If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in South Dakota fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It’s systematic abuse that can leave lifelong physical and psychological scars, and in far too many cases, it tragically ends in death. We are Attorney911, and our firm is actively fighting on behalf of hazing victims and their families in South Dakota and across the nation. Based in Houston, Texas, our legal emergency lawyers are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major national fraternity and a prominent university for egregious hazing that left a student hospitalized with kidney failure. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re in the trenches, fighting for justice and accountability.

We understand the unique cultural landscape of South Dakota, where community values are deeply held, and parents send their children off to institutions with the expectation of safety and growth. Whether your child attends a university within South Dakota like the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, or travels out of state for higher education, the threat of hazing is real and pervasive. The national fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities across South Dakota are the same organizations that have faced multi-million dollar lawsuits and intense scrutiny nationwide.

We know that a call to us often comes in the middle of the night, driven by fear, anger, and desperation. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to offer immediate, aggressive, and professional help. Our mission is to transform your pain into tangible accountability for every party responsible for the devastating impact of hazing on your family.

THE LANDMARK CASE: WE’RE FIGHTING THIS BATTLE RIGHT NOW — AND WE’LL FIGHT FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES TOO

South Dakota Families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what we do about it.

This case happened in Houston, Texas, just weeks ago, but the same hazing tactics occur at universities near South Dakota. The same national fraternities operate nationwide, and the same institutional negligence exists at colleges and universities across South Dakota. If your child has been hazed in South Dakota, we will fight for you with the same aggression and dedication we are bringing to this landmark case.

MEDIA COVERAGE — MULTIPLE OUTLETS

Our direct action against hazing has garnered significant media attention, showcasing our commitment to bringing justice to victims:

ABC13 Houston: Published their report on November 21, 2025, detailing the abuse and hazing that led to the hospitalization of a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge. Read the full story here.
KHOU 11: Covered the $10 million lawsuit filed against the University of Houston and the fraternity on November 21, 2025.
Houston Chronicle: Reported on the lawsuit on November 22, 2025, providing further details on the alleged hazing.
Houston Public Media: Revealed new details on November 24, 2025, regarding the $10 million lawsuit and the victim’s “ghost rush” status. Learn more about the lawsuit here.

Even the defendant, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, issued a statement on November 21, 2025, regarding the closure of their University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter. See their statement here.

DAMAGES SOUGHT: $10 MILLION

Our lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., was filed in Harris County Civil District Court on November 21, 2025, seeking $10 million in damages.

Our Attorneys: Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena of Attorney911.

Defendants Include:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter)
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation
The University of Houston
The UH Board of Regents
The Fraternity President
The Pledgemaster
Other individual current and former fraternity members
A former member AND his spouse (because some hazing occurred at their residence)

THE CASE THAT SHOWS SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES WHY WE FIGHT

THE PLAINTIFF: LEONELL BERMUDEZ

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush.” This means he was a prospective member who wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet; he was planning to transfer for the upcoming semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even officially enrolled at their university.

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing several weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that led to him being hospitalized for three nights and four days. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Why this matters to South Dakota families:

Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including near universities in South Dakota.
The same horrifying “traditions” that hospitalized our client are happening at fraternities and sororities across South Dakota.
Universities near South Dakota face the same liability failures and institutional negligence as the University of Houston.
If your child is being hazed in South Dakota, we will fight for your family just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Houston.

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure,” Ralph Manginello told ABC13.

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

WHAT HAPPENED: THE HAZING TIMELINE

The events leading up to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse:

Sept 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
Sept 16 – Nov 3, 2025: Weeks of systematic hazing, abuse, and torture commence.
Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
Oct 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered.
Nov 3, 2025 (THE INCIDENT): Leonel is severely punished, forced to do over 100 pushups, 500 squats, and other exercises while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of immediate expulsion. He becomes so exhausted he cannot stand without help.
Nov 4-5, 2025: Leonel’s condition worsens, he is unable to move.
Nov 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushes him to the hospital. He is passing brown urine, a critical sign of severe muscle breakdown.
Nov 6-10, 2025: Leonel spends three nights and four days hospitalized, diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Nov 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National officially closes the Beta Nu Chapter (per their official website statement).
Nov 21, 2025: Our firm files the $10 MILLION LAWSUIT in Harris County, immediately garnering coverage from ABC13 and KHOU 11.
Nov 22, 2025: The Houston Chronicle covers the lawsuit, detailing additional hazing acts.
Nov 24, 2025: Houston Public Media reveals additional details, including the university’s response.

THE HAZING ACTIVITIES EXPOSED IN OUR LAWSUIT

The abuse Leonel endured goes far beyond typical “initiation rituals.” It constituted torture:

WATERBOARDING / SIMULATED DROWNING: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.” Pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose while doing calisthenics, and forced to run repeatedly under threat of further waterboarding. This is torture, often considered a war crime when inflicted on enemy combatants. It was inflicted on a college student.
FORCED EATING UNTIL VOMITING: Large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns were consumed until pledges vomited. After vomiting, they were forced to continue running sprints in physical distress and to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
EXTREME PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He had to recite the fraternity creed while exercising, under threat of expulsion, until he could not stand without help. He was also subjected to being struck with wooden paddles. Another pledge lost consciousness during these workouts.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TORTURE & HUMILIATION: Pledges were forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment and expulsion for non-compliance were constant, along with enforced dress codes, study hours, and weekly interviews.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION & EXHAUSTION: Leonel was driven to exhaustion due to forced late-night and early-morning drives for fraternity members.

THE MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES: RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Leonel’s body broke down under the immense physical and psychological strain:

What is Rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases a harmful protein (myoglobin) into the blood. This can lead to acute kidney failure and death.
Our Client’s Medical Evidence: Leonel’s symptoms included passing brown urine (a classic sign of myoglobin in the urine), very high creatine kinase levels confirming muscle damage, and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for three nights and four days, requiring intensive medical treatment for severe muscle pain and difficulty walking.
Expertise in Rhabdomyolysis: This is the same medical condition our firm has successfully litigated in the past. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES — ON THE RECORD

The public statements from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National reveal a pattern of damage control and institutional failure:

University of Houston Spokesperson (Houston Public Media, Nov 24, 2025):
“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Our Translation: The university admitted that the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation” of their standards, yet failed to prevent them. They are now working in “coordination” with the fraternity and its national leadership, suggesting a unified front to manage the crisis and potential criminal charges.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters — THEIR OWN STATEMENT (pikapp.org, Nov 21, 2025):
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members… We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”

What this Corporate PR statement actually means:

“Violations of… risk management policy” means they waterboarded a student and caused kidney failure.
“Prioritizing the well-being of our members” is a hollow phrase when a member is hospitalized because of their chapter’s actions.
“We look forward to returning to campus” clearly shows they are already planning their comeback, demonstrating a lack of genuine remorse.
“Thank the University of Houston for its collaboration” reveals that the university helped them close quietly before our lawsuit was filed.

The KHOU report highlighted that the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis,'” and our lawsuit alleges “a pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally.” With over 150 chapters nationally, how many others are engaging in such acts?

WHY THIS CASE MATTERS TO SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES

PROOF THAT “TRADITION” IS TORTURE: These are not pranks. This is systematic abuse that happens at universities and colleges across South Dakota.
UNIVERSITIES ARE COMPLICIT: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this abuse occurred. Universities and colleges near South Dakota have the same power to stop hazing—and the same liability when they fail to do so.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS KNOW: Pi Kappa Phi’s national leadership immediately suspended and dissolved the chapter once the incident came to light, proving they knew the conduct was wrong. These same national organizations operate chapters across South Dakota.
VICTIMS ARE AFRAID: Leonel fears retribution for speaking out, a fear shared by many hazing victims in South Dakota. We protect our clients.
ONE BRAVE VICTIM CAN PROTECT SOUTH DAKOTA STUDENTS: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Your child’s case in South Dakota could literally save lives.
$10 MILLION SENDS A MESSAGE: This substantial lawsuit sends an unequivocal message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that such egregious conduct will not be tolerated. South Dakota families have the right to send the same message when their children are harmed.

WHAT HAZING REALLY LOOKS LIKE

Hazing is often dismissed as “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood,” but the reality is far darker. It is assault, battery, torture, reckless endangerment, and in the worst cases, manslaughter or murder. This is not about harmless pranks; it’s about life-altering trauma.

Across South Dakota, at institutions like the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and Augustana University, these dangerous practices persist. The national Greek organizations present at these campuses are the same ones implicated in multi-million dollar lawsuits nationwide.

THE REALITY OF HAZING IN AMERICA

55% of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing.
40% of student athletes report hazing.
Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the United States.
95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty.
Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities; it occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations.

THE INSTITUTIONAL FAILURE:

Universities and national organizations know hazing happens. They have the power, resources, and responsibility to stop it, but too often, they choose not to—until someone is hospitalized or dies. Then, they issue statements, suspend chapters, and claim to be “shocked.” This cycle of negligence must end.

TYPES OF HAZING INCIDENTS

Drawing from the details of our Pi Kappa Phi case and other documented hazing incidents, the forms of abuse are varied and insidious:

Category	Examples
Physical Abuse	Waterboarding, paddling with wooden paddles, beatings, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion, extreme calisthenics (like 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, suicides), sleep deprivation.
Forced Consumption	Binge drinking of alcohol (often a full bottle), forced eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns), consumption of non-food substances.
Sleep Deprivation	Forced late nights, early mornings, unpredictable disruptions to sleep, driving members at all hours.
Psychological Torture	Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats of physical punishment or expulsion, sexual humiliation (e.g., carrying sexually explicit objects, stripping in cold weather).
Sexual Abuse	Forced nudity, sexualized acts, carrying lewd objects, sexual assault.
Exposure	Being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, hose spraying with cold water, confinement in small spaces.
Servitude	Forced cleaning, driving, running errands for older members, often at odd hours.
Medical Consequences	Traumatic rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls, hypothermia, hyperthermia, cardiac arrest from extreme exertion, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and death.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE

When hazing occurs in South Dakota, many parties can be held accountable, from the individual perpetrators to the large institutions that enable such behavior. Our Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates our aggressive approach to identifying and pursuing all liable entities.

From our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing liability against:

Defendant Category	Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter	Directly organized and conducted the hazing, fostering a dangerous environment.
Chapter Officers	Leaders like the president and pledgemaster have direct responsibility for directing or condoning activities.
Individual Members	All who participated in hazing or witnessed it and failed to intervene.
Former Members & Their Spouses	Hosting hazing off-campus (as occurred in our case) creates premises liability and direct involvement.
National Organization	For failing to supervise their local chapter, enforce anti-hazing policies, and address known risks despite a history of incidents (like Andrew Coffey’s death).
University	For failing to protect students, owning or controlling the property where hazing occurred, and failing to regulate or intervene despite previous hazing incidents on campus.
Insurance Carriers	Holding the financial responsibility through liability insurance for national organizations, universities, and individuals.

The key to holding these parties accountable lies in identifying the “deep pockets.” National fraternity and sorority organizations hold millions in assets and comprehensive insurance policies. Universities possess substantial endowments and institutional insurance. Our strategy is to never just pursue the college students directly involved; it’s always about holding these powerful institutions accountable.

WHAT THESE CASES WIN

For South Dakota families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the potential for meaningful financial recovery is critical. These aren’t just lawsuits; they are powerful statements about accountability and justice. The multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases nationwide, including our ongoing $10 million fight, prove that justice is possible. These same legal strategies and outcomes apply to victims in South Dakota.

LANDMARK VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS — THEY WILL PAY

STONE FOLTZ — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 MILLION+
- $2.9 Million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 Million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individuals.
- Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” initiation and died from alcohol poisoning. This resulted in the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent.
- In December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was personally ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million. This shows individuals are not immune from accountability.
MAXWELL GRUVER — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 MILLION JURY VERDICT
- Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” event and died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495).
- A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and the tragedy led to the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This verdict firmly established that juries will award millions for hazing deaths.
TIMOTHY PIAZZA — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ MILLION (Multiple Settlements)
- Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during “the gauntlet,” falling repeatedly down stairs and suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
- This case, extensively documented by security cameras, resulted in an estimated $110 million+ in settlements and led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. It proves that strong evidence leads to massive outcomes.
ANDREW COFFEY — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR CASE
- Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, was forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon, and died from alcohol poisoning. Nine fraternity members were charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. The civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
- Relevance to Our Case: This proves Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. They had 8 years since Andrew Coffey’s death to fix their culture, yet Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of negligence by the national organization.
ADAM OAKES — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ MILLION SETTLEMENT
- Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event where he was forced to consume a liter of liquor. His family initially sued for $28 million and ultimately secured a $4+ million settlement in October 2024, leading to Adam’s Law in Virginia. This shows that significant recoveries are made even for non-death serious injuries when aggressively pursued.

LAWS CREATED BECAUSE OF HAZING DEATHS

These tragic cases have galvanized legislative action, proving that when families stand up, real change can occur:

Law	State	Year	Key Provisions
Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law	Pennsylvania	2018	Felony charges for hazing causing death; immunity for reporting.
Max Gruver Act	Louisiana	2018	Made hazing a FELONY; significantly increased penalties.
Collin’s Law	Ohio	2021	Named after Collin Wiant; felony hazing charges for causing death.
Texas Hazing Law	Texas	Existing	Criminal penalties; consent is NOT a defense.

WHY THESE PRECEDENTS MATTER FOR OUR CASE AND FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES

Our $10 Million Demand is Supported by Precedent: The $10.1 million settlement in the Stone Foltz case directly supports the valuation of our claim for Leonel Bermudez, who, despite surviving, suffered severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Pi Kappa Phi Has a Death on Their Record: Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 proves that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing. Their failure to act led to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization 8 years later, demonstrating a clear pattern of negligence.
The University of Houston Has Prior Hazing Incidents: UH knew about hazing problems on its campus from a 2017 incident involving Pi Kappa Alpha that hospitalized a student with a lacerated spleen. Their failure to act rendered Leonel’s injuries foreseeable.
Juries Hate Hazing: The $6.1 million verdict in the Gruver case shows that juries are willing to award millions for hazing. The egregious conduct in Leonel’s case—waterboarding, forced eating, 500 squats, wooden paddles—is likely to outrage a jury.
Criminal Charges May Follow: Just as in past cases, our litigation in Texas may prompt criminal charges against individuals involved, further underscoring the severity of the offense.
These cases lead to legislative change: Your bravely stepping forward in South Dakota could result in new laws to protect other students.

TEXAS LAW PROTECTS YOU

For families in South Dakota, understanding the legal framework provides a crucial foundation for seeking justice. While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating a major hazing case, many states, including South Dakota, have robust anti-hazing laws. Furthermore, our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses mean we can pursue civil claims nationally, regardless of where the hazing occurred.

UNDERSTANDING HAZING LAWS — TEXAS AND BEYOND

From Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law:

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Hazing is defined as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.” This includes physical brutality like striking, branding, or forced calisthenics, activities causing sleep deprivation or exposure, and forced consumption of substances that risk harm.

South Dakota Application: Most states, including South Dakota, have similar definitions of hazing. The abuse your child experienced at a South Dakota university or any college nationwide likely violates both state criminal law and establishes civil liability.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

Offense Level	Conduct	Punishment
Class B Misdemeanor	Engaging in hazing	Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor	Hazing causing serious bodily injury	Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine.
State Jail Felony	Hazing causing death	180 days to 2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can face fines up to $10,000, denial of operating privileges, and forfeiture of property if they condone or encourage hazing, or if their members commit hazing.

University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. This means a university’s silence or cover-up is itself a crime.

CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§ 37.154):
Crucially, Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.” This is paramount. Fraternities and universities often try to claim that victims willingly participated, but under Texas law, a student cannot legally consent to being hazed. This legal principle applies to many states and effectively dismantles a common defense used by perpetrators.

CIVIL LIABILITY FOR HAZING — WHAT SOUTH DAKOTA VICTIMS CAN SUE FOR

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits provide South Dakota victims and their families with the opportunity to pursue comprehensive compensation for the profound suffering caused by hazing.

Negligence Claims: These apply in South Dakota and every other state. They center on the idea that universities, national organizations, and individual members owed a duty of care to your child. Their failure to uphold that duty through negligence led directly to your child’s injuries, entitling you to damages.
Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on university property or at a fraternity house, the property owner (e.g., the university or a housing corporation) could be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. This category is particularly relevant in our Pi Kappa Phi case, where the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place.
Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, or when universities fail to properly monitor Greek life activities, allowing hazing to occur unchecked.
Assault and Battery: Individual participants in hazing can be sued for intentional harmful contact (battery) or the threat of it (assault), covering acts like waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim addresses the severe psychological harm caused by outrageous hazing conduct, such as humiliation, degradation, and psychological torture, leading to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

South Dakota families should understand that these civil claims are broadly applicable across all states. Our firm’s expertise in federal court allows us to pursue these claims regardless of geographic location, ensuring justice for victims wherever they are.

WHY ATTORNEY911

When hazing devastates a family in South Dakota, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. We are Attorney911, Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we stand apart because we bring an unparalleled combination of experience, strategic insight, and dedicated advocacy to every hazing case. While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, our reach extends nationwide, and we are fully equipped to represent South Dakota hazing victims.

ABOUT ATTORNEY911 — LEGAL EMERGENCY LAWYERS™ — NOW SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA

Attorney911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We enthusiastically serve hazing victims and their families in South Dakota and nationwide through our federal court authority and unwavering commitment to traveling wherever justice demands. South Dakota families deserve the same aggressive, empathetic, and effective legal representation we provide locally. We work with clients all over America, and can help South Dakota hazing victims no matter where the incident occurred.

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS — WHY SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES CHOOSE ATTORNEY911

25+ Years Courtroom Experience: Our battle-tested trial attorneys possess decades of experience in the courtroom, providing proven expertise for South Dakota families.
Former Insurance Defense Insight: Our attorneys, including Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, both previously worked defending insurance companies. This invaluable insider knowledge means we know their playbook, their strategies, and exactly how they will try to minimize claims. We use this to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
Federal Court Admissions: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, we can pursue hazing cases in federal court, offering a strategic advantage against national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines.
Dual-State Bar Admission: With licenses in both Texas and New York, our firm has a strategic edge for litigating cases against national fraternities and sororities, which are often headquartered or incorporated in multiple states.
Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff ensures comprehensive legal services for Spanish-speaking clients, eliminating language barriers for South Dakota’s Hispanic families affected by hazing.
Nationwide Hazing Expertise: We are not just theoretical; we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This means South Dakota families get access to the same aggressive, current, and proven legal strategies.

THE ATTORNEY911 APPROACH — HOW WE SERVE SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS

When a legal emergency strikes—whether it’s on a South Dakota campus, at a fraternity house, or anywhere in America—we move first, fast, and decisively.

For South Dakota hazing victims, our team:

Builds cases with expert witnesses: We collaborate with medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, and institutional negligence specialists to strengthen your claim.
Preserves evidence immediately: We guide you through securing crucial evidence such as texts, photos, medical records, and witness statements. Need guidance on digital evidence? Watch our video: “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
Negotiates from strength: We are currently battling a $10 million hazing case, giving us significant leverage in negotiations.
Travels to South Dakota: Our attorneys are prepared to travel to South Dakota for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring in-person support.
Provides remote consultations: South Dakota families can schedule video consultations with our attorneys, offering flexibility and immediate access to legal advice.

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company attempts to silence South Dakota hazing victims, we will take them to court.

WHY SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES CHOOSE US

Our commitment to hazing victims is rooted in deep emotional investment and a proven track record.

Hazing Litigation Expertise: We are in the fight right now, actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, which is not theoretical to us.
Nationwide Reach: Our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, willingness to travel, and remote consultation technology ensure we can represent hazing victims from South Dakota, regardless of their location.
Staff & Culture: Our team is bilingual, empathetic, and genuinely dedicated to our clients. We treat South Dakota families like our own.
Payment Flexibility for South Dakota Families: We take hazing cases on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis. This means you pay us absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. To learn more about how contingency fees work, watch our video: “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
What Sets Us Apart: We are invested in dismantling the hazing culture. We see your child as a person, not a case number, and we fight tirelessly for South Dakota families because we truly care.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

Our 4.9-star rating with over 250 reviews on Google My Business reflects our commitment to client satisfaction:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“She had received an offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer and on today I spoke with her and I was overwhelmed by the offer.” — Tracey White (Local Guide)
“What seemed to be a crisis for my family and I with no way out on how to fight or solve our case, Atty. Manginello stepped in and absolutely fought for us. A true PITT BULL and fighter. He don’t play!” — Chad Harris

These testimonials reflect our commitment to communication, aggressive advocacy, and treating clients like family.

FIRM CONTACT INFORMATION — HOW SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES REACH US

LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE FOR SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

HOUSTON OFFICE (Headquarters) — Serving South Dakota
Attorney911
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 528-9070

We are available 24/7 for South Dakota hazing emergencies. We come to you: for depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys travel to South Dakota as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

ATTORNEY PROFILES — THE LAWYERS FIGHTING FOR SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS

RALPH P. MANGINELLO — Managing Partner

Find out more about Ralph Manginello here.

Why South Dakota Families Choose Ralph Manginello for Hazing Cases:

25+ Years of Litigation Experience: Ralph is battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts, and is ready for South Dakota cases.
FORMER INSURANCE DEFENSE ATTORNEY: He knows the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims, using this insight to benefit South Dakota victims.
Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: His involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion litigation proves his capability to take on massive institutional defendants, directly applicable to university and fraternity defendants in South Dakota.
Dual-State Bar Admission: Licensed in Texas and New York, offering a strategic advantage for hazing cases against national organizations headquartered across state lines.
Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, capable of pursuing South Dakota cases in federal jurisdiction.
Hazing-Specific Expertise: Ralph has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability, as demonstrated by our current $10 million hazing lawsuit.
Father of Three: He deeply understands the parental fears and stakes involved when a child is harmed by hazing.
Will Travel to South Dakota: Committed to immediate response and relentless pursuit of justice, traveling for client meetings and court proceedings as needed.

LUPE ELENO PEÑA — Associate Attorney

Find out more about Lupe Peña here.

Why South Dakota Families Choose Lupe Peña for Hazing Cases:

FORMER NATIONAL DEFENSE FIRM ATTORNEY: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, providing him with insider knowledge of insurance company valuation, delay tactics, and denial strategies, which he now uses to represent South Dakota victims.
12+ Years of Litigation Experience: With extensive experience in Texas state and federal courts, Lupe is ready to tackle South Dakota cases.
Federal Court Authority: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, capable of pursuing South Dakota hazing cases in federal jurisdiction.
Wrongful Death & Dram Shop Expertise: His experience in cases involving wrongful death and holding establishments accountable for alcohol-related injuries is directly applicable to hazing cases involving forced binge drinking.
Finance Background and Business Degree: His pre-law career in finance and a degree in International Business means he understands corporate structures and economic damages, critical when dealing with national fraternity organizations and universities.
Bilingual (Fluent Spanish): Lupe can serve South Dakota’s Hispanic families affected by hazing, ensuring no language barrier impedes justice.
Aggressive Philosophy: His “outwork, outsmart, outfight” approach is exactly what’s needed to take on powerful fraternities and universities.
Client Communication: Lupe keeps clients informed at every stage, providing clarity and support for families navigating trauma.

Attorney911’s “Insurance Counter-Intelligence System”: With both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña being former insurance defense attorneys, our firm offers an “unfair advantage” for victims, knowing exactly how the opposition strategizes and operates. This insight is critical for hazing victims in South Dakota.

WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

If your child in South Dakota has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Taking the right steps now can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. We understand the panic and confusion you’re feeling, and we’re here to provide clear, actionable guidance.

IMMEDIATE ACTION CHECKLIST FOR SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, get your child to a doctor or emergency room. Rhabdomyolysis and other hazing-related injuries often have delayed symptoms. Document everything with medical professionals. This creates a critical record.
Preserve All Evidence: This is paramount.
- Medical Records: Get copies of all hospital records, emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, and, if applicable, therapy records for psychological trauma.
- Photos/Videos: Take photos of any visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) at all stages of healing. If possible and safe, covertly capture photos or videos of hazing activities or locations.
- Communications: Crucially, save everything. This includes text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, emails, and any other digital communications related to the hazing. Do not delete anything, even if it seems innocuous.
- Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of other pledges, witnesses, or anyone who might have seen or heard elements of the hazing.
- Documents: Secure any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
- Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, receipts for expenses, and any documentation of lost wages or academic fees.
- Academic Records: Document any impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships, or academic standing.
- For more on evidence preservation, watch our video: “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
DO NOT Engage or Discuss Without Counsel:
- DO NOT delete ANY messages or posts. This can be considered destruction of evidence.
- DO NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials, or their lawyers without legal counsel. They are not on your side and will use your statements against you.
- DO NOT sign anything from the organization or university without legal review. You could be waiving crucial rights.
- DO NOT post about the incident on social media. Anything you post can be used against you by defense attorneys. For more on this, see our video: “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
- DO NOT give recorded statements to anyone unless directed by your attorney.
Contact Us Immediately:
- Time is of the essence. In Texas, there’s typically a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit from the date of injury or death. Similar deadlines apply in South Dakota. For information on statutes of limitations, watch our video: “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
- Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and organizations can destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
- Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately after hospitalization, filing a lawsuit within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
South Dakota Families — Distance is NOT a Barrier: Even though our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we offer video consultations and are prepared to travel to South Dakota for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. We use modern technology to serve clients wherever they are.

VICTIM CATEGORIES & CASE TYPES

We represent a broad range of hazing victims, understanding that the impact extends beyond physical injuries:

Living Victims — Physical Injury Cases: Like our Pi Kappa Phi client who suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, we represent students with traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns, internal injuries, and other severe physical harm.
Living Victims — Psychological Trauma Cases: Hazing can cause profound mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, and acute emotional distress. We fight for compensation for therapy, counseling, and mental health treatment.
Wrongful Death / Family Cases: When hazing tragically claims a life, families can sue for wrongful death to recover damages for loss of companionship, lost future earnings, and funeral expenses. Punitive damages are often awarded in these cases, and criminal charges may also be filed.

DAMAGES & COMPENSATION

We aggressively pursue all available damages to ensure victims are fully compensated:

Economic Damages: This includes all quantifiable losses such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages and future earning capacity, lost academic investment (tuition, fees, scholarships), and rehabilitation costs.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the subjective losses, including physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. Importantly, Texas law, like many states, places no cap on pain and suffering in personal injury cases (unlike medical malpractice). The egregious nature of hazing often warrants substantial non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages: These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Hazing, with its inherent elements of gross negligence, reckless behavior, and intentional harm, often qualifies for punitive damages. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, and use of wooden paddles provide clear grounds for punitive damages. In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000 per defendant. With multiple defendants, this can lead to substantial additional recovery.

DEFENDANT TARGETS — WHO WE SUE

Our firm doesn’t just sue the fraternity chapter. We cast a wide net to ensure maximum accountability, targeting:

Greek Organizations (Local Chapters): For directly organizing and conducting hazing.
National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: For their failure to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and address known risks (like Pi Kappa Phi National’s awareness after Andrew Coffey’s death). These organizations have vast assets and insurance.
Universities & Colleges: For their duty to protect students, especially when they own or control the property where hazing occurs, or have a history of prior hazing incidents (like the University of Houston).
Individual Perpetrators: Including chapter officers, current members, and even former members or their spouses who host or facilitate hazing activities.
Insurance Carriers: These are the “deep pockets” that ultimately pay large settlements and verdicts. Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys gives us an unparalleled advantage in pursuing these claims.

CALL TO ACTION FOR SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS

🚨 South Dakota Families: Have you Or Your Child Been Hazed?

You have legal rights. We are fighting this fight right now – and we’ll fight for South Dakota victims too.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to WIN. South Dakota families get the same aggressive representation.

SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES — CALL NOW — FREE CONSULTATION

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for South Dakota hazing emergencies.

We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for South Dakota families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.

WHAT SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS SHOULD DO RIGHT NOW:

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION if you haven’t already – document everything.
PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE – texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, witness names, any fraternity documents.
DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
DO NOT post on social media about the incident.
CALL US IMMEDIATELY – 2-year statute of limitations in most states, and evidence disappears fast.
SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILIES: Distance is not a barrier – we offer video consultations and travel to South Dakota for cases.

WE SERVE SOUTH DAKOTA HAZING VICTIMS — AND HAZING VICTIMS NATIONWIDE

While we are based in Texas, hazing unfortunately happens at colleges and universities across South Dakota, from the University of South Dakota to South Dakota State University, and at countless institutions across America. We can evaluate your South Dakota case regardless of location through:

Federal court authority: Our admission to federal courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is invaluable for national fraternities.
Dual-state bar licenses: Our licenses in Texas and New York give us strategic advantages in multi-state litigation against national organizations.
Video consultations: South Dakota families can meet with us remotely, ensuring immediate access to expert legal advice.
Travel commitment: We are prepared to travel to South Dakota for depositions, trials, and critical client meetings.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities at universities near South Dakota
South Dakota sports teams
Marching bands at South Dakota universities
ROTC programs and military academies
Clubs and organizations at South Dakota schools
Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation.”

TO OTHER VICTIMS OF THE UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hazed. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15th. Others were subjected to the same waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse.

You have rights too. We can represent you. As Lupe Pena said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them ALL to justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com