Hazing Lawyers in Washington County, MN | Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Washington County and Beyond
If your child has been the victim of hazing in Washington County, MN, you are not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client at the University of Houston are happening right here in Minnesota — at universities near Washington County, in fraternities and sororities, on sports teams, and in other student organizations. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for Washington County families with the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our $10 million hazing lawsuit.
Washington County Parents: This Could Be Your Child
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening in Minnesota too. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Washington County, and they bring the same culture of abuse with them.
If your child has been hazed in Washington County, we can help.
🚨 What Washington County Families Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing isn’t about “building brotherhood” or “team bonding.” It’s about power, control, and humiliation. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi members:
- Waterboarded a pledge with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Made him eat until he vomited, then forced him to keep running
- Hog-tied another pledge with an object in his mouth for over an hour
This is not tradition. This is torture. And it’s happening right here in Minnesota.
Universities Near Washington County Are Failing Students
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was hazed. They knew about a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity on their campus. They did nothing. Now a student is in the hospital with kidney failure.
Universities near Washington County have the same duty to protect students. If they own the property where hazing occurs, if they have the power to regulate Greek life, and if they fail to act — they are liable.
National Fraternities Know About the Problem — And Do Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State). They had 8 years to fix their culture. Instead, another student ended up in the hospital in 2025. This is not an isolated incident — it’s a pattern.
The same national fraternities with chapters near Washington County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. They know the risks. They choose reputation over safety.
Consent Is Not a Defense in Minnesota
Some fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate. He knew what he was getting into.”
Minnesota law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE.
Just like in Texas, Minnesota’s anti-hazing statutes make it clear: You cannot consent to being hazed. If your child was coerced, threatened, or pressured into participating, that’s not real consent — and it doesn’t absolve the organization of liability.
🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Washington County?
When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it to occur can be held accountable. In our current case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about prior hazing incidents and failed to prevent them |
| University/College | Owns or controls the property where hazing occurred; failed to supervise |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed or allowed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Former Members/Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
Washington County Families: If your child was hazed at a university near Washington County, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.
💰 What Hazing Victims in Washington County Can Recover
Hazing causes physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial hardship. Washington County victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (emergency room, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause long-term limitations)
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment, recovery)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience, social life, activities)
Punitive Damages
- If the conduct was intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct
- In our current case, waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and wooden paddles support punitive damages
Washington County Families: The same multi-million dollar settlements awarded in other hazing cases are possible for Minnesota victims.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Washington County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) have delayed symptoms
- Medical records create critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
- Write down everything (dates, times, locations, what happened, who was there)
- Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure you to sign documents or give statements
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Do not post about the incident
- Do not post photos that make you look “fine”
- Do not engage with Greek life members online
- Insurance companies and attorneys will use your posts against you
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Minnesota has a statute of limitations — you must act quickly
- Evidence disappears fast — texts get deleted, witnesses forget
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Washington County hazing emergencies)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
⏳ Why Washington County Families Can’t Wait
The Statute of Limitations is Running
- Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
- If you don’t file a lawsuit within 2 years, you lose your right to sue forever
- The clock starts ticking the day the hazing occurs — not when you realize the full impact
Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Fraternities and universities delete texts, photos, and social media posts
- Witnesses forget details or become intimidated into silence
- Physical evidence gets destroyed
Insurance Companies Will Lowball You
- They will contact you immediately with a low settlement offer
- They will pressure you to accept before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Once you accept, you waive your right to more compensation — even if your medical bills pile up later
Washington County Families: The best way to protect your rights is to contact us immediately. We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
🏆 Why Washington County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to hold institutions accountable
- We know how to win
We Have Insider Knowledge
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims
- We know their playbook — and we use it against them
We Have a Proven Track Record
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to maximize claims
- Federal court admission — we can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage against national organizations
We Serve Washington County Families
- Headquartered in Houston, but we serve hazing victims nationwide
- Video consultations available for Washington County families
- We travel to Washington County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Se habla español — bilingual staff available
We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Washington County Families
- No hourly fees
- No retainer required
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
📞 Washington County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Washington County, MN, you have legal rights — and we will fight for them.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations for Washington County families
✅ Immediate case evaluation — know your rights and options
✅ Aggressive representation — we don’t back down from institutions
✅ Nationwide service — we can help regardless of where the hazing occurred
✅ Contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win
Washington County Families: The time to act is now. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Call us today.
🔍 Hazing at Universities Near Washington County, MN
Hazing isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening right here in Minnesota. The same national fraternities involved in our current lawsuit have active chapters at universities near Washington County.
Universities Near Washington County with Greek Life:
While Washington County itself is home to smaller community colleges and technical schools, nearby universities with Greek organizations include:
- University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) — One of the largest Greek systems in the state
- St. Cloud State University — Active Greek life presence
- Minnesota State University, Mankato — Multiple fraternities and sororities
- University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) — Greek organizations present
- Hamline University (St. Paul) — Sororities and fraternities
These are the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If your child attends or plans to attend any university near Washington County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
Fraternities Near Washington County with Hazing Histories:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Washington County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (death, 2017); Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized, 2025 — our case) | University of Minnesota |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths; $1M+ settlements | University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (death, 2021 — $10.1M settlement) | University of Minnesota, St. Cloud State |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (death, 2017 — $110M+ settlement) | University of Minnesota |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (death, 2017 — $6.1M verdict) | University of Minnesota |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits (including recent 2025 case) | University of Minnesota, Hamline |
Washington County Parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Washington County, they are at risk. These organizations have a documented history of hazing — and they have paid millions because of it.
⚖️ Minnesota Hazing Laws — What Washington County Families Need to Know
Minnesota has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child has been hazed, they may have both criminal and civil remedies.
Minnesota Statutes § 121A.69 — Hazing Prohibited
Definition of Hazing:
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, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, athletic team, or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person.
This includes:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beating, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Any activity that creates an unreasonable risk of harm
Criminal Penalties in Minnesota
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing substantial bodily harm (gross misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $3,000 fine |
| Hazing causing great bodily harm (felony) | Up to 5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Consent is not a defense — just like in Texas, Minnesota law explicitly states that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Minnesota
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct)
Universities, national organizations, and individual members can all be held liable.
💡 Common Hazing Warning Signs for Washington County Parents
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Washington County parents should watch for these red flags:
Behavioral Changes:
✅ Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
✅ Increased secrecy about activities
✅ Unexplained exhaustion or sleep deprivation
✅ Sudden changes in mood (anxiety, depression, irritability)
✅ Fear of certain people or places
✅ Unexplained injuries or bruises
Physical Signs:
✅ Weight loss or gain
✅ Signs of dehydration or malnutrition
✅ Unexplained illnesses (nausea, vomiting, dizziness)
✅ Difficulty walking or moving (could indicate muscle damage)
Academic Impact:
✅ Sudden drop in grades
✅ Skipping classes
✅ Missing assignments or exams
✅ Withdrawal from extracurricular activities
Financial Signs:
✅ Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, paying for events)
✅ Requests for money without explanation
✅ Unexplained credit card charges
Social Media Clues:
✅ Posts about “traditions” or “initiation”
✅ Photos showing exhaustion, injuries, or distress
✅ Group chats with coded language about “activities”
✅ Sudden deletion of social media accounts or posts
Washington County Parents: If you notice any of these warning signs, ask questions — and contact us immediately if you suspect hazing.
📢 A Message to Washington County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Washington County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in other hazing cases apply to your chapters. The same $6.1 million jury verdicts can happen here. The same criminal convictions are possible.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi — if your chapter operates near Washington County, know this:
- We track your house corporations, alumni chapters, and national structures
- We know your hazing histories
- We know the millions you’ve paid in settlements
- We know the students you’ve harmed
- And if you haze students in Washington County, we will pursue every liable entity
To universities near Washington County:
The University of Houston owned the house where a student was waterboarded. They knew about a prior hazing incident. They did nothing. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.
If your institution owns or controls property where hazing occurs, if you have the power to regulate Greek life, and if you fail to act — you are liable. We will hold you accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at UH?
- SHUT DOWN
- Charter surrendered
- Criminal referrals initiated
That’s what happens when you haze in America. That’s what will happen in Washington County.
🏆 Recent Hazing Cases That Changed the Law
Hazing victims and their families have turned tragedy into change. These cases led to new laws and multi-million dollar verdicts — and Washington County families can achieve the same.
| Case | University | Outcome | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | $10.1M settlement | Collin’s Law — Ohio made hazing a felony |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | $6.1M jury verdict | Max Gruver Act — Louisiana made hazing a felony |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | $110M+ settlement | Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law — Pennsylvania |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Confidential settlement | Contributed to Florida hazing reform |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Virginia Commonwealth | $4M+ settlement | Adam’s Law — Virginia hazing reform |
Washington County Families: Your case can save lives and change laws in Minnesota. Contact us to make a difference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Washington County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they “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 is still liable for any harm caused.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still hold the university responsible?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm — even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks, they can be held liable.
Q: My child is afraid of retribution. How can we protect them?
A: We understand the fear. In our current case, our client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously and will:
- Protect your child’s identity if necessary
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
- Work with law enforcement to ensure safety
Q: We’re in Washington County, and the hazing happened in another state. Can you still help us?
A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations for Washington County families
- Travel to Washington County for meetings and depositions
- Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you only pay if we get you compensation.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The clock starts ticking the day the hazing occurs. If you don’t file within 2 years, you lose your right to sue forever. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What if the fraternity or university offers us a settlement? Should we accept?
A: NEVER accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and institutions will lowball you with their first offer. In our experience, victims who hire attorneys recover significantly more — even after attorney fees.
Q: Can individual members be held personally liable?
A: YES. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million. Every person who participated in or allowed hazing can be held personally liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: You can still pursue compensation. Hazing causes psychological trauma, emotional distress, and educational disruption — all of which are compensable. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are real injuries that deserve compensation.
📞 Washington County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is abuse. It’s not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not acceptable.
If your child has been hazed in Washington County, MN, we are here to help. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Washington County families.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Washington County hazing victims: The time to act is now.
