Hazing Victims in Union County, South Dakota: Your Rights, Your Recourse, Your Voice

The Hazing Crisis Has Come to Union County — And We’re Here to Fight Back

Union County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities near Union County — like the University of South Dakota, Mount Marty University, and others — will protect their students. They believe that when their child joins a fraternity, sorority, or student organization, they’ll be welcomed into a community, not subjected to torture.

That trust is being betrayed.

Right now, in Union County and across America, students are being hazed. They’re being waterboarded. They’re being forced to drink until they vomit. They’re being beaten with paddles. They’re being pushed to the brink of physical collapse — and sometimes beyond.

And when it happens, the institutions that should protect them — the universities, the national fraternities and sororities, the local chapters — look the other way until it’s too late.

We’ve seen this story before. In fact, we’re fighting it right now.

On November 21, 2025, our law firm 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 kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during the fraternity’s pledge process.

He was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was made to eat until he vomited, then forced to continue exercising through his own vomit. He was threatened with expulsion if he stopped.

And when he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs because he couldn’t walk. The next day, he couldn’t move. The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital — where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

This didn’t happen in a war zone. It happened in a fraternity house owned by the University of Houston. And it happened just eight years after another student died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University.

The same fraternity. The same culture of abuse. The same failure to stop it.

And now, it’s happening near Union County.

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Will We

Pi Kappa Phi isn’t the only fraternity with chapters near Union County. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Delta Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon — these are just some of the national organizations with active chapters at universities in and around Union County.

And hazing isn’t just a fraternity problem. It happens in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, honor societies, and other student organizations across the country.

If there’s a student group near Union County, there’s a risk of hazing.

And if it happens to your child, they have rights — no matter where they go to school.

We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Union County. While we’re based in Texas, our attorneys are licensed in multiple states, we’re admitted to federal court, and we travel to Union County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

What Is Hazing? The Truth Behind the “Tradition”

Hazing is often dismissed as “harmless tradition” or “just part of the process.” But the reality is far darker.

Hazing is abuse. Hazing is torture. Hazing is a crime.

Under South Dakota law (SDCL § 22-19A-1), hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”

This includes:

✅ Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption — alcohol, food, non-food substances (even if it leads to vomiting or alcohol poisoning)
✅ Psychological torture — humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation, threats
✅ Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding/simulated drowning — yes, this is happening
✅ Exposure to extreme conditions — cold, heat, confined spaces
✅ Servitude — forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

And in South Dakota, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. If it’s hazing, it’s illegal.

The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to the Body

Hazing isn’t just “a little roughhousing.” It can cause permanent, life-threatening injuries.

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Like Our Client Leonel Bermudez)

• What it is: The breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream.
• What causes it: Extreme physical exertion (like 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, or forced runs).
• Why it’s dangerous: Myoglobin clogs the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure — which can be fatal.
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark/brown urine, inability to move.
• Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, potential dialysis.
• Long-term effects: Chronic kidney disease, need for lifelong monitoring, potential kidney transplant.

2. Alcohol Poisoning (Like Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, Andrew Coffey)

• What it is: When blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches toxic levels.
• What causes it: Forced drinking, binge drinking, “drinking games.”
• Why it’s dangerous: Can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or death.
• BAC levels:
  • 0.08 — Legally intoxicated
  • 0.30 — Loss of consciousness
  • 0.40+ — Potentially fatal
• Symptoms: Vomiting, confusion, slow breathing, blue skin, unconsciousness.
• Long-term effects: Brain damage, liver damage, addiction.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (From Beatings or Falls)

• What it is: Damage to the brain from physical trauma.
• What causes it: Being struck with objects (paddles, bottles), falls (like Timothy Piazza).
• Why it’s dangerous: Can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, paralysis, or death.
• Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, memory loss, mood changes, seizures.
• Long-term effects: Permanent disability, personality changes, inability to work.

4. Hypothermia/Hyperthermia (From Exposure)

• What it is: Dangerously low or high body temperature.
• What causes it: Forced exposure to cold (stripping in winter) or heat (exercising in extreme conditions).
• Why it’s dangerous: Can lead to organ failure, cardiac arrest, or death.
• Symptoms:
  • Hypothermia: Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, loss of consciousness.
  • Hyperthermia: Dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, fainting.
• Long-term effects: Frostbite, heat stroke, permanent organ damage.

5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Suicide)

• What it is: Long-term mental health damage from abuse.
• What causes it: Humiliation, threats, physical pain, fear of retaliation.
• Why it’s dangerous: Can lead to self-harm, substance abuse, or suicide.
• Symptoms: Nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal.
• Long-term effects: PTSD, inability to trust, difficulty maintaining relationships.

Who Is Liable? Everyone Who Let It Happen

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we’re suing:

The same liability applies to hazing near Union County.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Union County, we can sue:

• The local chapter that did the hazing
• The national organization that failed to supervise
• The university that failed to protect students
• The individuals who participated

And we can do it no matter where you live. We serve Union County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we travel to Union County for your case.

What Can You Recover? The Compensation You Deserve

Hazing victims are entitled to full and fair compensation for everything they’ve suffered. This includes:

1. Economic Damages (The Tangible Costs)

• Medical bills (past, present, and future) — hospitalization, therapy, medications, rehabilitation
• Lost wages — if the victim had to miss work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity — if injuries affect future career prospects
• Educational expenses — tuition, fees, and lost scholarships if the victim had to drop out or transfer
• Travel expenses — for medical treatment or legal proceedings

2. Non-Economic Damages (The Intangible Harm)

• Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, or other injuries
• Mental anguish — the trauma of waterboarding, humiliation, or threats
• Emotional distress — anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear of retaliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in activities, social life, or college experience
• Disfigurement — scars from branding, burns, or injuries

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was especially cruel, reckless, or intentional, courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking punitive damages because:
✅ They waterboarded a student — torture is not “tradition”
✅ They forced him to exercise until he collapsed — reckless disregard for safety
✅ They knew about prior incidents (Andrew Coffey’s death) and did nothing
✅ They planned to come back to campus without remorse

The same punitive damages are available for Union County victims.

Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Hazing Victims Win

Hazing cases do not go unpunished. Juries and courts have awarded millions to victims and their families.

1. Stone Foltz — Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State University, 2021)

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $10.1 million total recovery ($2.9M from university, $7.2M from fraternity).
• Why it matters: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Phi Delta Theta (Louisiana State University, 2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink during “Bible Study” drinking game; died with BAC of 0.495 (more than 6x legal limit).
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict.
• Why it matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths — and serious injuries.

3. Timothy Piazza — Beta Theta Pi (Penn State University, 2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
• Outcome: $110+ million estimated settlement.
• Why it matters: When evidence is strong (like security camera footage), settlements reach $100+ million.

4. Andrew Coffey — Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State University, 2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: Settlement (amount confidential).
• Why it matters: Same fraternity as our UH case — they had 8 years to fix their culture and didn’t.

5. Adam Oakes — Delta Chi (Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021)

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink; died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $4+ million settlement.
• Why it matters: Shows that living victims (not just deaths) can recover millions.

These cases prove that hazing victims — and their families — can win. And we’re fighting to make sure Union County victims get the same justice.

What Should You Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Union County?

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Photos/Videos — of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
✅ Text Messages/Group Chats — screenshots of conversations about hazing
✅ Social Media Posts — anything related to the incident (do not delete anything)
✅ Witness Information — names and contact info of anyone who saw what happened
✅ Medical Records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Financial Records — tuition bills, lost wage documentation

DO NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
• They may offer a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
• They may ask you to sign a release that waives your right to sue.
• Talk to an attorney first.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• South Dakota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
• Evidence disappears fast — witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records.
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Step 5: Report the Incident (But Be Careful How You Do It)

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in South Dakota (SDCL § 22-19A-1).
• Report to the university — but do not give a statement without an attorney.
• Report to the national organization — but expect them to protect themselves, not you.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Union County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

• We just filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know exactly how these organizations operate.
• We know how to make them pay.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge — Because We Used to Work for the Other Side

• Ralph Manginello — Former insurance defense attorney. He knows how insurance companies try to deny claims.
• Lupe Pena — Former attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm. He knows how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability.
• Together, they’ve spent decades fighting for victims — not institutions.

3. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

• Many personal injury lawyers settle for lowball offers because they don’t want to go to court.
• We take cases to trial when necessary.
• We have a proven track record of winning big verdicts.

4. We Serve Union County Families — No Matter Where You Are

• Based in Texas, but we travel to Union County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
• Video consultations available — you don’t have to come to us.
• We handle cases nationwide — if your child was hazed at a university near Union County, we can help.

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Union County Families

• You pay nothing unless we win.
• No hourly fees, no retainers, no hidden costs.
• We take the risk so you can get justice.

6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects all communities.
• If your family is more comfortable speaking Spanish, we’re here for you.

7. We Care — Because We’ve Seen What Hazing Does

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” — Lupe Pena

We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’ve seen the physical pain, the emotional trauma, the lifelong scars.

We’re not just lawyers. We’re advocates. And we will fight for your Union County family like it’s our own.

The Clock Is Ticking — Act Now

In South Dakota, you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. After that, you lose your right to sue forever.

But you shouldn’t wait that long.

• Evidence disappears — witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records.
• The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.
• The sooner you act, the sooner we can start building your claim.

If your child was hazed near Union County, call us now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

A Message to Union County Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities

We know who you are.

We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history of hazing incidents.

And we know that you think you can get away with it.

But we’re watching.

Pi Kappa Phi thought they could get away with it. The University of Houston thought they could get away with it. They were wrong.

If you haze students near Union County, we will find you. We will sue you. We will hold you accountable.

And we will make sure you never do it again.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down.
The fraternity president who oversaw Stone Foltz’s death? Ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
The university that owned the house where Timothy Piazza died? Settled for $110 million.

Your chapter could be next.

A Message to Union County Parents

Your child’s safety is your top priority. You sent them to college to learn, grow, and build a future — not to be tortured, humiliated, or hospitalized.

If your child was hazed, they are not to blame. The blame lies with:

• The fraternity or sorority that organized the abuse
• The national organization that failed to stop it
• The university that failed to protect them

You have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold them accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another Union County family.

Call us. Let’s talk. Let’s fight.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Because no child should have to choose between belonging and being safe.

Attorney 911
Serving Union County, South Dakota, and the Nation
Hazing Victims Deserve Justice — We Make Sure They Get It.