🛡️ Attorney 911: Lake County’s Trusted Legal Advocates for Hazing Victims

Protecting Students, Empowering Families, Demanding Justice

Serving Lake County, South Dakota and Beyond • 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hazing in Lake County: A Crisis That Demands Action

Lake County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences.

But in Lake County and across America, that trust is being betrayed.

Hazing — once dismissed as “harmless tradition” — has escalated into a crisis of abuse, torture, and preventable tragedies. Students in Lake County face the same dangers we’re fighting in our landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

This isn’t happening somewhere else. It could be happening right here in Lake County.

The Hazing Reality in Lake County

Lake County is home to a strong educational community, with families who value hard work, integrity, and opportunity. But the same national fraternities and sororities that operate in major university cities maintain active chapters at institutions serving Lake County students.

These organizations bring their culture with them — including the same hazing practices that hospitalized our client in Houston.

Hazing in Lake County: What Families Need to Know

1. It’s Not Just “Harmless Fun”

   • Hazing includes forced drinking, extreme physical punishment, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture
   • These aren’t pranks — they’re assault, battery, and reckless endangerment

2. It Happens in Lake County

   • National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at universities near Lake County
   • The same organizations involved in hazing deaths nationwide operate where Lake County students attend college

3. Universities Know — And Fail to Act

   • Colleges have the power to regulate Greek life but often prioritize reputation over safety
   • When hazing is reported, universities frequently cover it up rather than address it

4. Victims Are Afraid to Speak Up

   • Students fear social retaliation, expulsion from Greek life, or being ostracized
   • Many don’t realize they’re being hazed until it’s too late

5. The Medical Consequences Are Real

   • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
   • Acute kidney failure
   • Alcohol poisoning
   • Traumatic brain injuries
   • Death

Our Landmark Case: The Warning for Lake County

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

This case isn’t just about Houston. It’s about Lake County too.

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in Fall 2025. Over seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse including:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Carrying objects of sexual nature as humiliation
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The Result:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle tissue broke down
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition
• Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days — fighting for his life
• Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — but only after the damage was done

The Defendants:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
• Local chapter officers
• University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members

The Message to Lake County:
The same fraternity that did this in Houston has chapters across America — including near Lake County. The same negligence exists at universities serving Lake County students. If it can happen in Houston, it can happen in Lake County.

Why Lake County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the defendants. We know their tactics. We know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they fight. We know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas — meaning we can pursue Lake County cases in federal jurisdiction when needed.

4. Dual-State Licensed

Licensed in Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered anywhere in America.

5. We Come to Lake County

While headquartered in Houston, we travel to Lake County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Se Habla Español

Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Lake County families. No language barriers to justice.

7. $0 Upfront Cost

We work on contingency — Lake County families pay nothing unless we win. No hourly fees. No retainers. No financial risk.

8. 24/7 Availability

Hazing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime — day or night.

Lake County Hazing Law: Your Legal Rights

South Dakota Hazing Laws

South Dakota Codified Laws § 13-33-1 defines hazing as:

Any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

Key Legal Principles for Lake County Victims:

1. Consent is NOT a Defense

   • Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal

2. Organizations Can Be Held Liable

   • Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for damages

3. Individuals Face Criminal Charges

   • Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor in South Dakota (up to 1 year in jail, $2,000 fine)
   • If hazing causes serious injury or death, penalties increase significantly

4. Universities Have a Duty to Protect Students

   • Schools that know about hazing and fail to act share liability

Who Is Liable for Lake County Hazing?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Lake County families: This isn’t about suing broke college students. It’s about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable.

What Lake County Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims in Lake County may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Educational disruption costs
• Therapy and rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent impairment

Punitive Damages:

• Awarded when conduct is egregious or intentional
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Particularly appropriate for systematic hazing cultures

Precedent Cases Show Lake County Victims Can Win Millions:

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

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lake County

Immediate Action Steps:

1. Get Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
   • Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Photos of injuries, locations, hazing items
   • Screenshots of texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram
   • Names and contact info of witnesses
   • Medical records from hospital or doctor visits

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • Anything you say can be used against you

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Avoid discussing the incident online
   • Posts can be used as evidence against you

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
   • We’ll guide you through the next steps

The Attorney 911 Approach for Lake County Families

1. Immediate Response

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:

• Provide emergency legal guidance
• Help preserve critical evidence
• Prevent you from making statements that could harm your case
• Connect you with medical resources if needed

2. Comprehensive Investigation

We work with:

• Medical experts to document injuries
• Investigators to gather evidence
• Greek life culture experts to establish pattern evidence
• University policy specialists to prove institutional failure

3. Strategic Litigation

We pursue:

• Negligence claims against universities and national organizations
• Assault and battery claims against individual perpetrators
• Premises liability when hazing occurs on university-owned property
• Punitive damages when conduct is egregious

4. Aggressive Negotiation

We:

• Demand full policy limits from insurance companies
• Pursue settlements that reflect the true value of your case
• Are prepared to go to trial if offers are inadequate

5. Trial-Ready Representation

If necessary, we:

• File lawsuits in state or federal court
• Conduct depositions of all defendants
• Present compelling evidence to juries
• Fight for maximum compensation

Lake County Universities: The Hazing Risk Near You

While Lake County doesn’t have a major university within its borders, Lake County families send their children to institutions across the region where hazing occurs. These are the schools where Lake County students are at risk:

South Dakota State University (SDSU) — Brookings, SD

• Distance from Lake County: ~120 miles
• Greek Life: Active fraternities and sororities
• Hazing Risk: Documented incidents in past; national organizations present
• Why It Matters: Many Lake County students attend SDSU

University of South Dakota (USD) — Vermillion, SD

• Distance from Lake County: ~100 miles
• Greek Life: Active Greek system
• Hazing Risk: National fraternities with hazing histories operate here
• Why It Matters: Lake County students frequently enroll at USD

Augustana University — Sioux Falls, SD

• Distance from Lake County: ~150 miles
• Greek Life: Strong Greek system
• Hazing Risk: Private university with active Greek life; hazing incidents reported
• Why It Matters: Many Lake County families choose private education

Other Regional Universities Serving Lake County Students:

• University of Minnesota (Twin Cities, MN)
• Iowa State University (Ames, IA)
• University of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE)
• North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND)

Lake County parents: If your child attends college in the region, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

National Fraternities Operating Near Lake County

These are the same organizations involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. They operate where Lake County students go to school:

Lake County families: These aren’t just names in the news. These are the same fraternities your children may be pledging.

The Warning Signs of Hazing in Lake County

Parents should watch for these red flags:

1. Sudden Changes in Behavior

   • Withdrawal from family and friends
   • Increased secrecy about activities
   • Sudden decline in academic performance

2. Physical Signs

   • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
   • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
   • Sudden weight loss or gain
   • Difficulty walking or moving

3. Emotional Signs

   • Increased anxiety or depression
   • Fear when discussing Greek life
   • Sudden mood swings
   • Talk of “traditions” that sound abusive

4. Behavioral Signs

   • Sudden obsession with secrecy
   • Carrying strange objects (like our client’s fanny pack with sexual items)
   • Wearing unusual clothing or costumes
   • Being forced to perform errands for older members

5. Academic Impact

   • Missing classes
   • Declining grades
   • Withdrawing from extracurricular activities

Lake County parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be too afraid to speak up.

Lake County’s Hazing Prevention Resources

For Students:

• South Dakota Anti-Hazing Coalition: [Website] (if available)
• National Hazing Prevention Week: Annual events at SDSU, USD, and other schools
• University Reporting Systems: Most schools have anonymous reporting options
• Counseling Services: On-campus mental health resources

For Parents:

• Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Clery Act Reports: Universities must disclose crime statistics (including hazing)
• Greek Life Oversight Offices: Contact university Greek life offices for policies

Lake County’s Legal Emergency Hotline

If your child has been hazed, call now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 • Free Consultation • $0 Upfront Cost

What to expect when you call:

1. Immediate connection with a hazing litigation specialist
2. Confidential case evaluation
3. Guidance on evidence preservation
4. Next steps tailored to your situation
5. No obligation — we’re here to help

Lake County Hazing FAQ

Q: Is hazing really a problem in Lake County?

A: Yes. While Lake County itself doesn’t have a major university, Lake County families send their children to colleges across the region where hazing occurs. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths operate at universities serving Lake County students. If it’s happening nationwide, it’s happening where Lake County students go to school.

Q: My child says it’s just “tradition” — is it really that bad?

A: What’s called “tradition” is often assault, battery, and psychological torture. Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical punishment — these aren’t traditions. They’re crimes. And they cause real, lasting harm.

Q: Can we really sue a fraternity or university?

A: Absolutely. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can be held liable for failing to protect students. Our current $10 million lawsuit proves these cases win.

Q: What if my child participated in the hazing too?

A: Consent is not a defense under South Dakota law. Even if your child participated, they can still be a victim. The law recognizes that students are pressured and coerced into these activities.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to Lake County families.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: It varies, but most cases settle within 12-24 months. Severe cases may take longer. We work as quickly as possible to get Lake County families the compensation they deserve.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a school outside South Dakota?

A: We can handle cases nationwide. Our federal court authority and dual-state licenses allow us to pursue justice for Lake County families no matter where the hazing occurred.

Q: Will my child have to testify?

A: Possibly, but we prepare our clients thoroughly. Many cases settle before trial. If testimony is needed, we’ll ensure your child is comfortable and protected.

Q: Can we report hazing to the police?

A: Yes. Hazing is a crime in South Dakota. You can file a police report. We can help guide you through both the criminal and civil processes.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: Retaliation is illegal. We protect our clients and can pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs. Many students are afraid to speak up — we understand and will fight for their rights.

Lake County’s Message to Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Lake County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

If you haze students in Lake County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance dollar. We will hold every individual accountable.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

Your Lake County chapter could be next.

To the universities serving Lake County students:

You own the buildings. You collect the tuition. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect your students.

When you fail to act on hazing reports, when you prioritize reputation over safety, when you allow abuse to continue — you become part of the problem.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They did nothing. Now they’re a defendant in our lawsuit.

Your institution could be next.

Lake County’s Call to Action

For Hazing Victims:

You are not alone. What happened to you was wrong. You have the right to seek justice. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

For Lake County Parents:

Talk to your children about hazing. Know the warning signs. If you suspect your child is being hazed, act immediately.

For Lake County Students:

If you’re being hazed, you have options. You can report it. You can leave. You can seek legal help. You don’t have to endure this.

For Lake County Community Leaders:

Hazing isn’t just a college issue — it’s a Lake County issue. Support prevention efforts. Advocate for stronger laws. Protect our students.

Contact Attorney 911 — Lake County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Video Consultations: Available for Lake County families

We serve Lake County from our offices in:

• Houston, TX (Headquarters)
• Austin, TX
• Beaumont, TX

We come to Lake County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials
• Any legal proceedings

Lake County Families: You Are Not Powerless

Hazing makes students and families feel powerless. Universities and fraternities have all the resources. They have teams of lawyers. They have institutional power.

But you have something they don’t: the truth.

And you have Attorney 911 — Lake County’s aggressive, experienced hazing litigation team.

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Lake County families, because we truly care.

If your child has been hazed, call us today. The clock is ticking.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Justice for Lake County. Accountability for everyone.