Hazing Lawyers Serving Clay County, South Dakota: Justice for Victims of Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911: Your Legal Emergency Response Team for Hazing Victims in Clay County and Beyond
At Attorney 911, we understand the devastating impact hazing can have on students and their families. While we’re based in Texas, our commitment to justice extends nationwide—including to Clay County, South Dakota. We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Clay County families affected by Greek life abuse.
The Hazing Crisis in Clay County: What Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just a problem in big universities—it happens right here in South Dakota too. The same national fraternities and sororities operating at universities near Clay County have been involved in multi-million dollar hazing settlements across the country. What happened to our client in Houston could just as easily happen to a student from Vermillion, Yankton, or any community in Clay County.
Common Hazing Practices in Clay County-Area Organizations
Based on our extensive experience with hazing cases, we’ve seen these dangerous activities occur at universities throughout the region:
- Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
- Extreme physical exertion causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) like our current client experienced
- Psychological abuse including sleep deprivation and humiliation
- Physical violence such as paddling and beatings
- Dangerous rituals that risk serious injury or death
These aren’t just “traditions”—they’re illegal activities that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.
Why Clay County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us—we’re in the courtroom right now fighting for a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats as part of fraternity hazing.
2. Nationwide Reach with Local Understanding
While we’re based in Houston, we serve hazing victims nationwide. For Clay County families, this means:
- Video consultations available so you don’t need to travel
- Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
- Dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) for strategic advantage
- Willingness to travel to Clay County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph and Lupe previously worked for insurance companies—meaning we know exactly how they’ll try to minimize your claim. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
Our experience includes:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort cases)
- Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
- Federal court cases including civil rights litigation
- Criminal defense with multiple case dismissals
Clay County-Specific Hazing Concerns
Universities Near Clay County with Greek Life
While Clay County itself is home to the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, students from the area may also attend institutions with active Greek organizations in nearby communities:
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion) – Multiple fraternities and sororities
- South Dakota State University (Brookings) – Large Greek system
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Major Greek organizations
- University of Iowa – Active Greek life presence
- Iowa State University – Numerous Greek chapters
The same national organizations involved in hazing deaths and injuries across the country have chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks we’re fighting against in our current case.
South Dakota Hazing Laws
South Dakota has specific laws against hazing, including:
- SDCL 13-64-1: Defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
- SDCL 13-64-2: Makes hazing a Class 1 misdemeanor
- SDCL 13-64-3: Organizations can be penalized for hazing activities
Important Note: Like Texas law, South Dakota law states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Even if a student agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clay County
Immediate Steps for Clay County Families
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything – Take photos of injuries, save text messages, preserve social media posts
- Report the incident – To university officials and local law enforcement
- Don’t sign anything – From the organization or their representatives
- Contact an attorney – Before speaking to anyone about the incident
Evidence to Preserve
- Medical records from any treatment related to hazing
- Photographs of injuries at all stages of healing
- Text messages and social media communications about hazing
- Witness information from other pledges or bystanders
- Any objects used in hazing activities
- Academic records showing impact on grades or enrollment
Who We Can Sue for Clay County Hazing Victims
Our experience shows that multiple parties can be held liable in hazing cases:
- Local chapter – The specific fraternity or sorority that conducted the hazing
- National organization – The national fraternity/sorority for failure to supervise
- University – For failure to protect students and premises liability
- Individual members – Those who directly participated in hazing
- House corporations – Organizations that own fraternity/sorority properties
- Alumni – Former members who may have facilitated hazing
Compensation Available for Clay County Hazing Victims
Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages from missed work or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries
- Emotional distress including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Educational disruption including tuition reimbursement
- Punitive damages to punish egregious conduct
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a student who suffered kidney failure from fraternity hazing. Similar compensation is available for Clay County victims.
The Attorney 911 Difference for Clay County Families
1. We Come to You
We understand that traveling to Texas isn’t practical for Clay County families. That’s why we offer:
- Video consultations via Zoom or other platforms
- Phone consultations at your convenience
- Travel to Clay County for important meetings, depositions, and trials
- Local coordination with medical providers and investigators
2. Contingency Fee Representation
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
- No hourly fees – We don’t bill by the hour
- No risk – We only get paid if we win your case
- No financial barrier – You can fight powerful institutions without worrying about legal fees
3. Bilingual Services
Our team is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language barriers don’t prevent Clay County families from getting the justice they deserve.
4. 24/7 Availability
Hazing incidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to respond to your legal emergency.
Recent Case: Why This Matters for Clay County
Our current $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston demonstrates exactly what’s at stake:
- Our client was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- He was waterboarded with a garden hose as part of fraternity “traditions”
- He was forced to do 500 squats until he couldn’t stand without help
- He was struck with wooden paddles and forced to consume food until vomiting
- The same fraternity had a member die from hazing in 2017
- The same university had a hazing hospitalization in 2017
This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening at universities near Clay County too. The same national organizations, the same dangerous culture, the same institutional failures.
Clay County Hazing Resources
Local Organizations That Can Help
- University of South Dakota Student Services – (605) 658-3500
- Clay County Sheriff’s Office – (605) 677-7100
- Vermillion Police Department – (605) 677-7070
- USD Counseling Center – (605) 658-3580
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety – (605) 773-3178
National Hazing Hotlines
- HazingPrevention.Org – (888) NOT-HAZE
- Gordie Center – (512) 232-9675
- National Hazing Hotline – (888) 668-4293
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Clay County
Q: My child signed a waiver saying they wouldn’t sue. Are we still protected?
A: Yes. Under South Dakota law, waivers for hazing are not enforceable. Even if your child signed something, they still have legal rights.
Q: The university says they’re investigating. Should we wait?
A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?
A: We understand these concerns. Our client in the current case is also fearful of retribution. We can help protect your child’s identity during legal proceedings and take steps to prevent retaliation.
Q: How long do we have to take legal action?
A: In South Dakota, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s important to act immediately.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. What are our options?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
Q: Will my child have to go to court?
A: Most cases settle without going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure we’re ready for any outcome.
Contact Attorney 911 for Clay County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed at a university near Clay County, don’t wait to seek help. The institutions responsible will have teams of lawyers working to protect themselves—you need experienced legal representation on your side.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer free consultations for hazing victims and their families. Let us put our experience fighting these cases to work for your Clay County family.
Serving Clay County Communities
We proudly serve hazing victims from all Clay County communities, including:
- Vermillion
- Wakonda
- Irene
- Burbank
- Meckling
- Westreville
- Gayville
- Yankton (nearby)
- And all surrounding areas
Remember: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We’re ready to fight for Clay County families affected by hazing, no matter where the incident occurred.