Hazing Victims in Hubbard County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

The Hidden Crisis in Hubbard County’s College Culture

Hubbard County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations will provide a positive environment for growth and friendship. But behind the scenes, a dangerous culture of hazing persists at colleges and universities near Hubbard County — and it’s putting your child at serious risk.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical abuse during fraternity pledging. This isn’t just happening in Houston — it happens at universities and colleges near Hubbard County too. And we’re here to help Hubbard County families fight back.

Why Hubbard County Families Need to Be Concerned

Hubbard County may be a small, close-knit community, but its young people attend colleges and universities across Minnesota and the nation where Greek life and other student organizations thrive. The same national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have active chapters near Hubbard County:

• University of Minnesota campuses (Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, Rochester)
• Minnesota State University system schools (Mankato, Moorhead, St. Cloud, and others)
• Private colleges like St. Olaf, Carleton, Macalester, and Gustavus Adolphus
• Community colleges in the region

These institutions, like those across America, have Greek organizations with chapters of major national fraternities and sororities — the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing-related injuries and deaths.

The Shocking Reality of Hazing in Minnesota

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless initiation rituals. It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has led to:

• Physical injuries from extreme exercise, beatings, and forced consumption
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Alcohol poisoning from forced binge drinking
• Sexual assault during hazing rituals
• Death — at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S. since 2000

In our current case, Leonel Bermudez was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Made to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and other extreme exercises
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Denied sleep and forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This isn’t happening just in Texas. It happens at colleges and universities near Hubbard County too. The same fraternities operate here. The same culture exists. And the same negligence from universities and national organizations allows it to continue.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Hubbard County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. Local Chapters

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organizes and conducts hazing activities is primarily liable. In our Houston case, the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is a defendant for directly subjecting our client to abuse.

2. National Organizations

National fraternities and sororities have substantial resources and insurance policies. They’re responsible for supervising local chapters and enforcing anti-hazing policies. In our case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

3. Universities and Colleges

Institutions have a duty to protect students. They can be liable for:

• Premises liability if hazing occurs on university-owned property
• Failure to supervise Greek life organizations
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents (like UH did after a 2017 hazing hospitalization)
• Failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies

4. Individual Members

Chapter officers, pledgemasters, and active members who participate in or facilitate hazing can be held personally liable. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Alumni and Property Owners

Former members or alumni who host hazing events at their homes can be liable for premises liability. In our case, a former member and their spouse are defendants for allowing hazing at their residence.

Your Legal Rights as a Hubbard County Hazing Victim

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Hubbard County, you have legal rights. Minnesota law, like Texas law, provides strong protections for hazing victims:

Minnesota Hazing Laws

Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 defines hazing as:

“Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person.”

Key provisions:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine
• Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal
• Institutions must report hazing incidents to authorities
• Organizations can be penalized including loss of recognition

Civil Liability in Minnesota

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence — failure to protect students
• Assault and battery — intentional harmful contact
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress — extreme and outrageous conduct
• Premises liability — unsafe conditions on property
• Negligent supervision — failure to oversee organizations

Minnesota has no cap on pain and suffering damages, meaning juries can award substantial compensation for the physical and emotional harm caused by hazing.

Federal Civil Rights Claims

In severe cases, hazing may violate federal civil rights laws, particularly when:

• It involves sexual assault or harassment
• It targets students based on race, religion, or other protected characteristics
• It creates a hostile educational environment

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hubbard County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a college or university near Hubbard County, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
• Document all symptoms and treatment
• Keep copies of all medical records and bills

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries, hazing locations, or items used
• Save all communications — texts, social media messages, emails, GroupMe chats
• Document witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Keep all pledge materials — manuals, schedules, rules
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing

Step 3: Report the Incident

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in Minnesota
• Report to the university — file a formal complaint with the institution
• Report to the national organization — contact the fraternity/sorority headquarters
• Consider a Title IX report if sexual assault was involved

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

• Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
• Do not sign any documents from the organization
• Do not post about the incident on social media
• Do not confront the organization directly

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Hazing cases are complex and require specialized legal expertise. At Attorney 911, we:

• Have 25+ years of litigation experience
• Are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit
• Know how to preserve evidence and build strong cases
• Understand Greek life culture and university liability
• Will travel to Hubbard County for your case
• Offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Hubbard County Hazing Case

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the strategies that work because we’re using them right now. Hubbard County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Hubbard County victims.

Nationwide Reach with Local Service

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hubbard County. We:

• Offer video consultations for Hubbard County families
• Travel to Hubbard County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Have federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
• Are licensed in multiple states (Texas and New York)

Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

Our attorneys have:

• Won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Handled complex mass tort litigation (BP Texas City explosion)
• Secured substantial recoveries in personal injury and wrongful death cases
• Successfully defeated insurance company tactics in hundreds of cases

Compassionate Representation for Hubbard County Families

We understand the trauma hazing causes. In our current case, our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We protect our clients’ privacy and well-being while aggressively pursuing justice. Hubbard County families are treated with respect, compassion, and the highest level of professionalism.

No Upfront Costs for Hubbard County Families

We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless and until we win your case. This means:

• No retainer fees
• No hourly billing
• No financial risk to you
• We only get paid if you get paid

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Win Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to:

• Send preservation letters demanding all evidence be saved
• Obtain text messages, social media posts, and communications
• Secure security camera footage before it’s deleted
• Identify and interview witnesses before memories fade

2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation

We work with:

• Medical experts to document injuries
• Life care planners to project future medical needs
• Psychological experts to assess trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Economists to calculate lost wages and earning capacity

3. Aggressive Discovery Strategy

We uncover the truth through:

• Depositions of chapter officers, national leaders, and university administrators
• Subpoenas for internal documents, communications, and policies
• Expert testimony on Greek life culture and institutional negligence
• Pattern evidence from prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university

4. Multi-Defendant Litigation

We pursue every liable party, including:

• Local chapters
• National organizations
• Universities and colleges
• Individual members
• Property owners
• Insurance companies

5. Media and Public Pressure

We strategically use media to:

• Expose the truth about hazing culture
• Pressure defendants to settle
• Protect other students by warning the community
• Drive legislative change to prevent future hazing

6. Trial-Ready Preparation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, including:

• Jury research to understand community attitudes
• Mock trials to test case themes
• Compelling visual evidence (timelines, animations, medical illustrations)
• Powerful storytelling that resonates with juries

Real Results: Hazing Cases That Changed the Game

Our current $10 million lawsuit isn’t our first hazing case — and it won’t be our last. Here are some of the landmark hazing cases that have shaped the legal landscape:

Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State University)
• What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement (university + fraternity + individuals)
• Significance: Largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history

Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta (Louisiana State University)
• What Happened: “Bible Study” drinking game; wrong answer = drink more; BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana

Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million

• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi (Penn State University)
• What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania

Andrew Coffey — Same Fraternity as Our Case

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State University)
• What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: Chapter closed; criminal charges; confidential settlement
• Significance: Same national organization as our UH case — they had 8 years to fix their culture after Coffey’s death and failed

The Pattern Is Clear: Hazing Kills and Injures Across America

These cases aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a systemic culture of abuse that exists at fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations nationwide — including near Hubbard County.

Pi Kappa Phi alone has:

• 150+ chapters across America
• Two serious hazing incidents in 8 years (Andrew Coffey in 2017; Leonel Bermudez in 2025)
• Admitted to knowing about a “hazing crisis” but failing to fix it

The national organizations know. The universities know. And they do nothing until someone gets hurt — or killed.

How Much Is a Hubbard County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. The amount depends on factors like:

Potential damages in a Hubbard County hazing case include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (time missed from work)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career)
• Educational expenses (tuition, lost scholarships)
• Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, mental health treatment)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)
• PTSD and psychological trauma

Punitive Damages

• Punish egregious conduct (torture, extreme physical abuse)
• Deter future hazing by sending a financial message
• No cap in Minnesota for most personal injury cases

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $6.1 million jury verdicts
• $10.1 million settlements
• $110+ million estimated settlements
• Our current case is seeking $10 million — and that number is supported by precedent

Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them

Defendants in hazing cases often try to avoid liability using these common defenses. Here’s how we counter them:

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Consent is not a defense under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 121A.69)
• Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to
• Power dynamics make it impossible to say “no”

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• Tradition doesn’t justify abuse — assault is assault
• National organizations have policies against hazing
• Universities have codes of conduct prohibiting hazing
• Courts have repeatedly rejected this defense

Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Pattern evidence shows they knew (prior incidents at same chapter/university)
• National organizations have actual knowledge of hazing culture
• Universities have oversight responsibility — they can’t claim ignorance
• In our case, Pi Kappa Phi admitted they knew about “a hazing crisis”

Defense 4: “The Victim Was Partially at Fault”

Our Response:

• Minnesota follows comparative fault — but only if victim is less than 50% at fault
• Hazing creates duress — victims can’t make free choices
• The organization is always more at fault for creating the dangerous environment
• Juries understand the power dynamics of hazing

Defense 5: “We’ve Already Punished the Chapter”

Our Response:

• Closing a chapter doesn’t fix the problem — they just reopen later
• Punitive damages are still appropriate to deter future hazing
• Individuals still need to be held accountable
• In our case, Pi Kappa Phi said they “look forward to returning” — showing no remorse

The Attorney 911 Hazing Victim Protection Plan

When you hire Attorney 911 for your Hubbard County hazing case, we implement our comprehensive Hazing Victim Protection Plan:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 48 Hours)

• Emergency evidence preservation — send letters demanding all evidence be saved
• Medical documentation — ensure all injuries are properly recorded
• Witness identification — locate and interview other pledges and witnesses
• Institutional notification — put universities and national organizations on notice
• Media strategy — control the narrative to protect your child’s privacy

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1-4)

• Comprehensive evidence gathering — texts, social media, photos, videos
• Expert consultations — medical, psychological, hazing culture
• Damage assessment — calculate economic and non-economic losses
• Defendant identification — determine all liable parties
• Insurance analysis — identify all available coverage

Phase 3: Legal Action (Months 1-6)

• Filing the lawsuit — initiate legal proceedings against all defendants
• Aggressive discovery — depositions, document requests, subpoenas
• Expert reports — medical, psychological, economic
• Settlement negotiations — pursue fair compensation without trial
• Media pressure — strategic coverage to push defendants to settle

Phase 4: Trial Preparation (Months 6-18)

• Jury research — understand community attitudes in Hubbard County
• Mock trials — test case themes and evidence
• Witness preparation — ensure compelling testimony
• Visual evidence — timelines, animations, medical illustrations
• Trial strategy — prepare for every possible defense

Phase 5: Resolution (Months 12-24+)

• Settlement — if fair offer is made
• Trial — if defendants refuse to compensate fairly
• Verdict or settlement payment — ensure you receive compensation
• Legislative advocacy — work to change laws to prevent future hazing
• Media follow-up — ensure the story has lasting impact

What Hubbard County Families Can Expect

For Living Victims:

• Medical treatment — we ensure you get the care you need
• Psychological support — therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Academic accommodations — help with school disruptions
• Financial compensation — for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Justice and accountability — holding the responsible parties liable

For Wrongful Death Cases:

• Funeral expenses — compensation for burial costs
• Loss of companionship — for the emotional impact on your family
• Lost future earnings — for the financial support your child would have provided
• Punitive damages — to punish the responsible parties
• Legacy creation — establishing scholarships or foundations in your child’s name

For Hubbard County Institutions:

• Increased oversight — forcing universities to monitor Greek life
• Policy changes — implementing real anti-hazing measures
• Financial accountability — making them pay for their negligence
• Cultural change — ending the cycle of abuse

The Time to Act Is Now

Hubbard County families: If your child has been hazed, you must act quickly.

Statutes of Limitations Apply

• Personal injury: 2 years from date of injury in Minnesota
• Wrongful death: 3 years from date of death in Minnesota
• If you miss these deadlines, you lose your right to sue forever

Evidence Disappears Quickly

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records
• Security footage gets erased

The Sooner You Act, the Stronger Your Case

• Preserve evidence immediately
• Document injuries while they’re fresh
• Identify witnesses before they disappear
• Put defendants on notice before they cover their tracks

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hubbard County Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand your child may fear retaliation or social consequences. However, hazing often escalates, and other students may be at risk. We can:

• Provide confidential consultations to explore options
• Help your child understand their rights
• Protect their identity during legal proceedings
• Work with the university to ensure their safety
• Pursue anonymous reporting options if available

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition” and not hazing. Is that true?

A: No. Tradition is not a defense to hazing. Minnesota law defines hazing as any activity that endangers mental or physical health, regardless of tradition. Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse — these are not traditions. They’re crimes.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students and supervise student organizations. If they:

• Own the property where hazing occurred
• Have prior knowledge of hazing at their institution
• Fail to implement effective oversight
• Ignore complaints or warning signs
  They can be held liable even if they claim ignorance.

Q: My child is an international student. Can they still pursue a case?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We:

• Provide bilingual services (se habla español)
• Protect your child’s visa status during legal proceedings
• Work with immigration experts if needed
• Ensure all communications are confidential

Q: How much will this cost my family?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery, so:

• No hourly billing
• No retainer fees
• No financial risk to your family
• We only get paid if you get paid

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

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. If it happened:

• At a fraternity house
• At an off-campus apartment
• At a private residence
• During a retreat or event
  You can still pursue legal action.

Q: What if the fraternity has already closed the chapter?

A: Closing a chapter doesn’t end liability. We can still pursue:

• The national organization
• The individual members who participated
• The university that allowed the hazing
• The property owners where hazing occurred
• The insurance companies that provide coverage

Q: My child signed a waiver. Are we still able to sue?

A: Yes. Waivers are often unenforceable in hazing cases because:

• Minnesota law says consent is not a defense to hazing
• Minors cannot legally consent to waive their rights
• Waivers don’t cover criminal conduct (assault, battery, etc.)
• Waivers are against public policy when they allow illegal activity

Q: How long will the case take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take:

• 6-12 months for minor injuries with clear liability
• 12-24 months for moderate injuries with multiple defendants
• 2-4 years for severe injuries, wrongful death, or complex litigation
  We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation.

Q: Can we prevent this from happening to other Hubbard County students?

A: Absolutely. By pursuing legal action, you:

• Expose the truth about hazing culture
• Force institutions to implement real change
• Protect future students from the same abuse
• Drive legislative reform to strengthen anti-hazing laws
• Create a legacy of safety for Hubbard County students

Hubbard County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing can leave victims and families feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney 911, we’re committed to:

Protecting Hubbard County Students

We fight to ensure no other Hubbard County family has to experience what you’re going through.

Holding Institutions Accountable

We make universities, fraternities, and national organizations pay for their negligence.

Changing the Culture

We work to end the cycle of abuse and create safer campuses for Hubbard County students.

Getting You Justice

We pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Hubbard County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:

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

We serve Hubbard County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Final Message to Hubbard County Families

Your child trusted these institutions. They trusted that they would be safe. That trust was betrayed.

But you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold them accountable. You have the power to protect the next student.

At Attorney 911, we’re not just fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Houston. We’re fighting for every hazing victim — including those in Hubbard County.

Enough is enough. It’s time for justice. It’s time for change.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The call is confidential. And the first step toward justice starts with you.