🏛️ Hazing Legal Emergency: Jackson County Families’ Guide to Justice
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines. Neither Does Justice.
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jackson County, South Dakota, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston operate chapters near Jackson County. The same negligence that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure exists at institutions in and around Jackson County.
We are Attorney 911 — the lawyers fighting this battle right now. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Jackson County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Texas.
🚨 What Jackson County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing is Not “Tradition.” It’s Abuse.
The hazing that hospitalized our client at UH included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to keep exercising
- Hog-tied with an object in his mouth (another pledge)
This same abuse happens at universities near Jackson County. The same fraternities operate near Jackson County. The same “traditions” exist.
Universities Near Jackson County Are Failing Your Children
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was tortured. They had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
Universities near Jackson County have the same power to stop hazing — and the same liability when they don’t.
National Fraternities Know — And They Don’t Care
Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” in their organization. They knew a student died in 2017 at one of their chapters. They did nothing. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized.
The same national organizations operate near Jackson County. They know what’s happening in their chapters. They choose not to stop it.
🏫 Which Universities Near Jackson County Have Hazing Risks?
While we can’t comment on specific incidents at Jackson County institutions without verified evidence, we can tell you that major universities near Jackson County host active Greek life chapters of the same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases nationwide.
Universities near Jackson County with Greek life include:
- South Dakota State University (Brookings, ~200 miles from Jackson County)
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion, ~180 miles from Jackson County)
- Northern State University (Aberdeen, ~250 miles from Jackson County)
- Augustana University (Sioux Falls, ~220 miles from Jackson County)
These institutions host chapters of:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- And many more
The same fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate near Jackson County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Jackson County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Jackson County Hazing Victim
Hazing is Illegal in South Dakota
South Dakota has anti-hazing laws that make hazing a crime. Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them.
You Can Sue for Hazing in Jackson County
Even if the hazing occurred elsewhere, you can pursue justice through:
- Civil lawsuits for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Federal civil rights claims if the university failed to protect your child
- Title IX claims if the hazing involved sexual harassment or gender discrimination
Who Can Be Held Liable for Jackson County Hazing Victims?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students despite having power to regulate Greek life |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
💰 What Jackson County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Our current case seeks $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure. Other cases have resulted in:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million estimated settlement |
Jackson County families can recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (current and future earning capacity)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic impact)
📋 What Jackson County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
- Get medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
- Preserve all evidence — Texts, photos, videos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity or university alone — They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
- Call an attorney immediately — Statutes of limitations apply; evidence disappears fast
Jackson County Families: Call Attorney 911 Now
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Jackson County hazing emergencies
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
We will travel to Jackson County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🎯 Why Jackson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Jackson County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how they think and how they try to minimize claims
- Federal court authority — We can pursue Jackson County cases in federal court
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York; strategic advantage against national fraternities
3. We Have a Proven Track Record
- $10+ million in hazing litigation currently pending
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience against major corporations
- 4.9-star Google rating — 250+ reviews from satisfied clients
4. We Understand Jackson County Families’ Concerns
- Language barriers? Se habla español — bilingual staff available
- Afraid of cost? We work on contingency — $0 upfront
- Worried about distance? We offer video consultations and travel to Jackson County
- Fearful of retaliation? We protect our clients’ identities and safety
5. We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing — We Stop It
Lupe Pena said it best:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Your Jackson County case could save lives.
📞 Jackson County Hazing Emergency? Call Now.
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Jackson County families
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Jackson County and all of South Dakota. Federal court authority means we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jackson County Families
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened outside Jackson County?
A: Yes. We can pursue cases anywhere in South Dakota or nationwide through federal court. Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, and we can associate local counsel if needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?
A: Consent is not a defense. South Dakota law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. When fraternities argue “he agreed to participate,” the law says consent doesn’t matter.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: South Dakota’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, and organizations will try to destroy records. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: What if the fraternity says it was just “boys being boys”?
A: This is a common defense tactic. We counter with:
- Waterboarding is torture — not “boys being boys”
- 500 squats causing kidney failure — not “boys being boys”
- Forcing someone to eat until they vomit — not “boys being boys”
- Hog-tying a pledge with an object in their mouth — not “boys being boys”
This is abuse. It’s illegal. And it will be treated as such in court.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life and failed to implement effective safeguards, they can be held liable for negligent supervision and premises liability.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. Many hazing victims are intimidated into silence. We:
- Protect your identity during litigation
- Advise you on how to document evidence safely
- Work with law enforcement if threats occur
- Pursue claims against anyone who retaliates
Q: Can we still sue if the fraternity has been suspended or closed?
A: Absolutely. Closing a chapter is an admission of liability. We can still pursue:
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members
- Insurance carriers
- Alumni who facilitated hazing
🚫 What NOT to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Jackson County
❌ Do NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos — This is destruction of evidence
❌ Do NOT confront the fraternity or university alone — They will coordinate their story
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media — Anything you post can be used against you
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the organization — You may be waiving your rights
❌ Do NOT wait to seek legal help — Evidence disappears; statutes of limitations apply
❌ Do NOT assume it was “just a prank” — Hazing causes serious physical and psychological harm
📢 A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Jackson County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and all other Greek organizations with chapters near Jackson County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that are securing $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students near Jackson County, we will pursue every liable entity — your local chapter, your national organization, your housing corporation, your alumni, and your individual members.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
To universities near Jackson County:
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — implement real oversight, enforce anti-hazing policies, and protect your students. Or face the same accountability.
🔥 Enough Is Enough. Jackson County Families Deserve Justice.
Hazing doesn’t build brotherhood. It destroys lives.
It doesn’t create leaders. It creates trauma.
It doesn’t honor tradition. It dishonors humanity.
Jackson County families: Your child deserves better. Your family deserves justice. And we’re here to fight for it.
📞 Jackson County Hazing Emergency? Call Now.
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Jackson County families
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Jackson County, all of South Dakota, and nationwide. Federal court authority means we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
Serving Jackson County and Beyond
