🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Oliver County, North Dakota — Attorney 911
Oliver County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?
Hazing isn’t just a college problem. It’s happening right here in Oliver County, North Dakota — in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and student organizations at universities and colleges near our community. And when hazing crosses the line from “tradition” to torture, the consequences can be devastating: hospitalizations, permanent injuries, even death.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that made national headlines when a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening near Oliver County, and we will fight for North Dakota families with the same relentless determination.
If your child was hazed at a university or college near Oliver County, you need a legal team that knows how to hold institutions accountable. We serve hazing victims nationwide — including Oliver County — and we’re ready to help.
🏥 What Is Hazing? And When Does It Become Illegal?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
In North Dakota, hazing is illegal under state law (NDCC § 15.1-19-17). It doesn’t matter if the victim “consented.” If the activity caused harm, it’s against the law — and the people responsible can be held accountable.
Common Hazing Activities That Cross the Line:
| Activity | Why It’s Dangerous | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Alcohol Consumption | Alcohol poisoning, death | Criminal charges; civil liability |
| Extreme Physical Exercise | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure | Medical emergencies; permanent damage |
| Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning | Psychological trauma, physical harm | Torture; assault and battery |
| Beatings / Paddling | Broken bones, internal injuries | Assault; battery; civil lawsuits |
| Forced Eating Until Vomiting | Choking, aspiration, internal damage | Reckless endangerment |
| Sleep Deprivation | Mental health crises, accidents | Negligence; emotional distress |
| Sexual Humiliation / Assault | PTSD, depression, trauma | Sexual assault; intentional infliction of emotional distress |
This isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. And it’s happening at universities near Oliver County.
🔍 How Do I Know If My Child Was Hazed Near Oliver County?
Hazing often happens in secret, but there are warning signs:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
- Hospitalization for “unknown causes” (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure)
Behavioral Signs:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Fear of speaking about their activities
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
- Reluctance to return to school or the organization
What Your Child Might Say:
- “It’s just part of joining.”
- “Everyone goes through it.”
- “I can’t talk about it.”
- “If I tell, I’ll get kicked out.”
- “They said it’s tradition.”
If you suspect hazing, trust your instincts. Your child may be afraid to speak up — but their safety is the priority.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Oliver County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the individuals who carried it out. In our current $10 million case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Oliver County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any fraternity/sorority chapter near Oliver County can be sued |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, and others operate near Oliver County |
| University / College | Owned property; failed to prevent despite prior incidents | Universities near Oliver County have the same duty to protect students |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Presidents, pledge masters, risk managers |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Every member who took part or stood by |
| Alumni / Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes | Premises liability for off-campus locations |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Deep pockets for settlements |
Oliver County families: You don’t have to sue just the individuals. The institutions with money and insurance are the ones who will pay.
💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts — especially when institutions knew about the risks and failed to act. Here’s what recent cases have awarded:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit (pending) |
These results are possible for Oliver County families too. The same fraternities operate near Oliver County. The same universities have the same oversight failures. And we know how to build these cases.
📋 What Should Oliver County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Document everything — hospital records are critical evidence
- Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and psychological trauma may not show symptoms immediately
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Do not delete anything — texts, social media, photos, videos
- Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Get names and contact information of witnesses
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure your child to sign documents
- They may intimidate witnesses
- Anything you say can be used against you in court
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Statute of limitations in North Dakota: 2 years — don’t wait
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
⚖️ North Dakota Hazing Laws: What Oliver County Families Need to Know
North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17 — Hazing Prohibited
“A person may not intentionally or recklessly engage in hazing.”
Key Provisions:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
- Criminal penalties — Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor in North Dakota
- Institutional liability — Schools and organizations can be held responsible for failing to prevent hazing
What This Means for Oliver County Families:
- You can sue even if your child participated
- The university can be held liable for failing to protect students
- Criminal charges may also be filed against individuals
🏫 Universities and Colleges Near Oliver County with Greek Life
Oliver County is home to a tight-knit community, and many local students attend universities where Greek life is active. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate near Oliver County.
Major Universities Near Oliver County with Greek Organizations:
| University | Location | Distance from Oliver County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota (UND) | Grand Forks, ND | ~200 miles | 10+ fraternities; 8+ sororities |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) | Fargo, ND | ~220 miles | 15+ fraternities; 10+ sororities |
| Minot State University | Minot, ND | ~100 miles | 5+ fraternities; 4+ sororities |
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson, ND | ~130 miles | Greek organizations present |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | ~110 miles | Greek life presence |
These institutions have the same duty to protect students as universities anywhere else. If hazing happens near Oliver County, we will hold them accountable.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Oliver County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they “consented.” Can we still sue?
Yes. North Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child participated, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
2. The university says they didn’t know. Does that matter?
It might not. If the university had prior hazing incidents or should have known about the risks, they can still be held liable for failing to protect students. In our current case, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 — and they still failed to prevent the 2025 incident.
3. We’re in Oliver County. Can Attorney 911 still help us?
Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We have:
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Willingness to travel — for depositions, trials, and client meetings in Oliver County
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.
5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously and will protect your child’s identity and safety throughout the legal process.
6. What kind of compensation can we get?
Compensation may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic impact)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
7. How long does a hazing case take?
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Some settle quickly; others go to trial. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
8. Can we sue if no one was hospitalized?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Humiliation and degradation
- Loss of enjoyment of college life
If hazing affected your child’s mental or physical health, call us.
🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Oliver County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook — and we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, so we can pursue hazing cases nationwide — including Oliver County.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities headquartered in other states.
5. Proven Track Record
- $10 million hazing lawsuit pending (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi)
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
6. We Speak Spanish
Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families in Oliver County without language barriers.
7. We Come to You
We offer video consultations and will travel to Oliver County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
8. We Care
We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We’re fighting for Oliver County families because we truly care about ending hazing culture.
📞 Oliver County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a university or college near Oliver County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the 2-year statute of limitations in North Dakota means you can’t wait.
Call Attorney 911 Now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
🚨 Oliver County: This Is Happening Near You
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters near Oliver County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas have campuses near Oliver County. The same hazing culture exists in North Dakota.
But Oliver County families don’t have to accept it. You have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold them accountable. You have the power to protect the next student.
Call Attorney 911 today. Let’s end hazing in Oliver County — together.
Serving Oliver County, North Dakota and Nationwide
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