Hazing Victim Legal Representation in McLean County, North Dakota
Protecting Students and Families from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
If your child has been a victim of hazing at a college or university near McLean County, North Dakota, you are not alone. The same dangerous cultures that led to the hospitalization of a University of Houston student after brutal hazing rituals exist right here in North Dakota. At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that caused severe kidney failure—and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to McLean County families.
Hazing Is Not “Tradition”—It’s Abuse
Hazing is not harmless fun or “brotherhood-building.” It is assault, torture, and reckless endangerment. In our current case, a student was:
- Waterboarded 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
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened in Texas—but the same fraternities, the same national organizations, and the same negligent universities operate right here in North Dakota. If your child attends Minot State University, Bismarck State College, or any other institution near McLean County, they could be at risk.
Why McLean County Families Need Legal Representation
1. Hazing Happens at North Dakota Schools
While McLean County itself is a rural area, students from the region attend colleges and universities where Greek life is active. Some of the most dangerous fraternities in the country—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others—have chapters at institutions near McLean County.
Common Hazing Practices in North Dakota:
- Forced alcohol consumption (leading to alcohol poisoning)
- Extreme physical exertion (causing rhabdomyolysis, heatstroke, or cardiac issues)
- Sleep deprivation and psychological torture (leading to PTSD and anxiety)
- Sexual humiliation and assault
- Waterboarding and simulated drowning
If your child has experienced any of these, they have legal rights—and we can help.
2. Universities and National Fraternities Will Try to Silence Victims
When hazing is exposed, institutions often:
- Pressure victims to stay quiet (“It’s just tradition”)
- Threaten expulsion from Greek life or school
- Offer minimal settlements to avoid public scrutiny
- Claim the victim “consented” to hazing (even though North Dakota law says consent is not a defense)
We don’t let them get away with it. Our attorneys have former insurance defense experience, meaning we know how these organizations operate—and we know how to hold them accountable.
3. The Same Fraternities That Hazed in Texas Operate in North Dakota
Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing in Texas, has 150+ chapters nationwide, including some in the Midwest. Other dangerous fraternities with documented hazing deaths—Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—also have chapters at universities near McLean County.
These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries—but they keep doing it because they think they can get away with it.
We’re changing that.
What We Can Do for McLean County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Legal Protection
- Stop retaliation from fraternities, universities, or other students
- Preserve evidence (texts, photos, videos, witness statements)
- Prevent destruction of records (fraternities often delete evidence after incidents)
2. Full Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We work with:
- Medical experts to document injuries (rhabdomyolysis, concussions, PTSD)
- Hazing culture specialists to prove systemic abuse
- Digital forensics teams to recover deleted messages and videos
- Former Greek life members who can testify about hidden hazing practices
3. Aggressive Legal Action Against All Responsible Parties
We sue everyone involved:
- The local fraternity chapter (for direct abuse)
- The national fraternity organization (for failing to prevent hazing)
- The university (for negligent oversight—especially if they own the fraternity house)
- Individual members (for personal liability)
4. Maximum Financial Compensation
Hazing victims may be entitled to:
✅ Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
✅ Lost wages (if injuries prevent work or career advancement)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✅ Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity and prevent future hazing)
Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:
- $10.1 million (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million (LSU / Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million (Penn State / Beta Theta Pi)
If your child was hazed in McLean County, we will fight for the compensation they deserve.
5. Protection from Retaliation
Many hazing victims fear speaking out because they worry about:
- Being kicked out of their fraternity or sorority
- Facing social ostracization
- Academic consequences
We protect our clients. We ensure that universities and fraternities cannot retaliate against victims who come forward.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in McLean County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything (photos of injuries, medical records)
- Get a full medical evaluation (rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and other conditions may not show symptoms right away)
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about the hazing
- Take screenshots of any threatening or incriminating messages
- Write down names of witnesses, participants, and fraternity leaders
- Do NOT delete anything—even if you think it’s embarrassing
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- Universities and fraternities will try to get you to sign away your rights
- They may offer a low settlement to make the case go away
- They may pressure you to stay silent
Before you speak to anyone, call us.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free, confidential consultation—we’ll evaluate your case
- No upfront costs—we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
- 24/7 availability—hazing emergencies don’t wait
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your McLean County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Already Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
We don’t just talk about hazing cases—we’re actively litigating one right now. Our client was hospitalized after Pi Kappa Phi’s hazing rituals, and we’re holding them accountable. McLean County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability, and we know how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach—Including McLean County
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including North Dakota. We can:
- File lawsuits in federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)
- Travel to McLean County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Offer remote consultations via phone or video
4. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)
Hazing affects students from all backgrounds. If your family speaks Spanish, we can communicate in your language—no barriers to justice.
5. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve secured millions in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Wrongful death cases (holding negligent parties accountable)
- Catastrophic injury claims (rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injuries)
If your child was hazed in McLean County, we will fight for maximum compensation.
Hazing Laws in North Dakota—What You Need to Know
North Dakota has strong anti-hazing laws, and victims have legal rights:
North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-27 – Hazing Prohibited
- Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail and $1,500 fine)
- If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it’s a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine)
- If hazing causes death, it’s a Class C felony (up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 fine)
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable
Civil Liability for Hazing in North Dakota
Victims can sue for:
✔ Medical expenses (past and future)
✔ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✔ Lost wages and earning capacity
✔ Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity and deter future hazing)
Universities can also be held liable if they:
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for McLean County Families
| Injury | How It Happens | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500+ squats, forced runs) | Kidney failure, permanent organ damage |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Beating, paddling, falls | Memory loss, cognitive impairment |
| Heatstroke / Hypothermia | Forced outdoor activities in extreme weather | Organ failure, death |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse, falls | Chronic pain, disability |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | PTSD, depression, trust issues |
| PTSD & Anxiety | Psychological torture, humiliation | Long-term therapy, medication |
| Wrongful Death | Fatal hazing incidents | Loss of a child, funeral expenses |
If your child suffered any of these injuries, we can help.
McLean County Universities & Greek Life—What Parents Need to Know
While McLean County itself is a rural area, students from the region often attend colleges and universities where Greek life is active. Some of the most dangerous fraternities have chapters at nearby institutions:
Minot State University (MSU) – Minot, ND
- Active Greek organizations (check current status)
- Potential hazing risks (forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation)
Bismarck State College (BSC) – Bismarck, ND
- Greek life presence (fraternities and sororities)
- Hazing reports in past years (alcohol-related incidents)
University of North Dakota (UND) – Grand Forks, ND
- Large Greek system (multiple fraternities with documented hazing histories)
- Past hazing incidents (forced consumption, physical punishment)
North Dakota State University (NDSU) – Fargo, ND
- Fraternities with national hazing records (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others)
- Alcohol-related hazing incidents in past years
If your child attends any of these schools—or any school with Greek life—they could be at risk.
What McLean County Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children
1. Talk to Your Child About Hazing
- Ask if they’ve witnessed or experienced hazing (many students don’t realize what’s happening is illegal)
- Explain that “tradition” is not an excuse for abuse
- Encourage them to report hazing—even anonymously
2. Recognize the Warning Signs of Hazing
⚠️ Physical signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
⚠️ Behavioral signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends/family
- Increased secrecy about Greek life activities
- Fear of retaliation if they speak out
- Signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
3. Know Your Child’s Rights
- They have the right to say NO to hazing—even if pressured
- They have the right to report hazing without fear of retaliation
- They have the right to leave a dangerous situation
4. If Hazing Happens, Act Immediately
- Get medical help (even if injuries seem minor)
- Document everything (photos, texts, witness names)
- Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity or university
- Call Attorney 911 before speaking to anyone else
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in McLean County
Q: My child was hazed, but they say it wasn’t that bad. Should I still call a lawyer?
A: YES. Many hazing victims downplay their injuries because they feel ashamed or pressured to stay quiet. Even “mild” hazing can cause long-term trauma. We offer free consultations—there’s no risk in talking to us.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Can they still be held liable?
A: YES. North Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held legally responsible.
Q: We live in McLean County, but the hazing happened in another city. Can you still help?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including North Dakota. We can:
- File lawsuits in federal court
- Travel to McLean County for meetings and depositions
- Offer remote consultations via phone or video
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In North Dakota, you generally have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us as soon as possible.
Q: Can the fraternity retaliate against my child for speaking out?
A: They might try—but we won’t let them. We take immediate legal action to prevent retaliation, including:
- Cease-and-desist letters to fraternities and universities
- Court orders protecting victims from harassment
- Public pressure to hold institutions accountable
McLean County Families: It’s Time to Take Action
Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s abuse, torture, and sometimes murder disguised as tradition.
If your child was hazed at Minot State University, Bismarck State College, UND, NDSU, or any other school near McLean County, they deserve justice—and we can help.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No upfront costs. We fight for McLean County families.
Together, We Can Stop Hazing in North Dakota
The fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas are the same ones operating near McLean County. The universities that failed to protect students in Houston are the same ones failing students in North Dakota.
But we’re changing that.
With every lawsuit, every settlement, and every verdict, we send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated.
If your child was hazed, we will fight for them. Call us today.