Hazing Victims Legal Support in Goodhue County, Minnesota

Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

Attorney 911: Your Legal Emergency Response Team for Hazing Victims in Goodhue County

If your child has been the victim of dangerous hazing rituals at a college or university near Goodhue County, Minnesota, you’re not alone. The same national fraternities involved in recent high-profile hazing cases across the country have active chapters at institutions throughout Minnesota. Our experienced hazing litigation attorneys are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for systematic abuse that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. We’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Goodhue County families.

Understanding Hazing in Goodhue County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can lead to severe physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. In Goodhue County and surrounding areas, students at colleges and universities face the same risks that led to our client’s hospitalization in Houston.

What Counts as Hazing in Minnesota?

Minnesota law defines hazing broadly to include any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with an organization. This includes:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings, paddling
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
• Psychological abuse: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
• Dangerous activities: Waterboarding, exposure to extreme weather, blindfolding
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects

The same activities that hospitalized our client in Texas – waterboarding, forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical punishment – are happening in fraternities and sororities at Minnesota colleges.

The Hazing Crisis in Minnesota

While our current case is in Texas, the same national fraternities operate chapters at Minnesota universities. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other organizations with documented hazing histories have active chapters at institutions near Goodhue County.

Minnesota Hazing Statistics

• 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing
• 95% of hazing victims don’t report the incidents
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the U.S. every year
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations

Our Landmark Hazing Case: What This Means for Goodhue County Families

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This case demonstrates our expertise and commitment to holding institutions accountable.

The UH Hazing Case Details

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse including:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning during workouts
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns – until vomiting occurred
• Extreme physical punishment – 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours

After being forced to perform extreme exercises on November 3, 2025, Bermudez collapsed and couldn’t stand. His condition worsened over days until his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

Why Goodhue County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. Proven Hazing Litigation Experience

We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit – the same aggressive representation we’ll bring to Goodhue County cases. Our attorneys have specific experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
• University negligence claims
• Wrongful death from hazing activities

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to defend these cases and how to counter their strategies.

3. Nationwide Reach with Local Impact

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims across America, including Goodhue County, through:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Willingness to travel to Minnesota for depositions and trials
• Remote consultation technology for Goodhue County families

4. Comprehensive Legal Strategy

We don’t just sue the local chapter – we pursue every liable party:

• The university (premises liability, negligent supervision)
• The national fraternity organization (pattern of negligence)
• The housing corporation (property owner liability)
• Individual members (personal liability for assault/battery)

5. No Upfront Costs for Goodhue County Families

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to seeking justice against powerful institutions.

Who We Can Sue for Goodhue County Hazing Victims

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing activities is directly liable for the harm caused.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They’re liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Having knowledge of hazing patterns
• Failing to implement effective safeguards

3. The University

Minnesota universities can be held liable for:

• Premises liability – if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Negligent supervision – failing to monitor Greek organizations
• Failure to protect – knowing about hazing risks and not acting
• Institutional negligence – having policies that don’t prevent hazing

4. Individual Members

Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued personally for:

• Assault and battery
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Negligent supervision (officers)
• Civil conspiracy

5. Housing Corporations

Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own their properties. These entities can be sued for premises liability.

6. Alumni

Former members who host hazing events at their homes can be held liable for premises liability and negligent supervision.

Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Goodhue County Victims

Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis – muscle breakdown causing kidney failure (like our current client)
• Alcohol poisoning – from forced binge drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries – from beatings or falls
• Broken bones – from physical abuse
• Internal injuries – from forced consumption or physical trauma
• Burns – from branding or other dangerous activities
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – from exposure to extreme weather

Psychological Injuries

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Trust issues and social withdrawal
• Substance abuse – self-medicating to cope with trauma

Wrongful Death

When hazing leads to death, families can sue for:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future earnings
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Goodhue County

Immediate Steps

1. Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor
2. Preserve evidence – take photos of injuries, save text messages, screenshots
3. Document everything – keep a journal of what happened
4. Don’t talk to the organization – they’ll try to control the narrative
5. Don’t post on social media – anything you post can be used against you
6. Contact an attorney – free consultations available

Evidence to Preserve

• Medical records from any treatment
• Photos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails about hazing
• Witness contact information
• Any physical evidence from hazing activities
• Academic records showing impact on grades
• Employment records showing lost wages

Minnesota Hazing Laws

Minnesota has strong laws against hazing, including:

Minnesota Statute 121A.69 – Hazing Policy

• Requires all public and private schools to adopt anti-hazing policies
• Defines hazing broadly to include any activity that endangers physical or mental health
• Requires reporting of hazing incidents

Minnesota Statute 609.2242 – Crime of Hazing

• Makes hazing a crime punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine
• Increases penalties if hazing results in bodily harm
• Consent is not a defense

University Policies

Minnesota universities have additional anti-hazing policies that create legal obligations to protect students.

Why Act Now?

Statute of Limitations

• Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
• The clock starts ticking from the date of injury
• Evidence disappears over time
• Witnesses forget details

Evidence Preservation

• Text messages get deleted
• Photos get lost
• Chapter records get destroyed
• The organization will try to cover up what happened

Prevent Future Harm

Your case could save other students from going through the same trauma. Our current lawsuit is already preventing harm – as Lupe Peña said: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”

Our Approach to Goodhue County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

• Rapid evidence preservation
• Medical record collection
• Witness interviews
• University communication strategy

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Review all text messages and social media
• Interview witnesses
• Consult medical experts
• Analyze university policies

3. Aggressive Litigation

• Sue all liable parties
• Pursue punitive damages
• Demand policy changes
• Seek maximum compensation

4. Media Strategy

• Publicize the case to prevent future harm
• Pressure institutions to change
• Create accountability

5. Legislative Advocacy

• Work with Minnesota legislators to strengthen hazing laws
• Support anti-hazing legislation
• Testify at hearings

Goodhue County Schools with Greek Life

Several colleges and universities near Goodhue County have active Greek life organizations, including:

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

• One of the largest Greek systems in the country
• Multiple fraternities and sororities with hazing histories
• Located about 50 miles from Goodhue County

Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Active Greek system
• Located about 90 miles from Goodhue County

St. Cloud State University

• Greek organizations on campus
• Located about 120 miles from Goodhue County

University of St. Thomas

• Greek life present
• Located about 40 miles from Goodhue County

Winona State University

• Greek organizations active
• Located about 60 miles from Goodhue County

The same national fraternities involved in our current case have chapters at these and other Minnesota schools.

Case Results That Matter

Our firm has a track record of success in complex litigation:

• $10 million hazing lawsuit – currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements – in personal injury cases
• Successful trial outcomes – when defendants refuse fair settlements
• Institutional policy changes – forcing universities to improve safety

Frequently Asked Questions for Goodhue County Families

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Minnesota law covers hazing that occurs on or off campus. Many hazing incidents happen at private homes, hotels, or other off-campus locations.

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: Can we sue if the chapter was already suspended?

A: Absolutely. The suspension shows they knew about the problem. We can sue the national organization, individual members, and the university regardless of chapter status.

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically result in substantial settlements or verdicts. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Psychological trauma
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages
• Institutional knowledge of prior hazing

Q: How long will the case take?

A: Some cases settle within months, while others may take years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Q: Do we have to pay upfront?

A: No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows Goodhue County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Q: Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured?

A: Yes. Psychological trauma like PTSD, anxiety, and depression can form the basis of a strong case. Many hazing victims suffer severe emotional harm even without physical injuries.

Q: What if we’re afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand this concern. Our client in the current case is afraid of retribution for speaking out. We’ll protect your identity and take steps to prevent retaliation.

Contact Attorney 911 for Goodhue County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Goodhue County, Minnesota, we can help. The same aggressive representation we’re providing in our $10 million hazing case is available to Goodhue County families.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email

✉ ralph@atty911.com

Office Locations

While we’re based in Texas, we serve Goodhue County families through:

• Video consultations
• Phone consultations
• Travel to Minnesota for meetings and depositions
• Federal court representation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. We’ll listen to your story
2. We’ll evaluate the strength of your case
3. We’ll explain your legal options
4. We’ll discuss next steps
5. We’ll answer all your questions

Don’t wait – evidence disappears and deadlines expire. Contact us today.

The Attorney 911 Difference for Goodhue County Families

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This gives us unparalleled current experience.

2. We Know How They’ll Defend Themselves

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how universities and fraternities will try to minimize or deny your claim. We’ve seen their playbook – now we use that knowledge against them.

3. We Don’t Back Down

We’re not afraid of powerful institutions. We’ve taken on major corporations, universities, and national organizations – and won.

4. We Care About More Than Money

While we fight for maximum compensation, we’re also committed to:

• Preventing future hazing
• Changing institutional cultures
• Holding abusers accountable
• Supporting victims through recovery

5. We Come to You

Goodhue County families don’t have to travel to Texas. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Phone consultations
• Travel to Minnesota for meetings
• Remote case management

Let Us Fight for Your Goodhue County Family

The fraternities, sororities, and universities that allowed your child to be hazed have powerful legal teams and insurance companies protecting them. You deserve powerful advocates on your side.

We’re ready to fight for Goodhue County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing case. Let us be your legal emergency response team.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your free consultation.