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Rice County (Earth/North America/United States/Minnesota/Rice County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pike: $24M | Sigma Chi: $10M+ | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 22 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Rice County, Minnesota: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

Attorney 911 β€” Fighting for Hazing Victims in Rice County and Nationwide

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Rice County, Minnesota, you are not alone. Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations across America β€” including right here in Rice County. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate near Rice County. The same universities that have failed to protect students exist in our community. And the same legal rights that have won justice for victims in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania apply to Rice County families.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” and we are ready to bring that same fight to Rice County. We serve hazing victims nationwide through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

What Is Hazing? β€” Recognizing the Problem in Rice County

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β€” regardless of their willingness to participate. In Minnesota, hazing is a crime under state law, and consent is not a defense.

Common Hazing Activities in Rice County (and Nationwide):

Category Examples Rice County Relevance
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion Same fraternities with chapters near Rice County engage in these practices
Forced Consumption Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances Forced drinking is common in Greek organizations near Rice County
Sleep Deprivation Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep Hazing often occurs during “hell week” or initiation periods
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats Rice County students report being forced to carry embarrassing objects or wear humiliating clothing
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault Sexual hazing has been documented at universities near Rice County
Waterboarding/Drowning Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater Our current case involves waterboarding at a Texas fraternity β€” same nationals operate near Rice County
Exposure Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces Hazing often occurs outdoors in Minnesota’s extreme weather
Servitude Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands Pledges in Rice County report being treated as servants

These are not “traditions.” These are not “pranks.” These are crimes β€” and Rice County victims have legal rights.

The Hazing Crisis in Minnesota and Rice County

Minnesota Hazing Laws β€” Your Legal Protections

Minnesota Statute Β§ 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 potentially harmful to the person’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Key Provisions:

  • Hazing is a crime β€” punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine
  • Consent is not a defense β€” victims cannot “agree” to be hazed
  • Organizations can be held liable β€” fraternities, sororities, teams, and schools
  • Institutions must report hazing β€” universities and colleges are required to report incidents

Rice County families: If your child was hazed, the law is on your side. You can sue for damages even if the hazing was reported as a crime.

Hazing in Minnesota β€” A Statewide Problem

While Rice County may not have made national headlines for hazing, the problem is widespread across Minnesota:

  • University of Minnesota has documented hazing incidents in Greek organizations and sports teams
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato has faced hazing allegations in fraternities and athletic teams
  • St. Cloud State University has suspended Greek organizations for hazing
  • University of St. Thomas has investigated hazing in student organizations

The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters near Rice County have been involved in hazing incidents across Minnesota and the nation.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta, and others β€” these organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. They have chapters near Rice County, and they bring the same culture of abuse with them.

Why Rice County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. In that case, a student was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
  • Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This happened in Texas β€” but the same hazing happens in Rice County. The same fraternities operate near Rice County. The same negligence exists at Rice County institutions. And we will fight for Rice County families with the same aggression.

Nationwide Representation for Rice County Victims

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Rice County, through:

  • Federal court authority β€” U.S. District Court admission
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas AND New York
  • Remote consultations β€” Rice County families can meet with us via video call
  • Travel commitment β€” We come to Rice County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our priority.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys β€” Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena β€” are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities think. We know their strategies for minimizing claims. We know their tactics for blaming victims.

And now we use that knowledge against them.

When Rice County families hire us, they’re not just getting lawyers β€” they’re getting former insiders who know how to dismantle the other side’s defenses.

Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

  • $10 million hazing lawsuit β€” currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • BP Texas City explosion litigation β€” experience with complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants
  • Former insurance defense experience β€” we know how defendants try to avoid liability

Compassionate, Bilingual Representation

We understand that hazing is traumatic β€” not just for victims, but for families. Our staff is bilingual (English and Spanish) and genuinely passionate about helping our clients. Rice County families are treated like family.

No Upfront Costs β€” We Work on Contingency

We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can be a barrier, especially for Rice County families dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. We take hazing cases on contingency β€” you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Rice County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

  • Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
  • If there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
  • Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, traumatic brain injury, alcohol poisoning, and other serious conditions
  • Medical records create critical evidence for your case

Step 3: Preserve Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:

Evidence Type Examples
Medical Records Hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results
Photos/Videos Injuries, hazing activities, locations
Communications Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
Documents Pledge manuals, event calendars, rules
Witness Information Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
Financial Records Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments

If you don’t preserve evidence, it may disappear β€” and so may your case.

Step 4: Report the Incident

  • File a police report β€” hazing is a crime in Minnesota
  • Report to the university/college β€” institutions are required to investigate
  • Consider a Title IX report β€” if sexual harassment/assault was involved

Step 5: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

  • Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
  • Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
  • Do not post on social media about the incident
  • Anything you say can be used against you

Step 6: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

  • Preserve evidence before it disappears
  • Prevent the organization from destroying records
  • Protect your child from intimidation
  • Begin building your case

Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears quickly. Do not wait.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Rice County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants with deep pockets. In our current case, we are suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Rice County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Rice County fraternity/sorority chapters
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture Nationals with chapters near Rice County
Housing Corporation Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred Fraternity/sorority housing near Rice County
University/College Failed to protect students; knew about hazing risks Rice County colleges and universities
Individual Members Participated in or failed to stop hazing Rice County students who hazed
Alumni/Advisors Enabled or facilitated hazing Rice County alumni who allowed hazing

We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.

Damages Available for Rice County Hazing Victims

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

  • Medical expenses (past and future) β€” hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation
  • Lost wages β€” time missed from work during recovery
  • Lost earning capacity β€” if injuries affect future career
  • Educational expenses β€” tuition, fees, lost scholarships
  • Property damage β€” if personal items were destroyed

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Physical pain and suffering β€” the agony of hazing injuries
  • Mental anguish β€” PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
  • Emotional distress β€” humiliation, shame, loss of trust
  • Loss of enjoyment of life β€” inability to participate in normal activities
  • Disfigurement β€” scars, permanent injuries

Punitive Damages:

  • Punishment for egregious conduct β€” when hazing involves torture, cover-ups, or knowing disregard for safety
  • Deterrence for other organizations β€” to prevent future hazing

In Minnesota, there is no cap on non-economic or punitive damages in personal injury cases (except for medical malpractice).

Precedent Cases β€” Hazing Victims Can and Do Win Big

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win β€” and win big.

Case University Fraternity Outcome Total
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
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ million

Rice County families: These same results are possible for you. The same legal strategies apply to Rice County cases.

What Makes a Strong Rice County Hazing Case?

We evaluate cases based on:

Factor Why It Matters Rice County Application
Clear hazing conduct Activities meet legal definition of hazing Same definition applies in Minnesota
Documented injuries Physical or psychological harm with medical records Rice County hospital records accepted
Identifiable defendants Know who did it and who enabled it Rice County fraternities, universities, nationals
Evidence available Texts, photos, videos, witnesses Preserve everything from Rice County incidents
Pattern of abuse Not a one-time incident Rice County chapters with prior hazing history
Institutional knowledge University/nationals knew or should have known Rice County institutions with prior hazing incidents
Deep pockets Defendants can pay (insurance or assets) Nationals and universities have substantial resources

If your case meets these factors, we can help β€” no matter where in Rice County the hazing occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions for Rice County Families

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do you protect us?

A: We take retaliation concerns seriously. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We:

  • Handle all communications with the organization
  • Protect your identity when possible
  • Take legal action if retaliation occurs

Q: We’re not in Texas. Can you still represent us?

A: YES. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Rice County. We offer:

  • Video consultations
  • Remote representation
  • Travel to Rice County for critical meetings
  • Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β€” we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Timeline varies by complexity. Some cases settle within months; others take years. Factors include:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Number of defendants
  • Willingness to settle
  • Need for litigation

We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. We can pursue:

  • The local chapter
  • The national organization
  • Individual members
  • Property owners

Q: Can we sue if the hazing was reported to the police?

A: YES. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for damages.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Rice County?

A: We can help. Hazing occurs in high schools too β€” especially in sports teams and student organizations. Minnesota’s anti-hazing law applies to all educational institutions, including high schools.

The Rice County Hazing Watchlist β€” Fraternities Near Rice County with Hazing Histories

These national fraternities have chapters near Rice County β€” and documented hazing histories:

Fraternity Hazing History Rice County Relevance
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz death (2021), $10.1M settlement Chapters near Rice County
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey death (2017), our current $10M lawsuit Chapters near Rice County
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza death (2017), $110M+ settlement Chapters near Rice County
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver death (2017), $6.1M verdict Chapters near Rice County
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits Chapters near Rice County
Sigma Chi Lawsuit for traumatic brain injury (2023) Chapters near Rice County
Kappa Sigma Multiple hazing deaths and suspensions Chapters near Rice County
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Danny Santulli (2021), blinded from hazing Chapters near Rice County
Sigma Phi Epsilon Tucker Hipps death (2014), $500K+ settlement Chapters near Rice County

Rice County parents: If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.

Universities Near Rice County β€” Hazing Risks and Your Rights

While Rice County itself is home to smaller communities, several major universities with active Greek life operate nearby:

University Location Greek Life Presence Hazing History
Carleton College Northfield, MN (~30 min from Rice County) Yes Investigated hazing incidents
St. Olaf College Northfield, MN (~30 min from Rice County) Yes Documented hazing concerns
University of Minnesota Minneapolis/St. Paul (~1 hour) Significant Multiple hazing incidents in Greek life and sports
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN (~1.5 hours) Significant Suspensions for hazing
St. Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN (~2 hours) Significant Greek organization suspensions for hazing
University of St. Thomas St. Paul, MN (~1 hour) Yes Investigated hazing in student organizations

Rice County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they face hazing risks. You have legal rights if they are hazed.

How We Build a Winning Case for Rice County Victims

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

  • Confidential consultation
  • Review of evidence
  • Legal rights assessment

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

  • Send preservation letters to all defendants
  • Demand all communications, photos, videos be saved
  • Prevent evidence destruction

Step 3: Investigation

  • Interview witnesses
  • Obtain medical records
  • Collect documentation
  • Identify all liable parties

Step 4: Demand Letter

  • Send demand to defendants
  • Outline damages
  • Demand settlement

Step 5: Negotiation

  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Push for fair settlement
  • Advise you on all offers

Step 6: Litigation (if necessary)

  • File lawsuit
  • Conduct discovery
  • Take depositions
  • Prepare for trial

Step 7: Resolution

  • Settlement or verdict
  • Maximize your recovery
  • Ensure accountability

The Attorney 911 Difference β€” Why Rice County Families Trust Us

βœ… We are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW β€” $10M hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
βœ… Former insurance defense attorneys β€” we know how defendants try to avoid liability
βœ… Nationwide representation β€” we serve Rice County through federal court authority
βœ… No upfront costs β€” contingency fee means $0 unless we win
βœ… Bilingual staff β€” Se habla espaΓ±ol
βœ… Compassionate representation β€” we treat Rice County families like family
βœ… Proven results β€” multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts

Rice County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps

If your child has been hazed in Rice County:

  1. Ensure their immediate safety
  2. Seek medical attention
  3. Preserve all evidence (do not delete anything)
  4. Report the incident to police and the institution
  5. Do NOT talk to the organization or their lawyers
  6. Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call to Action β€” Rice County Families Deserve Justice

Hazing is not tradition. Hazing is not brotherhood. Hazing is abuse β€” and it must stop.

If your child has been hazed in Rice County, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the abusers accountable. You have the right to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Rice County families.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve Rice County and all of Minnesota. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our priority.

Rice County hazing victims: Enough is enough.

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