🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Guide: Your Rights in McIntosh County, North Dakota
Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice in McIntosh County and Beyond
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in McIntosh County, North Dakota, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening right here in North Dakota. We’re fighting this battle nationwide, and we’re ready to fight for McIntosh County families.
🏥 What Happened to Our Client Could Happen Here
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The abuse included:
- 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
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing — they kept going
This same abuse happens at North Dakota universities. The same national fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists. And we will fight for McIntosh County victims with the same aggression.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights in McIntosh County, North Dakota
North Dakota Hazing Laws
North Dakota has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students:
North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-12: Hazing Prohibited
- Hazing is illegal in North Dakota
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if you “agreed” to participate
- Organizations AND individuals can be held liable
- Can result in criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony depending on severity)
Penalties:
- Up to 30 days in jail and $1,500 fine for individuals
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
- Expulsion from school
- Civil lawsuits for damages
Who Can Be Held Liable in McIntosh County?
If you’ve been hazed in McIntosh County or at a North Dakota university, you can sue:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; negligent oversight |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to prevent hazing |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred |
McIntosh County families: You have the same rights as families in Houston, Texas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
💰 What Your Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (Ohio, 2021) | Death from forced drinking | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver (Louisiana, 2017) | Death from alcohol poisoning | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) | Death from forced drinking | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (Florida, 2017) | Death from forced drinking | Confidential multi-million settlement |
McIntosh County families: These same results are possible for you. We know how to build these cases and win.
📋 What to Do If You’ve Been Hazed in McIntosh County
IMMEDIATE STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything: bruises, pain, psychological symptoms
- McIntosh County hospitals: Ashley Medical Center, Wishek Hospital
-
Preserve Evidence
- Save all communications: texts, emails, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Take photos/videos: injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Write down everything: dates, times, what happened, who was there
- Get witness information: names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
-
Report the Incident
- To law enforcement: McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office (701-288-3480)
- To your school: Report to the Dean of Students or Title IX office
- To the national organization: If it’s a fraternity/sorority, report to their national headquarters
-
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- We offer free consultations for McIntosh County hazing victims
- No upfront cost — we work on contingency
🏫 Hazing at North Dakota Universities
Hazing happens at colleges and universities across North Dakota, including:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | Active Greek system |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | Active Greek system |
| Minot State University | Minot, ND | Greek organizations |
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | Greek organizations |
| Valley City State University | Valley City, ND | Greek organizations |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths operate at North Dakota universities:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Beta Theta Pi
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
McIntosh County families: If your child attends college in North Dakota, they face the same hazing risks as students in Texas.
🎓 Hazing Isn’t Just Greek Life
Hazing happens in many student organizations in McIntosh County and North Dakota:
| Organization Type | Hazing Examples |
|---|---|
| Fraternities & Sororities | Forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation |
| Sports Teams | Beatings, forced exercise, humiliation |
| Marching Bands | Extreme physical demands, sleep deprivation |
| ROTC Programs | Physical punishment, hazing rituals |
| Student Government | Humiliation, forced activities |
| Honor Societies | Initiation rituals, forced consumption |
| Club Sports | Physical abuse, forced drinking |
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing
McIntosh County parents: Watch for these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Emotional Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Bruises or injuries | Withdrawing from friends/family | Anxiety or depression |
| Fatigue or exhaustion | Changes in sleep patterns | Mood swings |
| Weight loss | Loss of interest in activities | Fear of going to school |
| Difficulty walking | Avoiding certain people/places | Nightmares |
| Alcohol poisoning | Changes in academic performance | Suicidal thoughts |
| Sleep deprivation | Secretive behavior | PTSD symptoms |
📞 Why McIntosh County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Understand McIntosh County Families
McIntosh County is a tight-knit community with strong family values. We understand the unique culture and concerns of rural North Dakota families. We treat McIntosh County families with the respect and care they deserve.
Our Experience with Hazing Cases
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases (like our client’s kidney failure)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
- Federal court admission — can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
We Come to McIntosh County
- Video consultations available for McIntosh County families
- We travel to McIntosh County for meetings, depositions, and trials
- No distance barriers — we represent hazing victims nationwide
No Upfront Cost for McIntosh County Families
- Contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if we win your case
- No financial risk to you
We Speak Your Language
- Se habla español — bilingual staff available
- We explain the legal process in plain English
- We respect McIntosh County’s rural values and traditions
🚨 McIntosh County: Don’t Wait to Get Help
The Statute of Limitations
In North Dakota, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to compensation forever.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts get removed
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
The Sooner You Act, the Stronger Your Case
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for McIntosh County Families
Q: Can I sue if the hazing happened at a North Dakota university but I live in McIntosh County?
A: Yes. Your location doesn’t matter. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including McIntosh County families. We can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for participating?
A: North Dakota law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you participated, you can still recover compensation if the organization was more at fault.
Q: What if the fraternity/sorority is already suspended?
A: That doesn’t prevent you from suing. In fact, suspensions often indicate the organization knew about the problem, which can strengthen your case.
Q: Can I afford a lawyer?
A: Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Most cases settle without going to trial. We negotiate aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. If we do go to trial, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation?
A: We protect our clients. Hazing victims often fear retaliation, but we ensure your safety and confidentiality throughout the legal process.
Q: Can I sue if my child died from hazing?
A: Yes. Families can sue for wrongful death. These cases often result in the highest settlements and verdicts.
📞 McIntosh County Hazing Victims: Call Now
Attorney 911
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free Consultation • No Upfront Cost • We Come to McIntosh County
🏆 Our Commitment to McIntosh County
We are committed to serving McIntosh County families with the same dedication we bring to our Houston clients. We understand the values of rural North Dakota, and we respect the strength and resilience of McIntosh County families.
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting a law firm — you’re getting:
- A team that fights for justice
- Attorneys who understand your community
- Aggressive representation against powerful institutions
- Compassionate support during a difficult time
McIntosh County families deserve justice. We’re here to make sure you get it.
📝 Contact Form for McIntosh County Families
If you or your child has been hazed, fill out this form for a free consultation:
Name: ________________________________
Phone: ________________________________
Email: ________________________________
Child's Name (if applicable): __________
School/University: _____________________
Organization: __________________________
Brief Description of What Happened: ___
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Send to: ralph@atty911.com
Or call: 1-888-ATTY-911
🔥 McIntosh County: Enough Is Enough
Hazing has no place in McIntosh County or anywhere in North Dakota. It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “bonding.” It’s abuse.
If you’ve been hazed, you have rights. You have options. You have Attorney 911.
Call us today. Let’s fight this battle together.
