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Hazing Victims in Freeborn County Deserve Justice: How Attorney 911 Fights for Minnesota Students
Freeborn County Parents: Your Child’s Safety Should Never Be a Gamble
When you send your child to college—whether it’s at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota State University Mankato, or another institution near Freeborn County—you trust that they’ll be safe. You expect them to make friends, join clubs, and maybe even pledge a fraternity or sorority. What you don’t expect is for them to be tortured, humiliated, or hospitalized in the name of “tradition.”
But that’s exactly what’s happening at universities across Minnesota—and Freeborn County families are not immune. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston in 2025 have active chapters near Freeborn County. The same reckless culture that led to a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas exists right here in Minnesota.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Freeborn County, you have legal rights. And Attorney 911 will fight for you—just like we’re fighting right now for a student who was hospitalized after being forced to do 500 squats, waterboarded with a hose, and struck with wooden paddles.
This Happens Near Freeborn County: The Hazing Crisis Hits Minnesota
The Same Fraternities, the Same Dangers
The fraternity that hospitalized our client—Pi Kappa Phi—has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Freeborn County. Other national organizations with documented hazing histories, like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Beta Theta Pi, also operate at Minnesota colleges.
Universities near Freeborn County with active Greek life include:
- Minnesota State University Mankato (45 minutes from Freeborn County)
- Riverland Community College (Austin, MN campus)
- University of Minnesota campuses (Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester)
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
These institutions—and the fraternities on their campuses—face the same oversight failures that led to our client’s hospitalization.
Minnesota’s Hazing Problem: The Numbers Don’t Lie
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing, 2008).
- 40% of student athletes report hazing (Alfred University Study).
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death in the U.S. every year—and Minnesota is not exempt.
- 95% of hazing victims don’t report it due to fear of retaliation or social ostracism.
Freeborn County families: If your child was hazed, they’re likely afraid to speak up. But silence protects the abusers, not the victims.
The Landmark Case That Proves Freeborn County Families Can Win
$10 Million Lawsuit: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH—and What’s Happening Near Freeborn County
On November 21, 2025, Attorney 911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing.
What they did to him:
✔ Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning—considered torture under international law)
✔ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck with wooden paddles
✔ Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting—then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
✔ Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout—yet they kept hazing
✔ Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to sleep deprivation
The result: Bermudez couldn’t walk. His muscles broke down. His urine turned brown. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
Freeborn County families: This isn’t just a Texas problem. The same fraternities operate near Freeborn County. The same “traditions” exist at Minnesota universities. And the same negligence is happening right here.
Why This Case Matters for Freeborn County
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide—including near Freeborn County. If they’re hazing at UH, they’re hazing at Minnesota schools too.
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house—just like universities near Freeborn County own or control Greek housing. They have a duty to protect students.
- They knew this was happening. Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement admitted they were aware of a “hazing crisis”—yet they did nothing. The same is true for fraternities near Freeborn County.
- They’re already planning to come back. Despite hospitalizing a student, Pi Kappa Phi’s statement said: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” No remorse. No accountability. Just business as usual.
Freeborn County parents: If your child was hazed, we will fight to make sure the fraternity—and the university—can’t just reopen and do it again.
What Counts as Hazing? Freeborn County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation.” It’s abuse, torture, and sometimes manslaughter. Under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 121A.69), hazing includes:
| Category | Examples | Minnesota Law |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Classified as assault under Minn. Stat. § 609.224 |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., peppercorns, milk) | Criminal hazing under Minn. Stat. § 121A.69 |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation | Intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Criminal sexual conduct under Minn. Stat. § 609.342 |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | False imprisonment under Minn. Stat. § 609.255 |
Freeborn County families: If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed—and you have legal options.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Freeborn County? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Fraternity)
When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible. In our UH case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Freeborn County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Organized and conducted hazing | The fraternity near Freeborn County that abused your child |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc.—they have deep pockets |
| University | Owned/controlled property; failed to protect students | Minnesota State Mankato, Riverland CC, U of M—they own the houses |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility (president, pledgemaster) | The individuals who ordered the hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Every member who took part |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes | Alumni who enabled the abuse |
| Insurance Companies | Provide liability coverage for organizations | The real source of compensation |
Freeborn County families: We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the institutions with money—the universities, the national organizations, and their insurance companies.
What Should Freeborn County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure—like our client experienced—can be life-threatening.
- Alcohol poisoning, head injuries, and internal bleeding are common in hazing.
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) requires professional treatment.
Freeborn County medical resources:
- Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin (for immediate care)
- Mankato Clinic (for follow-up treatment)
- Freeborn County Public Health (for mental health referrals)
Step 2: Preserve Evidence (Critical for Freeborn County Cases)
DO NOT:
❌ Delete text messages, social media posts, or GroupMe chats
❌ Confront the fraternity or university without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident online
DO:
✅ Take photos of injuries (bruises, burns, cuts)
✅ Save all communications (texts, emails, social media)
✅ Get names and contact info of witnesses
✅ Document medical records (hospital visits, therapy notes)
✅ Keep receipts for expenses (medical bills, therapy costs)
Freeborn County families: The fraternity will try to destroy evidence. Don’t let them.
Step 3: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines—Minnesota’s statute of limitations is typically 2 years. If you wait, you could lose your right to sue forever.
We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations for Freeborn County families
✔ $0 upfront costs—we only get paid if we win your case
✔ Nationwide representation—we’ll travel to Freeborn County for depositions and trials
✔ Remote consultations—you don’t have to come to Texas
Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
What Compensation Can Freeborn County Families Recover?
Hazing victims in Freeborn County may be entitled to:
| Category | Examples | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Future Medical Costs | Long-term kidney damage, PTSD treatment | $100,000–$1M+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work/school | $10,000–$100,000 |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | $100,000–$3M+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding) | $500,000–$5M+ |
Total potential recovery for Freeborn County families: $1M–$10M+
Precedent cases prove it:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)
Why Freeborn County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability—and we know how to beat them.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys (We Know Their Playbook)
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—used to work for insurance companies. We know exactly how they try to lowball victims. Now, we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for Freeborn County families.
3. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment
We’re based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide—including Freeborn County. We’ll travel to Minnesota for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
4. $0 Upfront Costs for Freeborn County Families
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. No hourly fees. No retainers. No financial risk.
5. We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You
- $10M+ in hazing-related cases (including our current UH lawsuit)
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigators—experience with complex, high-stakes cases
Freeborn County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
If your child was hazed, they’re likely afraid, ashamed, or pressured to stay silent. But silence protects the abusers.
Attorney 911 will:
✅ Protect your child from retaliation
✅ Hold every liable party accountable—not just the fraternity, but the university and national organization too
✅ Fight for maximum compensation so your child can recover without financial stress
✅ Travel to Freeborn County to meet with you and build your case
This isn’t just about money. It’s about sending a message:
“If you haze students in Freeborn County, you will pay. If you cover it up, we will expose you. And if you think you can just reopen and do it again—we will shut you down.”
Freeborn County Families: Take Action Now
🚨 If your child was hazed, call Attorney 911 immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We’ll evaluate your case for free—and if we take it, you pay nothing unless we win.
Freeborn County Resources for Hazing Victims
- Minnesota Hazing Hotline: 1-800-477-0024 (report anonymously)
- Freeborn County Public Health: (507) 377-5100 (mental health support)
- Riverland Community College Counseling Services: (507) 433-0600
- Minnesota State Mankato Counseling Center: (507) 389-1455
Final Message to Freeborn County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Freeborn County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. And we know you’ve paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
If you haze students in Freeborn County, we will find every liable entity—and we will sue them all.
To the universities near Freeborn County:
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
If you fail to protect students, you will be held accountable—just like the University of Houston is right now.
The next chapter starts with accountability. And we’re writing it.
© 2025 Attorney 911 | Serving Freeborn County, Minnesota, and Nationwide
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont | Traveling to Freeborn County for Your Case
