Hazing Victim Legal Support in Stearns County, MN
You Are Not Alone: Justice for Hazing Victims in Central Minnesota
Hazing doesn’t just happen at big universities in Texas or Florida—it happens right here in Stearns County, Minnesota, and at colleges across the Upper Midwest. If you or your child has been subjected to dangerous, humiliating, or life-threatening hazing rituals at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle nationwide—and we’re ready to bring that fight to Stearns County.
The Hazing Crisis in Stearns County: What Families Need to Know
Hazing Isn’t “Tradition”—It’s Abuse
Hazing is often dismissed as “harmless fun” or “just part of the culture.” But the truth is, hazing is assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. It’s illegal in Minnesota, and it can cause permanent physical and psychological harm—or even death.
Common hazing practices in Stearns County and nearby colleges include:
- Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging, “drinking games”)
- Extreme physical exertion (marathon workouts, calisthenics until collapse, sleep deprivation)
- Physical abuse (paddling, beating, branding, “kidnapping” pledges)
- Psychological torture (verbal abuse, humiliation, isolation, threats)
- Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, degrading rituals)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (a form of torture)
- Forced consumption of non-food items (spicy foods, spoiled milk, peppercorns)
These aren’t “pranks.” They’re crimes.
Hazing Happens at Stearns County-Area Colleges
Stearns County is home to Saint John’s University, the College of Saint Benedict, and Saint Cloud State University, all of which have active Greek life and student organizations. Nearby institutions like the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), St. Cloud Technical & Community College, and St. Olaf College also have fraternities, sororities, and athletic teams where hazing occurs.
The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing deaths—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have chapters at or near Stearns County colleges. If these organizations have been involved in hazing scandals elsewhere, there’s no reason to believe their Stearns County chapters are any different.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Central Minnesota, they could be at risk.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Stearns County Families Should Watch For
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can cause life-threatening medical emergencies. Some of the most common (and dangerous) hazing injuries include:
| Injury | Cause | Symptoms | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500+ squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Severe muscle pain, dark brown urine, weakness, inability to move | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking (chugging, “drinking games”) | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow/irregular breathing, unconsciousness | Brain damage, coma, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Beatings, falls, head trauma | Headaches, dizziness, memory loss, mood swings, seizures | Permanent cognitive impairment, chronic pain, disability |
| Hypothermia / Frostbite | Exposure to cold (forced to strip outside in winter) | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, numbness in extremities | Amputation, nerve damage, chronic pain |
| Heatstroke | Forced exercise in hot conditions | High body temperature, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness | Organ failure, brain damage, death |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological abuse, threats, humiliation | Nightmares, flashbacks, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts | Long-term mental health struggles, substance abuse |
If your child comes home from a fraternity or sorority event with any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately—and call us.
The Landmark Case That Proves Stearns County Families Can Win
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston: A Warning to Stearns County Fraternities
Right now, Attorney 911 is litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The fraternity’s own statement admits they knew about a “hazing crisis”—yet they did nothing to stop it.
This isn’t just a Texas problem. This is happening at Stearns County colleges too.
Key takeaways from the Bermudez case that apply to Stearns County families:
✅ Universities are liable – The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. If hazing happens at a Stearns County college-owned facility, the school can be sued.
✅ National fraternities are liable – Pi Kappa Phi had 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Stearns County. They knew about deadly hazing and failed to stop it.
✅ Individual members can be sued personally – In the Stone Foltz case, a fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million out of his own pocket.
✅ Consent is NOT a defense – Under Minnesota and Texas law, even if a student “agreed” to hazing, they can still sue.
✅ Multi-million dollar verdicts are possible – Hazing cases have resulted in $6M–$110M+ settlements and verdicts.
If it can happen in Houston, it can happen in Stearns County. And if it does, we will hold every responsible party accountable.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Stearns County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In Stearns County hazing cases, we pursue:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Bermudez Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter forced 500 squats, waterboarding |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing | Pi Kappa Phi knew about Andrew Coffey’s death (2017) but did nothing |
| University / College | Failed to protect students; owned property where hazing occurred | UH owned the fraternity house where torture happened |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Fraternity president and pledgemaster named as defendants |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Multiple current members named in lawsuit |
| Former Members / Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former member and spouse named for allowing hazing at their residence |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Beta Nu Housing Corporation named as defendant |
In Stearns County, we will name every single person and organization responsible—and make them pay.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Stearns County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- If your child is injured, go to the ER or urgent care—even if they say they’re “fine.”
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and brain injuries can be fatal if untreated.
- Document everything—take photos of injuries, save medical records.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Do not delete anything.
✅ Save all communications:
- Text messages
- GroupMe / WhatsApp / Snapchat messages
- Emails
- Social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
✅ Take photos/videos:
- Injuries (bruises, burns, cuts)
- Hazing locations (fraternity house, field, basement)
- Items used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, restraints)
✅ Document everything:
- Names of witnesses (other pledges, members, bystanders)
- Dates and times of hazing incidents
- What was said during hazing (threats, humiliation, orders)
⚠️ WARNING: Do NOT confront the fraternity or university alone.
- They will destroy evidence and coordinate their story.
- They will pressure your child to stay silent.
- They will offer lowball settlements before you know the full extent of injuries.
Step 3: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Stearns County hazing emergencies)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💻 Schedule a free, confidential consultation
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Minnesota Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 – Anti-Hazing Law
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 a student.”
Key provisions:
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to hazing, it’s still illegal.
- Criminal penalties – Hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
- Institutional liability – Schools can be held responsible for failing to prevent hazing.
- Reporting requirements – Schools must report hazing incidents to authorities.
Civil Lawsuits: Suing for Damages in Stearns County
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Stearns County can sue for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if injuries affect employment)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)
Minnesota has no cap on pain and suffering damages, meaning juries can award millions in hazing cases.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts nationwide. These cases prove that Stearns County families can win big.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | VCU | Settlement | $4M+ |
These cases show that juries and courts take hazing seriously—and so do we.
Why Stearns County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these cases work because we’re in the courtroom fighting them today.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate. He knew the risks.” Minnesota law says consent is NOT a defense. We’ll make sure the jury understands that no one consents to torture.
3. We Have Insider Knowledge of Greek Life
Our attorneys have litigated hazing cases involving Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other fraternities. We know how these organizations operate—and how to dismantle their defenses.
4. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how to negotiate the maximum settlement for Stearns County families.
5. We’ll Travel to Stearns County
We’re based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide. We’ll come to Stearns County for depositions, meetings, and trials—distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront
Stearns County families pay nothing unless we win. We take the risk so you can focus on healing.
What Stearns County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
Economic Damages (Hard Costs)
- Medical bills (ER visits, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work due to injuries)
- Educational costs (tuition refunds if hazing forced withdrawal)
- Future medical care (dialysis, kidney transplant, long-term therapy)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
- Physical pain (from injuries, medical treatment, recovery)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
- Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)
Punitive Damages (Punishing the Wrongdoers)
If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or involved torture, juries can award punitive damages to send a message. In Minnesota, punitive damages are uncapped in most cases.
The Message to Stearns County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Stearns County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters in Central Minnesota.
If you haze students in Stearns County, we will find every liable entity—your chapter, your nationals, your university, and your individual members. We will sue you for everything you’ve got.
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. The fraternity president in the Stone Foltz case? Ordered to pay $6.5 million. Your chapter could be next.
Stearns County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back
If your child has been hazed at Saint John’s University, the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Cloud State University, or any other Stearns County college, you don’t have to stay silent.
You have rights. You have power. And you have Attorney 911 on your side.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Stearns County hazing emergencies)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💻 Schedule a free, confidential consultation
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now—and we’ll fight for Stearns County families too.
