Hazing Victims in Gregory County: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

When Tradition Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis in Gregory County

Every year, families across South Dakota send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations will protect their children as they pursue education and personal growth. But for too many students in Gregory County and across the nation, that trust is betrayed through the dangerous and often illegal practice of hazing.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting one of the most egregious hazing cases in recent memory – a University of Houston student hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical exercises, and subjected to other forms of abuse during fraternity initiation. This isn’t an isolated incident. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Gregory County, and the same culture of abuse exists right here in South Dakota.

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Gregory County, you’re not alone. We’re here to help.

The Reality of Hazing in Gregory County

Hazing isn’t harmless fun or “tradition.” It’s a dangerous practice that can lead to serious physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. In our current case, a young man was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose – a form of torture that simulates drowning
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles causing physical injury
• Forced to consume food and liquids until vomiting
• Subjected to sleep deprivation through late-night activities
• Humiliated and degraded through various psychological tactics

This happened in Texas, but the same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Gregory County. The same “traditions” exist here. The same risks are present for your child.

Why Gregory County Families Need Specialized Legal Representation

Hazing cases are complex. They involve multiple defendants – individual members, local chapters, national organizations, and sometimes universities. These institutions have powerful legal teams and insurance companies working to minimize their liability.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña know exactly how these organizations think and operate. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to fight for victims.

Our Gregory County Hazing Litigation Advantages:

✅ 25+ years of litigation experience – We’ve handled complex cases against major institutions
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how defendants try to minimize claims
✅ Federal court authority – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when needed
✅ Dual-state bar admission – Texas and New York licenses provide strategic advantages
✅ $10 million hazing lawsuit experience – We’re currently litigating a major hazing case
✅ Willingness to travel to Gregory County – We’ll come to you for depositions and meetings
✅ Bilingual services – Se habla español for Gregory County’s Hispanic families
✅ Contingency fee representation – No upfront costs; we only get paid if you win

What Constitutes Hazing in South Dakota?

South Dakota law defines hazing broadly to protect students. Under SDCL 13-32-1, hazing includes any activity that:

• Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
• Is part of initiation into any student organization
• Involves physical brutality, forced consumption of substances, or other dangerous activities
• Subjects students to unreasonable risk of harm

Importantly, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible.

Common Hazing Practices in Gregory County

Based on our experience and national patterns, hazing at Gregory County area universities often includes:

Physical Abuse:

• Extreme physical exercise (pushups, squats, runs until exhaustion)
• Beatings with objects (paddles, belts, etc.)
• Forced exposure to extreme temperatures
• Sleep deprivation

Forced Consumption:

• Alcohol poisoning (forced binge drinking)
• Food consumption until vomiting
• Non-food substances
• Excessive caffeine or other stimulants

Psychological Abuse:

• Humiliation rituals
• Verbal abuse and degradation
• Isolation from friends and family
• Threats of social ostracism

Sexual Abuse:

• Forced nudity
• Sexual acts or simulations
• Carrying sexual objects
• Sexual assault

Dangerous Activities:

• Kidnapping or “line-ups”
• Blindfolded activities
• Confinement in small spaces
• Activities that violate criminal laws

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing can cause serious, sometimes permanent injuries. In our current case, the victim developed rhabdomyolysis – a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure. Other common medical consequences include:

• Alcohol poisoning – Can be fatal; common in forced drinking hazing
• Traumatic brain injuries – From beatings, falls, or other trauma
• Broken bones – From physical abuse or dangerous activities
• Internal injuries – From beatings or forced consumption
• Heat stroke or hypothermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
• Death – Over 50 hazing deaths in the U.S. since 2000

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Gregory County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. Individual Members

• Those who directly participated in hazing
• Those who organized or led hazing activities
• Those who failed to stop hazing they witnessed

2. Local Chapter Leadership

• Chapter presidents
• Pledgemasters
• Risk managers
• Other officers

3. National Organizations

• National fraternity/sorority headquarters
• Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority properties
• Alumni associations that support chapters

4. Universities and Colleges

• Gregory County area universities that fail to prevent hazing
• Institutions that own fraternity/sorority houses
• Administrators who knew or should have known about hazing

5. Insurance Companies

• Liability policies covering fraternities, sororities, and universities
• Homeowners policies covering individual members

The Legal Process for Gregory County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed in Gregory County, here’s what to expect when working with Attorney 911:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We’ll meet with you (in person or via video) to discuss what happened and evaluate your case.

2. Evidence Preservation

We’ll send preservation letters to all potential defendants to prevent evidence destruction.

3. Investigation

We’ll gather all available evidence, including:

• Medical records
• Text messages and social media communications
• Photos and videos
• Witness statements
• Organizational records

4. Filing the Lawsuit

We’ll file a lawsuit against all responsible parties, seeking compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct)

5. Discovery

We’ll demand documents and take depositions from:

• Fraternity/sorority members
• Chapter officers
• National organization representatives
• University administrators
• Witnesses

6. Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with defendants and their insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.

7. Trial (If Necessary)

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll take your case to trial and fight for justice in court.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Gregory County

Time is critical in hazing cases. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Get your child evaluated by a doctor, even if injuries seem minor
• Document all injuries with photographs
• Keep all medical records and bills

2. Preserve Evidence

• Do not delete any text messages, social media posts, or emails
• Save all communications about the hazing
• Take screenshots of any relevant social media activity
• Document dates, times, and locations of hazing activities

3. Report the Hazing

• Report to university authorities
• Consider filing a police report
• Report to national organization (if applicable)

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Do not speak to fraternity/sorority representatives without legal counsel
• Do not give statements to insurance companies without your attorney present
• Do not sign anything from the organization

5. Avoid Social Media

• Do not post about the incident on social media
• Avoid engaging with Greek life members online
• Social media posts can be used against you

Why Gregory County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We’re not just talking about hazing – we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Our client, a University of Houston student, was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded and subjected to extreme physical punishment during fraternity initiation.

This case gives us unique insights into how to build strong hazing cases and how to pressure defendants to settle. Gregory County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in this landmark case.

We Know How Defendants Think

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked as insurance defense attorneys before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutional defendants try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to fight for victims.

We Have a Proven Track Record

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases
• Significant recoveries in wrongful death cases
• Successful outcomes in cases against major institutions
• Hundreds of cases where we’ve exposed flawed evidence and won

We Serve Gregory County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Gregory County. We offer:

• Video consultations for Gregory County families
• Willingness to travel to Gregory County for depositions and meetings
• Remote case management for out-of-state clients
• Bilingual services (Se habla español)
• Contingency fee representation – no upfront costs

The Gregory County Hazing Victim’s Guide to Compensation

Hazing victims in Gregory County may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, therapy)
• Future medical costs (ongoing treatment, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career prospects)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering (the physical agony of hazing injuries)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from the trauma)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages:

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. This is especially relevant in hazing cases where organizations knowingly allowed dangerous practices to continue.

Gregory County Universities and the Hazing Problem

Gregory County is home to several educational institutions where hazing may occur:

1. South Dakota State University (Brookings)

• Largest university in South Dakota
• Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities
• History of student organizations

2. University of South Dakota (Vermillion)

• Oldest public university in South Dakota
• Greek life presence
• Competitive student organizations

3. Dakota State University (Madison)

• Smaller university with growing student life
• Potential for hazing in clubs and organizations

4. Augustana University (Sioux Falls)

• Private liberal arts university
• Greek life organizations
• Competitive athletics and student groups

5. Local Community Colleges

• Smaller institutions but still potential for hazing
• Athletic teams, clubs, and organizations

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing scandals nationwide have chapters at these institutions. The same culture of abuse exists in Gregory County.

The Role of Gregory County Universities in Hazing Prevention

Universities have a legal duty to protect their students from hazing. When they fail, they can be held liable. Common failures include:

1. Failure to Supervise Greek Life

• Not monitoring fraternity and sorority activities
• Not enforcing anti-hazing policies
• Not responding to reports of hazing

2. Premises Liability

• Universities that own fraternity/sorority houses
• Failure to maintain safe premises
• Failure to prevent dangerous activities

3. Institutional Knowledge

• Prior hazing incidents at the university
• Failure to implement effective safeguards
• Repeating the same mistakes

4. Failure to Report

• Not reporting hazing incidents as required by law
• Covering up incidents to protect reputation
• Not cooperating with investigations

Gregory County Hazing Laws

South Dakota has specific laws addressing hazing:

SDCL 13-32-1: Hazing Defined

Hazing includes any activity that:

• Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
• Is part of initiation into any student organization
• Involves physical brutality, forced consumption, or other dangerous activities

SDCL 13-32-2: Criminal Penalties

Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Up to $2,000 fine

SDCL 13-32-3: Consent Not a Defense

Even if a student consents to hazing, the organization can still be held criminally and civilly liable.

SDCL 13-32-4: Reporting Requirements

School officials must report hazing incidents to law enforcement.

How Attorney 911 Fights for Gregory County Hazing Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all potential defendants
• Prevent destruction of text messages, social media, and other evidence
• Secure video footage and photographs

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview witnesses
• Obtain medical records
• Gather organizational documents
• Analyze social media and communications

3. Aggressive Discovery

• Depose fraternity/sorority members
• Subpoena organizational records
• Demand insurance policies
• Obtain university documents

4. Expert Consultation

• Medical experts to explain injuries
• Hazing culture experts
• Economic experts to calculate damages
• Safety experts to analyze institutional failures

5. Strategic Negotiation

• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Pressure defendants to settle
• Use our insider knowledge of defendant tactics

6. Trial Preparation

• Develop compelling trial narrative
• Prepare witnesses
• Create powerful visual exhibits
• Anticipate defense strategies

7. Trial Advocacy

• Present evidence to judge and jury
• Cross-examine defense witnesses
• Argue for maximum compensation
• Fight for punitive damages when appropriate

Gregory County Hazing Case Studies

Case 1: The Waterboarding Victim

Location: University of Houston (similar to Gregory County cases)
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
Outcome: Ongoing litigation; fraternity chapter closed

Gregory County Application: This case shows that even non-fatal hazing injuries can support multi-million dollar claims. The same fraternities operate near Gregory County.

Case 2: The Alcohol Poisoning Death

Location: Bowling Green State University
Victim: Stone Foltz
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
Hazing: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement; fraternity expelled

Gregory County Application: This case demonstrates that universities and national organizations can be held jointly liable for hazing deaths.

Case 3: The Traumatic Brain Injury

Location: University of Alabama
Victim: Unnamed student
Fraternity: Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Hazing: Physical abuse leading to TBI
Outcome: Lawsuit filed; fraternity under investigation

Gregory County Application: Shows that serious non-fatal injuries can support substantial legal claims.

What Gregory County Families Can Expect

If your child has been hazed, here’s what you can expect when working with Attorney 911:

1. Compassionate Representation

We understand the trauma your family is experiencing. We’ll treat you with respect and compassion while fighting aggressively for your rights.

2. Clear Communication

We’ll keep you informed at every stage of the process. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case.

3. Aggressive Advocacy

We’ll fight for maximum compensation, holding all responsible parties accountable.

4. No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

5. Nationwide Representation

We represent hazing victims across the country, including Gregory County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Gregory County Hazing Victims

Q: My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. South Dakota law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal and dangerous activities. Courts consistently reject this argument.

Q: We’re in Gregory County. Can you help us if you’re based in Texas?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations and travel to Gregory County when needed.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case.

Q: What if the fraternity tries to intimidate us?

A: We protect our clients. If the fraternity or its members try to intimidate or retaliate against you, we’ll take legal action to stop them.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: South Dakota has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately to preserve evidence.

Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward?

A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social consequences. We’ll protect your child’s identity and work to ensure their safety.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: Possibly. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to prevent it, they may share liability.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or