Hazing Lawyers Serving Lyman County, South Dakota – Attorney 911
Hazing Victims in Lyman County Deserve Justice
If you or your child has been the victim of hazing in Lyman County, South Dakota, or at any college or university nearby, you are not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have caused life-threatening injuries and deaths across the country operate right here in South Dakota. And the same legal strategies that have won millions of dollars for hazing victims nationwide can work for Lyman County families.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Lyman County hazing victims.
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Lyman County.
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during Pi Kappa Phi’s pledge process at the University of Houston. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout – they kept going
Bermudez spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life. The fraternity chapter was shut down. The university admitted the conduct was “deeply disturbing.” And we filed a $10 million lawsuit to hold them accountable.
The same fraternities operate in Lyman County. The same universities fail to protect students. And the same hazing culture exists right here in South Dakota.
Why Lyman County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on November 21, 2025. We know the evidence, the defendants, and the legal strategies that work.
2. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Lyman County
We are based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lyman County. Through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Video consultations for Lyman County families
- Willingness to travel to Lyman County for depositions and meetings
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability. We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Lyman County victims.
4. $0 Upfront – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on contingency – Lyman County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:
- No financial risk for you
- No hourly fees
- We fight harder because we only get paid if you do
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families in Lyman County are Spanish-speaking. Our staff is bilingual, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive representation.
Hazing in Lyman County – What You Need to Know
Hazing Is Illegal in South Dakota
South Dakota has strict anti-hazing laws (SDCL 13-32-1 to 13-32-9). Hazing is defined as any activity that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health of a student
- Is used for pledging, initiation, or membership in a student organization
- Includes forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical brutality, sleep deprivation, or psychological abuse
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
Hazing Happens at Lyman County Schools
While Lyman County itself may not have a major university, students from Lyman County often attend colleges and universities across South Dakota and the region, including:
- South Dakota State University (SDSU) – Brookings, SD
- University of South Dakota (USD) – Vermillion, SD
- Dakota State University – Madison, SD
- Northern State University – Aberdeen, SD
- Augustana University – Sioux Falls, SD
- Black Hills State University – Spearfish, SD
These schools have active Greek life programs, and the same fraternities that hazed our client in Texas operate chapters at these institutions.
The Same Fraternities Are in South Dakota
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have chapters at South Dakota universities. These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in South Dakota, they face the same risks.
Who Is Liable for Lyman County Hazing?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity property |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- The fraternity chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse (who hosted hazing)
Lyman County families can pursue the same defendants.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lyman County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injury.
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Medical records are critical evidence in hazing cases.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
- Document witness names and contact information.
- Do NOT delete anything – even if it seems unimportant.
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Fraternity Alone
- They will coordinate their story, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses.
- Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity or university.
- Do NOT give a statement without legal counsel.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- The clock is ticking. South Dakota has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- Evidence disappears quickly. Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.
- Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Damages Lyman County Families Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Educational Disruption | Tuition loss, delayed graduation, scholarship loss |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries. Lyman County families can pursue the same compensation.
Hazing Precedents – They Will Pay
Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, including:
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
These same results are possible for Lyman County victims.
Why Lyman County Families Should Act Now
1. Evidence Disappears Fast
- Text messages get deleted.
- Social media posts get removed.
- Witnesses forget details.
- Organizations destroy records.
2. The Clock Is Ticking
- South Dakota has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
3. Universities and Fraternities Will Fight Back
- They have teams of lawyers working to minimize claims.
- They will blame the victim, deny liability, and offer low settlements.
- You need your own legal team to level the playing field.
4. You Can Save Other Students
- Your case can expose dangerous hazing cultures.
- It can force universities to implement real oversight.
- It can prevent the next hazing tragedy.
How Lyman County Families Can Reach Us
If you or your child has been hazed in Lyman County or at any South Dakota university, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free Consultation – No Upfront Cost – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We Will Travel to Lyman County
We understand that Lyman County families may not be able to travel to Texas. That’s why:
- We offer video consultations so you can meet with us remotely.
- We travel to Lyman County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
- We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
The Message to Lyman County Fraternities
To the fraternities operating in South Dakota:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If your members haze students in Lyman County, we will pursue every liable entity – the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha – if your chapter operates in South Dakota, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
The Message to South Dakota Universities
To the universities in South Dakota:
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You have the power to stop hazing. You have the duty to protect your students.
Act now, or face the same accountability.
Lyman County Families – You Have Rights
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. That trust was betrayed.
You have the right to:
- Hold the fraternity accountable
- Hold the university accountable
- Seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more
- Demand change so this never happens again
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Lyman County families.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.
