Hazing Lawyer in Haakon County, SD | Attorney 911

Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Hazing in Haakon County and Across South Dakota

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a college or university near Haakon County, South Dakota, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that fraternities, sororities, and universities can and will be held accountable when they fail to protect students.

We serve hazing victims and their families nationwide, including in Haakon County, and we are ready to fight for you.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (Available 24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Haakon County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

While based in Texas, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that universities and Greek organizations can be held liable for hazing. The same fraternities and sororities operate near Haakon County, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to South Dakota.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, previously worked for insurance companies and national defense firms, giving us insider knowledge of how these institutions try to minimize or deny claims. We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.

3. Federal Court Authority—We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

We are admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and have experience in federal civil rights cases, allowing us to pursue hazing cases nationwide—including in Haakon County.

4. Dual-State Licensed (Texas & New York)—Strategic Advantage for National Cases

Many national fraternities and sororities are headquartered outside South Dakota. Our dual-state bar admission allows us to pursue these organizations in multiple jurisdictions.

5. We Travel to Haakon County for Your Case

We will come to Haakon County for depositions, client meetings, and trials—distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Contingency Fee Representation—No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures that every family in Haakon County can afford top-tier legal representation.

The Hazing Crisis in Haakon County and South Dakota

Hazing is not just a problem in Texas—it happens at universities near Haakon County, too. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries have active chapters in South Dakota.

Universities Near Haakon County with Greek Life

While Haakon County itself is rural, nearby institutions with Greek organizations include:

• South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD)
• Black Hills State University (Spearfish, SD)
• University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD)
• South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD)
• Northern State University (Aberdeen, SD)

These same fraternities and sororities have a documented history of hazing nationwide—including the case we’re fighting right now.

Types of Hazing That Happen Near Haakon County

Hazing is not just “boys being boys.” It is assault, battery, and often torture. Common hazing activities include:
✅ Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, “drink until you black out”)
✅ Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, branding, extreme exercise)
✅ Psychological torture (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
✅ Waterboarding & simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)
✅ Forced eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)
✅ Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
✅ Sexual humiliation & assault (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects)

These are not “traditions.” They are crimes.

Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
🚨 Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
🚨 Acute kidney failure (requires hospitalization)
🚨 Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
🚨 Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
🚨 Hypothermia/hyperthermia (from exposure)
🚨 PTSD, anxiety, depression (long-term psychological trauma)
🚨 Death (hazing has killed students nationwide)

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—this could happen to a student near Haakon County.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Haakon County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
• Members who participated can be sued individually

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Sets policies that fail to prevent hazing
• Knows about hazing culture but does nothing (as seen in our case)
• Has deep pockets and insurance policies

3. The University or College

• Has a duty to protect students from hazing
• Often owns or controls fraternity/sorority houses
• May have prior knowledge of hazing incidents
• Can be sued for negligent supervision

4. Individual Members & Alumni

• Those who participated in hazing can be sued personally
• Alumni who hosted hazing events can be held liable
• Consent is not a defense under South Dakota law

5. Insurance Companies

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities have liability insurance
• We know how to pursue these policies to maximize compensation

$10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: What Happened at UH Could Happen Near Haakon County

The Case We’re Fighting Right Now

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston ($10M Lawsuit)

What Happened:

• A transfer student (not even enrolled at UH yet) accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi
• Over 7 weeks, he was subjected to:
  • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and extreme workouts
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to run sprints
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing
• On November 3, 2025, he was punished with extreme exercise until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, 2025, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• He spent 4 days in the hospital

What the Fraternity Did Next:

• Closed the chapter (but said they “look forward to returning”)
• Admitted “violations” of their own policies
• Did not apologize to the victim

Why This Matters to Haakon County:

• The same Pi Kappa Phi national organization has chapters near Haakon County
• The same hazing culture exists at universities in South Dakota
• The same negligence happens when universities fail to act
• We are fighting this case right now—and we will fight for Haakon County victims the same way

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases result in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what other families have recovered:

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win big. The same results are possible for Haakon County families.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Haakon County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear right away
• Get a full medical evaluation to document injuries
• Keep all medical records

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

📱 Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
📸 Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and evidence
📝 Write down everything that happened (names, dates, details)
👥 Get witness information (other pledges, bystanders)

⚠️ DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Statute of limitations (usually 2 years) starts running immediately
• Evidence disappears quickly
• The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Haakon County

1. Can I Sue Even If My Child Consented to Hazing?

Yes. Under South Dakota law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

2. What If the Hazing Happened Off-Campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus, and universities can still be held liable if they failed to prevent it.

3. How Much Is My Hazing Case Worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

Our current case is seeking $10 million—your case could be worth similar amounts.

4. Can I Sue the University Even If They Didn’t Know?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If they should have known (or had prior incidents), they can be held liable.

5. What If My Child Is Afraid of Retaliation?

We understand the fear of retaliation. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to speak publicly—but we still filed the lawsuit. We will protect your child’s identity and fight aggressively to hold the responsible parties accountable.

6. How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

In South Dakota, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years. However, you should act immediately—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

7. Do I Need a Lawyer Near Haakon County?

No. While we are based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide and can handle your case remotely. We will travel to Haakon County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

We Are the Hazing Lawyers Haakon County Needs

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney (knows how they fight claims)
• Currently litigating a $10M hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
• Admitted to U.S. District Court (can sue nationwide)
• Dual-licensed in Texas & New York (strategic advantage for national cases)

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expert
• Fluent in Spanish (can serve Haakon County’s Spanish-speaking families)
• Dual-licensed in Texas & New York

Haakon County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

Hazing is not a rite of passage—it’s abuse, assault, and often a crime. If your child has been hazed at a university near Haakon County, you have legal rights, and we are ready to fight for you.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (Available 24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Serving Haakon County and All of South Dakota

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in:

• Haakon County, SD
• Rapid City, SD (South Dakota School of Mines & Technology)
• Spearfish, SD (Black Hills State University)
• Vermillion, SD (University of South Dakota)
• Brookings, SD (South Dakota State University)
• Aberdeen, SD (Northern State University)

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for you.