Hazing Lawyers Serving Roseau County, Minnesota – Attorney 911
🚨 When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: Roseau County Families Deserve Justice
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Roseau County, Minnesota, you are not alone. The same national fraternities involved in multi-million-dollar hazing lawsuits nationwide operate right here in our region. The same negligent universities that fail to protect students exist in Minnesota. And the same life-altering injuries—rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, even death—happen to students in Roseau County and across the Upper Midwest.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston—a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and systematic abuse of a young man who just wanted to join a brotherhood. The same fraternities, the same culture, the same negligence exist at universities near Roseau County. Your child could be next.
We serve hazing victims and families nationwide, including Roseau County, Minnesota. We will travel to you. We will fight for you. And we will win for you.
🏆 Why Roseau County Families Choose Attorney 911
1️⃣ We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW – And Winning
While most law firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case in Texas. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure—all because a fraternity thought torture was an acceptable “tradition.”
This isn’t hypothetical. This is happening. And it’s happening near Roseau County.
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including in the Upper Midwest.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Beta Theta Pi, and other national fraternities operate at universities near Roseau County.
- The same “pledge traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Minnesota institutions.
We know how to win these cases because we’re in the fight right now.
2️⃣ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—are former insurance defense lawyers. We spent years defending the very institutions we now sue.
- We know how insurance companies minimize claims.
- We know how fraternities hide evidence.
- We know how universities protect their reputations over students.
Now, we use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation.
3️⃣ Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.
While we’re based in Texas, we are admitted to U.S. District Court and have dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York). This means:
✅ We can pursue national fraternity organizations headquartered anywhere in the U.S.
✅ We can sue universities and colleges near Roseau County for failing to protect students.
✅ We can travel to Minnesota for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
✅ We offer video consultations so Roseau County families don’t have to travel to Texas.
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4️⃣ Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
We don’t just handle hazing cases—we handle complex, high-value litigation against powerful institutions.
| Case | Result |
|---|---|
| BP Texas City Explosion | Involved in multi-billion-dollar mass tort litigation |
| Commercial Trucking Accidents | Recovered millions for catastrophic injury victims |
| Wrongful Death Claims | Secured life-changing verdicts for grieving families |
| Hazing Litigation (Current) | $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston |
We have the experience, the resources, and the relentless drive to take on fraternities, universities, and national organizations.
5️⃣ We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Roseau County Families
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
✅ No upfront fees – You pay nothing to hire us.
✅ No hourly billing – We don’t charge by the hour.
✅ We only get paid if we win – If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
✅ Free consultation – Call us today to discuss your case at no cost.
Roseau County families deserve aggressive legal representation without financial stress.
6️⃣ Se Habla Español – Bilingual Representation for Minnesota Families
Many hazing victims in Roseau County and across Minnesota come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide:
✅ Fully bilingual legal services (English & Spanish)
✅ Spanish-speaking staff for consultations and case updates
✅ Translation of all legal documents into Spanish
✅ Cultural sensitivity to the unique concerns of immigrant families
No language barriers. No communication gaps. Just justice.
🔍 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Minnesota)
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s not “just part of the experience.”
Hazing is abuse. Hazing is assault. Hazing is illegal.
Minnesota Hazing Law (Minn. Stat. § 121A.69)
Minnesota law 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 endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person.”
This includes:
✔ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✔ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., peppercorns, milk until vomiting)
✔ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation
✔ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✔ Extreme servitude – Forced cleaning, driving members at all hours, running errands
Minnesota law makes hazing a crime:
- Misdemeanor for basic hazing
- Gross misdemeanor if hazing creates a substantial risk of bodily harm
- Felony if hazing causes great bodily harm or death
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
🚑 The Medical Consequences of Hazing – What Roseau County Parents Need to Know
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can cause permanent physical damage, lifelong trauma, and even death.
1️⃣ Rhabdomyolysis – The Silent Killer
What it is: The breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. This protein can clog the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure.
How hazing causes it:
- Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Prolonged muscle compression
- Heat exhaustion
Symptoms:
❌ Severe muscle pain
❌ Dark brown or tea-colored urine (myoglobinuria)
❌ Weakness, inability to move
❌ Nausea, vomiting
❌ Confusion, irregular heartbeat
Long-term risks:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Need for dialysis or kidney transplant
- Permanent muscle damage
- Death
Our client suffered rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do 500 squats. He spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure. This could happen to your child.
2️⃣ Alcohol Poisoning – A Leading Cause of Hazing Deaths
Forced drinking is one of the most common—and deadliest—hazing practices.
How it happens:
- “Chugging” large amounts of alcohol in a short time
- “Drinking games” where wrong answers = more alcohol
- Peer pressure to “prove” toughness
BAC Levels & Risks:
| Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) | Effects | Risk of Death |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legally drunk | Low (but still dangerous) |
| 0.20% | Confusion, vomiting, blackouts | High |
| 0.30% | Loss of consciousness | Very high |
| 0.40%+ | Coma, respiratory failure, death | Extremely high |
Real cases:
- Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021) – Died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. $10.1 million settlement.
- Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Died with a BAC of 0.495 (more than 6x the legal limit). $6.1 million jury verdict.
- Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017) – Died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. Same fraternity as our current case.
**This is not “just a few drinks.” This is manslaughter by alcohol poisoning.
3️⃣ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – From Beatings & Falls
Hazing often involves physical violence—paddling, beatings, being thrown against walls, or falling down stairs while intoxicated.
How it happens:
- Being struck with wooden paddles
- Falling during forced exercise
- Blunt force trauma to the head
Symptoms:
❌ Headaches
❌ Memory loss
❌ Difficulty concentrating
❌ Mood swings, depression
❌ Seizures
❌ Permanent cognitive impairment
Long-term risks:
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – The same brain disease found in NFL players
- Permanent disability
- Inability to work or attend school
4️⃣ Psychological Trauma – PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Suicide
Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body—it destroys the mind.
Common psychological effects:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
- Depression – Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
- Anxiety disorders – Panic attacks, social phobia
- Trust issues – Difficulty forming relationships
- Suicidal ideation – Hazing victims are at high risk of suicide
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real. Hazing creates a culture of silence—and that silence kills.
⚖️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Roseau County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible—not just the individuals who directly harmed your child.
1️⃣ The Fraternity or Sorority (Local Chapter)
Why they’re liable:
- Organized and conducted the hazing
- Leadership (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
- Members participated or failed to stop the abuse
What we sue for:
✔ Negligence – Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing the risks
✔ Assault & battery – Physical abuse (paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding)
✔ Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Psychological torture
✔ Premises liability – If hazing occurred at the fraternity house
2️⃣ The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
Why they’re liable:
- They knew about the hazing culture. Our current case involves Pi Kappa Phi, which had a student die from hazing in 2017—yet they did nothing to stop it.
- They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
- They have deep pockets – National organizations have millions in assets and insurance coverage.
What we sue for:
✔ Negligent supervision – Failed to monitor local chapters
✔ Pattern of negligence – Prior hazing incidents at other chapters
✔ Vicarious liability – Responsible for actions of their chapters
3️⃣ The University or College
Why they’re liable:
- They have a duty to protect students. If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to act, they are negligent.
- They own the fraternity houses. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred.
- They profit from Greek life. Universities collect fees, rent, and donations from fraternities—yet often turn a blind eye to abuse.
What we sue for:
✔ Negligent supervision – Failed to monitor Greek life
✔ Premises liability – Owned the property where hazing occurred
✔ Institutional negligence – Knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
4️⃣ Individual Members (Including Officers & Alumni)
Why they’re liable:
- They participated in the hazing.
- They failed to stop it.
- They hosted hazing events at their homes.
What we sue for:
✔ Assault & battery – Physical abuse
✔ Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Psychological torture
✔ Negligent supervision – If they were in a leadership role
In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for $6.5 million. Individual members cannot hide behind the fraternity.
5️⃣ Insurance Companies
Why they’re liable:
- Fraternities, universities, and individuals have insurance policies that cover hazing-related injuries.
- We know how to access these policies—our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers.
What we pursue:
✔ Liability insurance – Covers negligence, assault, premises liability
✔ Homeowner’s insurance – If hazing occurred at a private residence
✔ Umbrella policies – Additional coverage beyond standard limits
💰 How Much Is a Roseau County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. The amount depends on:
| Factor | How It Affects Compensation |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher compensation |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression = higher non-economic damages |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse = punitive damages |
| Institutional knowledge | If the university/fraternity knew about prior hazing = higher punitive damages |
| Wrongful death | If hazing resulted in death = highest possible compensation |
| Pattern of abuse | If multiple victims come forward = stronger case, higher damages |
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (Nationwide)
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
| Our Current Case (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 million lawsuit |
Roseau County families: These results are possible for you too.
What You Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, surgery, rehabilitation, future medical care |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Lost earning capacity | If injuries prevent future employment |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain from hazing activities (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, beatings) |
| Mental anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Emotional distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust |
| Disfigurement | Scars from branding, burns, or injuries |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive damages | If conduct was intentional or grossly negligent (e.g., waterboarding, forced alcohol consumption) |
Minnesota does not cap pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases, meaning juries can award what they believe is fair based on the evidence.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Roseau County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
✅ Go to the ER or urgent care – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can be life-threatening if untreated.
✅ Document everything – Get copies of all medical records, test results, and doctor’s notes.
✅ Take photos of injuries – Bruises, cuts, burns, swelling. Continue taking photos as injuries heal.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Save all communications – Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
✅ Take screenshots – Social media posts about hazing, pledge manuals, fraternity rules.
✅ Write down everything – Names of perpetrators, dates/times of hazing events, descriptions of what happened.
✅ Get witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders, or anyone who saw the hazing.
✅ Do NOT delete anything – Even if it’s embarrassing, it may be crucial evidence.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
❌ Do NOT give a statement to the fraternity/sorority.
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the university.
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
❌ Do NOT confront the perpetrators.
They will try to control the narrative. They will try to minimize what happened. They will try to intimidate you into silence.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
✅ Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – Free, confidential consultation.
✅ We will guide you through the next steps – Evidence preservation, medical documentation, legal strategy.
✅ We will handle all communications – No more dealing with fraternities, universities, or insurance companies on your own.
✅ We will fight for maximum compensation – Medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages.
Time is critical. Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
🏛️ Universities & Fraternities Near Roseau County with Greek Life
While Roseau County itself is rural, several universities and colleges in Minnesota and nearby states have active Greek organizations where hazing may occur. These include:
Minnesota Universities with Greek Life
| University | Location | Fraternities/Sororities Present |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Beta Theta Pi, and many others |
| Minnesota State University – Mankato | Mankato, MN | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
| St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud, MN | Active Greek life presence |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Fraternities and sororities (near Roseau County) |
| North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | Active Greek organizations |
National Fraternities with Chapters Near Roseau County
| Fraternity | Known Hazing History | Notable Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Yes | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death); Our current $10M UH case (2025) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Yes | Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Yes | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death, $10.1M settlement) |
| Beta Theta Pi | Yes | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death, $110M+ settlement) |
| Phi Delta Theta | Yes | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death, $6.1M verdict) |
Roseau County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity near Roseau County, they face the same risks as students in Texas, Louisiana, and Ohio. The same national organizations. The same negligent universities. The same “traditions” that hospitalize and kill.
🎯 Our Message to Fraternities Near Roseau County
To Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Beta Theta Pi, and All Other Fraternities:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters near Roseau County.
- Pi Kappa Phi – You had 8 years after Andrew Coffey’s death to fix your culture. You failed. Now you’re facing a $10 million lawsuit in Texas. Your Roseau County chapter could be next.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – You’ve paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths. We will hold your Roseau County chapter accountable.
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Your Bowling Green State chapter was shut down after Stone Foltz’s death. Your Roseau County chapter is on notice.
- Beta Theta Pi – Timothy Piazza’s family won a $110 million settlement against you. We know your playbook. We will dismantle it.
If your chapter hazes students near Roseau County, we will pursue:
✔ The local chapter – For organizing and conducting hazing
✔ The national organization – For failing to supervise despite knowing the risks
✔ The university – For failing to protect students
✔ Individual members – For participating in or allowing abuse
We have the evidence. We have the expertise. And we have the relentless drive to win.
Clean up your chapters. Or we will clean them out in court.
📞 Roseau County Families: Call Us Now – 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Roseau County, Minnesota, you have legal rights. You deserve justice. You deserve compensation. And you deserve to know that this will never happen to another student again.
We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for you.
📅 Free Consultation – Available 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency – $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win for you.
Roseau County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Your rights expire. Call us today.
