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February 24, 2026 28 min read
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πŸ›‘οΈ Hazing Justice for Adams County Families: How Attorney 911 Fights for Students and Parents

Adams County Parents: Your Child Deserves Safety and Justice

If you’re reading this, you likely know the devastating truth: hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate right here in North Dakota. The same universities that have failed to protect students exist near Adams County. And the same culture of abuse that hospitalized our client in Texas could be happening to your child right now.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing. This isn’t just happening in Texas β€” it’s happening nationwide, including near Adams County. If your child has been hazed at a college or university in North Dakota or anywhere in America, we will fight for your family with the same aggression.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis Near Adams County: What Every Parent Needs to Know

1. Hazing Is Widespread β€” And It’s Not Just “Harmless Tradition”

Hazing isn’t about “building character” or “team bonding.” It’s about power, control, and abuse. And it’s happening at colleges and universities across North Dakota and the country β€” often with devastating consequences.

The Statistics Don’t Lie:

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
  • 40% of student athletes report being hazed
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
  • 95% of students who are hazed do not report it β€” often out of fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization

This isn’t just happening at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in North Dakota.

2. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Adams County

The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity we’re suing in Texas has 150+ chapters across America β€” and many of them are at universities right here in the Midwest. Other major fraternities with documented hazing histories include:

Fraternity Hazing Incident Outcome
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz (2021) β€” forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died $10.1M settlement
Phi Delta Theta Max Gruver (2017) β€” forced drinking during “Bible Study,” died $6.1M jury verdict
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (2017) β€” 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, died $110M+ settlement
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Multiple incidents β€” alcohol poisoning, physical abuse Multiple lawsuits
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (2017) β€” forced to drink bourbon, died Chapter closed; settlement
Pi Kappa Phi Leonel Bermudez (2025) β€” waterboarded, 500 squats, kidney failure $10M lawsuit pending (OUR CASE)

These aren’t just names and numbers β€” these are real students who were injured or killed because institutions failed to protect them. And these same fraternities have chapters at universities near Adams County.

3. Universities Near Adams County Have a Duty to Protect Your Child

Colleges and universities have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure student safety. When they fail β€” whether through negligence, lack of oversight, or deliberate indifference β€” they can and should be held accountable.

In our current case:

  • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
  • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity on campus
  • They failed to implement meaningful oversight despite knowing the risks
  • They collected rent while students were being tortured in their building

Universities near Adams County face the same obligations β€” and the same liability when they fail.

πŸ’” What Hazing Really Looks Like: The Story of Leonel Bermudez

A Student Who Just Wanted to Belong

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a transfer student expected to enroll in Spring 2026. But when Pi Kappa Phi offered him a bid, he saw it as a chance to make friends and be part of something bigger.

What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Here’s what happened to him β€” and what could be happening to your child right now:

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client

Activity Description Medical Consequence
Waterboarding Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics Psychological trauma; risk of asphyxiation
500+ Squats Forced to perform 500+ squats as punishment Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
100+ Pushups Forced to perform 100+ pushups Rhabdomyolysis
Wooden Paddles Struck repeatedly with wooden paddles Bruising, potential internal injuries
Forced Eating Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting Dehydration, choking risk, aspiration
Post-Vomiting Continuation Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting Extreme dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
Lying in Vomit Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass Infection risk, humiliation
Sleep Deprivation Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours Exhaustion, impaired judgment
Cold Weather Exposure Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather Hypothermia risk
Hose Spraying Sprayed with garden hose while minimally clothed Hypothermia risk, humiliation
Hog-Tying Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour Asphyxiation risk, psychological trauma
Threats Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion if tasks not completed Psychological trauma, coercion

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

After being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises, Leonel Bermudez’s muscles began to break down. This condition β€” called rhabdomyolysis β€” releases a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can clog and damage the kidneys.

Symptoms he experienced:

  • Severe muscle pain
  • Difficulty walking
  • Brown/dark urine (a classic sign of muscle breakdown)
  • Inability to move
  • Progressive worsening over several days

Diagnosis:

  • Severe rhabdomyolysis
  • Acute kidney failure

Treatment:

  • 4 days in the hospital (3 nights)
  • Intensive IV fluid hydration
  • Monitoring of kidney function
  • Potential long-term kidney damage

Long-term risks:

  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Need for dialysis
  • Kidney transplant
  • Permanent kidney damage
  • Cardiac issues from electrolyte imbalances
  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Why This Case Matters for Adams County Families

  1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Adams County

    • Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other fraternities with documented hazing histories have chapters at universities across the Midwest, including near Adams County.
    • If it happened in Texas, it can happen in North Dakota.
  2. Universities Near Adams County Face the Same Liability

    • If a university owns or controls a fraternity house where hazing occurs, they can be held legally responsible β€” just like the University of Houston.
    • They have a duty to protect your child.
  3. The Law Protects Your Child β€” No Matter Where the Hazing Happened

    • We’re based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Adams County and across North Dakota.
    • Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, and we have federal court authority β€” meaning we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
  4. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now β€” And We’ll Fight for Your Family Too

    • We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
    • We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win.
    • Adams County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights: What Adams County Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Illegal in North Dakota

North Dakota has strong anti-hazing laws that make hazing a criminal offense. Under North Dakota Century Code Β§ 15.1-19-27, hazing is defined as:

“Any activity which recklessly or intentionally 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.”

Penalties for hazing in North Dakota:

  • Class B misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,500 fine)
  • If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties increase significantly

This means:

  • Hazing is not just a violation of university policy β€” it’s a crime.
  • Individuals who participate in or facilitate hazing can face criminal charges.
  • Organizations that allow hazing can be shut down.

2. Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

Even if criminal charges are filed, civil lawsuits allow victims and families to seek financial compensation for the harm caused. This compensation can cover:

Type of Damage What It Covers Example for Hazing Victims
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications, future medical care Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, kidney treatment, PTSD therapy
Lost Wages Income lost due to injury or recovery time Time missed from work or school during recovery
Pain and Suffering Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the hazing Trauma from waterboarding, fear of retribution, humiliation
Emotional Distress Psychological impact of the abuse PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
Punitive Damages Additional compensation to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct Awarded when conduct is especially egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages β€” and we’ll pursue the same for Adams County families.

3. Who Can Be Held Liable?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Pi Kappa Phi National Organization Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”
Local Chapter (Beta Nu at UH) Directly organized and conducted the hazing activities
University of Houston Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred; failed to prevent despite prior incidents
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster) Leadership responsibility; directed or allowed hazing
Individual Members Participated in hazing activities
Former Members Hazing occurred at their residence
Spouse of Former Member Allowed hazing at their home; premises liability

For Adams County families, this means:

  • The local chapter that hazed your child
  • The national organization that failed to supervise
  • The university that failed to protect
  • The individuals who participated
  • All of them can be held accountable.

πŸ” What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Adams County

If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is of the essence. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
  • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening.
  • Medical records are critical evidence for any legal claim.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on the evidence. Preserve everything:

Type of Evidence What to Save
Medical Records Hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, therapy records
Photos/Videos Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house, any physical evidence
Text Messages GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram DMs β€” do not delete
Social Media Screenshots of posts, messages, or stories related to hazing
Emails Any communications about pledge activities or hazing
Documents Pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or any written materials
Witness Information Names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
Financial Records Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments

⚠️ DO NOT:

  • Delete any messages or posts
  • Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
  • Sign anything from the organization
  • Post about the incident on social media
  • Give statements to university administrators alone

3. Do Not Confront the Organization Alone

  • Fraternities and sororities have lawyers and PR teams ready to protect their reputation.
  • They may try to intimidate your child or destroy evidence.
  • They may offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your child’s full damages.
  • Do not speak to them without an attorney present.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

Hazing cases are complex and high-stakes. You need an attorney who:

  • Understands hazing culture and Greek life dynamics
  • Knows how to hold universities and national organizations accountable
  • Has experience with multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
  • Is willing to take your case to trial if necessary

At Attorney 911, we offer:

  • Free consultations for hazing victims and families
  • Contingency fee representation β€” you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case
  • Nationwide representation β€” we serve Adams County and all of North Dakota
  • Aggressive, compassionate advocacy β€” we treat your family like our own

5. Report the Hazing to Authorities

  • File a police report β€” hazing is a crime in North Dakota
  • Report to the university β€” but do not do this without legal counsel
  • Consider a Title IX report if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault

πŸ“ž Adams County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Adams County or anywhere in North Dakota, you are not alone. We are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against a fraternity that waterboarded our client and left him with kidney failure β€” and we will bring the same fight to your case.

Call Us Now for a Free Consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Adams County and across North Dakota. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

πŸ’¬ What Adams County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”
β€” Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.”
β€” Donald Wilcox

“They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”
β€” Ambur Hamilton

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.”
β€” Kiwi Potato

“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.”
β€” Debra Cambric-Chisolm

πŸ† Why Adams County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
  • We know how to build these cases, hold institutions accountable, and win.
  • Adams County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

  • Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims.
  • We know how they value claims, delay settlements, and try to minimize payouts.
  • We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Reach β€” We Serve Adams County and All of North Dakota

  • Licensed in Texas and New York
  • Admitted to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
  • Represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Adams County
  • We travel to you for depositions, meetings, and trials

4. No Upfront Costs β€” You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

  • Contingency fee representation β€” we only get paid if we win your case
  • No hourly fees, no retainers, no hidden costs
  • You have nothing to lose by calling us

5. We Understand the Culture β€” And How to Break It

  • Our attorneys have deep experience with Greek life and hazing cases.
  • We know the psychological dynamics that lead to hazing.
  • We know how to expose the pattern of abuse and hold institutions accountable.

6. We Treat Your Family Like Our Own

  • Hazing cases are emotionally devastating for families.
  • We provide compassionate, personalized representation.
  • We keep you informed at every step of the process.

πŸŽ“ Common Questions from Adams County Families

1. “My child was hazed at a university near Adams County. Can you help us?”

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Adams County and across North Dakota. We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas, and we’ll bring the same fight to your case β€” no matter where it happened.

2. “We’re in Adams County β€” how can a Texas law firm represent us?”

We serve clients nationwide through:

  • Federal court authority β€” we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
  • Video consultations β€” meet with us remotely from Adams County
  • Travel commitment β€” we come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • Local coordination β€” we work with medical providers and investigators near you

3. “How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?”

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • You pay nothing to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • Our fee is a percentage of your recovery β€” typically 33-40%
  • If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Adams County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

4. “What kind of compensation can we recover?”

Hazing cases can result in compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
  • Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Punitive damages (additional compensation to punish the wrongdoer)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million β€” and we’ll pursue similar compensation for Adams County families.

5. “How long does a hazing case take?”

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take 12-24 months to resolve. Factors that can affect the timeline include:

  • The severity of the injuries
  • The number of defendants (fraternity, university, individuals)
  • Whether the case settles or goes to trial
  • The cooperation of the defendants

We work as quickly as possible to resolve your case while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

6. “Will the fraternity or university retaliate against my child?”

We take retaliation very seriously. If you or your child experiences any form of retaliation β€” whether from the fraternity, the university, or individuals β€” we will take immediate legal action to protect you.

In our current case, our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We are committed to protecting our clients’ safety and privacy throughout the legal process.

7. “My child is afraid to come forward. What should we do?”

It’s completely understandable that your child might be afraid to come forward. Hazing victims often fear:

  • Retaliation from the fraternity or its members
  • Social ostracism from peers
  • Academic consequences from the university
  • Shame or embarrassment about what happened

We can help. We offer confidential consultations and will work with you to protect your child’s identity and safety. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build your case.

8. “What if my child ‘consented’ to the hazing?”

Consent is not a defense to hazing in most states β€” including North Dakota.

North Dakota law (and laws in many other states) explicitly state that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that:

  • Peer pressure and coercion can negate true consent
  • Fear of social exclusion can force compliance
  • Power dynamics in Greek organizations make true consent impossible

The law is on your side.

9. “Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?”

Yes, you can β€” and should β€” sue the national organization. In our current case, we’re suing:

  • The local chapter (directly responsible for the hazing)
  • The national organization (failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing)
  • The university (owned the fraternity house and failed to protect students)

National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide significant compensation. They also have a duty to supervise their chapters β€” and they can be held liable when they fail.

10. “What if the hazing happened off-campus?”

It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. In our current case, some of the hazing occurred at:

  • The fraternity house (owned by the university)
  • A private residence (former member’s home)

We’re suing the former member and their spouse for allowing the hazing to occur on their property.

For Adams County families:

  • If hazing happened at a fraternity house, we can pursue the chapter and the university
  • If it happened at a private home, we can pursue the homeowners
  • If it happened at a hotel or rented space, we can pursue the organizers

🚨 The Urgency for Adams County Families: Why You Can’t Wait

1. Evidence Disappears Quickly

  • Text messages and social media posts get deleted
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Physical evidence (like bruises or injuries) fades
  • Organizations destroy or hide records

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence.

2. Legal Deadlines Are Approaching

  • North Dakota’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 6 years, but this can vary.
  • For minors, the deadline may be extended until they turn 18.
  • For wrongful death cases, the deadline is typically 2 years from the date of death.

If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

3. The Longer You Wait, the Harder It Is to Win

  • Memories fade
  • Witnesses become harder to locate
  • Organizations have more time to coordinate their defense
  • Your child’s injuries may become harder to link to the hazing

Contact us now to protect your rights.

πŸ“’ A Message to Adams County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Adams County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in North Dakota, we will find every liable entity β€” the local chapter, the national organization, the housing corporation, the alumni oversight board, and the individual members.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” if your chapter operates near Adams County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

To the universities near Adams County:
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now β€” or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Adams County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

πŸ’” Enough Is Enough: It’s Time to End Hazing in Adams County

Hazing has claimed too many lives. It has destroyed too many futures. It has left too many families devastated.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

At Attorney 911, we believe that justice is the first step toward change. When institutions are held accountable β€” when they pay the price for their negligence β€” they are forced to change.

We’ve seen it happen:

  • Max Gruver’s death led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana
  • Timothy Piazza’s death led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania
  • Stone Foltz’s death led to Collin’s Law in Ohio

Leonel Bermudez’s case β€” and your case β€” can drive change in North Dakota.

πŸ“ž Adams County Families: Call Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Adams County or anywhere in North Dakota, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the people and institutions who hurt your child accountable. And you have the right to compensation for the harm they caused.

We’re ready to fight for your family. Call us now for a free consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Adams County and across North Dakota. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

πŸ† Attorney 911: Fighting for Adams County Families When It Matters Most

When your child is hazed, you face a legal emergency. You’re up against powerful institutions with deep pockets and experienced lawyers. You need a team that will fight for you with everything we’ve got.

At Attorney 911, we don’t just talk about justice β€” we fight for it. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we’ll bring the same aggression, experience, and compassion to your case.

Adams County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

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