🛡️ Lincoln County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither does justice.
If your child has been the victim of hazing at a college or university near Lincoln County, South Dakota, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. You trusted these institutions to keep your child safe. That trust was broken. Now, you need answers. You need accountability. And you need justice.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for a hazing victim who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just a case—it’s a movement. And we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Lincoln County families.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Lincoln County and Beyond
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can lead to serious injury—or worse. In our current case, a young man was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose—simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles—physical assault with a weapon
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising in his own vomit
- Sleep deprivation from being forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture, including being hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth
This happened in Houston, but make no mistake—the same fraternities operate near Lincoln County. The same national organizations with chapters at universities like Augustana University and Dakota State University have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across the country. The same culture of abuse exists in Lincoln County.
Lincoln County Parents: You Are Not Powerless
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Lincoln County, you have legal rights. And you have allies who will fight for you.
We understand that Lincoln County families may feel hesitant to take on powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities. You may worry about cost, distance, or whether anyone will take your concerns seriously. We remove those barriers.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We serve Lincoln County families remotely—video consultations, phone calls, and secure document sharing.
- We travel to Lincoln County—for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed.
- We know how to fight these institutions—we’re doing it right now in our $10 million case.
📋 What Counts as Hazing in South Dakota?
South Dakota has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under South Dakota Codified Laws § 13-32-9, hazing is defined as:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:
The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution; and
The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm, or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation.
This includes:
| Activity | Example from Our Cases | South Dakota Law |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Struck with wooden paddles, 500 squats | Prohibited under § 13-32-9 |
| Forced Consumption | Forced to drink alcohol, eat until vomiting | Prohibited under § 13-32-9 |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, humiliation, threats | Prohibited under § 13-32-9 |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive members at all hours | Prohibited under § 13-32-9 |
| Exposure to Elements | Forced to strip in cold weather | Prohibited under § 13-32-9 |
| Servitude | Forced to clean, run errands, or perform tasks for members | Prohibited under § 13-32-9 |
Important: In South Dakota, consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still considers hazing illegal.
⚖️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Lincoln County Hazing?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can—and should—be held accountable. In our current $10 million case, we’re pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Lincoln County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any fraternity/sorority chapter near Lincoln County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing problems | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, etc. |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority and prior incidents | Augustana University, Dakota State University, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students who engaged in hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Alumni who host events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability | Insurance policies of all defendants |
Lincoln County Families: These same defendants exist in your community. The same legal strategies apply.
💰 What Lincoln County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases can result in substantial financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering your child has endured. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for damages including:
| Damage Type | Example from Our Case | Lincoln County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | 4-day hospital stay for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy |
| Future Medical Care | Ongoing kidney monitoring, potential dialysis | Long-term treatment needs |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Lost income, lost internships |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to academic plans | Tuition reimbursement, academic recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from 500 squats, waterboarding | Physical and emotional trauma |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse | Mental health treatment costs |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct like waterboarding | Additional damages to deter future hazing |
Lincoln County Precedents: These Cases Win
Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These are not isolated incidents—they are proof that juries and courts take hazing seriously.
| 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 (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
These results are possible for Lincoln County families. The same legal strategies that won millions in these cases apply to Lincoln County.
📅 Lincoln County Statute of Limitations: Act Now
In South Dakota, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions:
- If the victim was a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18.
- If the hazing was concealed or covered up, the deadline may be extended.
- But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Lincoln County Families: Don’t wait until it’s too late. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
🚨 What Lincoln County Families Should Do Immediately
If your child has been hazed, every moment counts. Here’s what you should do right now:
1. Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Document everything—medical records are critical evidence.
- If your child is experiencing symptoms like muscle pain, dark urine, or difficulty walking, seek emergency care immediately. These could be signs of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries, bruises, or physical evidence.
- Save all communications—text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails.
- Document everything—dates, times, locations, names of people involved.
- Do not delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant.
- Do not post on social media—insurance companies and defendants will use your posts against you.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity, sorority, or university may try to contact you.
- Do not give statements without legal counsel present.
- Do not sign anything—they may try to get you to waive your rights.
- Refer all communications to your attorney.
4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
- We serve Lincoln County families remotely and travel to you when needed.
🏆 Why Lincoln County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
- We’re currently litigating 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.
- Lincoln County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
- We know how they think. We know how they fight. We use that knowledge against them.
- We’ve seen their playbook—now we dismantle it for Lincoln County victims.
3. Nationwide Reach for Lincoln County Families
- While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Lincoln County.
- Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere.
- We offer video consultations and travel to Lincoln County for depositions and trials.
- Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Contingency Fee Representation
- We understand that Lincoln County families may worry about the cost of legal representation.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- No recovery, no fee.
5. Compassionate, Bilingual Service
- We speak English and Spanish.
- We treat Lincoln County families with respect and compassion.
- We understand the trauma you’re going through.
- You’re not just a case to us—you’re a person who deserves justice.
6. Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience.
- Former federal prosecutor experience.
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.
- Google 4.9-star rating with 250+ reviews.
🎯 Lincoln County Universities and Greek Organizations: We’re Watching
To fraternities and sororities operating near Lincoln County:
We know who you are.
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Lincoln County.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
- If your chapter operates near Lincoln County, we are watching.
We know your corporate structures.
- We track your housing corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance policies.
- We know your national organizations have deep pockets.
- We know how to sue you.
We’ve already beaten you.
- The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston? Shut down.
- The national organization? Sued for $10 million.
- The university? Named as a defendant.
Lincoln County organizations: Your chapter could be next.
📞 Lincoln County Families: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Lincoln County, you have rights. You have options. And you have allies.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Lincoln County families remotely and travel to you when needed. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Lincoln County hazing victims: Enough is enough. It’s time to fight back.
