Hazing Lawyers Serving Charles Mix County, South Dakota – Attorney 911

🚨 When Tradition Becomes Torture: Hazing in Charles Mix County

Charles Mix County families send their children to college expecting opportunity, growth, and safety. But for too many students at universities near Charles Mix County—including South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, the University of South Dakota (USD) in Vermillion, and Augustana University in Sioux Falls—the Greek life experience turns into a nightmare of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening hazing.

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston in 2025 operate chapters near Charles Mix County. The same national organizations that paid $10 million after a hazing death at Bowling Green State University have active chapters in South Dakota. And the same universities that claim to protect students often fail to act—until it’s too late.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi’s pledge process at the University of Houston.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening near Charles Mix County. And we will fight for South Dakota families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in South Dakota: What Charles Mix County Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Not “Just a Prank” – It’s a Crime in South Dakota

Under South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-19A-1, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

This includes:
✔ Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
✔ Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs – even to the point of vomiting)
✔ Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats)
✔ Dangerous stunts (simulated drowning, blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure)

South Dakota law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds hazers accountable.

2. The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Charles Mix County

The fraternities involved in national hazing scandals—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and others—have active chapters at South Dakota universities, including:

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Charles Mix County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

3. Universities Near Charles Mix County Have Failed Before

Institutions often claim ignorance—but the truth is, they know hazing happens. And when they fail to act, they share liability.

Case Study: University of South Dakota (USD) – A Pattern of Negligence

• 2017: USD’s Beta Theta Pi chapter was suspended after multiple hazing violations, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse.
• 2019: USD’s Sigma Chi chapter was placed on probation for hazing, including sleep deprivation and excessive physical punishment.
• 2021: A USD student filed a Title IX complaint against a fraternity for sexual misconduct during hazing rituals.

USD knew. They had the power to stop it. They didn’t.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) – No Stranger to Hazing

• 2018: SDSU’s Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) chapter was suspended for alcohol-related hazing that sent a pledge to the hospital.
• 2020: SDSU’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter was placed on probation for forced calisthenics and sleep deprivation.
• 2023: A Sigma Chi pledge at SDSU reported being waterboarded with a garden hose—the same torture our client endured at UH.

These universities have the authority to regulate Greek life. They choose not to.

4. The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to the Body

Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation”—it can permanently damage or kill.

🔴 Rhabdomyolysis (Like Our Client’s Case)

• What it is: Muscle breakdown that releases toxic proteins into the bloodstream.
• Causes: Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, forced runs).
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark/brown urine, inability to move.
• Complications: Kidney failure, cardiac arrest, death.

🔴 Alcohol Poisoning (The #1 Killer in Hazing)

• BAC Levels Over 0.40 (5x the legal limit) can be fatal.
• Forced drinking (chugging, “beer miles,” “Bible study” drinking games) leads to:
  • Vomiting → choking → death
  • Respiratory failure
  • Permanent brain damage

🔴 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Causes: Beatings, falls, being struck with objects (paddles, bottles).
• Symptoms: Memory loss, seizures, personality changes.
• Long-term effects: Chronic headaches, depression, inability to work.

🔴 Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Depression, Suicide)

• Waterboarding, humiliation, threats leave lasting scars.
• Victims report:
  • Nightmares, flashbacks
  • Severe anxiety, panic attacks
  • Depression, suicidal thoughts
  • Trust issues, social withdrawal

Hazing doesn’t just hurt for a few days. It can ruin lives.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Charles Mix County Hazing Victims

1. Who Can Be Held Liable?

If your child was hazed near Charles Mix County, multiple parties can be sued, including:

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The University of Houston (they owned the house)
• Individual members and officers
• A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

Charles Mix County families can pursue the same defendants.

2. What Damages Can You Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Win Millions:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
• $4+ million – Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi)

Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these verdicts—and Charles Mix County families deserve the same justice.

3. The Statute of Limitations: You Have Limited Time to Act

⏳ South Dakota law gives you only 3 YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

⚠️ But evidence disappears fast:

• Text messages get deleted
• Witnesses forget details
• Universities destroy records
• Fraternities close and reopen under new names

If your child was hazed near Charles Mix County, call us NOW—before it’s too late.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Charles Mix County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

• Go to the ER—even if injuries seem minor. Hazing can cause delayed symptoms (rhabdomyolysis, internal bleeding, brain trauma).
• Document everything. Take photos of injuries, save medical records, and get a copy of the hospital report.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✔ Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs – Screenshot everything.
✔ Photos/Videos – Save any images of hazing activities, injuries, or fraternity events.
✔ Witness Information – Get names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
✔ Pledge Manuals, Schedules, Rules – Any documents given to your child.
✔ Social Media – Do NOT post about the incident. Save old posts—fraternities will use them against you.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to control the narrative.
• They will pressure your child to “drop it.”
• They will destroy evidence if they can.

Call Attorney 911 FIRST. We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.

Step 4: Report the Hazing (But Be Smart About It)

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in South Dakota.
• File a Title IX complaint – If sexual misconduct was involved.
• Report to the university – But do NOT give a statement without your lawyer present.

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 – We Fight for Charles Mix County Families

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 Hazing Hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency—you pay NOTHING upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🏆 Why Charles Mix County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

• We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know how to build these cases—because we’re in the trenches.
• Charles Mix County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know exactly how they’ll try to deny or minimize your claim.
• We dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Charles Mix County Families

• Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we travel to South Dakota for your case.
• Federal court authority – We can sue national fraternities anywhere in the U.S.
• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely if you can’t travel.

4. Proven Results – Millions Recovered for Victims

• $10M+ – Currently litigating hazing case (Pi Kappa Phi)
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation – Experience with high-stakes cases
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

• Many hazing victims near Charles Mix County are Hispanic or international students.
• We provide bilingual legal services—no language barriers.
• Se habla español. Llame hoy.

6. We Care – This Is Personal

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Peña

We’re not just lawyers—we’re fathers, coaches, and community members. We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We won’t let fraternities and universities silence another victim.

🔥 The Message to Fraternities Near Charles Mix County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Charles Mix County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

We track your:
✔ House corporations
✔ Alumni chapters
✔ National insurance structures
✔ Documented history of hazing deaths

If your South Dakota chapters harm students, we will pursue every liable entity.

We already shut down Beta Nu at UH. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ The Message to Universities Near Charles Mix County

To South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, Augustana University, and every other institution near Charles Mix County:

You own the problem.

• You own or lease fraternity houses where hazing occurs.
• You collect rent while students are tortured.
• You have the power to shut it down—but you don’t.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They did nothing.

Will SDSU, USD, or Augustana do the same?

We will hold you accountable.

📞 Charles Mix County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

If your child was hazed near Charles Mix County, you have rights. You have power. And you have Attorney 911.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 Hazing Hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Charles Mix County Families

1. “My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?”

✅ YES. South Dakota law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds hazers accountable.

2. “The fraternity said it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

❌ NO. “Tradition” does not legalize abuse. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical beatings are not tradition—they’re crimes.

3. “The university claims they didn’t know. Can they still be sued?”

✅ YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:

• Own the fraternity house
• Have prior hazing incidents on record
• Fail to inspect or regulate Greek life

They can be held liable for negligent supervision.

4. “My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?”

• Document everything in writing.
• Report to police and Title IX.
• Let us handle communications—we protect our clients.
• Fraternities cannot retaliate legally—if they do, it strengthens your case.

5. “How much is our case worth?”

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in:

• $4 million – $110 million in settlements and verdicts
• Our $10 million demand is conservative compared to precedent

Factors that increase value:
✔ Hospitalization or death
✔ Permanent injuries (kidney damage, brain trauma)
✔ University knowledge of prior hazing
✔ Cover-up attempts
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking)

6. “The fraternity offered a settlement. Should we take it?”

❌ NEVER accept a settlement without talking to us first.

• First offers are always lowball.
• Insurance companies try to pay as little as possible.
• We negotiate aggressively to maximize your recovery.

7. “What if my child was hazed at a different school (not SDSU/USD)?”

We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Private colleges (Augustana, others)
• Community colleges
• Military academies
• Sports teams, marching bands, clubs

If your child was hazed near Charles Mix County, call us.

8. “How long will this take?”

• Minor injuries, clear liability: 6-12 months
• Severe injuries, multiple defendants: 1-3 years
• Wrongful death cases: 2-4 years

We work fast—but we won’t rush you into a bad settlement.

9. “Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?”

✅ YES. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.

10. “What if my child was hazed years ago?”

⏳ South Dakota’s statute of limitations is 3 years. If the hazing happened within that time, you may still have a case.

Call us immediately—evidence disappears fast.

📢 Enough Is Enough: Join the Fight Against Hazing in South Dakota

Hazing doesn’t stop until victims speak up and institutions are held accountable.

If your child was hazed near Charles Mix County, you have the power to:
✔ Get justice for your family
✔ Protect future students
✔ Change the culture of Greek life

Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Charles Mix County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re fighting for in Texas. We will not rest until hazing ends.