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Red Lake County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 11 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Red Lake County: You Are Not Alone

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Red Lake County, you have legal rights β€” and we can help.

At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized from extreme hazing. This same hazing happens at colleges near Red Lake County. The same national fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists at Red Lake County institutions.

We will fight for Red Lake County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

πŸ₯ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Red Lake County

In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

The Hazing He Endured:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning
  • Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout β€” they kept going
  • Hog-tied another pledge face-down on a table with an object in his mouth

Result: Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with kidney failure. He could not stand or walk for days.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where this happened. The fraternity knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing. The same failures exist at colleges near Red Lake County.

πŸ“ Hazing Happens Near Red Lake County

Red Lake County is home to Minnesota State University Moorhead, Concordia College, and North Dakota State College of Science in nearby Wahpeton, ND β€” all institutions with active Greek life. The same national fraternities and sororities that hazed our client operate chapters near Red Lake County.

Fraternities with Chapters Near Red Lake County:

  • Pi Kappa Phi β€” Same fraternity that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β€” Paid $1M+ in hazing settlements
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β€” Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
  • Phi Delta Theta β€” $6.1 million jury verdict for hazing death
  • Beta Theta Pi β€” $110 million settlement for hazing death

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Red Lake County, they face the same risks.

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights in Minnesota

Minnesota has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Minnesota Statute Β§ 121A.69, hazing is a crime, and consent is not a defense.

Minnesota Hazing Law (Β§ 121A.69):

“Hazing” means any act that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

Penalties:

  • Misdemeanor for hazing
  • Gross misdemeanor if hazing creates a substantial risk of bodily harm
  • Felony if hazing causes great bodily harm or death

Organizations can be penalized, and individuals can be held personally liable β€” just like in our $10 million case.

πŸ’° Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements Are Real

Hazing cases result in major financial settlements and verdicts. These are not just numbers β€” they represent accountability for institutions that fail to protect students.

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110 million+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ million

These results are possible for Red Lake County victims too.

πŸ” Who Is Liable for Hazing in Red Lake County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
University/College Failed to protect students; owned property where hazing occurred
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing
Individual Members Participated in or failed to stop hazing
Alumni Allowed hazing at their homes
Insurance Companies Policies covering institutional liability

We sue everyone responsible β€” not just the students.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Red Lake County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

  • Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, concussions)
  • Document everything β€” medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

  • Take photos of injuries, locations, items used in hazing
  • Save all communications β€” texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
  • Get witness names and contact information
  • Do NOT delete anything β€” even if it seems embarrassing

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

  • Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
  • Do NOT give statements to Greek life leadership or university administrators
  • Do NOT sign anything without legal counsel

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Free consultation β€” we evaluate your case at no cost
  • No upfront fees β€” we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
  • We handle everything β€” communications, evidence, negotiations, litigation

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ† Why Red Lake County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now

  • Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
  • Same strategies available for Red Lake County victims

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • We know exactly how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims
  • We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

Federal Court Authority

  • Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Can pursue Red Lake County cases in federal court if needed

Dual-State Licensed

  • Licensed in Texas AND New York
  • Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities/sororities

We Travel to Red Lake County

  • For depositions, client meetings, and trials
  • Distance is not a barrier to justice

Bilingual Services (Se Habla EspaΓ±ol)

  • Can serve Spanish-speaking Red Lake County families without language barriers

Proven Track Record

  • $10+ million in hazing litigation currently pending
  • Millions recovered for personal injury victims
  • 250+ 5-star Google reviews from clients

πŸ’¬ Client Testimonials

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”
β€” 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.”
β€” Donald Wilcox

“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.”
β€” Debra Cambric-Chisolm

“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!”
β€” Devin Hebert

πŸ“ž Red Lake County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Red Lake County, you have legal rights β€” and we can help.

Contact Attorney 911 Today:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation β€’ No Upfront Fees β€’ We Fight for You

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Red Lake County Families

Q: What if my child “consented” to hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense under Minnesota law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for injuries.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Minnesota’s hazing law applies on or off campus. If the organization is affiliated with a Red Lake County school, they can still be held accountable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients’ identities and safety. Many hazing victims fear retribution β€” our client in the UH case was too afraid to do an interview. We understand and will protect your child.

Q: How much is my case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements, especially when:

  • The victim was hospitalized
  • The organization had prior hazing incidents
  • The university knew and did nothing
  • The conduct was particularly egregious (waterboarding, forced exercise, etc.)

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait β€” evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: Can you help if we’re not in Houston?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Red Lake County. We offer video consultations and travel to Red Lake County for your case.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school near Red Lake County?

Minnesota’s hazing law applies to all schools, including high schools. We can evaluate your case regardless of the victim’s age.

πŸš€ Take Action Now β€” Red Lake County Families Deserve Justice

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s illegal.

If your child was hazed near Red Lake County, we will fight for you with the same intensity we’re bringing to the $10 million UH case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

We don’t get paid unless you do. Red Lake County families pay $0 upfront.

Let’s hold them accountable β€” together.

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