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Fillmore County (Earth/North America/United States/Minnesota/Fillmore County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | 125+ Greek Organizations Tracked with IRS Records | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 23 min read
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🛡️🚨 Attorney 911: Minnesota’s Leading Hazing Litigation Lawyers – Protecting Fillmore County Families from Greek Life Abuse

Serving Fillmore County, Southeast Minnesota, and the Upper Midwest from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices

📢 To Fillmore County Parents: Your Child’s Safety Is at Risk – We’re Fighting Back

Every year, thousands of young people across America join fraternities and sororities seeking friendship, networking, and a sense of belonging. But for too many students in Fillmore County and across Minnesota, what begins as a college tradition turns into a nightmare of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening hazing.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. This is happening right here in Minnesota.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. This same fraternity – and others like it – operate chapters at Minnesota universities near Fillmore County. The same dangerous culture exists here.

If your child was hazed in Fillmore County, at a Minnesota university, or anywhere in the Upper Midwest, we can help.

We serve Fillmore County families nationwide through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands. You are not alone. We will fight for you.

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Minnesota: What Fillmore County Families Need to Know

📍 Hazing Is Happening at Minnesota Universities Near Fillmore County

While our firm is based in Texas, we know that hazing is not limited by state lines. National fraternities and sororities operate chapters across the country, including at major Minnesota universities where Fillmore County students may attend:

University Nearby Cities Greek Life Presence Hazing Risk Factors
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) Minneapolis-St. Paul (~150 miles from Fillmore County) 30+ fraternities, 16+ sororities Large Greek system; past hazing incidents documented
University of Minnesota Duluth Duluth (~250 miles) Active Greek life Smaller but active Greek community
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato (~120 miles) 10+ fraternities, 8+ sororities Significant Greek presence; rural campus culture
St. Cloud State University St. Cloud (~180 miles) Multiple Greek organizations Known for strong Greek life tradition
Winona State University Winona (~50 miles) Smaller but active Greek system Close-knit community; potential for peer pressure
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI (~40 miles) 10+ fraternities, 8+ sororities Popular with Minnesota students; Greek life culture
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA (~180 miles) Large Greek system Major Big Ten university with Greek presence

Fillmore County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they may be at risk of hazing. The same national fraternities involved in our Texas case have chapters at these Minnesota and nearby universities.

🚨 What Minnesota Hazing Looks Like: Real Incidents Near Fillmore County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture disguised as initiation. Here’s what’s really happening at Minnesota universities:

Type of Hazing Examples from Minnesota & National Cases Medical Risks Legal Consequences
Forced Alcohol Consumption “Binge drinking games,” “beer miles,” “power hours” Alcohol poisoning, death, brain damage Criminal charges, felony hazing
Extreme Physical Exercise 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, “suicides” until collapse Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, cardiac arrest Personal injury lawsuits, criminal assault
Waterboarding & Simulated Drowning Spraying with hoses, dunking heads in water Near-drowning, panic attacks, PTSD Assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress
Forced Eating Until Vomiting Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, non-food items Choking, aspiration, intestinal blockage Battery, reckless endangerment
Sleep Deprivation All-night activities, forced driving, sleep disruption Exhaustion, accidents, mental health crises Negligence, wrongful death if accidents occur
Physical Violence Paddling, beating, branding, burning Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scarring Criminal assault, battery lawsuits
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects Sexual assault, trauma, STI exposure Criminal sexual assault, civil lawsuits

Minnesota families: These aren’t hypotheticals. This is what’s happening to students right now at universities near Fillmore County. And the institutions that should protect them – universities and national Greek organizations – are failing.

📜 Minnesota Hazing Laws: What Fillmore County Families Need to Know

Minnesota has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child was hazed in Minnesota, they have legal rights – and the people who hurt them can be held criminally and civilly liable.

Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 – Hazing Prohibited

Definition of Hazing in Minnesota:

Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group that:

  1. Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of the person;
  2. Involves any brutality of a physical nature (whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements);
  3. Involves forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance;
  4. Involves any activity that would subject the person to extreme mental stress (sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment);
  5. Is committed for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a group.

Key Legal Points for Fillmore County Families:

  • Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
  • Hazing is a CRIME in Minnesota – Up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine for misdemeanor hazing.
  • If hazing causes serious bodily harm or death, it’s a FELONY – Up to 5 years in prison.
  • Organizations can be penalized – Fines, loss of recognition, forfeiture of property.
  • Universities can be held liable – If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.

Minnesota also has a “Duty to Report” law – Anyone who witnesses hazing is legally required to report it. Failure to report is a misdemeanor.

⚖️ Why Fillmore County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We Are Currently Fighting This Battle – $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit in Texas

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. This isn’t theoretical for us – we’re in the fight right now.

Fillmore County families: You get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas. The same strategies. The same relentless pursuit of justice.

2. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Fillmore County Families Anywhere

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Fillmore County and all of Minnesota, through:

Federal court authority – U.S. District Court admission
Dual-state bar licenses – Texas AND New York
Remote consultations – Video calls for Fillmore County families
Willingness to travel – We come to Minnesota for depositions, trials, and client meetings
24/7 availability – Hazing emergencies don’t wait

Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed in Fillmore County or at a Minnesota university, we can help.

3. 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 institutions try to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside.

Now we use that knowledge against them.

When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers – you’re getting former insiders who know how to dismantle their defenses.

4. Proven Track Record – Millions Recovered for Victims

We have a proven track record of success in complex litigation, including:

  • $10 million hazing lawsuit (currently pending)
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • BP Texas City explosion litigation – mass tort experience
  • Hundreds of successful cases against insurance companies

Fillmore County families: We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We take on national fraternities, universities, and insurance companies – and we win.

5. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Fillmore County Families

We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a barrier, especially for families dealing with the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

💰 You pay NOTHING upfront
💰 We only get paid if we win your case
💰 No hidden fees – our fee comes from the settlement

This levels the playing field. Now Fillmore County families can fight back against powerful institutions without worrying about legal bills.

6. Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español

We have bilingual staff and can provide full legal services in Spanish, including:

  • Initial consultations
  • Ongoing case communication
  • Document translation
  • Courtroom interpretation

Fillmore County’s Hispanic families: Language barriers won’t prevent you from seeking justice.

7. We Protect Your Privacy – Fillmore County Families Come First

Hazing victims often fear retaliation if they speak out. We understand. Our client in the Texas case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13).

We protect our clients by:

  • Keeping your identity confidential when possible
  • Handling all communications with defendants
  • Advising you on social media and public statements
  • Taking legal action against retaliation

Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.

🏥 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Fillmore County or at a Minnesota University

If your child was hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do right now:

🚨 Immediate Steps for Fillmore County Families

  1. 🏥 Seek Medical Attention Immediately

    • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
    • Document all injuries with photos
    • Keep all medical records
  2. 📱 Preserve ALL Evidence

    • DO NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or social media posts
    • Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
    • Save photos/videos from pledge events
    • Write down names of witnesses
  3. 🚫 Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Without Legal Counsel

    • They will try to control the narrative
    • Anything you say can be used against you
    • Let us handle all communications
  4. 📞 Call Attorney 911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

    • Free, confidential consultation
    • We’ll advise you on next steps
    • We’ll send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
  5. 📝 Report the Incident (If Safe to Do So)

    • Consider filing a police report
    • Report to university Title IX office (if applicable)
    • Report to national fraternity/sorority organization

💔 Common Hazing Injuries We’ve Seen – And How We Fight for Fillmore County Victims

Injury Type What Happens Medical Consequences How We Prove Liability
Rhabdomyolysis Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise Kidney failure, hospitalization, permanent damage Medical records, expert testimony, pattern evidence
Acute Alcohol Poisoning Forced binge drinking Coma, death, brain damage Toxicology reports, witness statements, fraternity policies
Traumatic Brain Injury Head trauma from beatings or falls Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes Neurological exams, imaging, accident reconstruction
Broken Bones Physical abuse with paddles or fists Surgery, casts, permanent impairment X-rays, medical records, photos
Internal Injuries Blows to abdomen, forced consumption Organ damage, internal bleeding CT scans, surgical reports
PTSD & Mental Health Trauma Psychological abuse, humiliation Therapy, medication, long-term distress Psychological evaluations, therapy records
Sexual Assault Forced nudity, sexual acts STIs, trauma, emotional damage Forensic exams, counseling records

Fillmore County families: If your child suffered any of these injuries from hazing, you have a case. We will fight for full compensation.

📋 Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Fillmore County?

Hazing cases involve multiple layers of liability. We pursue every responsible party to maximize your recovery.

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter (Near Fillmore County)

  • Direct liability for organizing and conducting hazing
  • Vicarious liability for members’ actions
  • Negligent supervision of pledge activities

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failure to supervise local chapters
  • Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
  • Pattern of negligence (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi had a death in 2017 and did nothing)
  • Deep pockets – substantial assets and insurance

3. University/College (Near Fillmore County)

  • Premises liability – if hazing occurred on university property
  • Negligent supervision of Greek life
  • Failure to act despite prior hazing incidents
  • Institutional knowledge of hazing culture

4. Individual Members & Officers

  • Personal liability for participating in or directing hazing
  • Criminal exposure under Minnesota law
  • Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage

5. Housing Corporations & Property Owners

  • Premises liability if hazing occurred at fraternity house
  • Failure to maintain safe environment

6. Insurance Companies

  • Liability policies covering fraternities, universities, individuals
  • We know how to pursue these policies from our insurance defense background

💰 What Fillmore County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing victims are entitled to full compensation for all damages caused by the abuse. We pursue:

Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Therapy and counseling for PTSD, anxiety, depression
  • Lost wages from missed work or academic disruption
  • Future earning capacity if injuries affect career
  • Educational expenses (tuition, books, fees if forced to drop out)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

  • Physical pain from injuries
  • Emotional distress from abuse
  • Humiliation and degradation from hazing activities
  • Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

  • Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or malicious
  • Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
  • No cap in Minnesota for most personal injury cases

Fillmore County families: In our Texas case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s kidney failure and trauma. Minnesota victims deserve the same justice.

⏳ Minnesota Statute of Limitations – Don’t Wait to Act

Minnesota law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing:

Type of Claim Statute of Limitations When Clock Starts
Personal Injury 6 years Date of injury
Wrongful Death 3 years Date of death
Criminal Hazing Varies (prosecuted by state) Date of incident

However, waiting is dangerous because:

  • Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
  • Organizations destroy records
  • Your rights expire

Fillmore County families: Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

📢 Our Message to Minnesota Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating at University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato, Winona State, UW-La Crosse, and other schools near Fillmore County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.

The same legal strategies that are securing $10 million verdicts in Texas apply to your chapters in Minnesota. If you haze students in Fillmore County or anywhere in Minnesota, we will pursue every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi’s UH chapter is shut down. Your chapter could be next.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and all other national fraternities with Minnesota chapters:

You had your chance to fix this. You failed.

Andrew Coffey died in 2017. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. Eight years. Same fraternity. Same negligence.

Minnesota students deserve better. Fillmore County families deserve justice. We will hold you accountable.

📞 Fillmore County Families: Call Us Now – Free Consultation

If your child was hazed in Fillmore County, at a Minnesota university, or anywhere in the Upper Midwest, we can help.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultation
✅ $0 upfront – we work on contingency
✅ Video consultations for Fillmore County families
✅ Willingness to travel to Minnesota
✅ Bilingual representation (Spanish available)

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Your rights expire. Call us now.

🏆 Why Fillmore County Families Trust Attorney 911

“We see your child as a person – not a paycheck. We will fight hard for Fillmore County families because we truly care about stopping this abuse.” – Ralph Manginello

🔹 Proven Results

  • Currently litigating $10 million hazing case
  • Recovered millions for personal injury victims
  • Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how to fight back

🔹 Nationwide Service

  • Federal court authority
  • Dual-state bar licenses
  • Willing to travel to Fillmore County and Minnesota

🔹 Client-Focused Approach

  • Bilingual staff (Se habla español)
  • 24/7 availability
  • Contingency fees – $0 upfront
  • We protect your privacy

🔹 Community Commitment

  • Supporters of Crime Stoppers of Houston
  • Active in youth sports and mentorship
  • Committed to ending hazing culture

📚 Educational Resources for Fillmore County Families

🔍 How to Recognize Hazing in Minnesota

Hazing can be subtle or obvious. Watch for these warning signs in your child:

Physical Signs Behavioral Signs Academic Signs
Unexplained bruises Sudden withdrawal from friends/family Drop in grades
Extreme fatigue Anxiety or depression Skipping classes
Weight loss Mood swings Declining academic performance
Difficulty walking Fear of certain people/places Missing assignments
Changes in sleep patterns Secretive behavior Disengagement from activities
Visible injuries Changes in social media use Withdrawal from sports/clubs

If you notice these signs, ask questions. Your child may be afraid to speak up.

📝 Minnesota Hazing Incident Report Form

If you suspect hazing, document everything. Use this form to record details:

Minnesota Hazing Incident Report
Date: _______________
Location: _______________
Organization Involved: _______________
Names of Individuals Involved (if known): _______________
Description of Incident: _______________
________________________________________________________
Witnesses (Names/Contact Info): _______________
________________________________________________________
Injuries Sustained: _______________
Medical Treatment Received: _______________
Photos/Videos Taken: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Text Messages/Group Chats: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Other Evidence: _______________
Reported to Authorities: ☐ Yes ☐ No (Date: _______________)
Reported to University: ☐ Yes ☐ No (Date: _______________)

Keep this form in a safe place. Share it with your attorney.

📢 What to Say to a Hazing Victim

If your child confides in you about hazing, respond with support:

“I believe you.” – Validate their experience
“This is not your fault.” – Hazing is never the victim’s fault
“You are not alone.” – They have support
“We will get through this together.” – Reassure them
“We need to document this.” – Preserve evidence
“You have rights.” – Empower them to seek justice

Avoid saying:

  • “Why did you let them do this to you?”
  • “It’s just part of college.”
  • “You should have known better.”
  • “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

🏛️ Minnesota Universities: Your Students Are at Risk – Act Now

To the presidents, regents, and Greek life offices at University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato, Winona State, UW-La Crosse, and other Minnesota schools:

The hazing crisis is real. It’s happening on your campuses. And you are legally responsible when your students are harmed.

We urge you to:

  1. Conduct independent hazing audits of all Greek organizations
  2. Suspend recognition of chapters with hazing histories
  3. Implement real oversight – not just paper policies
  4. Own your property – if you own fraternity houses, inspect them regularly
  5. Protect your students – don’t wait for another hospitalization or death

The precedent is clear:

  • $10 million lawsuits are being filed
  • Criminal charges are being pursued
  • Chapters are being shut down

Minnesota universities: You can act now or face accountability in court. The choice is yours.

🎯 Our Promise to Fillmore County Families

“We will fight for you like we’re fighting for our own child. We will pursue every liable party. We will not back down from powerful institutions. And we will not stop until justice is served.”

If your child was hazed in Fillmore County or at a Minnesota university, call us now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We fight for Fillmore County families.

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