Hazing Lawyers in Bottineau County: Protecting Students from Abuse and Negligence

Attorney 911: Fighting for Bottineau County Hazing Victims Across North Dakota

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Bottineau County, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that hospitalized our client in Houston have active chapters at North Dakota institutions. The same culture of abuse exists in Bottineau County. And we’re ready to fight for Bottineau County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

Why Bottineau County Families Trust Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While based in Texas, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Sleep deprivation and psychological torture

This isn’t happening just in Texas. It’s happening at colleges and universities near Bottineau County.

Bottineau County Deserves the Same Aggressive Representation

We know Bottineau County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, you deserve justice. That’s why we:

• Travel to Bottineau County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Offer remote consultations so Bottineau County families can meet with us without leaving home
• Pursue every liable party – from individual members to national organizations to universities
• Fight for maximum compensation for Bottineau County victims

The Hazing Crisis in Bottineau County and Beyond

What Bottineau County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Bottineau County. Consider what happened to our Houston client:

• He wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet – he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer
• He was waterboarded, a form of torture
• He was forced to exercise until his muscles broke down, causing kidney failure
• Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing – and they kept going
• The fraternity closed their chapter 7 days before our lawsuit was filed – they knew what was coming

This same pattern exists at Bottineau County-area institutions.

The Medical Reality of Hazing

Our client’s rhabdomyolysis wasn’t an accident. It was the direct result of extreme physical abuse. Hazing can cause:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that damages kidneys)
• Acute kidney failure (life-threatening condition)
• Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
• Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Death

These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re happening to students right now – including near Bottineau County.

Who We Can Sue for Bottineau County Hazing Victims

The Deep Pockets Behind the Abuse

When your child is hazed, multiple parties are responsible. We pursue them all:

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters – The individuals who organized and participated in hazing
2. National Organizations – The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise their Bottineau County-area chapters
3. Universities and Colleges – The institutions that failed to protect Bottineau County students from known hazards
4. Chapter Advisors and Alumni – Those who enabled or turned a blind eye to hazing
5. Individual Members – Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing

In our current case, we’re suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
• The local UH chapter
• The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual fraternity members
• Former members who hosted hazing at their home

We’ll bring the same comprehensive approach to Bottineau County cases.

The Legal Framework Protecting Bottineau County Students

North Dakota has strong laws against hazing. Under North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17:

• Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor
• Consent is not a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
• Individuals face up to 30 days in jail

But criminal charges aren’t enough. Civil lawsuits allow Bottineau County families to pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost educational opportunities
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Bottineau County

Immediate Steps for Bottineau County Families

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, get them documented
2. Preserve All Evidence – Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts
3. Don’t Talk to the Organization – They’ll try to control the narrative
4. Don’t Post on Social Media – Anything you say can be used against you
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and North Dakota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Bottineau County Hazing Case

The Attorney 911 Difference

1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle – Our $10 million hazing lawsuit is active right now
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how the other side thinks and fights
3. Federal Court Authority – We can pursue Bottineau County cases in federal court
4. Dual-State Licensed – Texas and New York bars give us strategic advantages
5. We Travel to Bottineau County – For depositions, trials, and client meetings
6. Remote Consultations Available – Bottineau County families can meet with us from home
7. Contingency Fee Basis – No upfront costs; we only get paid if we win

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former insurance defense attorneys – we know their tactics
• Federal court experience – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)

The Bottineau County Hazing Lawsuit Process

What Bottineau County Families Can Expect

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
2. Evidence Gathering – We collect medical records, witness statements, and documentation
3. Demand Letter – We present your case to the defendants
4. Negotiation – We fight for maximum compensation
5. Litigation (if needed) – We file a lawsuit and take your case to court
6. Resolution – Settlement or jury verdict

Most cases settle without going to trial, but we’re always prepared to fight for Bottineau County families in court.

Common Hazing Activities at Bottineau County-Area Schools

What Bottineau County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing takes many forms, but all are dangerous. Common hazing activities include:

• Physical Abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise
• Forced Consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food items to the point of vomiting
• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning – As seen in our current case
• Sleep Deprivation – Forced late-night activities
• Psychological Abuse – Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse
• Sexual Abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Exposure to Elements – Forced outdoor activities in extreme weather
• Servitude – Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

If your child experienced any of these at a Bottineau County-area school, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Long-Term Impact of Hazing on Bottineau County Students

More Than Just Physical Injuries

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical harm. It can have lasting effects on Bottineau County students, including:

• PTSD and Anxiety – From traumatic experiences
• Depression – From humiliation and abuse
• Academic Struggles – Missed classes, dropped grades
• Career Impact – Lost internships, damaged reputation
• Trust Issues – Difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Substance Abuse – Self-medicating to cope with trauma

These aren’t just temporary issues. They can affect Bottineau County students for life.

How Universities Near Bottineau County Enable Hazing

Institutional Negligence

Universities near Bottineau County have a duty to protect students from hazing. When they fail, they’re liable. Common failures include:

• Ignoring Prior Incidents – Like UH’s 2017 hazing case that should have warned them
• Failing to Inspect Fraternity/Sorority Houses – Even when they own the property
• Not Enforcing Anti-Hazing Policies – Allowing known violations to continue
• Covering Up Incidents – Protecting their reputation over student safety
• Failing to Train Staff – On recognizing and preventing hazing

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They failed to protect our client despite knowing the risks.

National Fraternities Operating Near Bottineau County

The Same Organizations That Paid Millions in Other States

Many national fraternities with chapters near Bottineau County have paid millions in hazing settlements:

These same fraternities have chapters at colleges and universities near Bottineau County.

What Bottineau County Families Can Recover

Compensation Available for Hazing Victims

If your child was hazed at a Bottineau County-area school, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
• Pain and Suffering – Physical and emotional distress
• Lost Wages – Time missed from work during recovery
• Educational Damages – Tuition for lost semesters, scholarship loss
• Future Medical Care – Ongoing treatment needs
• Punitive Damages – To punish egregious conduct

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries.

Bottineau County Hazing Resources

Organizations That Can Help

1. StopHazing – Research and education on hazing prevention (stophazing.org)
2. HazingPrevention.org – National organization dedicated to hazing prevention
3. Clery Center – Campus safety resources (clerycenter.org)
4. North Dakota University System – State-specific policies and reporting
5. Attorney 911 – Legal representation for Bottineau County hazing victims (1-888-ATTY-911)

Frequently Asked Questions About Bottineau County Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Hazing often creates fear of retaliation. We can help protect your child’s identity while pursuing justice. Many victims don’t report because they’re afraid of social consequences or being labeled a “snitch.” We understand these concerns and can develop a strategy that protects your child while holding the responsible parties accountable.

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

A: Yes. North Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal and the responsible parties can be held liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. We can pursue cases involving off-campus hazing, including incidents at private homes or other locations.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer for our Bottineau County case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Bottineau County families pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a school outside Bottineau County?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier – we can handle your case through remote consultations and travel as needed.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from known hazards. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek organizations, they can be held liable for negligence.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t result in serious physical injury?

A: Physical injury isn’t required for a hazing case. Psychological trauma, emotional distress, and other harms can also support a legal claim.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: North Dakota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. It’s critical to contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: Can individual fraternity members be held personally liable?

A: Yes. In our current case, we’re suing individual members who participated in or facilitated the hazing. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We take these concerns seriously. Many hazing victims fear retaliation for speaking out. We can develop strategies to protect your child while pursuing justice.

The Attorney 911 Promise to Bottineau County Families

When you choose Attorney 911 to represent your Bottineau County hazing case, you get:

1. Aggressive Representation – We fight for maximum compensation
2. Compassionate Service – We understand the trauma your family is experiencing
3. No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win
4. Nationwide Reach – We can handle cases anywhere, including Bottineau County
5. Proven Results – Our $10 million hazing lawsuit speaks to our capabilities

Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Bottineau County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations is ticking.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We fight for Bottineau County hazing victims – no matter where the incident occurred.