Hazing Justice for Hettinger County Families: How Attorney 911 Fights for Your Child’s Safety and Compensation
🚨 Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
Hettinger County families, we need to talk.
Your child went to college expecting to make friends, build connections, and prepare for a bright future. Instead, they were subjected to torture disguised as tradition—waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, beatings with wooden paddles, humiliation, and psychological abuse. They were hospitalized. Or worse—they didn’t come home at all.
This isn’t just happening in Houston or Austin. It’s happening at universities near Hettinger County. And it’s happening to your children.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston—a case that has already exposed waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, and extreme physical punishment that sent a young man to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical. This is happening right now, and we are fighting it in court.
But we can’t do it alone. We need Hettinger County families to stand with us.
If your child has been hazed—whether at Dickinson State University, Bismarck State College, the University of Mary, Minot State University, or any other institution near Hettinger County—you have legal rights. And we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to the Houston case.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Hettinger County
The Case That Proves Hazing Is Systemic — And Deadly
On November 21, 2025, Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized for four days with kidney failure.
This wasn’t an accident. This was a calculated, weeks-long campaign of abuse.
📌 What They Did to Leonel Bermudez (And What They’re Doing to Students Near Hettinger County):
| Hazing Activity | What Happened | Medical Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics | Psychological trauma; risk of asphyxiation |
| 500+ Squats | Forced to perform 500 squats as punishment | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) → Kidney failure |
| 100+ Pushups | Forced pushups under threat of expulsion | Severe muscle damage |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck repeatedly with wooden paddles | Bruising, potential internal injuries |
| Forced Eating | Consumed milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting | Choking hazard; dehydration |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours | Exhaustion; impaired judgment |
| Humiliation | Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects; stripped to underwear in cold weather | PTSD; anxiety; depression |
| Psychological Torture | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour | Severe emotional distress |
Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member expected to transfer. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled.
And here’s the worst part: This wasn’t the first time.
- 2017: Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
- 2017: A University of Houston student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
- 2025: Leonel Bermudez is hospitalized after hazing at Pi Kappa Phi at UH.
Same fraternities. Same universities. Same negligence. Eight years apart.
If this can happen at major universities, it can—and does—happen at schools near Hettinger County.
⚠️ The Truth About Hazing in North Dakota: It’s Closer Than You Think
Hettinger County families, you might think hazing is a problem for big universities in other states. It’s not.
Hazing happens everywhere—including at colleges and universities near Hettinger County.
📍 Greek Life Presence Near Hettinger County:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Fraternities with Hazing Histories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND (~100 miles from Hettinger County) | Active Greek life | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
| University of Mary | Bismarck, ND (~150 miles) | Active Greek life | Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, others |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND (~150 miles) | Limited Greek life | Emerging chapters |
| Minot State University | Minot, ND (~200 miles) | Active Greek life | Kappa Sigma, others |
| North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND (~250 miles) | Large Greek system | Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
The same national fraternities that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez have chapters at universities near Hettinger County.
The same “traditions” that sent him to the hospital exist in North Dakota.
And the same negligence that allowed this to happen in Houston exists at institutions near Hettinger County.
💔 What Hazing Does to Your Child (And Your Family)
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And the consequences last a lifetime.
🏥 Physical Consequences of Hazing:
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls) | Kidney failure; potential dialysis; lifetime monitoring |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis | Permanent kidney damage; potential transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Death; brain damage; organ failure |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings; falls | Cognitive impairment; memory loss; personality changes |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse | Chronic pain; disability |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ damage; long-term health issues |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Sexual hazing | PTSD; depression; trust issues |
🧠 Psychological Consequences of Hazing:
| Condition | Cause | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Waterboarding; physical abuse; humiliation | Flashbacks; nightmares; severe anxiety |
| Depression | Humiliation; isolation; trauma | Hopelessness; fatigue; suicidal thoughts |
| Anxiety | Threats; fear of retribution | Panic attacks; social withdrawal |
| Trust Issues | Betrayal by peers and institutions | Difficulty forming relationships |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating trauma | Addiction; health decline |
| Academic Decline | Stress; sleep deprivation | Dropped classes; lost scholarships |
💔 The Ultimate Consequence: Death
Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
Names you should know:
- Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Forced drinking; BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
- Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) – Fell down stairs after forced drinking; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021) – Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
- Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) – Same fraternity as our client; forced to drink bourbon until he died
These weren’t accidents. They were preventable tragedies.
And they could happen to your child at a university near Hettinger County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights: What Hettinger County Families Can Do
If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights. And we will fight for them.
📌 Who Can Be Held Liable?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | What We Can Sue For |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Negligence; assault; battery; hazing |
| National Fraternity Organization | Knew about hazing risks; failed to supervise; ignored prior incidents | Negligent supervision; vicarious liability |
| University/College | Owned property where hazing occurred; failed to protect students; knew about prior incidents | Premises liability; negligent supervision; institutional negligence |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Assault; battery; intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Premises liability |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Premises liability; negligent supervision |
📌 What You Can Sue For:
| Damage Type | Examples | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills; ER visits; therapy; future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain; emotional trauma; PTSD | $250,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety; depression; humiliation | $250,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise) | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Total potential compensation: $1 million – $10+ million
🏆 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and institutions punish egregious conduct.
💰 Landmark Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement + Judgment | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver (2017) | LSU | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | FSU | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (likely $5M+) |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | UH | Pi Kappa Phi | OUR CASE | $10 million demanded |
These cases prove one thing: Hazing victims win big.
And Hettinger County families can win too.
🛡️ How Attorney 911 Fights for Hettinger County Families
We don’t just talk about fighting hazing. We’re doing it right now.
🔥 Our $10 Million Pi Kappa Phi Case: What We’ve Already Done
- Filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and individual members.
- Exposed the truth in national media (ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media).
- Forced Pi Kappa Phi to close the UH chapter—proving they knew it was dangerous.
- Established pattern evidence: Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017; Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. They had 8 years to fix their culture and did nothing.
- Identified deep pockets: National fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance.
- Built a case for punitive damages: Waterboarding is torture. 500 squats causing kidney failure is reckless. Juries will be outraged.
This is the same fight we will bring to Hettinger County.
📋 Our Hazing Litigation Process for Hettinger County Families:
| Step | What We Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free Consultation | Listen to your story; evaluate your case | No upfront cost; we only get paid if you win |
| 2. Evidence Preservation | Secure texts, photos, videos, witness statements | Critical for building a strong case |
| 3. Medical Documentation | Obtain hospital records, therapy records, expert opinions | Proves the extent of physical and psychological harm |
| 4. Identify All Defendants | Chapter, nationals, university, individuals | Ensures no one escapes accountability |
| 5. File Lawsuit | Aggressive legal action to hold defendants accountable | Sends a message that hazing will not be tolerated |
| 6. Discovery | Depose defendants; obtain internal documents | Proves knowledge, negligence, and cover-ups |
| 7. Negotiate Settlement | Push for maximum compensation | Most cases settle for millions |
| 8. Trial (If Necessary) | Present case to jury | Juries award big when conduct is egregious |
🚨 What Hettinger County Families Should Do RIGHT NOW
📌 If Your Child Has Been Hazed:
- Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor.
- Preserve all evidence—texts, photos, videos, social media posts, witness names.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel.
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
- Call Attorney 911 immediately—1-888-ATTY-911—for a free, confidential consultation.
📌 If Your Child Was Hospitalized or Died from Hazing:
- Request full medical records—hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records.
- Document everything—photos of injuries, communications with the university, witness statements.
- Do NOT accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney.
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately—we handle wrongful death cases and will fight for maximum compensation.
💬 What Hettinger County Parents Are Saying (And What You’re Probably Feeling)
“I sent my child to college to get an education, not to be tortured. I trusted the university to keep them safe. That trust was betrayed.”
“They told us hazing was just ‘tradition.’ But tradition doesn’t include waterboarding and 500 squats. This was abuse.”
“My child is terrified to speak out. They’re afraid of retaliation. But we can’t stay silent—not when this could happen to someone else’s child.”
“I didn’t know hazing was this bad. I thought it was just silly pranks. I was wrong. And now my child is paying the price.”
You are not alone. We are fighting this battle every day. And we will fight for you.
🎯 Why Hettinger County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case—not just talking about it.
- We know how to expose the truth and hold institutions accountable.
- We have already forced Pi Kappa Phi to close their UH chapter—proving we get results.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think—because we used to work for them.
- We know their tactics for denying claims—and we know how to beat them.
- We know where the money is—and how to get it for you.
3. We Have 37+ Years of Combined Litigation Experience
- Ralph Manginello: 25+ years of trial experience; former insurance defense attorney; handled BP Texas City explosion litigation.
- Lupe Pena: 12+ years of litigation experience; former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP).
- Together, we have handled hundreds of personal injury cases—including hazing, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries.
4. We Are Licensed in Multiple States and Federal Court
- Texas and New York bar licenses—strategic advantage for national fraternity cases.
- Federal court admission—can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
- Nationwide reach—we serve hazing victims anywhere in America, including Hettinger County.
5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Hettinger County Families
- No upfront costs—you pay nothing to hire us.
- No hourly fees—we don’t bill by the hour.
- We only get paid if you win—our fee comes from your settlement or verdict.
- No risk—if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
- Many hazing victims are Latino students or come from Spanish-speaking families.
- We provide bilingual legal services—no language barriers to justice.
- Consultations available in Spanish—your comfort and understanding matter.
7. We Travel to Hettinger County
- We come to you—for depositions, meetings, and trials.
- Video consultations available—if you can’t travel to Houston.
- Distance is not a barrier—we will fight for Hettinger County families no matter where you are.
8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Winning Big
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims.
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in catastrophic injury cases.
- Aggressive representation—we don’t back down from powerful institutions.
📞 Hettinger County Families: Call Us Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Your child’s safety—and your family’s future—depend on acting fast.
⏳ Why Time Is Critical:
- Evidence disappears—texts get deleted, photos vanish, witnesses forget.
- Statute of limitations—you typically have 2 years to file a lawsuit (sometimes less).
- Universities and fraternities will try to cover it up—they will destroy evidence and pressure victims to stay silent.
📋 What Happens When You Call:
- Free, confidential consultation—we listen to your story.
- Case evaluation—we determine if you have a viable claim.
- Immediate action plan—we preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- No pressure—you decide if you want to move forward.
- No upfront cost—we only get paid if you win.
🚀 The Time to Act Is Now
Hettinger County families, we know this is overwhelming.
You’re dealing with:
- A child who is traumatized, hospitalized, or worse.
- A university that failed to protect them.
- A fraternity that tortured them in the name of tradition.
- A future that suddenly feels uncertain and scary.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle every day. We are holding fraternities and universities accountable. And we will fight for Hettinger County families with the same fury we’re bringing to the Houston case.
This isn’t just about compensation. It’s about justice. It’s about sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated. It’s about protecting the next student.
If your child has been hazed—call us now. 1-888-ATTY-911.
We are Attorney 911. And we are your first responders to this legal emergency.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Hettinger County and all of North Dakota — because hazing doesn’t stop at state lines, and neither do we.
