Hazing Lawyers in Pennington County, MN – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We
Pennington County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But when fraternities and sororities cross the line from tradition to torture, the consequences can be devastating. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now in Texas – and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Pennington County.
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and a culture of abuse that nearly killed a student. The same fraternities operate at universities near Pennington County. The same negligence exists at Minnesota institutions. And we will fight for Pennington County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current case.
What Happens in Texas is Happening Near Pennington County
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What happened to him wasn’t just hazing – it was torture:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose – simulated drowning as punishment
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles as part of “tradition”
- Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass after being sick
- Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts – and they kept going
This didn’t happen in some distant state. This is happening at universities near Pennington County, MN. The same national fraternities with chapters at Minnesota schools have the same hazing cultures. And when they cross the line, we hold them accountable.
Why Pennington County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one – a $10 million lawsuit that’s making national headlines. We know how to build these cases because we’re doing it.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Fraternities will argue your child “agreed to participate.” Minnesota law says consent is not a defense to hazing. We know how to defeat this argument and prove the organization is liable.
3. We Sue Everyone Responsible
In our current case, we’re pursuing:
- The local fraternity chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members who participated
- Former members who hosted hazing at their homes
We don’t let anyone hide behind the organization.
4. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience
Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook – how they try to lowball victims, delay claims, and deny responsibility. Now we use that knowledge against them.
5. We Serve Pennington County Families Nationwide
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across America, including Pennington County. We offer:
- Video consultations – meet with us from your home
- Travel to Minnesota – for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Federal court authority – can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
What Constitutes Hazing in Minnesota?
Minnesota law defines hazing as any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that:
- Endangers their physical or mental health
- Causes physical injury, emotional distress, or degradation
- Involves forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Includes sleep deprivation or exposure to extreme conditions
- Involves any form of physical brutality
Examples of hazing we’ve seen near Pennington County:
- Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
- Extreme physical exercise causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Beatings with paddles or other objects
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Psychological humiliation and degradation
- Forced consumption of non-food substances
Who Can Be Held Liable?
We pursue every entity that allowed the hazing to occur:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite having authority to regulate |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to properly supervise |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events at their homes |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Pennington County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms right away. Document everything medically.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any visible injuries
- Save all communications – texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Document witness names – other pledges, bystanders
- Keep physical evidence – clothing, paddles, any items used in hazing
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure you to sign documents
- They may intimidate witnesses
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – We offer free, confidential consultations for Pennington County families.
What You Can Recover
Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future medical care |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for lost semesters, impact on academic progress |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
Recent Hazing Cases – The Same Could Happen Near Pennington County
$10.1 Million Settlement – Bowling Green State University
- Victim: Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)
- Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Result: Death from alcohol poisoning
- Settlement: $10.1 million from university and fraternity
$6.1 Million Jury Verdict – Louisiana State University
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta)
- Cause: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event
- Result: Death from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
- Verdict: $6.1 million jury award
$110+ Million Settlement – Penn State University
- Victim: Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi)
- Cause: Forced drinking during “gauntlet” ritual
- Result: Fell down stairs, died from traumatic brain injury
- Settlement: Estimated $110 million
Our Current Case – University of Houston
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (Pi Kappa Phi)
- Cause: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles
- Result: Hospitalized with kidney failure
- Status: $10 million lawsuit pending
Minnesota Hazing Laws – Know Your Rights
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, that is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student.”
Key provisions:
- Criminal penalties – Up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine
- Organizational penalties – Loss of recognition, fines
- Consent is not a defense – Even if the victim “agreed,” the organization is still liable
Why Pennington County Families Need a Specialized Hazing Attorney
1. Universities Will Protect Themselves – Not Your Child
When hazing occurs, universities prioritize their reputation over victim safety. They’ll conduct internal “investigations” designed to minimize liability. You need someone on your side who knows how to counter their tactics.
2. Insurance Companies Will Try to Lowball You
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. They’ll:
- Downplay your child’s injuries
- Claim your child was partially at fault
- Offer quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of damages
- We know their tricks because we used to work for them
3. Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Fraternities delete text messages and social media posts
- Universities “lose” incident reports
- Witnesses forget details or are pressured to stay silent
- The sooner we act, the more evidence we can preserve
4. The Statute of Limitations is Ticking
Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases Near Pennington County
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: Yes. Even if your child isn’t ready to sue, we can:
- Advise you on preserving evidence
- Help you understand your legal options
- Ensure you don’t miss important deadlines
- Protect your child from retaliation
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Minnesota law specifically states that “tradition” is not a defense to hazing. What happened to your child was likely illegal, regardless of what the fraternity calls it.
Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring an attorney.
A: You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case.
Q: How long will a hazing case take?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
Q: Can we sue even if the hazing didn’t result in serious injury?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Educational disruption
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus.
Q: The university already suspended the fraternity. Isn’t that enough?
A: No. Suspension is a first step, but it doesn’t compensate your child for their injuries or hold the responsible parties fully accountable. A lawsuit can:
- Provide financial compensation for medical bills and trauma
- Force systemic changes in the organization
- Prevent future hazing incidents
Pennington County Universities and Greek Life – What Families Should Know
Pennington County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life is active. Some of the schools in the region include:
- University of Minnesota Crookston (approximately 30 miles from Pennington County)
- Northland Community & Technical College (Thief River Falls campus)
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College (various campuses)
- Nearby universities with Greek organizations include:
- University of North Dakota (Grand Forks)
- North Dakota State University (Fargo)
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
National fraternities with chapters at these schools include:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- And many others
These organizations have the same national structures and face the same liability risks as the fraternities we’re currently suing in Texas.
Warning Signs of Hazing Near Pennington County
Parents should be alert for these red flags that may indicate hazing:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Environmental Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises | Sudden withdrawal from friends | Secretive meetings or events |
| Extreme fatigue | Anxiety or depression | Late-night activities |
| Difficulty walking | Changes in sleep patterns | Sudden new friend groups |
| Weight loss | Loss of interest in activities | Wearing unusual clothing |
| Vomiting | Fear or reluctance to discuss Greek life | Sudden academic decline |
| Dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis) | Increased alcohol consumption | Withdrawal from family |
How Attorney 911 Handles Hazing Cases for Pennington County Families
1. Immediate Case Evaluation
- Free, confidential consultation
- Assessment of case strength
- Explanation of legal options
2. Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Subpoena social media and text messages
- Interview witnesses
- Collect medical records
3. Building the Case
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate full damages
- Retain expert witnesses (medical, hazing culture, economic)
- Prepare demand package
4. Negotiation
- Demand full compensation from all defendants
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Push for fair settlement
5. Litigation (if necessary)
- File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- File motions to strengthen case
- Prepare for trial
6. Resolution
- Settlement negotiations
- Mediation
- Trial (if necessary)
- Distribution of compensation
Our Promise to Pennington County Families
- We will listen – Your story matters, and we’ll treat you with compassion and respect.
- We will fight – We don’t back down from powerful institutions.
- We will communicate – You’ll always know what’s happening with your case.
- We will deliver results – Our track record proves we get justice for victims.
- We will protect – We’ll shield your family from retaliation and intimidation.
Pennington County Families – Contact Attorney 911 Today
If your child was hazed at a university near Pennington County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines expire.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
We serve Pennington County families nationwide – distance is not a barrier to justice.
The Same Fraternities. The Same Hazing. The Same Fight.
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case in Texas. We’re ready to bring that fight to Pennington County.
Enough is enough.
