🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Renville County, MN: Protecting Students and Holding Fraternities Accountable
If your child has been a victim of hazing in Renville County, you’re not alone. The same national fraternities that hospitalized our client at University of Houston operate right here in Minnesota. We’re fighting this battle right now—and we’ll fight for Renville County families too.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing rituals. This same fraternity has chapters at universities across Minnesota, including those near Renville County. The same abuses that happened in Texas are happening right here in Minnesota.
⚠️ Renville County Parents: This Could Happen to Your Child
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s torture. 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 made to continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth
He ended up in the hospital for four days with kidney failure. This isn’t just hazing—it’s abuse.
And it’s happening right here in Renville County.
🏛️ Minnesota Universities With Greek Life Near Renville County
While Renville County itself doesn’t have a major university, several institutions with active Greek organizations are within reasonable distance:
-
Minnesota State University, Mankato (~90 miles from Renville County)
- Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including chapters of national organizations
- Known Greek presence with documented hazing risks
-
St. Cloud State University (~60 miles from Renville County)
- Active Greek community with fraternities and sororities
- Past incidents of Greek life issues reported
-
University of Minnesota, Morris (~50 miles from Renville County)
- Smaller campus but with Greek organizations
- Potential for hazing in close-knit groups
-
Southwest Minnesota State University (Marshall) (~30 miles from Renville County)
- Greek life presence with multiple fraternities and sororities
- Proximity makes it particularly relevant for Renville County families
The same national fraternities involved in our Texas case have chapters at these Minnesota schools. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others operate right here—and they bring the same hazing culture with them.
📜 Minnesota Hazing Laws: What Renville County Families Need to Know
Minnesota has strong laws against hazing, designed to protect students like yours:
Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 — Hazing Prohibited
Definition of Hazing:
Any act committed for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a student organization that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student
- Involves physical brutality, forced consumption, or other dangerous activities
- Violates any state or federal law
Key Provisions:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them
- Criminal penalties — Hazing is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 in fines
- Organizational liability — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held responsible
- Reporting requirements — Schools must investigate and report hazing incidents
This means Renville County families have legal protections under Minnesota law, and fraternities cannot hide behind “tradition” or “consent” to avoid accountability.
💰 What Hazing Victims in Renville County Can Recover
Hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. In our current Texas case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client. Here’s what Renville County families may be entitled to:
Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
- Medical bills — Emergency room visits, hospital stays, specialists, medications, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work due to injuries or recovery
- Educational expenses — Tuition for missed or delayed semesters, lost scholarships
- Therapy costs — Treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain — From injuries like broken bones, burns, or organ damage
- Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, fear, anxiety
- PTSD and trauma — Long-term psychological impact from abuse
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — Permanent scars or disabilities from hazing
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
- For extreme cases where conduct was particularly outrageous
- Designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
- Can reach millions of dollars in cases like ours
Recent hazing settlements nationwide:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
Renville County families deserve the same level of compensation for the harm done to their children.
🏢 Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Renville County
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Fraternity Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students despite having authority to regulate Greek life |
| Chapter Officers | Leaders who directed or allowed hazing to occur |
| Individual Members | Those who participated in or witnessed hazing and did nothing |
| Property Owners | Those who allowed hazing to occur on their property |
Renville County families should know: You can sue ALL responsible parties, not just the individuals who directly harmed your child.
🔍 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Renville County
Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Minnesota has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases—but you shouldn’t wait. Here’s what to do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Medical records create crucial evidence for your case
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
- Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
3. DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel
- They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim
- Anything you say can be used against you
- They may pressure you to sign documents that waive your rights
4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
- We offer free consultations for Renville County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case
- We travel to Renville County for depositions, meetings, and court appearances
5. Report the Incident
- To law enforcement — Hazing is a crime in Minnesota
- To the university — But do NOT do this without legal counsel
- To the national fraternity organization — They may claim they want to help, but they’re protecting themselves
🚨 Why Renville County Families Choose Attorney 911
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. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Renville County families.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—used to defend insurance companies. We know their playbook inside and out. Now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.
Nationwide Reach for Renville County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Renville County and across Minnesota. We have:
- Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Willingness to travel — We come to Renville County for your case
- Remote consultations — Video meetings available for Renville County families
Proven Track Record of Results
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
- Google 4.9 stars from 250+ reviews
We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Renville County come from Hispanic families. We provide complete legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.
We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Renville County Families
We understand that cost can be a concern, especially when dealing with the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- You pay nothing unless we win
- We only get paid if you get paid
📞 Renville County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Renville County or at any Minnesota university, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Renville County hazing emergencies.
⚖️ What Happens When You Call
- Free Consultation — We’ll listen to your story and explain your rights
- Case Evaluation — We’ll determine if you have a viable claim
- Evidence Preservation — We’ll help you save crucial evidence
- Legal Strategy — We’ll develop a plan to hold the responsible parties accountable
- Fight for Justice — We’ll pursue maximum compensation for your child
🎯 Our Promise to Renville County Families
“We see your child as a person—not a paycheck.”
We know what’s at stake. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We will fight hard for Renville County families because we truly care.
You don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.
🏆 Recent Hazing Case: What Happened at University of Houston
This happened in Texas. But it’s happening in Minnesota too.
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. Here’s what happened:
The Victim: Leonel Bermudez
- A “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at UH yet
- Expected to transfer for Spring 2026 semester
- Just wanted to join a brotherhood
The Hazing: 7 Weeks of Abuse
- 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout
The Breaking Point: November 3, 2025
- Punished for missing an event
- Forced to perform extreme exercises while reciting the fraternity creed
- Threatened with expulsion if he stopped
- Became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help
- Crawled up the stairs when he got home
- Couldn’t move the next day
- Mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure
The Aftermath
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — but only after the hospitalization
- University of Houston admitted the conduct was “deeply disturbing”
- $10 million lawsuit filed — the same compensation we seek for Renville County victims
Why This Matters to Renville County
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Renville County
- The same “traditions” are happening at Minnesota universities
- Universities near Renville County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Texas
🔥 Warning to Minnesota Fraternities Near Renville County
To the fraternities operating near Renville County:
We are watching. We are coming.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
- Pi Kappa Phi — We’re suing you right now. Your UH chapter is shut down. How many others are next?
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon — You’ve paid millions in hazing settlements. Minnesota chapters be warned.
- Pi Kappa Alpha — Stone Foltz’s family got $10.1 million from your organization. Renville County families will too.
- Beta Theta Pi — Timothy Piazza’s family got $110 million. Your turn is coming.
- Phi Delta Theta — Maxwell Gruver’s family got a $6.1 million jury verdict. Minnesota juries will be just as outraged.
If your chapter is hazing students near Renville County, know this:
- We track your house corporations
- We know your alumni chapters
- We know your insurance structures
- We will sue every liable entity
- We will shut you down
The Beta Nu chapter at UH learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
📚 Renville County Hazing: Common Questions Answered
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: This is common. Many victims fear retaliation or social consequences. But:
- Hazing is a crime in Minnesota — it should be reported to law enforcement
- Evidence disappears quickly — the longer you wait, the harder it is to prove
- Other students may be at risk — reporting could prevent future injuries
- We can protect your child’s identity — we handle cases discreetly
Q: Can we sue even if my child “consented” to the hazing?
A: YES. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate:
- Peer pressure and coercion negate true consent
- Fear of social exclusion creates duress
- They didn’t know what they were agreeing to — hazing is often hidden until it happens
- The law protects victims regardless of their choices
Q: How much is our hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, death)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
- Pattern of hazing (was this an isolated incident or systemic?)
- Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)
- Defendants’ ability to pay (insurance policies, assets)
Recent hazing settlements:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi)
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Minnesota has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However:
- Don’t wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be compromised
- Some deadlines may be shorter depending on the defendants (government entities may have different rules)
- Criminal charges may have different deadlines — report to law enforcement immediately
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. Many hazing incidents occur at:
- Fraternity houses (even if not university-owned)
- Off-campus apartments
- Hotels
- Private residences
- Outdoor locations
Premises liability may apply if the property owner allowed hazing to occur.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If:
- They knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life
- They failed to implement adequate oversight
- They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- They had prior hazing incidents (like UH did in 2017)
They can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: This is a real concern. Many victims fear:
- Social ostracism
- Academic consequences
- Physical retaliation
- Damage to future career prospects
We protect our clients:
- We handle communications with the fraternity and university
- We can request protective orders to prevent retaliation
- We work discreetly to protect your child’s identity
- We’ve handled cases where victims feared retribution (like our current client)
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency:
- No hourly fees
- No retainer required
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest
Renville County families pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Renville County?
A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
- University of Minnesota, Morris
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Any university in Minnesota or across the country
Distance is not a barrier. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Travel to Renville County and other locations
- Remote case management
Q: Can we still sue if criminal charges were filed?
A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate:
- Criminal case — Government prosecutes the wrongdoers; potential jail time
- Civil case — You sue for compensation; potential financial recovery
Many hazing cases result in both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
🏆 Why Renville County Families Trust Attorney 911
✅ 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. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Renville County.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to defend insurance companies. We know their playbook:
- How they try to minimize claims
- How they pressure victims to accept lowball offers
- How they manipulate evidence
Now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for victims.
✅ Nationwide Reach for Renville County
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Renville County and across Minnesota:
- Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Willingness to travel — We come to Renville County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultations — Video meetings available
✅ Proven Track Record
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
- Google 4.9 stars from 250+ reviews
✅ We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Renville County come from Hispanic families. We provide complete legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.
✅ $0 Upfront — We Work on Contingency
We understand that cost can be a concern, especially when dealing with the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- You pay nothing unless we win
- We only get paid if you get paid
✅ We See Your Child as a Person — Not a Paycheck
We know what’s at stake. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We will fight hard for Renville County families because we truly care.
📞 Renville County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Renville County or at any Minnesota university, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Renville County hazing emergencies.
🎯 What Happens When You Call
- Free Consultation — We’ll listen to your story and explain your rights
- Case Evaluation — We’ll determine if you have a viable claim
- Evidence Preservation — We’ll help you save crucial evidence
- Legal Strategy — We’ll develop a plan to hold the responsible parties accountable
- Fight for Justice — We’ll pursue maximum compensation for your child
🚨 Renville County Families: Don’t Wait
- Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
- Statutes of limitations apply — Minnesota has deadlines
- Other students are at risk — Reporting can prevent future hazing
- Justice delayed is justice denied — The sooner we act, the stronger your case
Call us today. We’re ready to fight for you.
