Hazing Lawyers for Winona County Families – Attorney 911 Fights for Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – We Represent Winona County Victims Nationwide

Winona County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But when universities, fraternities, and sororities fail to protect students, the consequences can be devastating—hospitalization, lifelong trauma, or even death.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced into extreme physical punishment, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it happens at universities near Winona County too. If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

Winona County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is not “tradition.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. If your child has been:

• Forced to drink until vomiting or passing out
• Subjected to extreme physical punishment (paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding)
• Humiliated, degraded, or psychologically abused
• Hospitalized due to hazing injuries
• Threatened with expulsion if they speak out

We can help.

The Hazing Crisis in Winona County and Beyond

Hazing is a National Epidemic – And Winona County Students Are at Risk

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
• 40% of student athletes report hazing (Alfred University Study)
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group

Fraternities and sororities near Winona County operate under the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements. If your child attends a university with Greek life, they face the same risks.

Universities Near Winona County Have Greek Life – And Hazing Risks

While we don’t have documented hazing incidents at every Winona County institution, we know that national fraternities and sororities with hazing histories operate in the region, including at:

• Winona State University (Greek life presence)
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (Greek life presence)
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (nearby, major Greek life)
• Minnesota State University, Mankato (nearby, major Greek life)

These same organizations—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have chapters across the country that have paid millions in hazing settlements. If your child was hazed at any of these or other institutions, we can help you seek justice.

Our $10 Million Hazing Case: What Happened at UH Could Happen in Winona County

The Case That Shows Winona County Families Why We Fight

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was systematically abused, waterboarded, and hospitalized with kidney failure during fraternity hazing.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not an isolated incident—it’s a pattern.

The Hazing Timeline: From Bid to Hospitalization

The Same Hazing Happens at Winona County-Area Universities

• Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other fraternities with hazing histories have chapters near Winona County.
• Universities near Winona County have the same oversight failures as UH—failing to monitor Greek life, ignoring prior hazing incidents, and allowing dangerous cultures to persist.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Winona County-area fraternities and sororities.

If your child was hazed, we will fight for you with the same determination we’re bringing to this case.

Who Is Liable for Winona County Hazing?

When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible—not just the individuals who carried it out.

We Sue Everyone Responsible

In our UH case, we are suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National (failed to stop hazing despite prior death)
✅ UH Beta Nu Chapter (directly organized hazing)
✅ University of Houston (owned the fraternity house, failed to protect students)
✅ Individual members and officers (participated in and directed hazing)

We will do the same for Winona County families.

What Can Winona County Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full compensation for their injuries, including:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Future medical costs (dialysis, kidney transplant, ongoing treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work due to injuries)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career)
• Tuition and academic losses (if hazing disrupted education)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain (from beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
• Humiliation and shame (from degrading hazing rituals)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Wrongful death damages (if hazing led to death)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or part of a pattern, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

Our $10 million demand in the UH case is supported by precedent:

• $10.1M settlement (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1M jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110M+ settlement (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

Winona County families can recover the same compensation.

What Should Winona County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, document everything with a doctor.
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening.
• Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts about hazing
✅ Witness statements (other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Medical records (hospitalization, therapy, prescriptions)
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

❌ Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without a lawyer
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Minnesota)
• Report to the university (Title IX office, Greek life office)
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer

Do not speak to insurance companies or university lawyers without legal representation. They will try to minimize your claim, shift blame, or pressure you into a low settlement.

Call Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Winona County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We are actively litigating the UH/Pi Kappa Phi case.
• We know exactly how to build these cases and hold institutions accountable.
• Winona County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before representing victims.
• We know how they try to deny claims, delay settlements, and minimize payouts.
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

• We are admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas).
• We can pursue Winona County hazing cases in federal court if needed.
• Distance is not a barrier—we represent victims nationwide.

4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

• We don’t settle for lowball offers.
• We take cases to trial if necessary to get full justice.
• We have won millions for personal injury victims, including in complex cases like hazing.

5. We Offer Free Consultations & Work on Contingency

• $0 upfront cost – You pay nothing unless we win.
• We handle all communications with insurance companies and defendants.
• We come to you – We travel to Winona County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

6. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

• Many hazing victims and families are Spanish-speaking.
• We provide bilingual legal representation to ensure no language barriers.

Minnesota Hazing Laws – What Winona County Families Need to Know

Minnesota Criminal Hazing Law (Minn. Stat. § 609.2247)

Hazing is a misdemeanor in Minnesota, punishable by:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Consent is not a defense – Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal.

If hazing causes great bodily harm or death, it can be charged as a felony.

Civil Liability – Winona County Families Can Sue

Even if criminal charges are filed, hazing victims can file civil lawsuits for:

• Negligence (universities, fraternities, sororities failed to protect students)
• Assault & Battery (individuals who physically abused the victim)
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (psychological torture)
• Premises Liability (if hazing occurred on university-owned property)

Minnesota has no cap on pain and suffering damages, meaning juries can award millions for egregious hazing cases.

What to Expect in a Winona County Hazing Lawsuit

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

• We review your case confidentially and determine if you have a claim.
• We explain your legal rights and options.

Step 2: Evidence Gathering

• We obtain medical records, witness statements, and fraternity/sorority documents.
• We preserve text messages, social media, and other digital evidence.
• We work with experts in hazing culture, medicine, and economics.

Step 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation

• We send a demand letter to the defendants outlining your damages.
• We negotiate with insurance companies and defense lawyers to secure a fair settlement.

Step 4: Filing the Lawsuit

• If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we file a lawsuit in court.
• We handle all legal filings, motions, and court appearances.

Step 5: Discovery & Depositions

• We depose witnesses, fraternity/sorority members, and university officials.
• We request internal documents, emails, and communications from defendants.
• We build a strong case for trial.

Step 6: Mediation or Trial

• Many cases settle in mediation (a structured negotiation with a neutral third party).
• If necessary, we take your case to trial and fight for a jury verdict.

Step 7: Compensation & Justice

• We ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
• We hold every responsible party accountable.

Winona County Hazing Victims: Act Now – Time Is Running Out

Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Hazing Lawsuits

• Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death

If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Evidence Disappears Quickly

• Text messages get deleted
• Witnesses forget details
• Universities and fraternities destroy records

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Winona County Families: We Are Your Legal Emergency Response Team

Hazing is a legal emergency. If your child has been hazed, you need immediate, aggressive legal representation to protect their rights and secure justice.

Call Attorney 911 Today – Free Consultation for Winona County Families

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Winona County hazing emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winona County Hazing Cases

Q: What if my child consented to the hazing? Can we still sue?

A: YES. Minnesota law states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, sorority, or university can still be held liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?

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: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that hurt our case?

A: NO. If the fraternity or sorority forced or pressured your child to drink, that is still hazing. Forced consumption of alcohol is a common hazing tactic, and it does not absolve the organization of liability.

Q: How much is my Winona County hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing settlements and verdicts have ranged from hundreds of thousands to over $100 million. Factors that increase case value include:
✅ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
✅ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, beatings, forced consumption)
✅ Pattern of abuse (prior hazing incidents at the same chapter)
✅ University knowledge (did they know and fail to act?)
✅ Wrongful death (if hazing led to death)

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients from retaliation. If fraternity or sorority members threaten or harass your child, we will take legal action to stop it.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Most cases settle within 12–24 months, but complex cases (like those involving multiple defendants or severe injuries) can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring full compensation.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a Winona County hazing case?

YES. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an experienced hazing attorney to level the playing field and fight for maximum compensation.

Winona County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing is not a rite of passage—it’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. If your child has been hazed, they deserve justice, compensation, and the peace of mind that this won’t happen to someone else.

Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Winona County families with the same dedication we’re bringing to our $10 million hazing case. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.