Hazing Victims in Roberts County, South Dakota: Know Your Rights & How to Seek Justice

The Hazing Crisis in Roberts County: What Families Need to Know

Roberts County, South Dakota, is known for its tight-knit communities, strong family values, and commitment to education. Families here send their children to college expecting them to grow, learn, and build lifelong friendships. But for some students, the dream of Greek life or team bonding turns into a nightmare of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening injuries—all in the name of “tradition.”

Hazing is not just a problem in big cities or distant states—it happens right here in South Dakota. While Roberts County may not have a major university within its borders, students from this region attend colleges across the Midwest where hazing is a persistent issue. Whether your child is pledging a fraternity at South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, or even a smaller college in neighboring states like Minnesota or North Dakota, they could be at risk.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. It is not harmless fun or team-building—it is abuse, and it is illegal in South Dakota.

Common hazing activities include:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings, paddling, or branding
• Forced consumption: Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, or consuming non-food substances
• Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, verbal abuse, or threats
• Dangerous stunts: Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure, or confinement in small spaces
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects

These aren’t just pranks—they can cause permanent injury or death. In fact, since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the U.S. every single year.

The Shocking Truth: Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

While Roberts County may feel far removed from the high-profile hazing cases you see on the news, the same national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate in colleges near South Dakota. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other major Greek organizations have chapters at universities in the region—meaning the same culture of abuse that hospitalized a student in Houston could be happening to your child.

Recent Hazing Cases That Should Alarm Roberts County Families

1. Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston, 2025)

   • A pledge was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.
   • The fraternity had already been involved in a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State)—proving they knew the risks and did nothing to stop it.
   • The university owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred.

2. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021)

   • A 20-year-old student died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event.
   • His family won a $10.1 million settlement from the university and fraternity.

3. Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017)

   • An 18-year-old died after being forced to drink during a “Bible Study” hazing ritual.
   • His family won a $6.1 million jury verdict, and the case led to Louisiana making hazing a felony.

4. Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017)

   • A 19-year-old died after falling down stairs while severely intoxicated during a fraternity event.
   • Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
   • His family received an estimated $110 million settlement, the largest in hazing history.

These cases aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a systemic problem. And if it can happen at major universities, it can happen at colleges near Roberts County.

Could This Happen to Your Child in Roberts County?

If your child is involved in any of the following organizations near Roberts County, they could be at risk of hazing:

• Fraternities & sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others)
• Sports teams (football, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Honor societies & academic clubs
• Military academies

Warning signs that your child may be a victim of hazing:
✅ Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
✅ Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, broken bones)
✅ Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
✅ Avoiding certain people or places
✅ Sudden drop in academic performance
✅ Secretive behavior about their activities
✅ Fear of retaliation if they speak up

If you notice any of these signs, your child may be in danger—and you need to act fast.

South Dakota’s Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

South Dakota has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights. Under South Dakota Codified Laws § 13-32-14, hazing is defined as:

“Any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, which is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to the student.”

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in South Dakota

• Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,000 fine)
• If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony (up to 10 years in prison and/or $20,000 fine)

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued?

Hazing victims in Roberts County can sue:
✔ The local fraternity/sorority chapter (for organizing and participating in hazing)
✔ The national fraternity/sorority organization (for failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies)
✔ The university or college (for failing to protect students, especially if they own the fraternity house)
✔ Individual members (for direct participation in hazing)
✔ Alumni or former members (if hazing occurred at their property)

Important: Consent is NOT a defense in South Dakota. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization and individuals liable.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Roberts County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, and hypothermia are real risks.
• Go to the ER if your child shows any of these symptoms:
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness
  • Dark brown or red urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
  • Confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
  • Difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat
  • Signs of hypothermia (shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness)

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts, emails).
• Get witness names and contact information (other pledges, bystanders).
• Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in South Dakota).
• Report to the university’s Title IX office (if sexual harassment or assault was involved).
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization (they may conduct their own investigation).

Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to minimize the incident. Their goal is to protect themselves, not your child.
• Anything your child says can be used against them in a lawsuit or criminal case.
• Insurance companies will offer lowball settlements before the full extent of injuries is known.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Time is critical. South Dakota has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but evidence disappears quickly.
• An attorney can:
  • Preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.
  • Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
  • File a lawsuit to hold all responsible parties accountable.
  • Negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to trial if necessary.

Why Roberts County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are the only law firm in the nation currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit—and we’re doing it right now. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.

We know how to win these cases because we’ve been on the inside.

Our Unique Advantages for Roberts County Families

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how insurance companies try to deny claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
✅ Federal Court Authority – We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national fraternities.
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas & New York) – We can sue national fraternities no matter where they’re headquartered.
✅ Proven Results – We’ve won millions for personal injury victims, including complex cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation.
✅ We Come to You – We’ll travel to Roberts County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
✅ Contingency Fee Basis – You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

What We Can Do for Your Family

• Investigate the hazing incident (gather evidence, interview witnesses, subpoena records).
• Identify all liable parties (fraternity, university, individuals, insurance companies).
• Calculate full damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, punitive damages).
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and defense attorneys.
• File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
• Take the case to trial if necessary—we’re not afraid to fight for justice.

The Damages Your Child May Be Entitled To

If your child was hazed in Roberts County or at a nearby college, they may be entitled to compensation for:

In severe cases, hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts.

Common Defenses Used in Hazing Cases—And How We Defeat Them

Fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies will try to blame the victim to avoid liability. Here’s how they’ll attack your case—and how we fight back:

Defense 1: “He/She Consented to Participate”

Their Argument: “They knew what they were getting into. They could have left at any time.”
Our Counter:

• South Dakota law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
• Victims are often coerced—threatened with social ostracism, expulsion, or physical harm if they refuse.
• Many victims don’t know what they’re agreeing to—hazing is often hidden until it’s too late.

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition—Not Hazing”

Their Argument: “This is how we’ve always done things. It’s not hazing—it’s bonding.”
Our Counter:

• Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical abuse are NOT bonding—they’re crimes.
• Courts and juries recognize the difference between harmless team-building and dangerous abuse.
• If it causes physical or psychological harm, it’s hazing under the law.

Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”

Their Argument: “The university had no idea this was happening.”
Our Counter:

• Universities have a duty to supervise Greek life. If they own the fraternity house (like UH did), they are directly responsible.
• Many universities have prior hazing incidents—proving they knew the risks.
• They often receive complaints but fail to act—this is negligence.

Defense 4: “The National Fraternity Didn’t Know”

Their Argument: “We didn’t know what the local chapter was doing.”
Our Counter:

• National fraternities have oversight responsibilities. They can (and should) audit chapters.
• Many have prior hazing incidents at other chapters—proving they knew the risks.
• They often dissolve chapters after incidents—which is an admission that they knew something was wrong.

What to Expect If You File a Hazing Lawsuit

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
• We’ll determine who is liable (fraternity, university, individuals).
• We’ll estimate the potential value of your case.

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering

• We’ll subpoena text messages, social media posts, and fraternity records.
• We’ll interview witnesses and gather medical records.
• We’ll work with experts to document the full extent of your child’s injuries.

Step 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation

• We’ll send a demand letter to the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
• We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
• If they refuse to offer a reasonable amount, we’ll file a lawsuit.

Step 4: Filing the Lawsuit

• We’ll name all liable parties (fraternity, university, individuals).
• We’ll file in the appropriate court (state or federal).
• The defendants will have to respond within 20-30 days.

Step 5: Discovery Phase (6-18 Months)

• Depositions: We’ll question fraternity members, university officials, and witnesses under oath.
• Document Requests: We’ll demand internal emails, fraternity policies, and incident reports.
• Expert Testimony: Medical experts, hazing culture experts, and economists will support your case.

Step 6: Mediation (Attempt to Settle)

• A neutral mediator will try to facilitate a settlement.
• Most cases settle at this stage—but we won’t accept a lowball offer.

Step 7: Trial (If Necessary)

• If the case doesn’t settle, we’ll take it to trial.
• We’ll present evidence to a jury.
• The jury will decide liability and damages.

Step 8: Collection & Resolution

• If we win, we’ll collect the judgment from the defendants.
• If we settle, we’ll ensure the settlement is paid promptly.

Roberts County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child was hazed, you may feel angry, betrayed, and overwhelmed. You trusted these organizations to keep your child safe, and they failed.

But you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

Attorney 911 is here to help Roberts County families hold these institutions accountable. We’re already fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to South Dakota.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Call us for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Email us your story: ✉ ralph@atty911.com
3. Visit our website: 🌐 attorney911.com

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in South Dakota?

• Personal injury claims: 3 years from the date of the hazing incident.
• Wrongful death claims (if hazing results in death): 3 years from the date of death.
• Criminal charges: No statute of limitations for felony hazing in South Dakota.

Important: Evidence disappears quickly, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.

2. Can I sue even if my child “agreed” to participate?

Yes. South Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed a waiver or verbally agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

3. What if the hazing happened at a college outside of South Dakota?

We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in South Dakota. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases in any state.

4. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can result in substantial compensation, including:

• $100,000–$500,000+ for moderate injuries (broken bones, PTSD, hospitalization)
• $1 million–$5 million+ for severe injuries (permanent disability, traumatic brain injury)
• $10 million+ for wrongful death or extreme egregious conduct (like waterboarding)

We’ll evaluate your case and give you an honest assessment of its value.

5. Will my child have to testify in court?

Not necessarily. Most cases settle before trial. If the case does go to trial, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

6. What if the fraternity or university threatens to retaliate?

Retaliation is illegal. If the fraternity, university, or any individual threatens your child for speaking out, we can take legal action against them.

7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so you never pay out of pocket.

Roberts County: It’s Time to End the Silence on Hazing

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Fraternities, sororities, and universities count on victims staying quiet—because if no one speaks up, they can keep abusing students without consequences.

But we’re fighting back.

Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is sending a message: Hazing will not be tolerated. And we’re ready to bring that same fight to Roberts County.

If your child was hazed, you have two choices:

1. Stay silent and let the abusers get away with it.
2. Fight back and hold them accountable.

We’re here to help you choose option #2.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
✉ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve Roberts County and all of South Dakota. Distance is not a barrier—we’ll travel to you for depositions and meetings.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Together, we can end hazing in Roberts County—and across America.