Hazing Victims in Grand Forks County: Know Your Rights and Get Justice
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Grand Forks County, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Grand Forks County families with the same relentless dedication.
The Hazing Crisis in Grand Forks County: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Grand Forks County is home to the University of North Dakota (UND), one of the state’s largest universities with a vibrant Greek life community. While fraternities and sororities can offer valuable social and leadership opportunities, they also carry serious risks — including hazing.
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal. And it happens right here in Grand Forks County.
What is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate. This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, or other substances)
- Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, early-morning demands)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)
In Grand Forks County, hazing can lead to:
- Hospitalization (like rhabdomyolysis from extreme exercise)
- Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
- Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
- Severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Even death
The Legal Reality: Hazing is Illegal in North Dakota
North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-27 makes hazing a crime. It defines hazing as any activity that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.
Penalties include:
- Misdemeanor charges for hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury
- Felony charges for hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death
- Fines and jail time for individuals involved
- Organizational penalties including loss of recognition and fines
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
Why Grand Forks County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during fraternity hazing.
We know how to win these cases. And we will bring that same expertise to Grand Forks County.
Our Advantages for Grand Forks County Families:
✅ Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience — We’re actively fighting this battle right now
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how the other side thinks and fights
✅ Federal Court Authority — We can pursue cases in federal court when needed
✅ Dual-State Bar Admission — Licensed in Texas and New York
✅ Contingency Fee Representation — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
✅ Bilingual Staff — Se habla español
✅ Willingness to Travel — We come to Grand Forks County for depositions, trials, and meetings
What Sets Us Apart:
We don’t just talk about fighting hazing. We’re in the courtroom right now, demanding justice. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Grand Forks County families.
Common Hazing Scenarios in Grand Forks County
Hazing happens across all types of student organizations in Grand Forks County. We represent victims from:
Fraternities and Sororities at UND
UND has multiple fraternities and sororities, including chapters of national organizations like:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Sigma Chi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Kappa Sigma
- Delta Gamma
- Chi Omega
- Kappa Delta
These same national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If your child was hazed at a Grand Forks County fraternity or sorority, we can help.
Sports Teams
- Football
- Hockey (UND has a storied hockey program)
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Track and field
- Other club and varsity sports
Marching Band
UND’s Pride of the North marching band is a source of school spirit — but hazing can occur in band culture too.
ROTC Programs
Military training programs sometimes have their own hazing traditions.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Any group with a membership process can engage in hazing.
Off-Campus Groups
Some hazing occurs at off-campus locations, including private homes and rented spaces.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Grand Forks County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
If your child is in immediate danger or needs medical attention, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Altru Hospital (Grand Forks, ND) is the primary medical center serving Grand Forks County. If your child shows signs of:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Brown/dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Step 2: Document Everything
Preserve all evidence of hazing:
- Medical records from hospital visits, doctor appointments, therapy sessions
- Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
- Screenshots of text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, or other communications about hazing
- Physical evidence (clothing, paddles, other items used in hazing)
- Witness information (names and contact info of other victims or bystanders)
- Academic records (showing impact on grades or enrollment)
- Employment records (if hazing affected work or internships)
Step 3: Report the Incident
- Report to UND: Contact the UND Dean of Students Office or the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- File a police report with the Grand Forks Police Department
- Consider a Title IX report if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault
Important: Do not confront the organization or its members directly. This could lead to evidence destruction or intimidation.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Why call early?
- Evidence disappears quickly (texts get deleted, memories fade, organizations destroy records)
- Statute of limitations (you typically have 2 years to file a lawsuit in North Dakota)
- We can guide you on what to document and what to avoid
- We handle all communications with the organization, university, and insurance companies
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Grand Forks County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants. We pursue all responsible parties:
The Organization (Fraternity, Sorority, Club)
- Local chapter (directly organized and conducted hazing)
- National organization (failed to supervise, knew about hazing culture)
The University of North Dakota
- Premises liability (if hazing occurred on university property)
- Negligent supervision (failed to monitor Greek life or student organizations)
- Institutional knowledge (if UND knew about prior hazing incidents)
Individual Perpetrators
- Chapter officers (president, pledge master, risk manager)
- Active members (participated in hazing)
- Alumni (hosted hazing at their homes)
Property Owners
- Fraternity/sorority housing corporations (own the property where hazing occurred)
- Private homeowners (if hazing occurred at off-campus residences)
Insurance Companies
- National organization’s liability insurance
- University’s institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance for individual defendants
What Compensation Is Available for Grand Forks County Hazing Victims?
If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Future medical care (if injuries require ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected employment)
- Academic impact (tuition for lost semesters, scholarship loss)
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme misconduct, juries may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing. These damages can be substantial.
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million in damages. While every case is unique, this shows what’s possible when institutions fail to protect students.
The Attorney 911 Difference: We Know How to Win
Our Current Hazing Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited
- Made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Threatened with expulsion if he stopped
This happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens in Grand Forks County. The same fraternities operate at UND. The same negligence exists at Grand Forks County institutions. And we will fight for Grand Forks County families with the same aggression.
Why This Case Matters for Grand Forks County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Grand Forks County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Grand Forks County fraternities
- Universities like UND face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Grand Forks County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Grand Forks County
Q: My child doesn’t want to report the hazing. What should I do?
A: Many victims fear retaliation or social consequences. You don’t need your child’s permission to contact an attorney. We can evaluate the case confidentially and advise you on the best course of action.
Q: The organization says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. North Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma, emotional distress, and humiliation are all valid bases for a lawsuit. Many hazing victims suffer long-term anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t matter. If the hazing was part of an organization’s activities, we can still pursue the case. Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus residences or rented spaces.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In North Dakota, you typically have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most cases settle before trial. If the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them throughout the process.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees or retainers.
Q: Can you help if we’re not in Texas?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Grand Forks County. We offer video consultations and travel to North Dakota as needed.
Grand Forks County Hazing Warning Signs
Parents should be alert for these common signs that hazing may be occurring:
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of exhaustion (dark circles under eyes, falling asleep in class)
- Weight loss or changes in appetite
- Symptoms of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness)
Behavioral Signs
- Sudden withdrawal from family or friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Anxiety or depression
- Drop in academic performance
- Avoidance of certain people or places
- Changes in sleep patterns
Organizational Signs
- Your child is required to keep activities secret
- They’re asked to perform tasks that seem dangerous or humiliating
- They talk about “traditions” that sound extreme
- They mention being forced to do things they don’t want to do
- They express fear about not completing certain activities
The Impact of Hazing: More Than Just Physical Injury
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical harm. It can have lifelong consequences for victims:
Physical Health
- Chronic pain from injuries
- Permanent organ damage (like kidney issues from rhabdomyolysis)
- Increased risk of future health problems
- Potential need for lifelong medical treatment
Mental Health
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Trust issues and difficulty forming relationships
Academic Impact
- Poor grades due to stress or exhaustion
- Dropped classes or semesters
- Loss of scholarships
- Delayed graduation
Professional Impact
- Difficulty obtaining internships or jobs
- Damage to professional reputation
- Limited career opportunities
Financial Impact
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing
Talking about hazing can be difficult, but open communication is crucial. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
Start the Conversation
- “I’ve been reading about hazing in the news. Have you heard about any incidents at UND?”
- “I want you to know that if you ever feel pressured to do something dangerous or humiliating, you can always come to me.”
- “Some organizations have traditions that cross the line into abuse. I want you to be safe.”
Listen Without Judgment
- Let your child share their experiences without interrupting
- Avoid blaming or shaming
- Validate their feelings: “That sounds really scary. I’m glad you’re telling me.”
Ask Open-Ended Questions
- “Tell me about your experience with [organization].”
- “Have you ever felt pressured to do something you didn’t want to do?”
- “How do you feel about the activities they ask new members to do?”
Educate About Rights
- “You have the right to say no to anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
- “No organization can force you to do something illegal or dangerous.”
- “If you feel unsafe, you can always walk away.”
Offer Support
- “I’m here for you, no matter what.”
- “We can get help together.”
- “Your safety and well-being are the most important things.”
Grand Forks County Resources for Hazing Victims
Medical Care
- Altru Hospital (Grand Forks, ND) — Emergency and specialized care
- UND Student Health Services — Primary care for students
Mental Health Support
- UND Counseling Center — Free counseling for UND students
- FirstLink (24/7 helpline) — 2-1-1 or 701-235-7335
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
Reporting Hazing
- UND Dean of Students Office — 701-777-2664
- UND Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities — 701-777-2664
- Grand Forks Police Department — 701-787-8000 (for criminal complaints)
- UND Title IX Office (for sexual harassment/assault) — 701-777-4365
Legal Support
- Attorney 911 — 1-888-ATTY-911 (free consultation for hazing victims)
Take Action Now: Protect Your Child and Hold Them Accountable
Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal.
And it happens right here in Grand Forks County.
If your child was hazed at UND or any other Grand Forks County institution:
- Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Preserve all evidence (medical records, photos, texts, etc.)
- Do not confront the organization (let us handle communications)
- Focus on your child’s recovery (we’ll handle the legal fight)
We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Grand Forks County families with the same relentless dedication.
The same fraternities that operate in Houston have chapters at UND. The same negligence that allowed Leonel Bermudez to be hospitalized exists in Grand Forks County. And we will hold them accountable.
Contact Attorney 911: Grand Forks County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice
Legal Emergency Hotline for Grand Forks County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free Consultation: Available 24/7 for Grand Forks County families
We Come to Grand Forks County: For depositions, trials, and client meetings
Contingency Fee Representation: $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Why Grand Forks County Families Trust Attorney 911:
✅ We’re in the fight right now — litigating a $10 million hazing case
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
✅ Nationwide experience — we represent hazing victims across America
✅ No upfront cost — we only get paid if we win your case
✅ Bilingual staff — Se habla español
✅ Willing to travel — we come to Grand Forks County for your case
✅ Proven results — multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
The Message to Grand Forks County Fraternities and Universities:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates in Grand Forks County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters in Grand Forks County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities in Grand Forks County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
Enough is Enough, Grand Forks County
Grand Forks County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their children.
That trust is being betrayed.
It’s time to hold these institutions accountable. It’s time to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Grand Forks County.
If your child was hazed, call us. We will fight for you. We will fight for justice. And we will make sure this never happens to another Grand Forks County family.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Grand Forks County Hazing Victims
