Hazing Victims in McPherson County: Your Rights, Your Voice, Your Justice
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near McPherson County, South Dakota, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for McPherson County families with the same fury.
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in McPherson County.
On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a young man was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. He was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and made to eat until he vomited — all as part of a so-called “pledge process.”
The same fraternities operate at universities near McPherson County. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence allows this to continue.
If your child has been hazed at Dakota State University, Northern State University, Presentation College, or any other institution near McPherson County, we can help. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including McPherson County families.
What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse.
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
This includes:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion (like 500 squats)
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or passing out
- Sleep deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings, or all-night activities
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
- Waterboarding/simulated drowning (yes, this happened in Houston)
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects
- Exposure to extreme weather: Stripping in cold, confinement in heat
In McPherson County and across America, hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s reckless endangerment. And it’s often criminal.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in McPherson County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the individuals involved.
We pursue ALL responsible parties, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | McPherson County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapter structure exists at McPherson County-area universities |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture | Same nationals operate near McPherson County; Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at Pi Kappa Phi — they had 8 years to fix it and didn’t |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite having authority over Greek life | Universities near McPherson County have the same oversight responsibilities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Same officer structure exists at McPherson County-area chapters |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Same peer pressure dynamics exist near McPherson County |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes | Same off-campus locations used for hazing near McPherson County |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Same housing entities exist for McPherson County-area chapters |
McPherson County families: Even if the hazing didn’t occur at your child’s specific university, if it happened at a chapter affiliated with a national organization operating near McPherson County, we can pursue the national organization and other liable parties.
The Legal Rights of McPherson County Hazing Victims
1. Criminal Liability — Hazing Is a Crime in South Dakota
South Dakota has anti-hazing laws that make hazing a criminal offense. Depending on the severity, hazing can be charged as:
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail and $500 fine
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine (if serious bodily injury occurs)
- Felony: If hazing results in death
Key Legal Principle: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
2. Civil Liability — You Can Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, McPherson County hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | McPherson County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment | Hospitalization from rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney damage, alcohol poisoning |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding |
| Emotional Distress | Psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression | Fear of retribution, humiliation, long-term trauma |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury/recovery | Missed work, lost internship opportunities |
| Educational Impact | Disruption to academic progress | Missed classes, dropped courses, delayed graduation |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse |
McPherson County families: These damages are available regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Civil lawsuits focus on compensation and accountability, not punishment.
3. Title IX — Gender-Based Hazing and Sexual Abuse
If hazing involved sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, McPherson County victims may have claims under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Title IX requires universities to:
- Protect students from gender-based harm
- Investigate reports of sexual misconduct
- Take action to prevent future incidents
McPherson County universities must comply with Title IX. If they failed to protect your child from gender-based hazing, we can pursue Title IX claims in addition to other legal actions.
What McPherson County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Document everything. Take photos of injuries, save medical records, and keep a journal of symptoms.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. Take these steps immediately:
| Evidence Type | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Text Messages | Screenshot ALL messages about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) |
| Social Media | Screenshot posts, messages, or stories about hazing |
| Photos/Videos | Save any photos or videos from hazing events or injuries |
| Physical Items | Preserve clothing, paddles, or other items used in hazing |
| Witness Information | Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses |
| Medical Records | Request copies of all medical records and bills |
| Academic Records | Save records showing impact on grades or enrollment |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or university
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Incident
- File a police report — Hazing is a crime in South Dakota.
- Report to the university — Most universities have hazing reporting procedures.
- Report to the national organization — If a fraternity/sorority is involved, report to their national headquarters.
McPherson County families: Reporting creates an official record, which is critical for both criminal and civil cases.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach quickly.
Why you need an attorney:
- Protect your child’s rights — Universities and fraternities will try to minimize liability.
- Preserve evidence — We can send preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence.
- Navigate the legal system — Hazing cases involve complex liability issues.
- Maximize compensation — We know how to build strong cases and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Avoid mistakes — Talking to the organization or posting on social media can harm your case.
McPherson County families: We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why McPherson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. McPherson County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Nationwide Reach — We Serve McPherson County Families
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including McPherson County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases across America.
How we serve McPherson County families:
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely from McPherson County.
- Travel commitment — We come to McPherson County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
- Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction if needed.
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York, with experience litigating against national organizations.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize claims.
We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for McPherson County families.
4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- $10 million hazing lawsuit — Currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH.
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations.
- Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts — Proven track record of success.
- Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
5. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on McPherson County families. We treat our clients with compassion, respect, and dignity while aggressively pursuing justice.
From our client testimonials:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They treated me like family. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
6. $0 Upfront — We Work on Contingency
We understand that McPherson County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contingency fee structure:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly billing
- We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- Fee is a percentage of the recovery
The Hazing Crisis in McPherson County and Beyond
Hazing Is a National Epidemic
Hazing is not limited to a few “bad apples.” It is a systemic problem across America, including near McPherson County.
The Statistics:
- 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.
- 40% of athletes report being hazed.
- 95% of hazing victims do not report the incident.
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the United States.
- 1.5 million high school students are hazed each year.
McPherson County families: These statistics show that hazing is not an isolated incident. It is a cultural problem that requires systemic change.
Hazing Happens at All Types of Organizations
Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities. It occurs in:
| Organization Type | McPherson County Examples |
|---|---|
| Fraternities/Sororities | Chapters at Dakota State University, Northern State University, Presentation College |
| Sports Teams | College and high school athletics near McPherson County |
| Marching Bands | School and university bands |
| ROTC Programs | Military training programs |
| Honor Societies | Academic and professional organizations |
| Clubs | Student organizations, service clubs |
| Military Academies | ROTC, service academies |
McPherson County families: If your child was hazed in any organization, we can help.
The Physical and Psychological Consequences of Hazing
Hazing causes serious, long-lasting harm to victims. Common consequences include:
| Physical Consequences | Psychological Consequences |
|---|---|
| Broken bones | PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) |
| Burns (from branding) | Anxiety |
| Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) | Depression |
| Kidney failure | Suicidal ideation |
| Alcohol poisoning | Loss of trust |
| Traumatic brain injury | Social withdrawal |
| Heat stroke/hypothermia | Substance abuse |
| Death | Academic decline |
McPherson County families: These consequences can last a lifetime. Our legal system provides compensation to help victims recover and rebuild.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Can and Do Win
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases show that juries and courts take hazing seriously — and so do we.
1. Stone Foltz — Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State University) — $10.1 Million
What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome:
- $10.1 million total recovery — largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
- Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million.
- Pi Kappa Alpha and individuals paid $7.2 million.
- Multiple criminal convictions.
McPherson County Takeaway: $10 million is a realistic demand for serious hazing cases.
2. Maxwell Gruver — Phi Delta Theta (Louisiana State University) — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
What Happened: Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. He died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — over 6x the legal limit).
Outcome:
- $6.1 million jury verdict — one of the largest hazing verdicts in history.
- Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Multiple criminal convictions.
McPherson County Takeaway: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.
3. Timothy Piazza — Beta Theta Pi (Penn State University) — $110+ Million
What Happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a bid acceptance event. He fell down stairs multiple times and died from traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
Outcome:
- $110+ million settlement — one of the largest in hazing history.
- 18 fraternity members charged — multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter.
- Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law — strengthened Pennsylvania’s hazing laws.
McPherson County Takeaway: When evidence is strong, settlements reach $100+ million.
4. Andrew Coffey — Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State University) — Confidential Settlement
What Happened: Andrew Coffey was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon during a “Big Brother Night” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome:
- 9 fraternity members charged — multiple convictions.
- Pi Kappa Phi chapter permanently closed at FSU.
- Confidential settlement.
McPherson County Takeaway: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing. They had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died — and they didn’t.
What Makes Our $10 Million Demand Realistic for McPherson County Families
Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is supported by precedent, evidence, and the egregious nature of the conduct.
Why $10 million is realistic for McPherson County hazing cases:
| Factor | Why It Supports $10 Million |
|---|---|
| Egregious Conduct | Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles — juries will be outraged |
| Pattern Evidence | Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at Pi Kappa Phi; they had 8 years to fix it and didn’t |
| Institutional Knowledge | University of Houston knew about prior hazing incidents and failed to act |
| Medical Evidence | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure — serious, life-threatening injuries |
| Precedent Settlements | Stone Foltz: $10.1 million; Maxwell Gruver: $6.1 million; Timothy Piazza: $110+ million |
| Deep Pockets | National fraternities and universities have substantial assets and insurance |
| Punitive Damages | Pattern of conduct with knowledge of risk supports punitive damages |
McPherson County families: If your child has suffered serious injuries from hazing, $10 million is a realistic and achievable goal.
How We Build Your McPherson County Hazing Case
1. Immediate Action: Evidence Preservation
As soon as you contact us, we take steps to preserve evidence before it disappears:
- Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve all evidence.
- Subpoena social media companies to preserve deleted messages and posts.
- Obtain security camera footage from fraternity houses, university buildings, and off-campus locations.
- Interview witnesses to document their accounts before memories fade.
2. Investigation: Building the Case
We conduct a thorough investigation to build a strong case:
- Medical records review: Document the extent of physical and psychological injuries.
- Expert consultations: Work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and economists.
- Pattern evidence: Research prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university.
- Institutional knowledge: Determine what the university and national organization knew about hazing risks.
- Defendant research: Identify all liable parties and their assets.
3. Legal Strategy: Pursuing All Avenues
We pursue multiple legal strategies to maximize your recovery:
| Strategy | How It Helps McPherson County Families |
|---|---|
| Negligence Claims | Prove the university/fraternity failed to protect your child |
| Assault and Battery | Hold individual perpetrators accountable |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Compensation for psychological trauma |
| Title IX Claims | If hazing involved sexual harassment or gender-based abuse |
| Punitive Damages | Punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing |
| Insurance Claims | Pursue coverage from fraternity, university, and individual policies |
4. Negotiation: Fighting for Maximum Compensation
We negotiate aggressively with defendants and their insurance companies:
- Demand policy limits from all available insurance policies.
- Leverage pattern evidence to show systemic negligence.
- Highlight egregious conduct to justify high damages.
- Prepare for trial — insurance companies settle when they know we’re ready to go to court.
5. Trial: Holding Them Accountable
If defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial:
- Present compelling evidence to the jury.
- Tell your child’s story in a way that resonates with jurors.
- Expose the truth about hazing culture.
- Fight for maximum compensation and accountability.
The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Serve McPherson County Families
1. We Travel to McPherson County
We understand that McPherson County families may not be able to travel to Texas. We come to you.
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely.
- In-person meetings — We travel to McPherson County for client meetings.
- Depositions and trials — We handle everything locally when needed.
2. We Handle All Communications
Universities and fraternities will try to minimize their liability by contacting you directly. We handle all communications for you.
- No more talking to insurance adjusters — They work for the defendants, not you.
- No more university statements — We protect you from saying anything that could harm your case.
- No more fraternity/sorority outreach — We shield you from intimidation or manipulation.
3. We Work with McPherson County Medical Providers
We coordinate with local McPherson County medical providers to ensure your child receives the best care:
- Connect you with specialists for physical and psychological injuries.
- Document all treatment for your case.
- Ensure continuity of care as your child recovers.
4. We Fight for Systemic Change
Our goal is not just to win your case — it’s to prevent hazing from happening to another McPherson County family.
We work with:
- Legislators to strengthen hazing laws.
- Universities to improve Greek life oversight.
- Media to expose hazing culture.
- Advocacy groups to support hazing victims.
Frequently Asked Questions for McPherson County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
Hazing victims often fear retaliation, social ostracism, or academic consequences for speaking out. This is understandable — but it’s also why hazing continues.
What you can do:
- Contact an attorney first. We can advise you on your options without requiring your child to report immediately.
- Preserve evidence. Even if your child isn’t ready to report, save texts, photos, and other evidence.
- Seek medical attention. Documenting injuries creates a record that can be used later.
- Know your rights. Reporting hazing is your child’s choice, but universities and fraternities cannot retali
