π¨ Hazing Victims in Rice County, Minnesota: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice
Attorney 911 β Fighting for Hazing Victims in Rice County and Nationwide
If your child has been the victim of hazing in Rice County, Minnesota, you are not alone. Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations across America β including right here in Rice County. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate near Rice County. The same universities that have failed to protect students exist in our community. And the same legal rights that have won justice for victims in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania apply to Rice County families.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β and we are ready to bring that same fight to Rice County. We serve hazing victims nationwide through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
What Is Hazing? β Recognizing the Problem in Rice County
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β regardless of their willingness to participate. In Minnesota, hazing is a crime under state law, and consent is not a defense.
Common Hazing Activities in Rice County (and Nationwide):
| Category | Examples | Rice County Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Same fraternities with chapters near Rice County engage in these practices |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Forced drinking is common in Greek organizations near Rice County |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Hazing often occurs during “hell week” or initiation periods |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats | Rice County students report being forced to carry embarrassing objects or wear humiliating clothing |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault | Sexual hazing has been documented at universities near Rice County |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater | Our current case involves waterboarding at a Texas fraternity β same nationals operate near Rice County |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces | Hazing often occurs outdoors in Minnesota’s extreme weather |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Pledges in Rice County report being treated as servants |
These are not “traditions.” These are not “pranks.” These are crimes β and Rice County victims have legal rights.
The Hazing Crisis in Minnesota and Rice County
Minnesota Hazing Laws β Your Legal Protections
Minnesota Statute Β§ 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, athletic team, or living group, that is harmful or potentially harmful to the person’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Key Provisions:
- Hazing is a crime β punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine
- Consent is not a defense β victims cannot “agree” to be hazed
- Organizations can be held liable β fraternities, sororities, teams, and schools
- Institutions must report hazing β universities and colleges are required to report incidents
Rice County families: If your child was hazed, the law is on your side. You can sue for damages even if the hazing was reported as a crime.
Hazing in Minnesota β A Statewide Problem
While Rice County may not have made national headlines for hazing, the problem is widespread across Minnesota:
- University of Minnesota has documented hazing incidents in Greek organizations and sports teams
- Minnesota State University, Mankato has faced hazing allegations in fraternities and athletic teams
- St. Cloud State University has suspended Greek organizations for hazing
- University of St. Thomas has investigated hazing in student organizations
The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters near Rice County have been involved in hazing incidents across Minnesota and the nation.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta, and others β these organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. They have chapters near Rice County, and they bring the same culture of abuse with them.
Why Rice County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. In that 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
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened in Texas β but the same hazing happens in Rice County. The same fraternities operate near Rice County. The same negligence exists at Rice County institutions. And we will fight for Rice County families with the same aggression.
Nationwide Representation for Rice County Victims
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Rice County, through:
- Federal court authority β U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar licenses β Texas AND New York
- Remote consultations β Rice County families can meet with us via video call
- Travel commitment β We come to Rice County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our priority.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys β Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena β are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and national fraternities think. We know their strategies for minimizing claims. We know their tactics for blaming victims.
And now we use that knowledge against them.
When Rice County families hire us, they’re not just getting lawyers β they’re getting former insiders who know how to dismantle the other side’s defenses.
Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
- $10 million hazing lawsuit β currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β experience with complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants
- Former insurance defense experience β we know how defendants try to avoid liability
Compassionate, Bilingual Representation
We understand that hazing is traumatic β not just for victims, but for families. Our staff is bilingual (English and Spanish) and genuinely passionate about helping our clients. Rice County families are treated like family.
No Upfront Costs β We Work on Contingency
We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can be a barrier, especially for Rice County families dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. We take hazing cases on contingency β you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Rice County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- If there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, traumatic brain injury, alcohol poisoning, and other serious conditions
- Medical records create critical evidence for your case
Step 3: Preserve Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
| Evidence Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, locations |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, event calendars, rules |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments |
If you don’t preserve evidence, it may disappear β and so may your case.
Step 4: Report the Incident
- File a police report β hazing is a crime in Minnesota
- Report to the university/college β institutions are required to investigate
- Consider a Title IX report β if sexual harassment/assault was involved
Step 5: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- Do not post on social media about the incident
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 6: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Prevent the organization from destroying records
- Protect your child from intimidation
- Begin building your case
Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears quickly. Do not wait.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Rice County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants with deep pockets. In our current case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Rice County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Rice County fraternity/sorority chapters |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Nationals with chapters near Rice County |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority housing near Rice County |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; knew about hazing risks | Rice County colleges and universities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | Rice County students who hazed |
| Alumni/Advisors | Enabled or facilitated hazing | Rice County alumni who allowed hazing |
We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
Damages Available for Rice County Hazing Victims
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future) β hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation
- Lost wages β time missed from work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity β if injuries affect future career
- Educational expenses β tuition, fees, lost scholarships
- Property damage β if personal items were destroyed
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering β the agony of hazing injuries
- Mental anguish β PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Emotional distress β humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life β inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement β scars, permanent injuries
Punitive Damages:
- Punishment for egregious conduct β when hazing involves torture, cover-ups, or knowing disregard for safety
- Deterrence for other organizations β to prevent future hazing
In Minnesota, there is no cap on non-economic or punitive damages in personal injury cases (except for medical malpractice).
Precedent Cases β Hazing Victims Can and Do Win Big
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win β and win big.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Rice County families: These same results are possible for you. The same legal strategies apply to Rice County cases.
What Makes a Strong Rice County Hazing Case?
We evaluate cases based on:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Rice County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Clear hazing conduct | Activities meet legal definition of hazing | Same definition applies in Minnesota |
| Documented injuries | Physical or psychological harm with medical records | Rice County hospital records accepted |
| Identifiable defendants | Know who did it and who enabled it | Rice County fraternities, universities, nationals |
| Evidence available | Texts, photos, videos, witnesses | Preserve everything from Rice County incidents |
| Pattern of abuse | Not a one-time incident | Rice County chapters with prior hazing history |
| Institutional knowledge | University/nationals knew or should have known | Rice County institutions with prior hazing incidents |
| Deep pockets | Defendants can pay (insurance or assets) | Nationals and universities have substantial resources |
If your case meets these factors, we can help β no matter where in Rice County the hazing occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rice County Families
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do you protect us?
A: We take retaliation concerns seriously. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We:
- Handle all communications with the organization
- Protect your identity when possible
- Take legal action if retaliation occurs
Q: We’re not in Texas. Can you still represent us?
A: YES. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Rice County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote representation
- Travel to Rice County for critical meetings
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Timeline varies by complexity. Some cases settle within months; others take years. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness to settle
- Need for litigation
We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. We can pursue:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- Individual members
- Property owners
Q: Can we sue if the hazing was reported to the police?
A: YES. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for damages.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Rice County?
A: We can help. Hazing occurs in high schools too β especially in sports teams and student organizations. Minnesota’s anti-hazing law applies to all educational institutions, including high schools.
The Rice County Hazing Watchlist β Fraternities Near Rice County with Hazing Histories
These national fraternities have chapters near Rice County β and documented hazing histories:
| Fraternity | Hazing History | Rice County Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death (2021), $10.1M settlement | Chapters near Rice County |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey death (2017), our current $10M lawsuit | Chapters near Rice County |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (2017), $110M+ settlement | Chapters near Rice County |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death (2017), $6.1M verdict | Chapters near Rice County |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits | Chapters near Rice County |
| Sigma Chi | Lawsuit for traumatic brain injury (2023) | Chapters near Rice County |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and suspensions | Chapters near Rice County |
| Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) | Danny Santulli (2021), blinded from hazing | Chapters near Rice County |
| Sigma Phi Epsilon | Tucker Hipps death (2014), $500K+ settlement | Chapters near Rice County |
Rice County parents: If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.
Universities Near Rice County β Hazing Risks and Your Rights
While Rice County itself is home to smaller communities, several major universities with active Greek life operate nearby:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton College | Northfield, MN (~30 min from Rice County) | Yes | Investigated hazing incidents |
| St. Olaf College | Northfield, MN (~30 min from Rice County) | Yes | Documented hazing concerns |
| University of Minnesota | Minneapolis/St. Paul (~1 hour) | Significant | Multiple hazing incidents in Greek life and sports |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Mankato, MN (~1.5 hours) | Significant | Suspensions for hazing |
| St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud, MN (~2 hours) | Significant | Greek organization suspensions for hazing |
| University of St. Thomas | St. Paul, MN (~1 hour) | Yes | Investigated hazing in student organizations |
Rice County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they face hazing risks. You have legal rights if they are hazed.
How We Build a Winning Case for Rice County Victims
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
- Confidential consultation
- Review of evidence
- Legal rights assessment
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand all communications, photos, videos be saved
- Prevent evidence destruction
Step 3: Investigation
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain medical records
- Collect documentation
- Identify all liable parties
Step 4: Demand Letter
- Send demand to defendants
- Outline damages
- Demand settlement
Step 5: Negotiation
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Push for fair settlement
- Advise you on all offers
Step 6: Litigation (if necessary)
- File lawsuit
- Conduct discovery
- Take depositions
- Prepare for trial
Step 7: Resolution
- Settlement or verdict
- Maximize your recovery
- Ensure accountability
The Attorney 911 Difference β Why Rice County Families Trust Us
β
We are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW β $10M hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
β
Former insurance defense attorneys β we know how defendants try to avoid liability
β
Nationwide representation β we serve Rice County through federal court authority
β
No upfront costs β contingency fee means $0 unless we win
β
Bilingual staff β Se habla espaΓ±ol
β
Compassionate representation β we treat Rice County families like family
β
Proven results β multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Rice County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps
If your child has been hazed in Rice County:
- Ensure their immediate safety
- Seek medical attention
- Preserve all evidence (do not delete anything)
- Report the incident to police and the institution
- Do NOT talk to the organization or their lawyers
- Call Attorney 911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call to Action β Rice County Families Deserve Justice
Hazing is not tradition. Hazing is not brotherhood. Hazing is abuse β and it must stop.
If your child has been hazed in Rice County, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the abusers accountable. You have the right to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Rice County families.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Rice County and all of Minnesota. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our priority.
Rice County hazing victims: Enough is enough.