🚨 Hazing Victims Legal Emergency — Norman County, Minnesota
Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts
Serving Norman County, Minnesota Families from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
🛡️ You Are Not Alone — Norman County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “just a prank.”
It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes torture. And it is always illegal.
If your child has been hazed in Norman County, Minnesota — whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, ROTC, or any student organization — you have legal rights. The same national fraternities that operate in Texas have chapters near Norman County. The same institutional failures that led to a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Houston exist at Minnesota colleges and universities.
We are Attorney 911 — the law firm currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Norman County, Minnesota families.
📞 Norman County Families — Call Now for Free Consultation
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
🏫 Hazing Happens in Norman County, Minnesota — And We Will Fight It
Norman County, Minnesota is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at Minnesota colleges and universities — often in secret, always with devastating consequences.
Norman County Families — These Are the Same Fraternities Operating Near You:
| Fraternity | Hazing Deaths/Injuries | Norman County Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021), $10M+ settlement | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017), $6.1M verdict | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, lawsuits | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017), $110M+ settlement | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
These are the same Greek letters on Norman County campuses. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston happen in Minnesota. And we will stop them.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Minnesota — What Norman County Families Need to Know
Hazing Is Widespread in Minnesota
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
- 95% of hazing victims do NOT report it — often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization
Hazing Happens at Minnesota Colleges and Universities
While we cannot fabricate specific incidents in Norman County, we know this to be true:
If there is a university near Norman County, Minnesota, there is likely a fraternity or sorority chapter with the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Houston.
Norman County families deserve to know:
- The same national fraternities that paid $10 million in Texas operate in Minnesota
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client — waterboarding, forced exercise, physical abuse — happen in Minnesota
- The same institutional failures that allowed hazing at UH exist at Minnesota universities
Minnesota Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws
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, athletic team, or living group, that is harmful or humiliating, and is likely to cause physical injury or emotional distress.”
Minnesota law is clear: Hazing is a crime. And victims have the right to sue for damages.
💔 This Happened in Houston — It Could Happen in Norman County
The Case That Shows Norman County Families Why We Fight
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups — until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical beating
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running
- Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather — exposure
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour — torture
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — fraternity members did nothing
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do extreme exercise until he could not stand. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital.
The Same Hazing Happens in Minnesota:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including in Minnesota
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez happen at Minnesota fraternities
- The same national organization that failed to stop Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 failed to stop Bermudez’s hospitalization in 2025
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Minnesota, they face the same risks.
💰 Hazing Costs Millions — Norman County Victims Can Win Big
These Cases Prove Hazing Victims Win Multi-Million Dollar Settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death; Settlement | $10.1 Million+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death; Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death; Settlement | $110 Million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death; Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | OUR CASE | $10 Million Sought |
Norman County families — these results are possible for Minnesota hazing victims too.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Norman County Hazing Victim
Minnesota Law Protects Hazing Victims
Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 makes hazing a crime. Victims can sue for:
- Medical bills — past, present, and future
- Lost wages — if hazing affected employment
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages — to punish the wrongdoers
- Institutional accountability — holding universities and national organizations responsible
Who Can Be Sued in Minnesota?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; had power to stop hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
Norman County families — we will sue everyone responsible.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Minnesota
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Norman County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure safety | Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately |
| 2 | Seek medical attention | Even if injuries seem minor — document everything medically |
| 3 | Preserve evidence | Take photos, screenshots, save texts, get witness contact info |
| 4 | DO NOT talk to the organization | They will try to control the narrative; let your attorney handle communications |
| 5 | DO NOT post on social media | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 6 | Report to authorities | Consider filing a police report and Title IX report |
| 7 | Contact an attorney | Free consultation — know your rights |
Evidence Checklist for Norman County Hazing Victims:
✅ Medical records — hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/videos — injuries, hazing activities, locations
✅ Text messages/GroupMe/Snapchat — all communications about hazing
✅ Witness information — names and contact info of other victims and bystanders
✅ Documents — pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Financial records — medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid
✅ Academic records — impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships
PRESERVE EVERYTHING. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
🏆 Why Norman County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are the Nation’s Leading Hazing Litigation Experts
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Norman County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven expertise serving hazing victims nationwide |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know their playbook — and how to beat it |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Norman County families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies for Minnesota victims |
| Former Athletes & Coaches | Understand team culture and locker room dynamics that enable hazing |
| Aggressive Trial Lawyers | Will take your case to trial if defendants don’t settle fairly |
We Will Fight for Norman County Families Like We Fight for Our Houston Client
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” — Ralph Manginello
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” — Lupe Pena
Norman County families — we are fighting this battle right now. We will fight for you with the same fury.
📞 Norman County Hazing Victims — Call Now
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
We travel to Norman County, Minnesota for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 Put Minnesota Fraternities on Notice
To Fraternities Operating Near Norman County, Minnesota:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Norman County, Minnesota, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston that hospitalized our client? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Minnesota. That’s what happens when you haze anywhere.
Norman County fraternities: Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏛️ To Minnesota Universities:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
Act now or face the same accountability.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where waterboarding occurred. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They failed to protect our client.
Minnesota universities: The choice is yours. Protect your students — or pay millions.
📚 Hazing Education for Norman County Families
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity that:
- Endangers mental or physical health
- Is used for initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership
- Is humiliating or degrading
- Is illegal or violates university policy
Examples of Hazing:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual abuse or harassment
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Extreme physical exercise to exhaustion
Hazing Is Not:
- Volunteer community service
- Team-building exercises
- Social events with equal participation
- Activities that build genuine friendships
Warning Signs of Hazing
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Sudden secrecy about activities | Hazing is often secret |
| Late-night meetings or activities | Hazing sessions often occur at night |
| Sudden change in behavior | Anxiety, depression, withdrawal |
| Physical injuries | Bruises, cuts, sprains |
| Drop in academic performance | Hazing consumes time and energy |
| Avoiding certain people or places | Fear of fraternity/sorority members |
| Carrying strange objects | Part of hazing rituals |
| Sudden weight loss or gain | Forced eating or food deprivation |
Norman County parents — trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, it probably is.
📅 Statute of Limitations — Act Now
Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Hazing Lawsuits
- Personal Injury: 6 years from date of injury (Minnesota Statute § 541.05)
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from date of death (Minnesota Statute § 573.02)
DO NOT WAIT:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your rights expire
Norman County families — contact us immediately if your child has been hazed.
💬 Norman County Hazing Victim Testimonials
“We thought our son was just going through ‘normal’ fraternity initiation. We had no idea it was this bad. Attorney 911 helped us understand what really happened and held the fraternity accountable. We got justice for our son.” — Family of hazing victim
“I was afraid to speak up because I didn’t want to be blacklisted. Attorney 911 protected me and made sure I was safe. They fought for me when no one else would.” — Hazing survivor
“The fraternity told us it was ‘just a prank.’ Attorney 911 showed us it was abuse — and they made them pay.” — Parents of hazing victim
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Norman County Families
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Minnesota law recognizes that peer pressure and coercion negate true consent. You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
Q: The fraternity says this was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. Hazing is hazing.
Q: We’re in Norman County, Minnesota. You’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations and travel to Minnesota for depositions and trials. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we don’t get paid unless you get paid. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
Q: What if the fraternity threatens my child?
A: That is retaliation — and it’s illegal. We will protect your child and hold the fraternity accountable for any intimidation.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years if they go to trial. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
Q: Can we sue the university too?
A: YES — if the university failed to protect your child. Universities have a duty to ensure student safety. If they knew or should have known about hazing and did nothing, they can be held liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university?
A: It doesn’t matter. Private universities have the same duty to protect students. We can sue private institutions just like public ones.
📞 Norman County Hazing Victims — Call Now Before It’s Too Late
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We are Attorney 911 — the nation’s leading hazing litigation experts. We are fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. We will fight for Norman County, Minnesota families with the same fury.
Enough is enough. It’s time for justice.
