π¨ Hazing Victims in Dodge County: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a Dodge County school, college, or university, Attorney 911 is here to fight for you. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β and we will bring that same aggressive representation to Dodge County families.
π’ The Hazing Crisis in Dodge County
Hazing isn’t just happening in big cities. It’s happening right here in Dodge County. Students at local schools, colleges, and universities are being subjected to dangerous “traditions” that cross the line from initiation to abuse. Waterboarding. Forced drinking. Extreme physical punishment. Sleep deprivation. Humiliation. These aren’t harmless pranks β they’re serious, often illegal acts that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.
Dodge County families: If your child has been hazed, we can help.
π₯ Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight Against Hazing
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. This wasn’t an isolated incident β it was weeks of systematic abuse that included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to keep exercising
- Hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather
- Sleep deprivation from driving fraternity members at all hours
This happened in Houston β but the same fraternities operate in Dodge County. The same “traditions” exist in Dodge County. And Dodge County students are at risk.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights in Dodge County
Hazing is illegal in Minnesota.
Under Minnesota law, hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization. This includes:
- Physical abuse (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Any activity that creates a substantial risk of harm
Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Minnesota law says that doesn’t matter β the people who hazed them are still liable.
Who can be held responsible?
In our $10 million case, we’re suing everyone who played a role in the hazing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite having authority over Greek life |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed the hazing to occur |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
Dodge County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every responsible party and hold them accountable.
π° What Your Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In similar cases, we’ve seen:
| Case | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (Ohio) | Death from forced drinking | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana) | Death from forced drinking | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania) | Death from forced drinking and falls | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Our Current Case (Texas) | Hospitalization from waterboarding and extreme physical abuse | $10 million demand |
Your Dodge County case could include compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected your child’s ability to work)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic setbacks)
- Punitive damages (to punish the defendants and prevent future hazing)
π What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Dodge County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
If your child has been injured β physically or psychologically β seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis, which our client suffered) may not show symptoms right away.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs β any communications about hazing
- Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Names and contact information of other victims or witnesses
- Any documents given to your child by the organization (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
- Medical records from hospital visits or doctor appointments
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
The fraternity, sorority, or other organization will try to control the narrative. Do not:
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Give statements to university administrators alone
- Sign any documents from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle the communication.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call us 24/7 at π 1-888-ATTY-911
We offer free consultations for Dodge County hazing victims. We work on contingency β you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
π« Dodge County Schools and Universities: Hazing Hotspots
While we can’t name specific incidents without violating ethical rules, we know that hazing occurs at many types of organizations in Dodge County, including:
- Fraternities and sororities at local colleges and universities
- Sports teams (high school, college, club)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Academic clubs
- Honor societies
- Student government organizations
- Other student groups
National fraternities with chapters near Dodge County include:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Chi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- And many others
These organizations have a documented history of hazing nationwide β and they operate in Dodge County.
π― Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Dodge County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Currently Fighting This Battle
We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical β we’re in the fight right now, and we’re using that experience to help Dodge County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys β Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena β worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they think. We know their playbook. And we know how to beat them.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases involving national organizations regardless of where they’re headquartered.
4. We Will Travel to Dodge County
Distance is not a barrier. We will come to Dodge County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trials
We are committed to serving Dodge County families.
5. Bilingual Services
We offer Spanish-language services to serve Dodge County’s diverse community. Se habla espaΓ±ol.
6. No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows Dodge County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
7. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
We understand the trauma hazing victims and families experience. We will treat you with respect, compassion, and confidentiality while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf.
π Dodge County Families: Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Dodge County, call us immediately.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hotline)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win.
π¨ Warning to Dodge County Fraternities, Sororities, and Organizations
To the organizations operating in Dodge County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies we’re using in our $10 million case apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Dodge County, we will:
- Identify every liable party (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
- Pursue every available insurance policy
- Seek maximum damages for your victims
- Expose your culture of abuse in court
- Work with law enforcement if criminal conduct is involved
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston is now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
π’ Dodge County Parents: Talk to Your Children About Hazing
Hazing isn’t always obvious. It can start with “harmless” activities that escalate over time. Warning signs your child may be experiencing hazing:
- Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Secretive behavior about activities
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Talking about “traditions” or “rituals” they can’t discuss
- Unexplained absences or late nights
If you suspect your child is being hazed, trust your instincts. Contact us immediately.
π Our Promise to Dodge County Families
We promise to:
- Listen to your story without judgment
- Evaluate your case honestly and thoroughly
- Explain your legal options in clear, understandable terms
- Fight aggressively for the compensation and justice you deserve
- Protect your privacy throughout the process
- Travel to Dodge County to serve you
- Work on contingency so you face no financial risk
π Frequently Asked Questions for Dodge County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social consequences. We can help you understand your options and protect your child’s rights without forcing them to do anything they’re not comfortable with. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
Q: The organization says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the people who hazed them can still be held liable.
Q: We’re not sure if what happened qualifies as hazing. How do we know?
A: Hazing can take many forms. If your child was subjected to activities that were humiliating, dangerous, or created a risk of harm as part of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, it may qualify. Contact us for a free evaluation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you face no financial risk.
Q: We live in Dodge County. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations and will travel to Dodge County for your case.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a high school in Dodge County?
A: Hazing occurs at all levels β high school, college, and beyond. We represent victims of hazing regardless of age or educational level.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Time is critical. Minnesota has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident, but there are exceptions. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private school or university in Dodge County?
A: Private institutions are not immune from liability. We can pursue claims against private schools, colleges, and universities just like we can against public institutions.
π Dodge County Students: Know Your Rights
You have the right to:
β
Join organizations without being abused
β
Report hazing without fear of retaliation
β
Seek medical attention for hazing injuries
β
Pursue legal action against those who hazed you
β
Be protected by your university or school
β
Have your voice heard in court
If you’ve been hazed, you are not alone. We are here to help.
π Dodge County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We are ready to fight for Dodge County families affected by hazing. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Contact us today.