🚨 Perkins County Hazing Lawyer: Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
Perkins County families: If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Perkins County, South Dakota, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 — based in Houston but serving Perkins County and nationwide — is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit and can fight for your family too.
⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Perkins County
Hazing isn’t just “tradition” or “boys being boys.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And at its worst, it’s manslaughter. In Perkins County and across South Dakota, students are subjected to dangerous rituals that can cause serious physical and psychological harm — sometimes even death.
The same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at universities near Perkins County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters at South Dakota institutions where your child might be pledging. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening right here in the Northern Plains.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Perkins County
Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after he was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from systematic hazing.
What they did to him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500+ squats until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during workouts — they kept going
The result: Bermudez spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. His mother had to rush him to the ER when his urine turned brown — a classic sign of muscle breakdown.
This wasn’t an accident. This was torture. And it’s happening at universities near Perkins County.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Perkins County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the students who participated. In our Houston case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable for Perkins County Hazing |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing culture and failed to stop it (Pi Kappa Phi had another hazing death in 2017) |
| University | Failed to supervise Greek life; had power to stop hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned fraternity property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
Perkins County families: If your child was hazed at a South Dakota university, the same defendants can be held accountable.
💰 What Your Perkins County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Our $10 million demand is supported by precedent:
| 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 |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending | $10 million |
Perkins County families: Your case could be worth millions depending on:
- Severity of physical injuries
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- Egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, etc.)
- Long-term health consequences
📋 What Perkins County Families Should Do Right Now
If your child was hazed at a South Dakota university or anywhere in the country, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
✅ Immediate Action Steps for Perkins County Hazing Victims:
- Get Medical Attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately.
- Preserve All Evidence — Save all texts, social media posts, photos, videos, and communications about hazing.
- Do NOT Talk to the Organization — They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence.
- Do NOT Post on Social Media — Anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact Attorney 911 Immediately — Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We work on contingency — Perkins County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
🎯 Why Perkins 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 lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to hold institutions accountable.
2. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Perkins County
Based in Houston, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Perkins County and all of South Dakota. We travel for depositions and trials. We offer video consultations. Distance is not a barrier.
3. 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 to beat them. We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them.
4. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, giving us the power to pursue Perkins County hazing cases in federal jurisdiction — essential when suing national fraternities.
5. Dual-State Bar Licenses
Licensed in Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for cases against national organizations headquartered out of state.
6. Aggressive Litigation Strategy
We don’t just send demand letters. We take cases to trial when necessary. We depose every defendant. We uncover every piece of evidence. We fight for maximum compensation.
7. We Come to Perkins County
For depositions, client meetings, and trials — we travel to Perkins County and anywhere in South Dakota. Your case matters to us.
📞 Perkins County Hazing Victims: Call Now — Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Perkins County, South Dakota, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Perkins County hazing emergencies)
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Perkins County families. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Perkins County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a South Dakota university. Can you help even though you’re based in Houston?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Perkins County and all of South Dakota. We have federal court authority and are licensed in multiple states. We offer video consultations and travel to Perkins County for meetings and depositions.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Texas law (and most states) explicitly say consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity is still liable.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, we can sue the homeowner, the fraternity, and the national organization.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront for Perkins County families. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.
Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. We protect your child’s identity and privacy. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we take these concerns seriously.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: That’s not a defense. Universities have a duty to supervise Greek life. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable — especially if there were prior hazing incidents at their institution.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Typically 2 years from the date of injury in most states, but this varies. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately.
Q: Can we sue even if criminal charges weren’t filed?
A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if no one was charged criminally, you can still file a civil lawsuit for damages.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: Psychological trauma counts. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all compensable injuries. We pursue damages for both physical and psychological harm.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: Yes. National organizations can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing both the local chapter and the national organization.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Perkins County
Perkins County parents: Be aware of these red flags that your child may be experiencing hazing:
❌ Sudden secrecy — Avoiding questions about Greek life activities
❌ Unexplained injuries — Bruises, cuts, or limping
❌ Extreme fatigue — Sleep deprivation is a common hazing tactic
❌ Mood changes — Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
❌ Physical symptoms — Vomiting, dehydration, muscle pain
❌ Missing class — Hazing often disrupts academic performance
❌ Strange clothing — Wearing odd or degrading outfits
❌ Late-night activities — Forced to drive members or perform tasks at odd hours
❌ Talk of “traditions” — If they mention “traditions” that sound dangerous, ask questions
If you notice these signs, your child may be in danger. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
📚 Perkins County Hazing Resources
National Hazing Hotlines & Reporting
- HazingPrevention.Org — hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing — stophazing.org
- Gordie Center (Alcohol Education & Hazing Prevention) — gordie.org
South Dakota-Specific Resources
- South Dakota Board of Regents — sdbor.edu
- University of South Dakota Greek Life — usd.edu/greek-life
- South Dakota State University Greek Life — sdstate.edu/greek
Medical & Psychological Support
- Rhabdomyolysis Information — mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rhabdomyolysis
- PTSD Support — ptsd.va.gov
- Crisis Text Line — Text “HOME” to 741741
🔥 A Message to Perkins County Fraternities & Universities
To fraternities operating near Perkins County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Perkins County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Perkins County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To universities near Perkins 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 Perkins County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 Our Commitment to Perkins County Families
We didn’t become hazing lawyers for the money. We became lawyers to protect victims and hold powerful institutions accountable.
When we see what fraternities do to kids — waterboarding them, beating them, hospitalizing them — we don’t see dollar signs. We see a person. We see a family. We see a life that matters.
We will fight for Perkins County families because we truly care. We will fight hard. We will fight smart. And we will win.
Perkins County hazing victims: You are not alone. We are here to help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Justice for Perkins County hazing victims starts here.
