🛡️ Sanborn County Hazing Victim Legal Guide — Attorney 911

Hazing Victims in Sanborn County Deserve Justice — We’re Fighting This Battle Nationwide, and We’ll Fight for You

🚨 Sanborn County Parents and Students: This Is Happening Near You

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities. It happens at colleges and high schools across South Dakota — including near Sanborn County. The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston case operate at institutions near Sanborn County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Greek organizations throughout the region.

If your child attends college near Sanborn County, they face the same risks.

🏢 Who We Are — Sanborn County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we proudly serve hazing victims nationwide — including in Sanborn County, South Dakota.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW. Sanborn County families get the same aggressive representation we provide locally.

Why Sanborn County Families Choose Attorney 911:

📰 The Case That Shows Sanborn County Families What Hazing Looks Like

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

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Sanborn County

In Fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez — a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston — accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — forced until he collapsed
• Wooden paddles — physical beatings
• Forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns — until vomiting
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth — for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during workout — fraternity did nothing
• Late-night driving for fraternity members — causing exhaustion
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather — forced exposure

The Result:

• November 3, 2025: Bermudez punished with extreme exercise — became so exhausted he could not stand without help
• November 4: “Really sore and couldn’t really move”
• November 5: “The next day was worse”
• November 6: Mother rushes him to hospital — passing brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
• November 6-10: Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Sanborn County Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when institutions fail to protect students. This could happen at colleges near Sanborn County.

💔 Why This Matters to Sanborn County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Sanborn County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, and others also have chapters in South Dakota
   • The same national organizations that failed to stop hazing in Houston operate near Sanborn County

2. Universities Near Sanborn County Face the Same Liability Failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again
   • Universities near Sanborn County have the same power — and the same duty — to protect students

3. Sanborn County Students Are at Risk Right Now

   • Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations
   • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
   • 40% of student athletes report hazing
   • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in America

4. Sanborn County Victims Face the Same Fear and Intimidation

   • Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13)
   • Sanborn County victims fear social ostracism, expulsion, or worse if they speak out
   • We protect our clients. We will fight for Sanborn County victims without fear.

5. Sanborn County Families Can Send the Same Message

   • Pi Kappa Phi paid nothing for Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017
   • They paid nothing for hospitalizing Leonel Bermudez in 2025
   • Until they pay millions, they won’t change
   • Sanborn County families can demand the same accountability

⚖️ Sanborn County Victims’ Legal Rights — South Dakota and Federal Law

South Dakota Hazing Law (SDCL § 13-32-9 to § 13-32-12)

Definition of Hazing (SDCL § 13-32-9):

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:
(1) 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;
(2) The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm, or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation.

Sanborn County Application: The hazing your child experienced likely violates South Dakota law.

Criminal Penalties (SDCL § 13-32-10):

Organizational Penalties (SDCL § 13-32-11):

• Organizations can be penalized, including loss of recognition

Consent is NOT a Defense (SDCL § 13-32-12):

“It is not a defense in a prosecution for hazing that the victim consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

Sanborn County Families: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, South Dakota law says consent does not matter.

Federal Civil Rights Claims — Applicable to Sanborn County

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:

• Prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs
• Includes harassment and assault
• Hazing that involves sexual elements or creates a hostile environment may violate Title IX
• Sanborn County institutions receiving federal funding (most do) are subject to Title IX

42 U.S.C. § 1983 — Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights:

• Allows lawsuits against state actors who violate constitutional rights
• If Sanborn County public university officials knew about hazing and failed to act, they may be liable

Why This Matters for Sanborn County:

• Federal claims allow us to pursue cases in federal court
• Federal court authority gives us nationwide reach — we can represent Sanborn County victims regardless of where the hazing occurred
• Federal claims often result in higher damages than state law claims

Civil Liability Theories — What Sanborn County Victims Can Sue For

💰 What Sanborn County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages — The Financial Costs of Hazing

Non-Economic Damages — The Human Cost of Hazing

Punitive Damages — Punishing Egregious Conduct

When punitive damages apply:

• Defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or intentional
• Defendant had actual knowledge of the risk and proceeded with conscious indifference

Examples from our Pi Kappa Phi case:

• Waterboarding — simulated drowning is torture
• 500 squats causing rhabdomyolysis — reckless disregard for safety
• Continuing hazing after another pledge collapsed — gross negligence
• Striking with wooden paddles — intentional physical abuse

Sanborn County Families: Punitive damages send a message that this cannot happen again.

🏛️ Who We Sue for Sanborn County Hazing Victims

Greek Organizations (Local Chapters)

• Directly organized and conducted hazing
• Officers (president, pledge master) directed activities
• Members participated and failed to stop abuse

National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

• Failed to supervise Sanborn County chapters
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Have deep pockets and insurance coverage

Universities and Colleges Near Sanborn County

• Failed to monitor Greek life
• Failed to protect students despite prior incidents
• Own or control fraternity/sorority properties
• Have substantial insurance coverage

Individual Perpetrators

• Chapter officers who directed hazing
• Members who participated
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Each individual can be held personally liable

Insurance Carriers

• National organizations have liability insurance
• Universities have institutional insurance
• Homeowners insurance may cover off-campus hazing
• This is where the money comes from

📋 What Sanborn County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

Immediate Steps — Protect Your Rights

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
   • Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may have delayed symptoms
   • Medical records create critical documentation

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Photos/Videos: Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used
   • Text Messages/Group Chats: Screenshot everything before it’s deleted
   • Social Media: Save posts, DMs, stories — do NOT delete anything
   • Witness Information: Names and contact info of other victims and witnesses
   • Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to you

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • They will try to get you to sign waivers
   • They will try to intimidate you into silence
   • Let us handle all communication

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Do not post about the incident
   • Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
   • Do not engage with Greek life members online

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

   • Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
   • Email: ralph@atty911.com
   • Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
   • $0 upfront — we work on contingency

Why Time is Critical for Sanborn County Victims

Sanborn County Families: Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

🎯 What Makes a Strong Sanborn County Hazing Case?

We evaluate cases based on:

Sanborn County Families: If your case meets these factors, we can represent you regardless of geographic distance.

🏆 Precedent Cases — Sanborn County Victims Can Win Millions

These Cases Prove Hazing Victims Win — The Same Results Are Possible for Sanborn County

Sanborn County Families: These verdicts and settlements show that hazing cases win. The same legal strategies apply to Sanborn County cases.

🔥 Why Sanborn County Families Need Attorney 911

We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing. We’re Fighting It RIGHT NOW.

1. We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

   • Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
   • Same strategies available for Sanborn County victims

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Defendants Operate

   • Both attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers
   • We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
   • We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses

3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions

   • National fraternities have teams of lawyers
   • Universities have in-house legal departments
   • You need your own experienced legal team

4. We Travel to Sanborn County for Your Case

   • For depositions, client meetings, and trials
   • Distance is not a barrier to justice

5. We Offer Remote Consultations for Sanborn County Families

   • Video meetings available
   • Phone consultations available
   • We make it easy to get the help you need

6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Sanborn County Families

   • No hourly fees
   • No retainer
   • We don’t get paid unless you win
   • This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets

📞 Sanborn County Families — Contact Us Now

If you or your child has been hazed in Sanborn County or anywhere in South Dakota, we can help.

Call Us 24/7 for a Free Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide — including Sanborn County, South Dakota.

What to Expect When You Call:

1. Free Case Evaluation — We’ll listen to your story and explain your rights
2. No Obligation — You’re not committed to anything
3. Confidential Consultation — Everything you share is protected
4. Honest Assessment — We’ll tell you if you have a strong case
5. Clear Next Steps — If we take your case, we’ll explain exactly what happens next

🛡️ We Protect Sanborn County Families

What We Do for Sanborn County Hazing Victims:

🎓 Sanborn County Students: Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing often starts with seemingly harmless activities that escalate into abuse. Sanborn County students and parents should watch for:

Physical Hazing Warning Signs:

• Forced exercise to exhaustion
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme weather
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
• Physical beatings or paddling
• Branding or burning
• Being forced to carry objects at all times

Psychological Hazing Warning Signs:

• Humiliation or degradation
• Isolation from friends/family
• Being forced to wear embarrassing clothing
• Verbal abuse or threats
• Being forced to answer to nicknames or perform servitude
• Sleep deprivation causing mental distress

Sexual Hazing Warning Signs:

• Forced nudity
• Sexual simulations
• Being forced to carry sexual objects
• Sexual assault or harassment

Sanborn County Families: If you see these warning signs, it’s hazing — and it’s illegal.

📚 Educational Resources for Sanborn County Families

What Sanborn County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing is Widespread

   • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
   • 40% of student athletes report hazing
   • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in America

2. Hazing Doesn’t Build Brotherhood — It Destroys It

   • Hazing creates trauma bonds, not genuine relationships
   • Victims often develop PTSD, anxiety, and depression
   • Many victims drop out of school or transfer

3. Consent Doesn’t Matter

   • South Dakota law explicitly says consent is not a defense
   • Even if a student “agrees” to participate, it’s still illegal

4. Universities Near Sanborn County Have a Duty to Protect Students

   • They have the power to regulate Greek life
   • They have the power to inspect fraternity/sorority houses
   • They have the power to suspend or expel organizations
   • When they fail to act, they share liability

5. National Fraternities Are Responsible

   • They have policies against hazing
   • They have the power to audit and inspect chapters
   • They have the power to suspend or revoke charters
   • When they fail to act, they share liability

🏛️ Universities Near Sanborn County — Are They Protecting Students?

Sanborn County is served by several colleges and universities where Greek life is active. These institutions have a duty to protect students from hazing:

Sanborn County Families: If your child attends any of these institutions, ask:

• What is your hazing prevention policy?
• How do you monitor Greek organizations?
• What happens when hazing is reported?
• How often do you inspect fraternity/sorority houses?

📢 A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Sanborn County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, and all other fraternities with chapters near Sanborn County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

We track your house corporations. We track your alumni chapters. We track your national insurance structure. We track your documented history of hazing deaths and hospitalizations.

If your Sanborn County chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity.

We already shut down Beta Nu at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

🏢 A Message to Universities Near Sanborn County

To South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, Northern State University, Dakota State University, Augustana University, and all other institutions serving Sanborn County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

• You have the power to regulate Greek life.
• You have the power to inspect fraternity/sorority houses.
• You have the power to suspend or expel dangerous organizations.
• When you fail to act, you share liability.

Act now, or face the same accountability.

💔 A Message to Sanborn County Hazing Victims

If you’re reading this and you’ve been hazed:

You didn’t deserve this.

What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “building character.” It was not “brotherhood.”

It was abuse. It was assault. It was illegal.

You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people who hurt you accountable.

You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now with a client just like you. We will fight for you too.

Be brave. Step forward. Enough is enough.

📞 Sanborn County Families — Call Now

You have legal rights. We are here to protect them.

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide — including Sanborn County, South Dakota.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Sanborn County Families from Hazing Abuse