – While smaller, hazing can still occur in student organizations and athletic teams.

🏫 Other Rock County Institutions – Hazing isn’t just a Greek life problem. It happens in:

  • Athletic teams (football, basketball, wrestling)
  • Marching bands
  • ROTC programs
  • Honor societies
  • Student clubs

If your child was hazed at any Rock County school, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Rock County

1. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?

Yes. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity, sorority, or university can still be held liable.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically 3 years from the date of the hazing incident. However, it’s critical to act quickly—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

3. What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injury?

Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, hazing can still cause PTSD, anxiety, depression, and academic disruption. You may still have a case for emotional distress and pain and suffering.

4. Will the fraternity or university try to blame my child?

Absolutely. They’ll argue:

  • “They consented.”
  • “They knew the risks.”
  • “They could have left at any time.”

Don’t let them intimidate you. We know how to counter these defenses and prove their negligence.

5. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but factors that increase compensation include:

  • Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • University’s knowledge of prior hazing (pattern of abuse)
  • Fraternity’s history of hazing (prior incidents at the same chapter)
  • Egregious conduct (waterboarding, paddling, forced drinking)

Recent hazing cases have settled for $4 million to $110 million. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.

6. Can I afford a lawyer?

Yes. We work on contingency, meaning:

  • No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us.
  • No hourly fees – We only get paid if we win.
  • No financial risk – If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Rock County Hazing Lawyers – Fighting for Justice

If your child was hazed in Rock County, you don’t have to stay silent. The fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed this abuse must be held accountable.

At Attorney 911, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case, and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Rock County, Wisconsin.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

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

We don’t get paid unless you do. Let’s fight for justice together.

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