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February 24, 2026 16 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Sheridan County, North Dakota: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help

Sheridan County Families: Hazing Is Happening Here Too — And It Has to Stop

If you’re reading this, you likely already know: hazing isn’t just happening at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in Sheridan County, North Dakota. At our high schools. At colleges near Sheridan County. In our community.

And if it’s happening to your child, you’re not powerless.

We’re Attorney 911 — the law firm currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. We’ve seen firsthand what hazing does to students: kidney failure, trauma, lifelong injuries. And we know how to hold the people responsible accountable — no matter where they are.

Sheridan County families: You have the same legal rights as families in Texas. And we can fight for you.

🏥 This Is What Hazing Looks Like in Sheridan County

In our current case, a young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of torture disguised as “tradition”:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to run sprints through his own vomit
  • Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
  • A pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going

Leonel ended up in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, spending four days fighting for his life.

Sheridan County parents: This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is illegal.

And if it’s happening to your child in Sheridan County, we can help you fight back.

⚖️ Sheridan County Hazing Victims Have Legal Rights

North Dakota Hazing Laws

North Dakota has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students like yours:

North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17 – Hazing Prohibited:

“A person may not intentionally or recklessly engage in hazing of another person. A person may not knowingly permit hazing to occur. A person may not have firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution or have firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred and fail to report that knowledge in writing to the appropriate school or law enforcement officials.”

Penalties:

  • Class B misdemeanor for hazing
  • Class A misdemeanor if the hazing results in serious bodily injury
  • Felony if the hazing results in death

Important Note: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Sheridan County?

In our Texas case, we’re suing everyone responsible — and we’ll do the same for Sheridan County victims:

Defendant Why They’re Liable in Sheridan County
Local Chapter Organized and conducted the hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
School/University Failed to protect students; knew or should have known
Individual Members Participated in or allowed the hazing
Coaches/Advisors For sports teams, clubs, or other organizations
School Officials Failed to implement anti-hazing policies

Sheridan County schools and universities have a DUTY to protect your child. When they fail, they can be held legally and financially responsible.

💰 Sheridan County Families Can Win Compensation

We’re currently demanding $10 million in our Texas case — and that’s not unusual. Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ million (estimated)
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement

Sheridan County families: These same results are possible for you. Compensation can cover:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

And remember: We work on CONTINGENCY. You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🏫 Hazing in Sheridan County: Where It Happens

Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. In Sheridan County and surrounding areas, hazing can occur in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at colleges near Sheridan County
  • High school sports teams in Sheridan County
  • College sports teams at nearby universities
  • Marching bands and other performance groups
  • ROTC programs at Sheridan County schools
  • Student clubs and organizations
  • Agriculture and FFA groups (common in North Dakota)
  • Honor societies
  • Residential living groups

Sheridan County parents: If your child is involved in any group with initiation rituals, they could be at risk.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Hazing in Sheridan County

Hazing often starts subtly but escalates quickly. Watch for these signs in your Sheridan County child:

Behavioral Signs:

  • Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
  • Increased secrecy about activities
  • Sudden decline in academic performance
  • Avoiding questions about their group or activities
  • Unexplained injuries or pain
  • Changes in sleep patterns (exhaustion, sleep deprivation)
  • Changes in eating habits (weight loss, vomiting)
  • Signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
  • Fear of retaliation or getting others in trouble

Physical Signs:

  • Bruises, cuts, or burns
  • Difficulty walking or moving
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Signs of alcohol or drug use
  • Unusual odors (from being forced to lie in vomit or other substances)
  • Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (forced exposure)

Group Dynamics Signs:

  • New members being required to perform tasks veterans don’t do
  • New members being referred to with demeaning names
  • Evidence of a “pledge period” with special rules
  • New members being required to carry unusual objects
  • Evidence of forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
  • Late-night or early-morning activities

Sheridan County parents: If you see these signs, ask questions. And if you suspect hazing, contact us immediately.

📋 What Sheridan County Families Should Do If Hazing Is Suspected

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. Hazing can be life-threatening.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get medical help. Some conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can develop days after the hazing incident.

Step 3: Document Everything

  • Take photos of any injuries
  • Save all text messages, social media posts, or group chats
  • Write down everything your child remembers
  • Get names and contact information of any witnesses

Step 4: Report to Authorities

  • School officials (principal, athletic director, dean of students)
  • Local law enforcement (Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office)
  • North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (for K-12 hazing)
  • North Dakota University System (for college hazing)

Step 5: Contact an Attorney

Do NOT talk to the organization, their lawyers, or their insurance companies without legal representation. They will try to minimize what happened and protect themselves — not your child.

Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We can:

  • Advise you on how to protect your child’s rights
  • Handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers
  • Begin building a legal case to hold them accountable
  • Fight for compensation for your child’s injuries

🔍 Sheridan County: We Know Your Community

Sheridan County, North Dakota, is a tight-knit community where families value hard work, integrity, and fairness. Hazing has no place here.

We understand that Sheridan County families may be hesitant to speak out against powerful institutions. You might worry about:

  • Social retaliation against your child
  • Fear of being labeled a “troublemaker”
  • Concerns about cost of legal representation
  • Uncertainty about the process

Sheridan County families: We get it. And we’re here to help.

  • We protect our clients. We’ll make sure your child’s identity is protected and they’re safe from retaliation.
  • We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win.
  • We handle everything. You focus on your child’s recovery; we handle the legal fight.
  • We come to you. We’ll travel to Sheridan County for meetings, depositions, and court appearances.

This isn’t just a legal case. This is about protecting Sheridan County’s children. This is about sending a message that our community won’t tolerate abuse.

🏆 Why Sheridan County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively litigating a major hazing case right now. We know the tactics defendants use, and we know how to counter them.

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

Both our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they try to deny claims. And we know how to beat them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas — which means we can pursue federal claims for Sheridan County victims, including civil rights violations.

4. We’re Dual-State Licensed

We’re licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternities and organizations.

5. We Speak Spanish

“Se habla español.” We can serve Sheridan County’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

6. We Travel to Sheridan County

Distance is not a barrier. We will come to Sheridan County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record

  • 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews
  • Millions recovered for personal injury victims
  • Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
  • Experienced in high-stakes litigation (BP Texas City explosion, multi-million dollar cases)

8. We Care About Sheridan County Families

We’re not just fighting for compensation. We’re fighting to protect Sheridan County’s children. We’re fighting to change the culture that allows hazing to happen. We’re fighting so no other Sheridan County family has to go through what you’re going through.

📞 Sheridan County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Sheridan County, North Dakota, you need to act quickly. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the statute of limitations is ticking.

Sheridan County Hazing Victims: Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Sheridan County hazing emergencies.

We work on CONTINGENCY — you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🔥 To the Organizations in Sheridan County: We Are Watching

To the fraternities, sororities, sports teams, coaches, and school officials in Sheridan County:

We know what you’re doing. We know the “traditions” you’re hiding. We know the pressure you’re putting on students to stay silent.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that are winning our $10 million case in Texas apply to Sheridan County. The same multi-million dollar settlements are available in North Dakota.

If you haze students in Sheridan County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will make you pay.

🏛️ Sheridan County Schools and Universities: You Have a Duty to Protect

To the superintendents, principals, athletic directors, and university officials in Sheridan County:

You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail, you will be held accountable.

We’ve seen what happens when institutions ignore hazing:

  • Students get hospitalized (like our client in Texas)
  • Students die (like Andrew Coffey, Maxwell Gruver, Timothy Piazza)
  • Institutions pay millions in settlements and verdicts
  • Legislatures pass new laws with felony penalties
  • Communities demand change

Sheridan County: Don’t wait until a student is hurt to take action. Implement real oversight. Train your staff. Monitor your groups. Protect your students.

And if you’ve already failed to protect a student, contact us. We can help you understand your legal exposure and work toward a resolution.

📚 Sheridan County: Resources for Hazing Prevention

Preventing hazing starts with education. Sheridan County families, students, and educators can access these resources:

For Students and Families:

  • StopHazing.org – Research and resources on hazing prevention
  • HazingPrevention.org – Education and awareness programs
  • Gordie Center – Focused on hazing and alcohol education
  • Clery Center – Campus safety resources

For Educators and Administrators:

  • North Dakota Department of Public Instruction – Guidance on hazing policies
  • North Dakota University System – Resources for college hazing prevention
  • NCAA Hazing Prevention – For college sports teams
  • National Federation of State High School Associations – For high school sports

For Reporting Hazing:

  • Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office – Report criminal hazing
  • North Dakota Department of Public Instruction – Report K-12 hazing
  • North Dakota University System – Report college hazing
  • U.S. Department of Education – Report violations of Title IX (for gender-based hazing)

🗣️ Sheridan County: Your Voice Matters

Hazing thrives in silence. When victims and families speak out, change happens.

In Texas, our hazing case has already led to:

  • The fraternity chapter being shut down
  • Criminal investigations being initiated
  • National media coverage exposing the truth about hazing

Sheridan County families: Your story can protect other children. Your courage can change the culture. Speak out. Stand up. Let’s end hazing in Sheridan County together.

📅 Sheridan County: Act Now — Time Is Critical

North Dakota law limits how long you have to take legal action. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

If your child has been hazed in Sheridan County, call us today:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve Sheridan County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — but we come to you when you need us.

❤️ Sheridan County: We’re Here for You

To the parents in Sheridan County reading this: We know how scared you are. We know how angry you are. We know how helpless you feel.

You’re not alone. We’re here to fight for you. We’re here to fight for your child. We’re here to make sure the people responsible are held accountable.

Sheridan County deserves better. Your child deserves better. Call us.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Sheridan County, North Dakota with the same commitment we bring to Texas

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.

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