Hazing Victims in Pierce County, North Dakota: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice
To Pierce County Families: This Happens Here Too
You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that universities near Pierce County—like Minot State University, Dickinson State University, or even institutions across the state line in Montana—will protect them. But the truth is, hazing is happening right here in our region. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters near Pierce County. The same culture of abuse that hospitalized a student in Houston exists in our backyard.
If your child has been hazed in Pierce County or anywhere in North Dakota, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now—and we will fight for Pierce County families with the same determination.
The Crisis in Our Region: Hazing at North Dakota Universities
Hazing isn’t just a problem in big states like Texas or Florida. It’s happening right here in the Northern Plains. Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Pierce County have the same national organizations, the same “traditions,” and the same disregard for student safety that led to life-threatening injuries in other states.
Universities Near Pierce County Where Hazing Occurs
While Pierce County itself is a small community, students from our area attend universities across North Dakota and nearby states where Greek life is active. These institutions include:
- Minot State University (Minot, ND) – Home to multiple Greek organizations
- Dickinson State University (Dickinson, ND) – Active Greek life presence
- University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) – Large Greek system with documented hazing risks
- North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) – Major university with significant Greek life activity
- Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) – Popular for North Dakota students; active Greek life
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others—have chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Pierce County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Hazing Looks Like in Pierce County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. It’s systematic abuse disguised as tradition. In our current case, a student was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – Until his muscles broke down, causing kidney failure
- Beaten with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting – Then made to continue running while in distress
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture – Carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied for over an hour
This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s happening near Pierce County.
Why Pierce County Families Need Legal Representation
If your child has been hazed, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, or unsure of what to do next. Universities and fraternities will try to silence you. Insurance companies will offer low settlements. The system is stacked against victims.
But you have rights. And you have us.
1. The Law Protects Pierce County Students
North Dakota has anti-hazing laws (NDCC § 15-10-21) that make hazing a criminal offense, even if the victim “consented.” Consent is not a defense—just like in Texas, where our firm is based.
2. Universities Are Liable
If hazing occurred on university property or was known to university officials, the institution can be held responsible. Many universities near Pierce County own or control fraternity and sorority houses—just like the University of Houston owned the house where our client was tortured.
3. National Organizations Are Responsible
Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Pierce County are part of national organizations with millions of dollars in assets and insurance. They knew about the risks—they’ve paid settlements before—and they failed to stop it.
4. Criminal Charges May Apply
Hazing that causes serious injury or death can lead to felony charges under North Dakota law. Our attorneys work with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators face consequences.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Pierce County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause delayed-onset injuries. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning may not show symptoms right away. Go to the ER or urgent care and document everything.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails about hazing.
- Take photos: Injuries, hazing locations, any objects used in hazing.
- Document witnesses: Names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
- Keep medical records: Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
They will try to control the narrative. They will pressure you to sign documents or accept quick settlements. Do not speak to them without legal representation.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We offer free consultations for Pierce County hazing victims. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Pierce County Hazing Case
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Serve Pierce County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in North Dakota. We offer:
- Video consultations for Pierce County families
- Travel to North Dakota for depositions and meetings
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront
We understand that legal fees can be a barrier. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. No recovery, no fee.
5. We Protect Your Child’s Future
We don’t just seek compensation for medical bills. We fight for:
- Pain and suffering for the trauma your child endured
- Punitive damages to punish the fraternity and university
- Policy changes to prevent this from happening to another Pierce County family
The Legal Process for Pierce County Hazing Victims
1. Free Case Evaluation
We’ll review your child’s situation and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation—just answers.
2. Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We’ll collect medical records, witness statements, and communications to build a strong case.
3. Demand Letter
We’ll send a demand to the fraternity, university, and their insurance companies outlining the harm and seeking compensation.
4. Negotiation
Most cases settle out of court. We’ll negotiate aggressively to get your family the justice you deserve.
5. Litigation (If Necessary)
If they refuse to settle fairly, we’ll file a lawsuit and take them to court. We’re not afraid to fight.
6. Resolution
Whether through settlement or trial, we’ll ensure your family gets the compensation and accountability you deserve.
What You Can Recover in a Pierce County Hazing Case
Hazing cases can result in millions of dollars in compensation, including:
| Category | What It Covers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | $250,000–$5,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or school | $10,000–$100,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | $1,000,000+ |
| Policy Changes | Forcing universities to reform Greek life | Non-monetary relief |
Recent hazing cases have resulted in:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
- $6.1 million (Max Gruver, Louisiana)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)
Your Pierce County case could be next.
Don’t Let Them Silence Your Child
Fraternities and universities will try to intimidate you. They’ll say:
- “It’s just tradition.”
- “Your child consented.”
- “This is how it’s always been done.”
But the law says otherwise. In North Dakota, consent is not a defense to hazing. If your child was coerced, threatened, or physically harmed, they have a case.
We will not let them silence you. We will not let them get away with it.
Pierce County Families: Call Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Pierce County or anywhere in North Dakota, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Pierce County families. We fight for justice. And we won’t stop until the hazing stops.
Together, We Can End Hazing in Pierce County
Our client in Houston was waterboarded. He was hospitalized. His fraternity was shut down. But the fight isn’t over.
If we don’t hold them accountable, it will happen again—to another student in Pierce County, in North Dakota, or somewhere else.
Your child’s case can make a difference. It can save lives. It can force universities and fraternities to change.
Call us today. Let’s fight this together.
