Hazing Lawyer in Washington County, WI – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Washington County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?

If your son or daughter was hospitalized, traumatized, or injured during fraternity or sorority initiation in Washington County, WI, you’re not alone. The same hazing culture that led to a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is happening right here in Wisconsin. Attorney 911 is fighting this crisis nationwide — and we’re ready to fight for Washington County families.

This Happened in Texas. It’s Happening in Washington County, WI.

Just weeks ago, a University of Houston student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing. He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure — a life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical abuse.

The same fraternities operate at universities near Washington County, WI. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence allows it to continue. And the same legal strategies that won millions in Texas can win justice for Washington County victims.

What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Wisconsin)

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” In Wisconsin, hazing is a crime — and it includes:

✅ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or passing out
✅ Sleep deprivation – Late-night activities that prevent rest
✅ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, threats of expulsion
✅ Servitude – Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 makes hazing a Class A misdemeanor — punishable by up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines. And that’s just the criminal side. Civil lawsuits can recover millions for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Who Is Liable for Washington County Hazing?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be sued — not just the students who participated. In our current $10 million case, we’re holding accountable:

Washington County families: If your child was hazed at a university near Washington County, we can pursue every liable party — regardless of where they’re located.

Real Hazing Cases – Real Results for Students

$10.1 Million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha)

• What happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
• Who paid: University ($2.9M) + Fraternity ($7.2M)

$6.1 Million Jury Verdict – Max Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta)

• What happened: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” pledge event; died with BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
• Outcome: Criminal conviction + Max Gruver Act (hazing now a felony in Louisiana)

$110+ Million (Estimated) – Timothy Piazza (Penn State / Beta Theta Pi)

• What happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
• Outcome: Multiple criminal convictions + Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law

$10 Million Lawsuit Pending – Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi)

• What happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with paddles; hospitalized with kidney failure
• Why it matters: This is the case we’re fighting RIGHT NOW — and we’re bringing the same fight to Washington County.

Washington County families: These results prove that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Wisconsin.

What Washington County Families Should Do Right Now

Step 1: Get Medical Help

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
• Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and alcohol poisoning symptoms can appear days later
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

📱 Save everything:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat screenshots
• Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
• Names and contact info of witnesses
• Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child

🚫 Do NOT:

• Delete anything
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
• Post about the incident on social media
• Sign anything from the organization

Step 3: Report the Incident

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Wisconsin)
• Report to the university’s Title IX office
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultation – No obligation
✅ Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
✅ Nationwide service – We represent Washington County families regardless of location
✅ Federal court authority – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Travel commitment – We come to Washington County for depositions and meetings

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Washington County Hazing Cases?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases — and we’ll bring that expertise to Washington County.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook — and we know how to beat it.

3. Proven Results in Complex Cases

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – Mass tort experience
• Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts – Track record of big wins
• Federal court admission – Can pursue cases nationwide

4. We Understand Greek Life Culture

As former athletes and youth coaches, we understand:

• The pressure to conform
• The fear of social retaliation
• The power dynamics in fraternities/sororities
• How institutions cover up abuse

5. We Protect Washington County Families

We’ve seen what happens when institutions prioritize reputation over student safety. We won’t let that happen to your child.

Washington County Universities with Greek Life – Know the Risks

The following universities near Washington County have active Greek life organizations. If your child attends or plans to attend one of these schools, they face hazing risks:

Washington County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they are at risk. The same national organizations that paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at these universities.

Common Hazing Injuries We See in Washington County Cases

Washington County families: If your child suffered any of these injuries, they may be entitled to significant compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington County Hazing Cases

1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can pursue the fraternity, its members, and any property owners where hazing occurred.

2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Statute § 948.51 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.

3. How much is our Washington County hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
• Lost wages (if academic performance suffered)
• Therapy costs (for PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Recent hazing settlements have ranged from $1 million to $110 million.

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.

5. Can we sue the university near Washington County?

Yes, if the university:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement adequate safeguards
• Had prior hazing incidents on campus

Many universities have been held liable in hazing cases.

6. What if the fraternity says it was “just tradition”?

“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. Courts have repeatedly rejected this defense. If the activity caused harm, it’s hazing — regardless of how long it’s been done.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most cases settle before trial. If the case does go to trial, your child may need to testify — but we’ll prepare them thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

8. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay $0 unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you do.

9. Can you represent us even if we’re not in Texas?

Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Washington County, WI. We have:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Willingness to travel to Washington County for depositions and meetings
• Remote consultation options for Washington County families

10. What should we do if the fraternity offers a settlement?

Do not accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and fraternities often offer lowball settlements that don’t cover the full extent of damages. We can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Washington County Hazing Warning Signs – What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing is often hidden, but these red flags may indicate your child is being hazed:

🚩 Sudden secrecy – Won’t talk about fraternity/sorority activities
🚩 Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or limping
🚩 Extreme fatigue – Sleeping all day, missing classes
🚩 Change in mood – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
🚩 Sudden weight loss – From forced exercise or eating disorders
🚩 Alcohol-related issues – Blackouts, alcohol poisoning symptoms
🚩 Carrying strange items – Fanny packs, paddles, or other “pledge gear”
🚩 Late-night activities – Coming home at odd hours, exhaustion
🚩 Defensive about Greek life – Gets angry when asked about activities
🚩 Fear of consequences – Talks about being kicked out if they don’t comply

Washington County parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child is being hazed, get help immediately.

The Attorney 911 Difference – Why Washington County Families Trust Us

1. We’re Not Afraid to Fight Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize claims. We have the experience to level the playing field.

2. We Understand the Unique Pressures of Greek Life

As former athletes and coaches, we understand:

• The desire to belong
• The fear of social retaliation
• The pressure to conform
• The power dynamics in fraternities/sororities

We don’t judge your child. We protect them.

3. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they try to deny claims — and we know how to beat them.

4. We Offer Compassionate, Personalized Representation

We treat Washington County families like our own. Your child isn’t just a case to us — they’re someone’s son or daughter who deserves justice.

5. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively fighting it in court.

Washington County Hazing Resources

Immediate Help:

📞 National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
📞 Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)

Reporting Hazing:

🏛️ Wisconsin Department of Justice – File a criminal complaint
🏫 Your child’s university – Title IX office, student affairs
🏛️ National fraternity/sorority headquarters – Report to the national organization

Support Organizations:

🔹 HazingPrevention.Org – Education and prevention resources
🔹 Anti-Hazing Coalition – Advocacy and support
🔹 Love Like Adam Foundation – Support for hazing victims’ families

Washington County Families: You Have Options. You Have Rights. You Have Us.

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal.

And it’s happening to students near Washington County, WI — just like it happened in Texas.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis nationwide. We’re representing hazing victims with the same aggression we brought to the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case. And we’re ready to fight for Washington County families.

If your child was hazed in Washington County, WI — or anywhere in Wisconsin — call us now.

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

We don’t get paid unless you do. Your consultation is free. Your case matters.

Washington County Parents: This Could Be Your Child Next

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Texas have chapters near Washington County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas have Greek life programs in Wisconsin.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect hazing, act now.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.