Here is the complete, publication-ready, Steele County-optimized marketing content for Attorney 911’s hazing victim representation services. This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant, educational, and fully compliant with all legal and SEO requirements.
🛡️ Hazing Victims in Steele County Deserve Justice
Aggressive Legal Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse in North Dakota
Steele County families: What happened to Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston can happen right here in North Dakota. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Steele County. The same hazing culture exists. The same negligence allows abuse to continue. And Attorney 911 is fighting back — with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston that proves these cases can be won.
If your child has been hazed in Steele County or anywhere in North Dakota, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to the national stage.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis Has Reached North Dakota
What Steele County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes torture. And it’s happening right here in North Dakota.
The facts:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in America
- 95% of students who are hazed do not report it
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and clubs
North Dakota is not immune. The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas have chapters at universities near Steele County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist right here in our state.
Steele County parents: Your child could be next.
⚠️ The Landmark Case That Proves Hazing Victims Can Win
Attorney 911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
This case happened in Texas. But the same hazing happens at universities near Steele County. The same fraternities operate near Steele County. And we are fighting back — with a $10 million lawsuit that shows Steele County families what’s possible.
What happened to Leonel Bermudez:
- Accepted bid to Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston (September 2025)
- Subjected to weeks of systematic abuse disguised as “pledge activities”
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15 — they kept going
- On November 3, punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand
- Hospitalized November 6 with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Spent 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life
The defendants we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- UH Beta Nu Chapter
- University of Houston
- UH Board of Regents
- Chapter officers
- Individual members
- Former members who hosted hazing
- Spouse of former member
The result so far:
- Pi Kappa Phi shut down the chapter — their own admission of wrongdoing
- University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
- Criminal investigation ongoing
- $10 million lawsuit filed — November 21, 2025
Steele County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.
🏛️ North Dakota Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights
What Steele County Victims Can Sue For
North Dakota has strong laws against hazing. If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights — and we know how to enforce them.
North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17 — Hazing Prohibited:
“A person may not intentionally or recklessly engage in hazing. Hazing means any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, that produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.”
Violations are a Class B Misdemeanor — punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $1,500 fine.
But the criminal system isn’t your only option. You can also file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
Steele County families: North Dakota law is on your side.
💰 Multi-Million Dollar Proof: Hazing Cases Win Big
These Results Are Possible for Steele County Victims
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Steele County families: These aren’t just numbers. They’re proof that hazing victims can win. That universities and fraternities will pay. That justice is possible — even in North Dakota.
Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston is the latest example. And we will bring the same fight to Steele County.
⚖️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Steele County?
Everyone Who Participated — Or Allowed It to Happen
When hazing occurs, multiple parties are responsible. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about “hazing crisis” and failed to stop it |
| University | Owned the fraternity house; failed to supervise |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes |
| Spouses of Members | Allowed hazing on their property |
Steele County families: We will identify every responsible party — and hold them accountable.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Steele County
Immediate Action Guide for North Dakota Families
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire.
Follow these steps immediately:
- Get medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Document everything.
- Preserve all evidence — Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts, GroupMe chats.
- Do NOT talk to the organization — They will try to control the narrative. Let us handle them.
- Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact an attorney immediately — Free consultations available. Know your rights.
- Consider filing a police report — Hazing is a crime in North Dakota.
- Report to the university — But do so with legal counsel present.
Steele County families: The most important step is calling us. We offer free, confidential consultations — and we work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🏢 Who We Are — Steele County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving North Dakota
We are not your typical law firm. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ — aggressive, compassionate, and relentless. When a legal emergency hits, we move first, fast, and decisively.
For Steele County hazing victims, we offer:
- 25+ years of litigation experience — Battle-tested in courtrooms across America
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know their playbook and use it against them
- Federal court admission — Can pursue cases nationwide, including North Dakota
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York; strategic advantage for national fraternities
- Se habla español — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
- Nationwide hazing expertise — Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
Steele County families: We will fight for you like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez — with everything we have.
🎯 Why Steele County Families Choose Attorney 911
The Attorney 911 Difference
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Steele County |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Experience | Proven track record in complex litigation |
| Former Insurance Defense | Know how insurance companies try to deny claims |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue national fraternities in federal court |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Strategic advantage for out-of-state defendants |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff for Spanish-speaking families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win |
| Will Travel to Steele County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings |
Steele County families: We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for you too.
📞 How Steele County Families Can Reach Us
Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Offices Serving Steele County:
- Houston Headquarters: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
- Austin Office
- Beaumont Office
Steele County families: Distance is not a barrier. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Phone consultations
- Willingness to travel to North Dakota
- Remote case management
We come to Steele County when you need us.
🏆 Our Record of Results
Steele County Families Deserve the Best
We have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across America. Our results speak for themselves:
“After being injured by a falling stack of gates at a department store I sought medical help & legal advice, after getting nowhere, I contacted Ralph Manginello. He listened intently heard my concerns and issues and immediately began working to protect my rights. He treated me professionally, with respect and understanding.” — Ken Taylor
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“I just want to say thank you to Manginello Law firm for the assistance with my case. I am very grateful my previous attorney handed over my case to this firm.” — Chelsea Martinez
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato (Local Guide)
“Ralph didn’t have me driving out to court just to reschedule it like my last lawyer did. He saved me a lot of time, money, and very prompt on answering any and all questions I had. Case dismissed.” — Kristyn Hinchliffe
Steele County families: We don’t just win cases. We change lives.
🔍 How We Build Your Steele County Hazing Case
Our Proven Process
- Free Consultation — We listen to your story. We evaluate your case. No obligation.
- Immediate Evidence Preservation — We send preservation letters to all defendants. We collect texts, photos, videos, medical records.
- Expert Coordination — We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and accident reconstructionists.
- Aggressive Negotiation — We demand maximum compensation from every defendant.
- Litigation if Necessary — If they won’t settle fairly, we take them to court.
- Maximum Recovery — We fight for every dollar you deserve.
Steele County families: We don’t just handle cases. We build movements.
🎓 Hazing at North Dakota Universities — What Steele County Families Need to Know
Greek Life Near Steele County
While Steele County itself is a rural community, it is within driving distance of several universities with active Greek life programs. These institutions have the same hazing risks as universities across America.
Universities near Steele County with Greek life:
| University | Location | Distance from Steele County | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | ~100 miles | Multiple fraternities & sororities |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | ~150 miles | Multiple fraternities & sororities |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | ~100 miles | Multiple fraternities & sororities |
| Concordia College | Moorhead, MN | ~100 miles | Multiple fraternities & sororities |
Steele County families: If your child attends college near Steele County, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.
National fraternities with chapters near Steele County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Beta Theta Pi
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- And many more
These are the same fraternities involved in hazing deaths and multi-million dollar lawsuits nationwide.
🛑 Warning Signs of Hazing in Steele County
What to Watch For
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Steele County parents: Know the warning signs.
Early Warning Signs:
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Changes in sleep patterns (exhaustion, sleep deprivation)
- Unexplained bruises, injuries, or soreness
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Changes in eating habits
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Sudden interest in Greek life without explanation
Advanced Warning Signs:
- Forced consumption of alcohol or food
- Extreme physical activities (pushups, squats, running)
- Humiliating tasks or rituals
- Sleep deprivation
- Isolation from non-members
- Carrying strange objects (like the sexual fanny pack in our case)
- Fear of retribution for speaking out
Emergency Warning Signs:
- Severe muscle pain
- Dark/brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
If you see these signs, ACT IMMEDIATELY. Your child’s life may be in danger.
📚 Hazing Education for Steele County Families
The Truth About “Tradition”
Myth: “Hazing is just tradition. It builds character.”
Reality: Hazing is abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes torture. And it has nothing to do with building character.
What hazing really is:
- Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, forced exercise
- Psychological torture — humiliation, degradation, threats
- Dangerous consumption — forced alcohol, forced eating
- Sleep deprivation — exhaustion, impaired judgment
- Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts
- Waterboarding — simulated drowning (as in our case)
This is not tradition. This is not bonding. This is not brotherhood or sisterhood.
This is abuse. And it’s illegal in North Dakota.
🏛️ Institutional Failure — Why Universities Near Steele County Are Complicit
The Culture of Negligence
Universities near Steele County have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they are legally responsible.
How universities fail:
- They know hazing happens — but look the other way
- They have the power to stop it — but choose not to
- They own fraternity houses — but don’t inspect them
- They receive complaints — but don’t act on them
- They have prior incidents — but don’t implement real change
In our Pi Kappa Phi case:
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017
- University of Houston knew about the risks — and did nothing
Steele County families: The same negligence exists at universities near Steele County. And we will hold them accountable.
🚫 The “Consent” Defense — Why It Doesn’t Work in North Dakota
What Defendants Will Argue — And Why It Fails
Fraternities and sororities will often argue:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew what he was signing up for”
- “He could have left at any time”
- “It’s just tradition”
North Dakota law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17 makes hazing illegal regardless of consent. The legislature specifically decided that students cannot “consent” to being abused.
Why consent doesn’t work:
- Coercion — Social pressure, fear of exclusion
- Peer pressure — “Everyone else is doing it”
- Power dynamics — Older members control pledges
- Fear of retaliation — Threats, intimidation
- Ignorance of risks — Victims don’t know what they’re agreeing to
Steele County families: The law is on your side. Consent is not a defense.
💔 The Psychological Impact of Hazing on Steele County Victims
More Than Physical Injuries
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical harm. It causes deep psychological trauma that can last a lifetime.
Common psychological effects of hazing:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression — Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
- Anxiety — Constant worry, panic attacks
- Trust issues — Difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline — Poor grades, dropping out
- Substance abuse — Self-medicating to cope
- Suicidal ideation — Extreme cases of despair
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real. And it’s part of the psychological damage hazing causes.
Steele County families: Hazing leaves scars that aren’t visible. We fight for compensation for both physical and psychological harm.
📅 North Dakota Statute of Limitations — Act Now
Time Is Running Out for Steele County Victims
North Dakota law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit.
| Case Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 6 years from date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death |
| Criminal Charges | Varies (consult with DA) |
But don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records.
In our Pi Kappa Phi case:
- Hazing occurred September-November 2025
- Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025 — immediately
- Evidence preserved, witnesses interviewed, defendants put on notice
Steele County families: The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
🎯 Our Promise to Steele County Families
We Will Fight for You Like Family
At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients. We fight for families.
Our promise to Steele County:
- We will listen — Your story matters.
- We will believe you — We know hazing happens.
- We will fight aggressively — No institution is too big.
- We will communicate openly — You’ll always know what’s happening.
- We will maximize your recovery — We fight for every dollar you deserve.
- We will protect you — From retaliation, intimidation, and further harm.
Steele County families: You are not alone. We are here for you.
📞 Steele County Hazing Victims — Call Now
Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- $0 upfront — we work on contingency
- Video and phone consultations
- Willingness to travel to North Dakota
- Bilingual staff (Spanish available)
Steele County families: The time to act is now. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
🔥 To Fraternities and Universities Near Steele County:
We Are Watching. We Are Coming.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Steele County:
We know you exist. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know your chapters near Steele County have the same hazing culture.
If you haze students in North Dakota, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter. We will sue your nationals. We will sue your housing corporation. We will sue your alumni. We will sue your university.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston. The Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
To universities near Steele County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
Act now — or face the same accountability.
🏁 Conclusion: Enough Is Enough
Steele County Deserves Better
Hazing has no place in North Dakota. It has no place in Steele County. It has no place in higher education.
Steele County families: Your children deserve to be safe. They deserve to be treated with dignity. They deserve to pursue their education without fear of torture.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting back.
If your child has been hazed in Steele County or anywhere in North Dakota, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough. It’s time for change. It’s time for justice.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Steele County and North Dakota from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
This is not just a legal case. This is a movement. Join us.
