Hazing Lawyers in Lawrence County, South Dakota | Attorney 911
Lawrence County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. You Have Rights.
If your son or daughter was the victim of fraternity hazing, sorority hazing, or any form of abusive initiation at a college or university near Lawrence County, South Dakota — you are not alone. And you are not powerless.
Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Lawrence County families.
This Happens in Lawrence County Too
Lawrence County is home to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, just 20 miles away. Nearby communities also send students to:
- South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City)
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion)
- South Dakota State University (Brookings)
- Chadron State College (Nebraska)
- And other regional institutions
The same national fraternities and sororities that hazed our client in Texas operate chapters at universities near Lawrence County. If your child pledged a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they faced the same risks.
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. And neither do we.
Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi
This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing.
What happened to him:
✅ Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — physical abuse with weapons
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to keep running
✅ Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing — they kept going
✅ He crawled up the stairs when he got home — couldn’t move the next day
✅ His mother rushed him to the hospital — he spent 4 days fighting for his life
Pi Kappa Phi knew this was happening. They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at another Pi Kappa Phi chapter. They did nothing.
The University of Houston knew this was happening. They had 8 years to implement real oversight after a student was hospitalized from hazing in 2017 at a different fraternity. They did nothing.
Now they will pay.
Why Lawrence County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
While other law firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. The same legal strategies we’re using in Houston apply to Lawrence County victims.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and have experience in federal litigation. This means we can pursue hazing cases against national fraternities and sororities no matter where the incident occurred — including universities near Lawrence County.
4. Dual-State Licensed — Texas and New York
We are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national organizations headquartered in different states.
5. We Come to Lawrence County
We will travel to Lawrence County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Se Habla Español — Bilingual Representation
We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
7. No Upfront Cost — Contingency Fee Only
You pay $0 unless we win your case. We only get paid if you get paid.
What Is Hazing? Lawrence County Needs to Know
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This includes:
❌ Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
❌ Forced consumption — alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting
❌ Waterboarding or simulated drowning — torture disguised as tradition
❌ Sleep deprivation — forced late nights, early mornings, driving members
❌ Psychological torture — humiliation, degradation, threats
❌ Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
❌ Exposure to extreme weather — forced outdoor activities in cold or heat
Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is often criminal.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lawrence County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing; may own the property |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Cover liability for all the above |
Lawrence County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.
What Should Lawrence County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
STEP 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, hazing can cause life-threatening conditions like:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can lead to kidney failure
- Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Internal bleeding — from physical abuse
Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
✅ Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
✅ Get witness names and contact information
✅ Keep pledge manuals, schedules, or rules
✅ Document academic impact — missed classes, grade drops
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: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
Fraternities and sororities have lawyers, insurance companies, and PR teams ready to protect themselves — not your child. They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses.
You need your own legal team to level the playing field.
STEP 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in South Dakota, you typically have only 2 years to file a lawsuit.
Call us before you talk to anyone else.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
What Damages Can Lawrence County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries and abuse |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for lost semester, scholarship loss |
| Punitive Damages | Extra compensation to punish egregious conduct |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death, family can sue for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. Lawrence County families can seek similar compensation.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits succeed — and juries award millions.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
The same results are possible for Lawrence County victims.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lawrence County Families
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. In most states, consent is not a defense to hazing. South Dakota law likely follows this principle. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for abuse.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal or dangerous conduct. Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and physical beatings are not traditions — they are crimes.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Can you protect us?
A: YES. We understand the fear of retaliation. We will:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity/sorority
- Protect your privacy
- Take legal action against any intimidation
- Build your case confidentially
Q: We don’t live in Texas. Can you still represent us?
A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lawrence County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Travel to Lawrence County for meetings
- Remote case management
- Federal court authority to sue national organizations
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. If it was part of the initiation process, the organization is liable.
Q: The university says they didn’t know. Are they liable?
A: YES, if they should have known. Universities have a duty to protect students and monitor Greek organizations. If they failed to implement safeguards after prior incidents, they can be held liable.
The Message to Lawrence County Fraternities and Sororities
“To the fraternities and sororities operating near Lawrence County: We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Lawrence County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national organization with chapters near Lawrence County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities near Lawrence County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Lawrence County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.”
Lawrence County: Enough Is Enough
Hazing has gone on for too long. Too many students have been hospitalized. Too many have died. Too many families have been shattered.
It ends now.
If your child was hazed at Black Hills State University, South Dakota School of Mines, University of South Dakota, or any other school near Lawrence County — you have rights. You have options. And you have Attorney 911.
Contact Us Today — Free Consultation for Lawrence County Families
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Lawrence County and all of South Dakota. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.
Lawrence County families: Your child was hazed. Now it’s time to fight back.
