Hazing Victims in Benson County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

When Tradition Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis in Benson County

Every year, families across North Dakota send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations will protect their well-being. But for too many students in Benson County and beyond, that trust is betrayed through hazing – a dangerous practice that has no place in modern education.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and subjected to other extreme hazing rituals. This same fraternity, and others like it, operate chapters at universities near Benson County. The same culture of abuse exists here. And we’re here to help Benson County families fight back.

What Constitutes Hazing in Benson County?

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under North Dakota law, hazing includes any activity that:

Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
Involves forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
Includes physical brutality like beating, paddling, or branding
Causes sleep deprivation or extreme physical exertion
Involves psychological abuse or humiliation
Creates unreasonable risk of harm

In our current case, the fraternity engaged in waterboarding with garden hoses, forced eating until vomiting, extreme physical punishment, and sleep deprivation – all classic examples of hazing that could happen right here in Benson County.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

The physical and psychological effects of hazing can be severe and long-lasting:

Physical Injuries:

Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) from extreme exercise
Acute kidney failure (as seen in our current case)
Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
Broken bones from physical abuse
Head injuries from beatings or falls
Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure

Psychological Trauma:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and depression
Trust issues and social withdrawal
Academic decline
Substance abuse as self-medication

In our current case, the victim spent four days in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do extreme physical exercises. These same medical consequences could affect Benson County students.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Benson County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

The Local Chapter – The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized the hazing
National Organizations – The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
Universities – Institutions that knew or should have known about hazing risks
Individual Members – Students who participated in or facilitated hazing
Chapter Officers – Leaders who directed or allowed hazing to occur
Property Owners – Those who allowed hazing to occur on their property

In our current case, we’re suing the local chapter, the national organization, the university, individual members, and even a former member and their spouse who hosted hazing at their home.

North Dakota Law Protects Hazing Victims

North Dakota has strong laws against hazing. Under North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-27:

Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
Consent is NOT a defense
Institutions must report hazing incidents

This means that even if a Benson County student “agreed” to participate, they cannot legally consent to hazing. The law is on your side.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Benson County

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Benson County, take these steps immediately:

Seek Medical Attention – Document all injuries, no matter how minor they seem
Preserve Evidence – Save all texts, social media messages, photos, and videos
Report to Authorities – File a police report and notify the university
Contact an Attorney – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
Do NOT Speak to the Organization – They will try to control the narrative
Document Everything – Keep a journal of all symptoms and impacts

Why Benson County Families Choose Attorney 911

We understand that Benson County families have choices when it comes to legal representation. Here’s why we’re the right choice for hazing victims:

We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case – We’re not just talking about hazing – we’re actively litigating a major case right now
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims
Federal Court Authority – We can pursue cases in federal court when needed
Nationwide Reach – We represent hazing victims across America, including Benson County
Bilingual Services – Se habla español for Benson County’s Spanish-speaking families
Contingency Fee Basis – No upfront costs; we only get paid if we win
Willingness to Travel – We’ll come to Benson County for depositions, meetings, and trials

The $10 Million Question: What’s Your Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Lost educational opportunities
Punitive damages to punish egregious conduct

Other recent hazing cases have resulted in:

$10.1 million settlement (Stone Foltz case)
$6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver case)
$110 million+ settlement (Timothy Piazza case)

How We Build a Strong Case for Benson County Victims

When we take on a hazing case, we:

Preserve Evidence Immediately – Texts, photos, videos, witness statements
Work with Medical Experts – To document the full extent of injuries
Identify All Liable Parties – From individual members to national organizations
Calculate Full Damages – Including future medical needs and emotional impacts
Negotiate Aggressively – We’re currently litigating a $10 million case
Prepare for Trial – We won’t back down from powerful institutions

The Clock Is Ticking: Don’t Wait to Seek Justice

North Dakota has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have only two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

In our current case, we filed the lawsuit within weeks of our client’s hospitalization. This is how you protect your rights – by acting quickly.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

When Benson County families call 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:

Free Initial Consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
Case Assessment – We’ll determine if you have a viable claim
Evidence Preservation – We’ll help you save all critical evidence
Legal Strategy – We’ll identify all liable parties
Aggressive Representation – We’ll fight for maximum compensation
Regular Updates – We’ll keep you informed at every step

Common Defenses and How We Defeat Them

Organizations will try to avoid responsibility by claiming:

“He consented to participate” – North Dakota law says consent is NOT a defense
“It was just tradition” – Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity
“We didn’t know it was happening” – Institutions have a duty to supervise
“He could have left at any time” – Fear of retaliation and social pressure prevent this
“It was just a prank” – Waterboarding and 500 squats are not pranks

We know how to counter these defenses and hold institutions accountable.

The Impact of Hazing on Benson County Families

Hazing doesn’t just affect the victim – it impacts entire families:

Parents who trusted institutions to protect their children
Siblings who see their brother or sister suffering
Families who bear the financial burden of medical treatment
Communities that lose trust in educational institutions

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on Benson County families, and we’re here to help you seek justice.

How to Spot Hazing at Benson County Schools

Parents should be aware of warning signs that their child may be experiencing hazing:

Sudden changes in behavior or mood
Unexplained injuries or bruises
Withdrawal from family and friends
Decline in academic performance
Sudden wealth or spending (paying for fraternity expenses)
Secretive behavior about activities
Signs of sleep deprivation
Unexplained absences or late-night activities
Reluctance to discuss certain activities or organizations

If you notice these signs, talk to your child and consider contacting an attorney.

Universities Near Benson County with Greek Life

While Benson County itself doesn’t have major universities, several institutions in the region have active Greek life organizations that may engage in hazing:

University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) – Approximately 200 miles from Benson County
North Dakota State University (Fargo) – Approximately 220 miles from Benson County
Minot State University (Minot) – Approximately 180 miles from Benson County

These universities have fraternities and sororities that may be engaging in the same types of hazing activities we’re currently litigating against.

The Role of National Organizations

National fraternities and sororities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have:

Policies against hazing
Training programs for chapters
Oversight responsibilities
Financial resources to pay settlements

Yet time and again, they fail to prevent hazing. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies.

How Universities Enable Hazing

Universities often fail to prevent hazing by:

Ignoring warning signs
Failing to investigate complaints
Protecting their reputation over student safety
Allowing dangerous organizations to continue operating
Failing to implement meaningful oversight

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred, giving them direct control and responsibility.

The Legal Process for Benson County Families

When we take on a hazing case, here’s what Benson County families can expect:

Initial Consultation – Free case evaluation
Filing the Lawsuit – Within North Dakota’s statute of limitations
Discovery – Gathering evidence from all defendants
Negotiations – Attempting to reach a fair settlement
Mediation – Neutral third party helps facilitate settlement
Trial – If necessary, presenting the case to a jury
Resolution – Settlement or jury verdict

We guide Benson County families through every step of this process.

Why $10 Million Matters

A $10 million settlement or verdict sends a powerful message:

It forces institutions to take hazing seriously
It provides justice for victims and their families
It funds medical treatment and recovery
It compensates for pain and suffering
It punishes egregious conduct
It deters future hazing

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million to hold Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston accountable for their failures.

How to Protect Your Rights After Hazing

If your child has been hazed in Benson County:

Document Everything – Save all evidence
Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor
Report to Authorities – File a police report
Contact an Attorney – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately
Do NOT Sign Anything – Without legal counsel
Do NOT Speak to the Organization – Without your attorney present

The Attorney 911 Difference

When Benson County families choose Attorney 911, they get:

Experienced Hazing Litigators – We’re currently fighting a $10 million case
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how the other side thinks
Federal Court Authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
Nationwide Representation – We serve Benson County and all of North Dakota
Bilingual Services – Se habla español for Spanish-speaking families
Contingency Fee Basis – No upfront costs for Benson County families
Willingness to Travel – We’ll come to Benson County for your case

What Our Clients Say

While we can’t share testimonials from current hazing clients due to confidentiality, here’s what clients have said about our firm:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – 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.” – Donald Wilcox

“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” – Devin Hebert

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Benson County

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t suffer serious injuries. Should we still pursue legal action?

A: Yes. Even if the physical injuries seem minor, hazing can cause significant psychological trauma. We can help you document all impacts and seek compensation.

Q: The fraternity said my child consented to the activities. Does that mean we can’t sue?

A: No. North Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot legally consent to illegal activities.

Q: We’re in Benson County and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Benson County. We offer video consultations and are willing to travel to Benson County for your case.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Benson County families pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Universities have a duty to supervise student organizations. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can still be held liable. In our current case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months. We’re currently litigating a case that we filed in November 2025, so we’re actively engaged in the process.

Q: Can individual fraternity members be held personally liable?

A: Yes. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. We pursue both organizational and individual liability.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?

A: We understand these concerns. Many hazing victims fear retaliation, as our current client does. We can help protect your child’s identity and pursue legal action while minimizing these risks.

Q: Can we still sue if the fraternity has already been suspended?

A: Yes. In fact, suspension often indicates that the organization knew about the problem. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter before we even filed the lawsuit.

Contact Attorney 911 for Benson County Hazing Victims

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Benson County, don’t wait to seek justice. The clock is ticking on your legal rights, and evidence disappears quickly.

Call us 24/7 for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Benson County. Our attorneys will travel to Benson County for depositions, meetings, and trials. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing in Benson County and across North Dakota must end. The only way to stop it is to hold institutions accountable. With our $10 million lawsuit currently pending, we’re leading the fight against hazing culture.

Benson County families deserve justice. Your child deserves to be safe. Together, we can make that happen.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.