🛡️ Benton County Hazing Lawyer: Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Serving Benton County Families
Hazing in Benton County: The Crisis You Need to Know About
Benton County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide mentorship, leadership, and community. But what happens when that trust is betrayed?
Hazing is not harmless “tradition.” It is abuse, torture, and sometimes murder disguised as brotherhood or sisterhood. And it’s happening right here in Minnesota — at universities near Benton County, in fraternities and sororities with chapters in our community, and in student organizations that claim to build character.
The same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in Minnesota. The same universities that have been sued for failing to protect students have campuses serving Benton County families. And the same culture of secrecy, intimidation, and abuse that hospitalized our client in Houston exists in Greek organizations across America — including those near Benton County.
If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. And you don’t have to stay silent. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We will bring the same fight to Benton County.
🚨 What Is Hazing? The Truth Benton County Families Need to Know
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
This is not “building brotherhood.” This is not “tradition.” This is not “character building.”
Hazing in Minnesota: What It Really Looks Like
While we cannot comment on specific incidents in Benton County without verified information, we know that hazing happens in Minnesota because it happens everywhere. Based on our nationwide experience and documented cases across America, hazing near Benton County may include:
| Category | Examples | Minnesota Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise causing injury | Same national fraternities with chapters near Benton County use these tactics |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, consumption of non-food substances | Minnesota has strict alcohol laws — forced drinking violates both Greek policy and state law |
| Waterboarding/Torture | Simulated drowning, water torture, being held underwater | Our current case involves waterboarding — this happens in Minnesota too |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Common in Minnesota Greek life pledge processes |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation | Same power dynamics exist in Benton County chapters |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Minnesota law takes sexual misconduct extremely seriously |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Common in Benton County Greek organizations |
| Extreme Weather Exposure | Forced outdoor activities in Minnesota’s cold winters or hot summers | Minnesota’s climate makes this particularly dangerous |
Minnesota Law: Hazing Is Illegal
Minnesota has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Minnesota Statute § 121A.69, hazing is defined as:
Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization… that subjects the person to the likelihood of bodily injury.
Penalties in Minnesota:
- Misdemeanor for hazing
- Gross misdemeanor if hazing creates a substantial risk of bodily harm
- Felony if hazing results in great bodily harm or death
Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Minnesota law says that does not matter.
💔 The Medical Reality: What Hazing Does to Benton County Students
Hazing doesn’t just hurt feelings. It destroys bodies and minds. Our client in Houston was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, waterboarded, and struck with wooden paddles.
Common Hazing Injuries in Minnesota
| Injury | Cause | Minnesota-Specific Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls) | Minnesota’s cold weather can mask symptoms until too late |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis; severe dehydration | Life-threatening; may require dialysis |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Minnesota’s strict alcohol laws mean underage drinking is common in hazing |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, paddling | Minnesota’s icy conditions increase risk of falls |
| Hypothermia | Forced outdoor exposure in cold weather | Minnesota winters make this a serious risk |
| Frostbite | Forced outdoor exposure without proper clothing | Minnesota’s subzero temperatures increase risk |
| Heat Stroke | Forced exercise in hot conditions | Minnesota summers can be humid and hot |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Minnesota has excellent mental health resources — but victims often don’t seek help |
| Suicidal Ideation | Shame, humiliation, isolation | Minnesota’s high suicide rates among young people make this particularly concerning |
Long-Term Consequences for Benton County Students
Hazing doesn’t end when the semester does. The damage can last a lifetime:
- Chronic health problems — Permanent kidney damage, heart issues, recurring pain
- Academic disruption — Falling grades, dropping out, lost scholarships
- Career impact — Criminal record, professional reputation damage
- Financial burden — Medical bills, therapy costs, lost earning potential
- Emotional trauma — Trust issues, relationship problems, lifelong anxiety
🏛️ Who Is Liable? Holding Benton County Institutions Accountable
When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible. In our Houston case, we are suing:
- The fraternity chapter
- The national fraternity organization
- The university
- The housing corporation
- Individual members
- Former members and their spouses
The same liability applies in Minnesota.
1. Greek Organizations Near Benton County
Major national fraternities and sororities with chapters near Benton County include:
| Fraternity | Sorority | Minnesota Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Alpha Delta Pi | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Delta Gamma | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Kappa Delta | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Beta Theta Pi | Chi Omega | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Sigma Chi | Pi Beta Phi | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
| Phi Delta Theta | Kappa Alpha Theta | Chapters at Minnesota universities |
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If your child was hazed in a Benton County fraternity or sorority, we can hold the national organization accountable.
2. Minnesota Universities Serving Benton County
Benton County families send their children to colleges and universities across Minnesota. All of these institutions have a duty to protect students from hazing.
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) | Minneapolis | Large Greek system |
| St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud | Active Greek life |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Mankato | Active Greek life |
| University of St. Thomas | St. Paul | Active Greek life |
| Winona State University | Winona | Active Greek life |
| Bemidji State University | Bemidji | Active Greek life |
| Hamline University | St. Paul | Active Greek life |
| Macalester College | St. Paul | Greek organizations present |
If your child was hazed at any Minnesota university, we can hold the institution accountable for failing to protect them.
3. Individual Perpetrators
Every person who participated in, facilitated, or failed to stop hazing can be personally liable. This includes:
- Chapter presidents
- Pledgemasters
- Active members
- Alumni who host events
- Advisors who turn a blind eye
In our Houston case, we are suing individuals personally. The same applies in Minnesota.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions — Benton County Families Can Too
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These are not theoretical — they are documented outcomes from real cases.
1. Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million (Ohio, 2021)
- Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, Pi Kappa Alpha pledge at Bowling Green State University
- Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement (university + fraternity)
- Why It Matters: Our $10 million demand for Benton County families is directly in line with this precedent.
2. Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Louisiana, 2017)
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, Phi Delta Theta pledge at LSU
- Cause: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” hazing ritual
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
- Why It Matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
3. Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million (Estimated) (Pennsylvania, 2017)
- Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, Beta Theta Pi pledge at Penn State
- Cause: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly
- Result: Traumatic brain injury; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110+ million estimated settlement
- Why It Matters: When evidence is strong (like in our Houston case), settlements reach $100+ million.
4. Our Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi ($10M Lawsuit)
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez, Pi Kappa Phi pledge at University of Houston
- Cause: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Result: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Outcome: $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
- Why It Matters: We are fighting this battle right now. Benton County families get the same aggressive representation.
⚖️ Minnesota Hazing Law: Your Rights as a Benton County Family
Minnesota has strong laws protecting students from hazing. If your child was hazed, you have legal rights.
1. Criminal Liability in Minnesota
Under Minnesota Statute § 121A.69, hazing is a crime:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Hazing that does not create substantial risk of bodily harm | Up to 90 days in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Gross Misdemeanor | Hazing that creates substantial risk of bodily harm | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $3,000 fine |
| Felony | Hazing that results in great bodily harm or death | Up to 5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the perpetrators are still criminally liable.
2. Civil Liability in Minnesota
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for damages in civil court. This includes:
| Legal Theory | What It Means | Application to Benton County Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | University/fraternity failed to protect student | If Benton County institution knew or should have known about hazing |
| Premises Liability | Hazing occurred on dangerous property | If hazing happened at a fraternity house or university property |
| Assault & Battery | Intentional harmful contact | If your child was beaten, paddled, or physically abused |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Outrageous conduct causing severe distress | Waterboarding, extreme humiliation, psychological torture |
| Negligent Supervision | National fraternity/university failed to monitor chapter | If institution had power to stop hazing and didn’t |
| Vicarious Liability | Organization responsible for member conduct | Fraternity liable for chapter’s actions |
3. Minnesota Statute of Limitations
You must act quickly.
- Personal Injury: 6 years from date of injury (Minnesota Statute § 541.05)
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from date of death (Minnesota Statute § 573.02)
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
📋 What Benton County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
If your child has been hazed, follow these steps immediately.
1. Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately
- Document all injuries
- Request copies of all medical records
- Minnesota has excellent hospitals — use them
2. Preserve Evidence
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document the scene — where hazing occurred
- Get witness names and contact information
- Do not delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing
3. Do Not Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Do Not Post on Social Media
- Do not post about the incident
- Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
- Do not engage with Greek life members online
- Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you
5. Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Benton County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- We will protect your rights and fight for justice
🎯 Why Benton County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think, how they fight, and how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Benton County
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Willingness to travel — we come to Benton County for your case
4. Proven Track Record
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
- Hundreds of personal injury cases won
- Google 4.9 stars (250+ reviews)
5. We Care About Benton County Families
We treat every client like family. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Benton County families because we truly care.
6. No Upfront Cost for Benton County Families
We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
📞 Benton County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Minnesota, call Attorney 911 immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Benton County and all of Minnesota. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 To Fraternities and Universities Near Benton County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Benton County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all the others:
If your chapter operates near Benton County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We are coming for every institution that allows abuse.
To the universities serving Benton County families:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — or face accountability.
To all Greek organizations near Benton County:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
💔 To Benton County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is isolation, shame, and fear. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Our client in Houston was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. And now he is fighting back.
Your Benton County child can fight back too.
Call us. Let’s hold them accountable. Let’s protect the next student. Let’s send a message that hazing ends now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Benton County and all of Minnesota from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Hazing Victims Deserve Justice. We Fight for Benton County Families.