Hazing Victims in Lake County, Minnesota: Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
The Hazing Crisis in Lake County: What Families Need to Know
Lake County, Minnesota, is home to a strong community with deep values of respect, education, and family. Parents in Lake County send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. But for too many students across America—including right here in Minnesota—Greek life hazing has turned that trust into tragedy.
This Is Happening Near Lake County
Right now, Attorney 911 is fighting one of the most shocking hazing cases in America—a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man named Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, beaten with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis. He wasn’t even a student at the university yet. He was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who hadn’t even enrolled.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at universities near Lake County, Minnesota. The same fraternities operate here. The same culture exists. And the same negligence is putting Lake County students at risk.
The Reality of Hazing in Minnesota
While Minnesota doesn’t have the same Greek life scale as Texas or the South, hazing still occurs at colleges and universities across the state. Institutions like the University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Cloud State University, and others have active Greek organizations where hazing can—and does—happen.
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”
Hazing is:
- Assault (when someone is physically harmed)
- Battery (when someone is touched without consent)
- Torture (when waterboarding or other forms of abuse are used)
- Reckless endangerment (when organizations knowingly put students in danger)
- Sometimes manslaughter or murder (when hazing leads to death)
Lake County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next
If your child is involved in Greek life at a college or university near Lake County, they face the same risks that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. The same fraternities that waterboarded him have chapters across America, including in Minnesota. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—these organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries, yet the culture persists.
Why? Because universities and national organizations prioritize reputation over safety. They wait until someone is hospitalized—or worse—before they act. By then, it’s too late for the victim.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It can cause life-threatening physical injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure, as seen in our UH case)
- Acute kidney failure (requiring hospitalization and potentially lifelong treatment)
- Alcohol poisoning (from forced binge drinking)
- Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure to extreme weather)
- Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
- Permanent psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation)
These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re happening to students right now.
Lake County Families: You Have Legal Rights
If your child has been hazed in Lake County or at a university near Lake County, you have legal options. Minnesota law—and federal law—protects students from hazing, and institutions that fail to prevent it can be held accountable.
What Is Hazing Under Minnesota Law?
Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 defines hazing as:
“Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological injury, to any student or other person.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Any activity that creates a risk of harm
Importantly, Minnesota law—like Texas law—states that consent is NOT a defense. If your child “agreed” to participate, that does not absolve the organization of liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Lake County Hazing Cases?
In our $10 million UH case, we’re suing everyone responsible—not just the fraternity members who participated, but the institutions that enabled it. The same applies to Lake County:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing risks |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it occurs; may own fraternity property |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing events; failed to intervene |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Lake County families: If your child was hazed at a university near Lake County, we can pursue all liable parties—regardless of where they’re located.
The Precedent Is Clear: Hazing Cases Win Millions
Hazing isn’t just morally wrong—it’s legally indefensible. Juries and courts across America have awarded millions of dollars to hazing victims and their families. These aren’t just numbers. They’re messages to fraternities and universities that hazing will not be tolerated.
Recent Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Verdicts and Settlements
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Total Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death; Settlement | $10,100,000+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death; Jury Verdict | $6,100,000 |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death; Settlement | $110,000,000+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death; Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Death; Settlement | $4,000,000+ |
Lake County families: These cases prove that hazing victims win. The same legal strategies apply to Lake County cases. If your child was hazed, they deserve compensation—and the institutions responsible deserve to be held accountable.
Why These Cases Matter for Lake County
- $10 Million Is the New Standard — Our UH case is seeking $10 million, in line with the Stone Foltz settlement. This is what hazing cases are worth.
- Universities and Nationals Pay — Both universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can pay, and they will pay when faced with strong legal action.
- Juries Hate Hazing — When juries hear about waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and wooden paddles, they award punitive damages to send a message.
- Criminal Charges Are Possible — Hazing can lead to criminal charges, including assault and manslaughter.
- Laws Are Changing — States are passing felony hazing laws in response to these cases. Minnesota may be next.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lake County
If your child has been hazed—or if you suspect they have—time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what Lake County families should do immediately:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked. Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning may not show symptoms immediately.
- Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
- If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Save everything:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing locations, items used in hazing |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Social Media | Screenshots of posts about hazing, fraternity events, or threats |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, or bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, event schedules, fraternity rules |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Fraternities and universities will try to control the narrative. They may offer “apologies” or “internal investigations” to avoid liability.
- They may pressure your child to stay quiet. Victims often fear retaliation or social ostracism.
- They may destroy evidence. Texts, photos, and videos can disappear quickly.
- They have lawyers. You need one too.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Lake County families: You need an attorney who understands hazing cases and can fight for maximum compensation. At Attorney 911, we offer:
- Free consultations — No cost to discuss your case
- Contingency fees — You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if you win.
- Nationwide representation — We serve Lake County and all of Minnesota
- Aggressive litigation — We sue everyone responsible, from individuals to institutions
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Step 5: Report the Incident
- File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Minnesota.
- Report to the university. Demand an investigation.
- Consider a Title IX complaint if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault.
Why Lake County Families Choose Attorney 911
Hazing cases are complex. They involve multiple defendants, institutional cover-ups, and powerful organizations with deep pockets. You need a law firm with the experience, resources, and determination to win.
Our Experience Fighting Hazing
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- Expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases — the same medical condition our UH client suffered
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how the other side thinks and fights
- Federal court admission — We can pursue cases in federal court, which is critical for national fraternity cases
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages in multi-state cases
Our Track Record of Results
We don’t just talk about fighting for victims—we win. Our firm has:
- Recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims
- Secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- Won cases against insurance companies, corporations, and institutions
- Helped clients when other attorneys turned them away
Client testimonials:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“This law firm here is 1 of a kind. I felt like I had my back against the world and Ralph Manginello gave me hope and believed in me.” — MOSTHATED MILYYY’
How We Serve Lake County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lake County, Minnesota. Here’s how we serve Lake County families:
| Service | How It Works for Lake County |
|---|---|
| Free Consultation | Video call or phone consultation — no travel required |
| Evidence Preservation | We guide you on what to save and how to document |
| Investigation | We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case |
| Negotiation | We deal with insurance companies, universities, and fraternities — so you don’t have to |
| Litigation | If needed, we file lawsuits and take your case to trial |
| Travel | We come to Lake County for depositions, meetings, and trials |
| Support | We handle every aspect of your case, so you can focus on healing |
Our Promise to Lake County Families
- We will listen. Your story matters. We’ll hear you out without judgment.
- We will fight. We don’t back down from powerful institutions.
- We will win. We have the experience and resources to maximize your compensation.
- We will protect you. We’ll shield you from retaliation and intimidation.
- We will honor your trust. You’re not just a case to us. You’re a person who deserves justice.
Lake County: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing victims often delay seeking help because of shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. But every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
- Personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
If you don’t file a lawsuit before the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
Why Lake County Families Can’t Wait
- Evidence disappears. Texts get deleted. Photos get lost. Witnesses forget.
- Organizations cover their tracks. Fraternities and universities may destroy records or intimidate witnesses.
- Your child’s health could worsen. Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms.
- Other victims may come forward. The sooner you act, the stronger your case becomes.
Lake County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Leonel Bermudez was afraid to speak out. He feared retribution. He worried about the consequences of telling the truth.
But his story is now changing the system.
When you step forward, you’re not just fighting for yourself. You’re fighting for every student who might be hazed next. You’re sending a message to fraternities and universities that this ends now.
Lake County Families: We’re Here to Help
If your child has been hazed—or if you suspect they have—call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if you win.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lake County Families
Can I sue if my child was hazed at a university near Lake County?
Yes. If your child was hazed, you can sue the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and any individuals involved. Minnesota law—and federal law—protects students from hazing, and institutions that fail to prevent it can be held accountable.
My child consented to the hazing. Does that mean we can’t sue?
No. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable for the harm caused.
How much is a hazing case worth in Lake County?
Hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries and the egregiousness of the conduct. Recent cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110 million. Our $10 million UH case is in line with these precedents.
What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injuries?
Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case. Hazing can cause psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These injuries are compensable under Minnesota law.
Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (including alumni or advisors) can be held liable.
What if the university claims they didn’t know about the hazing?
Universities have a duty to supervise Greek organizations and prevent hazing. If they failed to implement adequate oversight, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. Our UH case alleges that the university knew about prior hazing incidents and failed to act.
Can I sue a national fraternity if the hazing happened at a local chapter?
Yes. National fraternities and sororities have a duty to supervise their local chapters. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to prevent it, they can be held liable. In our UH case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”
What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity and safety throughout the legal process. We can also pursue claims against individuals or organizations that attempt to retaliate.
How long does a hazing case take?
Hazing cases can take 6 months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Do I need a lawyer to sue for hazing in Lake County?
While you can file a lawsuit without a lawyer, hazing cases are complex and involve powerful institutions with deep pockets. Insurance companies and universities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an experienced hazing attorney to level the playing field.
Lake County: The Choice Is Clear
Hazing is a crisis in America. It’s happening at universities near Lake County. It’s happening to students from Lake County families. And it’s happening because institutions prioritize tradition over safety, reputation over humanity.
But you have a choice:
- Stay silent. Let the fraternities and universities get away with it. Let them continue hazing the next student.
- Fight back. Hold them accountable. Get justice for your child. Protect future students.
Lake County families: We’re here to help you fight. We’re here to win. And we’re here to make sure this never happens again.
Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough.
