Hazing Lawyers in Bowman County: Protecting Students from Abuse

Bowman County Families: Hazing Is Happening Near You — And It’s Time to Fight Back

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Bowman County, North Dakota, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston — sending him to the hospital with kidney failure — operate chapters at institutions across the region. The same culture of abuse, the same negligence, and the same betrayal of trust is happening right here in our community.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis nationwide. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Bowman County families. You deserve justice, and we have the expertise to deliver it.

The Hazing Crisis in Bowman County: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can lead to serious injury — or worse. In our current case, a student was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to perform 500 squats until he collapsed, and struck with wooden paddles as part of fraternity initiation. He ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, spending four days fighting for his life.

This isn’t happening just in Texas. The same national fraternities with chapters near Bowman County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across the country. The same universities near Bowman County have failed to protect students from known dangers. And the same culture of silence and intimidation is keeping victims from speaking out.

Bowman County Parents: Your Child Could Be at Risk

If your child is involved in any of these organizations near Bowman County, they could be at risk:

• Fraternities and sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others)
• Sports teams (football, basketball, wrestling, and more)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Honor societies and academic clubs
• Student government organizations

Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. It happens in all types of student organizations where power dynamics and initiation rituals create opportunities for abuse.

What Bowman County Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in North Dakota

North Dakota has strict anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-19, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

This means:

• Hazing is a crime in North Dakota, punishable by fines and jail time
• Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, the law still protects them
• Organizations that haze can be fined, suspended, or permanently banned

2. Hazing Causes Real, Serious Harm

Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable. It can cause lasting physical and psychological damage, including:

• Physical injuries (broken bones, burns, internal injuries, rhabdomyolysis)
• Alcohol poisoning (forced drinking is a common hazing tactic)
• Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure to extreme temperatures)
• Sexual assault (forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexual humiliation)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts)

In our current case, a student was hospitalized with kidney failure after being forced to perform extreme physical exercises. This isn’t an isolated incident — it’s part of a pattern of abuse that’s happening at colleges and universities near Bowman County.

3. Universities Near Bowman County Are Failing to Protect Students

In our lawsuit against the University of Houston, we’ve uncovered a disturbing pattern of institutional failure:

• The university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity — a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen
• Despite knowing the risks, they failed to implement effective oversight
• They allowed the culture of abuse to continue until another student was hospitalized

The same failures are happening at universities near Bowman County. These institutions have the power to stop hazing — but they often choose reputation over safety, tradition over humanity.

4. National Organizations Know About the Problem — And Do Nothing

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity involved in our current case, has a documented history of hazing:

• 2017: Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon
• 2025: Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at the University of Houston after being waterboarded and forced to perform extreme physical exercises

That’s two serious incidents at two different chapters in eight years. Pi Kappa Phi had eight years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died. They did nothing. They knew about the “hazing crisis” in their organization — and they enabled it.

The same national organizations operate near Bowman County. They have the same knowledge, the same failures, and the same disregard for student safety.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Bowman County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we’re pursuing:

In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Many universities near Bowman County own or control Greek housing — which means they share responsibility when hazing happens on their property.

What Should Bowman County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?

If your child has been the victim of hazing, time is critical. 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 or traumatic brain injury — may not show symptoms right away. Medical records are also crucial evidence for any legal claim.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Document everything. This includes:

• Photos and videos of injuries, hazing activities, or locations
• Medical records from any treatment
• Text messages, emails, and social media about the hazing (screenshots are critical)
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Academic records showing impact on grades or enrollment

Do NOT delete anything. Even if it’s embarrassing or seems unimportant, it could be crucial evidence.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

The fraternity, sorority, or university may try to contact you. They may ask for statements, meetings, or apologies. Do not engage with them without speaking to an attorney first.

• They may try to minimize the incident
• They may try to blame your child
• They may try to pressure you into silence
• They may try to destroy evidence

Anything you say to them can be used against you in court.

4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

North Dakota has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims — typically 6 years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

At Attorney 911, we offer free, confidential consultations for Bowman County hazing victims. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

5. Consider Reporting to Authorities

Hazing is a crime in North Dakota. You may want to consider:

• Filing a police report
• Reporting to the university’s Title IX office
• Contacting the North Dakota University System (for state schools)

We can help you navigate these processes while protecting your child’s rights.

Why Bowman County Families Choose Attorney 911

When you’re fighting powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to win. Here’s why Bowman County families choose Attorney 911:

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Bowman County families.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutional defendants think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Cases Nationwide

We’re admitted to practice in federal court, which means we can pursue hazing cases anywhere in the country. If your child was hazed at a national fraternity or while attending an out-of-state school, we can still represent you.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses — Strategic Advantage

We’re licensed in Texas and New York, which gives us a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities. Many of these organizations are headquartered in major cities like New York, and we have the legal authority to pursue them there.

5. Proven Track Record in Complex Litigation

We’ve handled multi-million dollar cases against massive institutional defendants, including:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
• Wrongful death cases
• Catastrophic injury cases
• Federal civil rights litigation

Hazing cases are complex, but we have the experience to handle them.

6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Bowman County Families

We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a barrier for families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

7. We Come to Bowman County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide. We’ll travel to Bowman County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

8. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We have bilingual staff and can provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including consultations, case updates, and courtroom interpretation.

9. We Treat Bowman County Families Like Family

We know how traumatic hazing can be for victims and their families. We’re not just lawyers — we’re advocates who genuinely care about our clients. Bowman County families are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.

What Bowman County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

If your child has been the victim of hazing, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, therapy)
• Future medical costs (ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, potential surgeries)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work due to injuries)
• Future lost earning capacity (if injuries affect their career prospects)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Travel expenses (for medical treatment or legal proceedings)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment, recovery)
• Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear of retaliation)
• Humiliation and embarrassment (from hazing activities)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, burns, or other permanent marks)
• Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)

In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. These damages are available when:

• The conduct was intentional or malicious
• The defendants knew about the risks and did nothing
• The conduct was particularly outrageous or reckless

In our current case, we’re seeking punitive damages because:

• The fraternity waterboarded a student (a form of torture)
• They forced him to perform extreme physical exercises until he collapsed
• They knew about the “hazing crisis” in their organization and did nothing
• They had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died — and they didn’t

Bowman County Hazing Cases: What to Expect

1. Case Evaluation

We’ll start with a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your case. We’ll review:

• What happened to your child
• The extent of their injuries (physical and psychological)
• The evidence you’ve preserved
• The parties who may be liable

2. Evidence Preservation

We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants, demanding that they preserve all evidence related to the hazing. This includes:

• Text messages and social media
• Photos and videos
• Internal communications
• Membership records

3. Investigation

We’ll conduct a thorough investigation, which may include:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Reviewing medical records
• Analyzing social media and communications
• Consulting with experts (medical, hazing culture, university policy)

4. Demand and Negotiation

We’ll compile all the evidence and send a demand package to the defendants and their insurance companies. This will include:

• A detailed account of what happened
• Medical records and bills
• Evidence of lost wages or educational impact
• A calculation of damages

We’ll then negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement.

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and take the case to court. This process may include:

• Discovery (depositions, document requests, interrogatories)
• Motions (legal arguments to the judge)
• Mediation (a structured settlement negotiation)
• Trial (presenting the case to a judge or jury)

6. Resolution

Most cases settle before trial. If we reach a settlement, the defendants will pay the agreed-upon amount, and we’ll deduct our fees (which are only paid if you win). If the case goes to trial, the judge or jury will decide the outcome.

Bowman County Hazing Lawsuit: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is my Bowman County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of the injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior incidents
• The impact on your child’s education and future
• The defendants’ ability to pay

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim who was hospitalized with kidney failure. Other hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)

2. Can I sue if my child consented to the hazing?

YES. Under North Dakota law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still protects them because:

• Hazing often involves coercion and peer pressure
• Victims may not fully understand the risks
• The law recognizes that true consent is impossible in these situations

3. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus, and universities can still be held liable if:

• They knew or should have known about the hazing
• The hazing was part of an official organization activity
• The university failed to protect students from known risks

4. What if the fraternity or sorority is already suspended?

Suspension or closure doesn’t protect them from liability. In fact, it can be evidence that they knew their conduct was wrong. In our current case:

• Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed
• This shows they knew litigation was coming
• It’s an admission of wrongdoing

5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from the organization or other members. We take these concerns seriously. We can:

• File for protective orders if necessary
• Pursue anonymous reporting options
• Take steps to protect your child’s identity during litigation
• Hold the organization accountable for any retaliation

In our current case, our client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. This fear is real, and it’s part of the psychological harm hazing causes.

6. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

North Dakota has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing. However:

• Evidence disappears quickly (texts get deleted, witnesses forget)
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be
• Some claims may have shorter deadlines (e.g., claims against government entities)

Don’t wait. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.

7. What if my child was hazed at a school outside Bowman County?

We can still represent you. We serve clients nationwide, including:

• Students hazed at out-of-state universities
• Students hazed at national fraternities/sororities
• Students hazed during study abroad programs

Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the country.

8. What if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

You can still sue for psychological trauma, including:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of trust or self-esteem

Psychological injuries are just as real and damaging as physical ones, and they deserve compensation.

9. Can I sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

Yes, if the university should have known about the hazing. Universities have a duty to protect students, and they can be held liable for:

• Failing to implement effective anti-hazing policies
• Failing to monitor Greek life or other organizations
• Failing to respond to prior hazing incidents
• Owning or controlling property where hazing occurs

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. They knew the risks and did nothing.

10. What if my child was hazed by a sports team or other organization?

Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Sports teams (football, basketball, wrestling, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Honor societies and academic clubs
• Student government organizations
• Any group that uses abuse as initiation

If your child was hazed, we can help.

Bowman County Hazing Warning Signs: What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often happens in secret, but there are warning signs parents can watch for:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family or friends
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Increased secrecy about their schedule or whereabouts
• Sudden change in appearance (wearing specific clothing, carrying certain items)
• Signs of depression or anxiety (mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping)
• Fear of certain people or places

Physical Signs

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Difficulty walking or moving (could indicate muscle damage)

Academic Signs

• Sudden drop in grades
• Skipping classes or missing assignments
• Talking about “initiations” or “traditions”
• Mentioning specific dates or events they’re required to attend

Social Media Clues

• Cryptic posts about “earning” membership or “proving” themselves
• Photos or videos that seem staged or uncomfortable
• Group chats or messages with unusual language or inside jokes
• Sudden changes in social media activity (deleting posts, changing privacy settings)

Direct Statements

• “I have to do this to be part of the team.”
• “It’s just tradition — everyone goes through it.”
• “Don’t worry, it’s not that bad.”
• “I can’t tell you what happens.”
• “If I don’t do this, they’ll kick me out.”

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child. Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment. If you suspect hazing, contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Bowman County Hazing Lawyers: We’re Here to Help

Hazing is a betrayal of trust, a violation of the law, and a danger to our children. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting to hold fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

If your child has been the victim of hazing near Bowman County, we can help. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Wait?

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget
• Legal deadlines approach
• Your child deserves justice now

Bowman County families: Enough is enough. It’s time to fight back.

Bowman County Hazing Resources

National Resources

• HazingPrevention.Org (https://hazingprevention.org/)
• StopHazing (https://stophazing.org/)
• Gordie Center (https://www.gordie.org/) — Focuses on alcohol-related hazing
• National Hazing Hotline — 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

North Dakota Resources

• North Dakota University System (https://ndus.edu/)
• North Dakota State University Greek Life (https://www.ndsu.edu/greek/)
• University of North Dakota Greek Life (https://und.edu/student-life/greek-life/index.html)

Mental Health Support

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Legal Support

• Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline — 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email — ralph@atty911.com
• Website — https://attorney911.com

Bowman County Hazing Lawyers: Contact Us Today

📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Location: Serving Bowman County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

We come to Bowman County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if you win.

Bowman County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

The fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow hazing to continue are counting on victims staying silent. They’re counting on families being too afraid or too overwhelmed to fight back. They’re counting on you giving up.

But we won’t let that happen.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting for Bowman County families. We’re holding institutions accountable. And we’re sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

If your child has been hazed, call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Together, we can protect the next student — and ensure that no Bowman County family has to go through this again.