Hazing Lawyers Serving Moody County, South Dakota – Attorney 911

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Moody County Families Deserve Justice

Moody County, South Dakota — home to hardworking families, tight-knit communities, and young people with bright futures. When parents send their children off to college, they trust that universities and student organizations will keep them safe. But what happens when that trust is betrayed? When “tradition” becomes abuse? When hazing crosses the line from initiation to torture?

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now — and we’re bringing that fight to Moody County families. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities, the same negligence, the same culture of abuse exists at universities near Moody County.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in Moody County or anywhere in South Dakota — you are not alone. We will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this landmark case.

🚨 This Happens in Moody County Too

Moody County families may think hazing is a problem for big cities or distant universities. It’s not. The same national fraternities that operate in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont have chapters at universities near Moody County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client — waterboarding, forced exercise, physical abuse — happen right here in South Dakota.

Universities Near Moody County With Active Greek Life:

• South Dakota State University (SDSU) – Brookings, SD (45 minutes from Moody County)
• University of South Dakota (USD) – Vermillion, SD (1 hour from Moody County)
• Augustana University – Sioux Falls, SD (1.5 hours from Moody County)
• Dakota State University – Madison, SD (1 hour from Moody County)

These institutions have the same oversight challenges, the same liability risks, and the same duty to protect students as universities nationwide. If hazing has harmed your child at any of these schools — or any school near Moody County — we can help.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis: What Moody County Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Hazing is not about building brotherhood. It’s not about team bonding. It’s not about “earning” membership.

It is:

• Assault (physical abuse, forced consumption)
• Battery (striking, paddling, physical punishment)
• Torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation)
• Reckless endangerment (extreme physical exertion leading to hospitalization)
• Sometimes manslaughter or murder

In our current case:

• A student was waterboarded 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 run sprints through his own vomit
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This is not hazing. This is torture.

2. Universities Near Moody County Are Complicit

Universities know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. But too often, they choose reputation over safety.

In our case:

• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (another fraternity hospitalized a student)
• They failed to implement real oversight for 8 years
• Now, they face premises liability for allowing torture on their property

The same failures happen at universities near Moody County. If your child was hazed in a fraternity or sorority house, on campus, or at a university-affiliated event — the school may be liable.

3. National Fraternities Have a Pattern of Negligence

The fraternity in our case, Pi Kappa Phi, has a documented history of deadly hazing:

• 2017: Andrew Coffey died at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption
• 2025: Our client hospitalized at University of Houston from waterboarding and extreme exercise

They had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing.

The same national organizations operate near Moody County:

• Pi Kappa Phi (SDSU, USD)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (SDSU, USD)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (SDSU, USD)
• Beta Theta Pi (SDSU)
• Phi Delta Theta (USD)

If your child was hazed by any of these organizations near Moody County, we can hold them accountable.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Moody County Hazing Victim

1. You Can Sue for Hazing — Even If You “Consented”

South Dakota law (SDCL § 13-32-12) defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in an organization.”

Key legal points for Moody County families:

• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter
• Organizations are liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued
• Individuals are liable – Chapter officers, members, and alumni who participated can be held personally responsible
• Criminal charges may apply – Hazing is a misdemeanor in South Dakota, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines

2. Who Can Be Sued for Moody County Hazing Cases?

3. What Damages Can Moody County Families Recover?

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and precedent shows that hazing cases can and do win big verdicts.

💰 Precedent Cases: Moody County Families Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered — and what Moody County victims can expect:

Moody County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to your case.

🏛️ The University of Houston Case: What This Means for Moody County

The Facts: A Student Was Tortured — And the University Owned the Building

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez (a “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at UH yet)
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter)
• What Happened:
  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then run sprints through his own vomit
  • Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing
• Result: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Lawsuit: $10 million filed against Pi Kappa Phi, UH, and individuals

Why This Matters for Moody County Families:

1. The same fraternities operate near Moody County – Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Beta Theta Pi, and others have chapters at SDSU, USD, and other schools near Moody County.
2. Universities near Moody County own fraternity houses too – If hazing happens in a university-owned building, the school is liable.
3. They knew it was dangerous — and did nothing – Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 and still didn’t fix their culture.
4. $10 million is possible for Moody County victims – Our demand is in line with precedent, and juries hate hazing.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Moody County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked – Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms right away
• Document everything – Hospital records, doctor’s notes, photos of injuries
• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.

⚠️ WARNING: Fraternities and universities will try to destroy evidence. Do not let them. Take screenshots of everything before it disappears.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• Do not sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university
• Do not give a statement to their insurance company or risk management
• Do not post on social media about the incident
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us before you talk to anyone else.

✅ Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
✅ $0 upfront – We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
✅ 24/7 availability – Hazing emergencies don’t wait
✅ We travel to Moody County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ Video consultations available – If you can’t meet in person

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

🎯 Why Moody County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know how to build these cases and hold institutions accountable
• Moody County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they minimize claims, delay payments, and deny liability
• We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Moody County and All of South Dakota

• Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices – but we represent victims nationwide
• Federal court authority – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York (strategic for national fraternity cases)
• We travel to Moody County – For depositions, client meetings, and trials

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – Mass tort experience against major corporations
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Hazing-specific expertise – Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, rhabdomyolysis cases
• Criminal defense experience – Know how to navigate parallel criminal investigations

5. We Speak Your Language — Literally

• Se habla español – Bilingual staff available for Spanish-speaking families
• Compassionate, humble, and responsive – We treat Moody County families like family

6. We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do

• $0 upfront – No retainer, no hourly fees
• Contingency fee – We take a percentage of your recovery only if we win
• No risk to you – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

📢 Message to Moody County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Moody County:

Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pi Kappa Alpha. Beta Theta Pi. Phi Delta Theta.

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same pattern of negligence that led to our current lawsuit exists in your organizations.

If you haze students near Moody County, we will find you.

• We will track your house corporations
• We will depose your officers
• We will pursue your national organizations
• We will hold every liable entity accountable

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?

• Shut down after our lawsuit
• Chapter permanently closed
• Criminal referrals initiated

Your chapter could be next.

🏆 What Moody County Families Can Expect When They Hire Us

Phase 1: Immediate Action (First 72 Hours)

✅ Free case evaluation – We’ll review your situation and explain your rights
✅ Evidence preservation – We’ll send letters demanding defendants preserve all evidence
✅ Medical coordination – We’ll help you get the treatment you need
✅ Insurance protection – We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies

Phase 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering

✅ Subpoena all relevant records – Text messages, emails, social media, fraternity documents
✅ Interview witnesses – Other pledges, bystanders, chapter members
✅ Consult with experts – Medical experts, hazing culture experts, accident reconstruction
✅ Identify all liable parties – Chapter, nationals, university, individuals

Phase 3: Demand & Negotiation

✅ Calculate full damages – Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages
✅ Send demand letter – Formal demand for compensation
✅ Negotiate aggressively – We won’t accept lowball offers
✅ Prepare for trial – If defendants won’t settle fairly, we’re ready to go to court

Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

✅ File lawsuit – Formal legal complaint in court
✅ Discovery – Depositions, interrogatories, document requests
✅ Mediation – Attempt to settle with neutral mediator
✅ Trial – Present your case to a judge and jury

Phase 5: Resolution & Justice

✅ Settlement or verdict – Secure maximum compensation
✅ Hold defendants accountable – Chapter closures, policy changes, individual consequences
✅ Prevent future hazing – Your case could save other Moody County students

💬 What Moody County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” – Devin Hebert

“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

Moody County families: You deserve the same aggressive, compassionate, and effective representation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Moody County Families

1. My child was hazed at a university near Moody County — can you help?

Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Moody County and all of South Dakota. We offer video consultations and travel to Moody County for meetings and depositions.

2. We can’t afford a lawyer — how much does this cost?

$0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you only pay if we get you money.

3. The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing — can they still be held liable?

Yes. South Dakota law (SDCL § 13-32-12) explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

4. What if the university near Moody County says they didn’t know about the hazing?

They’re lying. Universities have oversight responsibility over Greek life. If they own the fraternity house, they have premises liability. And if they had prior hazing incidents (like UH did in 2017), they knew or should have known it could happen again.

5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

South Dakota has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, evidence disappears quickly — witnesses forget, messages get deleted, and organizations destroy records. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it was part of a fraternity or sorority activity, the organization can still be held liable.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Possibly, but most cases settle before trial. If your case does go to trial, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

8. What if the fraternity tries to intimidate my child?

That’s illegal. If the fraternity or its members try to retaliate, silence, or intimidate your child, that’s witness tampering — a criminal offense. We will protect your child and hold the organization accountable for any retaliation.

9. Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

Both. The national organization has deep pockets and insurance policies. They can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters.

10. What if my child is afraid to come forward?

We understand. Hazing victims often fear retribution, social ostracism, or being labeled a “snitch.” But your child is not alone — we’ve represented victims like them before, and we know how to protect their identity and their rights. The only way to stop hazing is for victims to come forward.

📞 Moody County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured at a university near Moody County — you have rights, and we can help.

✅ Free, confidential case evaluation
✅ $0 upfront — we only get paid if you win
✅ 24/7 availability for hazing emergencies
✅ We travel to Moody County for your case
✅ Video consultations available

Call now before evidence disappears and your rights expire.

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

🔥 Final Message to Moody County: Enough Is Enough

Moody County families work hard. They value community. They believe in fairness. They send their children to college with hope — not with fear that they’ll be tortured in the name of “tradition.”

Hazing is not tradition. It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes manslaughter.

But here’s the good news: The law is on your side. Juries are on your side. And we are on your side.

We’re fighting this fight right now — and we’re bringing that fight to Moody County. If your child has been hazed, call us today. We will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this landmark case.

Enough is enough. It’s time for justice.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | attorney911.com | Moody County families: We’re here for you.