Hazing Lawyers for Vernon County, Wisconsin – Attorney 911
When Tradition Becomes Torture: Your Child Deserves Justice
Vernon County parents, students, and families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Vernon County, Wisconsin—you are not alone. Hazing is not “just part of the experience.” It is abuse. It is assault. And in too many cases, it leads to life-altering injuries—or worse.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and systematic abuse that hospitalized our client with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate near Vernon County. The same universities fail to protect students. And the same culture of abuse exists in Wisconsin.
You have legal rights. We will fight for you—no matter where you are.
🚨 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Wisconsin)
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of their willingness to participate.
Wisconsin Hazing Laws (Wis. Stat. § 948.51)
Wisconsin law explicitly prohibits hazing and makes it a criminal offense. Even if a student “consents” to hazing, consent is not a defense—meaning fraternities, sororities, and universities cannot claim “it was just tradition” to escape liability.
Examples of Hazing (That Are Illegal in Wisconsin):
✅ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise until exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., eating until vomiting)
✅ Sleep deprivation – Late-night activities, forced servitude (e.g., driving members at all hours)
✅ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, threats of expulsion
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
✅ Extreme exposure – Forced to endure cold, heat, or confined spaces
If your child has experienced any of these, they have been hazed—and they have legal rights.
💔 The Hazing Crisis in Vernon County & Wisconsin
Hazing is not just a problem in big universities—it happens at colleges and Greek organizations near Vernon County, including:
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse)
- Viterbo University (La Crosse)
- Western Technical College (La Crosse)
- UW-Platteville
- UW-Madison
- Private colleges and Greek organizations across Wisconsin
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have active chapters near Vernon County.
📌 Real Hazing Cases (That Could Happen in Vernon County)
| Victim | University | Fraternity | What Happened | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Waterboarded, forced 500 squats, hospitalized with kidney failure | $10M lawsuit filed (Nov. 2025) |
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died | $10.1M settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Forced drinking game; BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit); died | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; died after 12-hour delay in calling 911 | $110M+ settlement |
These cases prove two things:
- Hazing is happening at universities near Vernon County—right now.
- Victims and families can win multi-million-dollar lawsuits.
⚖️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Vernon County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
- Directly organized and participated in hazing.
- Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) can be sued personally.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
- Knew or should have known about hazing (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017).
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies.
- Have deep pockets and insurance policies.
3. The University/College
- Failed to supervise Greek life.
- Ignored prior hazing incidents (like UH’s 2017 case).
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
4. Individual Members & Alumni
- Participated in hazing.
- Hosted hazing at their homes.
- Can be sued personally for assault, battery, and emotional distress.
5. Housing Corporations & Landlords
- Owned the fraternity/sorority house where hazing occurred.
- Failed to maintain safe premises.
If your child was hazed in Vernon County, we will identify every liable party—and hold them accountable.
💰 What Compensation Can Vernon County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, surgeries, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, lost internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | $100,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries | $50,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Total potential recovery for Vernon County families: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+
🔍 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Vernon County
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach. If your child has been hazed, take these steps immediately:
✅ Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are crucial evidence.
✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, and social media posts about hazing.
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used (paddles, hoses, etc.).
- Write down names of witnesses and participants.
- Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.
✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and pressure you into silence.
- Anything you say can be used against you.
- Refer all communications to your attorney.
✅ Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- The sooner we act, the stronger your case will be.
- We offer free, confidential consultations—no obligation, no upfront cost.
❌ What NOT to Do
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university.
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
❌ Do NOT confront the organization or members without legal counsel.
❌ Do NOT assume “it’s just part of the process.”
🏆 Why Vernon County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Actively Fighting a $10M Hazing Lawsuit—Right Now
- Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
- We sued Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million.
- This is not theoretical—we are in the courtroom fighting this battle today.
- Vernon County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
- We know how they try to deny, delay, and lowball claims.
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Nationwide Reach—We Serve Vernon County & All of Wisconsin
- Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide.
- Federal court authority—we can sue national fraternities anywhere.
- We travel to Vernon County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- Video consultations available for Vernon County families.
4. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win
- Contingency fee: You pay $0 unless we win your case.
- No hourly fees, no retainers, no financial risk.
- We advance all case costs—you focus on healing.
5. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million-Dollar Results
- $10M+ in hazing cases (current UH lawsuit).
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims.
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience).
- Aggressive trial attorneys—we don’t back down from powerful institutions.
6. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español
- Many hazing victims are first-generation or international students.
- We provide bilingual legal services—no language barriers.
- Spanish-speaking staff available for Vernon County families.
📞 Vernon County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Vernon County, Wisconsin—or anywhere in Wisconsin—we can help.
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Available 24/7 for Vernon County hazing emergencies.
🚨 To Fraternities & Universities Near Vernon County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Vernon County, know this:
- We are tracking your corporate structures, insurance policies, and hazing histories.
- We know about Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017), Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021), and Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, 2017).
- If your chapter hazes students in Vernon County, we will sue you, your national organization, and your university.
- We will pursue every liable party—including individual members—for assault, battery, and emotional distress.
- We will seek punitive damages to send a message: Hazing will cost you millions.
The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter is now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
📢 Vernon County Parents: Talk to Your College-Bound Children About Hazing
Before your child joins a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Vernon County:
✅ Ask if they’ve heard of hazing at their school.
✅ Warn them that “tradition” is not an excuse for abuse.
✅ Tell them it’s okay to say no—and to report hazing immediately.
✅ Remind them that hazing can cause permanent injuries or death.
✅ Let them know: If they’re hazed, we will fight for them.
You sent your child to college to learn, grow, and be safe—not to be tortured.
🏛️ Wisconsin Hazing Laws: What Vernon County Families Need to Know
Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 – Hazing
- Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 fine).
- If hazing causes great bodily harm, it’s a Class H felony (up to 6 years in prison).
- If hazing causes death, it’s a Class G felony (up to 10 years in prison).
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to hazing, it’s still illegal.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Wisconsin
- Victims can sue for negligence, assault, battery, and emotional distress.
- Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing.
- National fraternities/sororities can be sued for failing to supervise chapters.
Wisconsin courts have ruled that hazing is a form of institutional negligence—and they hold universities and Greek organizations accountable.
📅 Vernon County Hazing Victims: Don’t Wait—Statute of Limitations Applies
Wisconsin law gives hazing victims:
- 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
Call Attorney 911 today—before it’s too late.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Vernon County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social ostracism. You can report hazing anonymously to your child’s university or the police. We can also help your child understand their legal rights without forcing them to come forward publicly.
Q: The fraternity/sorority says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Wisconsin law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable for any harm caused.
Q: My child attends a small college near Vernon County. Do these laws still apply?
A: Yes. Hazing laws apply to all colleges, universities, and student organizations in Wisconsin, regardless of size.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How can we fight a powerful fraternity or university?
A: You don’t need money to hire us. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all case costs, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait for their findings?
A: No. Universities often downplay hazing incidents to protect their reputation. We conduct our own independent investigation to gather evidence before it disappears.
Q: My child was hazed at an off-campus location. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (and their insurance) can be held liable. We will identify all responsible parties.
Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing or future career?
A: No. We handle cases confidentially to protect your child’s privacy. Many hazing victims go on to graduate and have successful careers. Holding the perpetrators accountable can actually help your child heal.
🎯 Our Promise to Vernon County Families
- We will listen to your story without judgment.
- We will investigate your case thoroughly—no stone unturned.
- We will identify every liable party (fraternity, university, individuals).
- We will fight for maximum compensation—no lowball settlements.
- We will protect your child’s privacy and future.
- We will not rest until justice is served.
Vernon County families: Your child’s suffering was not their fault. The fraternity’s abuse was not “tradition.” The university’s failure was not acceptable.
Let us fight for you.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Available 24/7 for Vernon County hazing emergencies.
🔴 BREAKING: Our $10M Hazing Lawsuit in the News
- ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
- KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
- Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”
This is happening now. The same fight we’re bringing to Texas, we will bring to Vernon County, Wisconsin.
🚨 Vernon County Parents: This Could Be Your Child Next
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child has been hazed—call us today.
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com/hazing
We are Attorney 911. We fight for hazing victims.