Hazing Lawyers Serving Richland County, ND – Attorney 911

Justice for Hazing Victims in Richland County and Beyond

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization near Richland County, North Dakota, you are not alone. Hazing is not “tradition” — it is abuse, and it is illegal. At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Richland County families.

We understand the unique challenges faced by students and families in North Dakota, where Greek life and student organizations play a significant role in campus culture. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at North Dakota State University (NDSU), University of North Dakota (UND), and other institutions near Richland County have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide. If your child has been hazed, we will fight for justice — no matter where it happened.

📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Hazing in Richland County Is a Serious Problem

Hazing is not just a problem in big cities or southern universities — it happens right here in North Dakota, including near Richland County. While North Dakota may not have the same Greek life presence as Texas or Florida, the same national organizations with documented histories of hazing operate at universities near Richland County, including:

• North Dakota State University (NDSU) – Fargo, ND (~1 hour from Richland County)
• University of North Dakota (UND) – Grand Forks, ND (~2.5 hours from Richland County)
• Minot State University – Minot, ND (~3.5 hours from Richland County)
• Dickinson State University – Dickinson, ND (~4 hours from Richland County)
• Valley City State University – Valley City, ND (~2 hours from Richland County)

These institutions have active Greek organizations, including chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and others — the same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.

Hazing in North Dakota: What Families Need to Know

• Hazing is illegal in North Dakota under North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17, which defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student.
• Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
• Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
• National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets — they carry insurance policies that can pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

If your child has been hazed in Richland County or at a nearby university, you have legal rights — and we can help you enforce them.

Our Current Hazing Case: A Warning to Richland County Fraternities

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity 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 lie in vomit-soaked grass
✅ Threatened with expulsion if he refused to participate

This happened in Texas — but the same fraternities operate near Richland County, and the same hazing culture exists here.

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Richland County. If they allowed this in Houston, how many other chapters are doing the same?

We are suing for $10 million to send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated — in Texas, North Dakota, or anywhere else.

Types of Hazing We Handle for Richland County Families

Hazing takes many forms, and none of it is acceptable. If your child has experienced any of the following, you may have a case:

If your child has been injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing, we can help.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Richland County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter – The individuals who directly organized and participated in the hazing.
2. The National Organization – Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, and others have deep pockets and insurance policies. They can be sued for failing to supervise their chapters.
3. The University – If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable for negligence.
4. Individual Members – Chapter officers, pledge masters, and members who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued personally.
5. Alumni & Advisors – If hazing occurred at an off-campus location (like an alumni’s home), the property owner can be held responsible.
6. Coaches & Athletic Programs – Hazing is not limited to Greek life — sports teams, ROTC, and other organizations can also be liable.

We sue everyone responsible — not just the students, but the institutions that allowed it to happen.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Richland County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation immediately.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and concussions can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Medical records are crucial evidence in your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails, social media posts).
• Get witness names and contact information — other pledges may have experienced the same abuse.
• Do not delete anything — even if it’s embarrassing, it could be critical evidence.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

• The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
• They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements that could hurt their case.
• Anything your child says can be used against them — even if they think they’re helping.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will preserve evidence, protect your child’s rights, and build a strong case.
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.

Why Richland County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We are not just talking about hazing — we are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, previously worked for insurance companies and national defense firms. We know how they minimize claims, delay payments, and try to avoid responsibility. Now, we use that knowledge to fight for victims.

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

We are admitted to federal court, meaning we can pursue hazing cases nationwide — including in North Dakota. Whether your child was hazed at NDSU, UND, or another school near Richland County, we can help.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission – Texas & New York

We are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities and universities with headquarters in different states.

5. We Travel to Richland County – Distance Is Not a Barrier

While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we travel to Richland County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We will come to you to fight for your family.

6. Bilingual Services – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Richland County and North Dakota come from Hispanic families. We provide full Spanish-language support — from consultations to courtroom representation.

7. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that cost is a concern for families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. There are no hidden fees, and we advance all case costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Richland County

1. Is hazing really illegal in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota law (NDCC § 15.1-19-17) makes hazing a criminal offense, punishable by fines and jail time. Even if your child “consented” to participate, consent is not a defense under the law.

2. Can we sue the fraternity even if my child wasn’t a student yet?

Yes. In our current case, our client was a “ghost rush” — he wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet. If a fraternity recruits and hazes someone, they can be held liable.

3. What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they failed to supervise Greek life, ignored warnings, or allowed dangerous conditions, they can be held liable for negligence.

4. How much is a hazing case worth in Richland County?

Hazing cases can result in millions of dollars in compensation, depending on:

• The severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, wrongful death)
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• The impact on your child’s life (medical bills, therapy, lost academic opportunities)

Precedent cases show hazing verdicts and settlements in the millions:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to prevent retaliation. In our current case, our client is fearful of speaking out due to retribution — we understand these concerns and will fight to keep your child safe.

6. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in North Dakota?

North Dakota has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (NDCC § 28-01-16). However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

7. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing that occurs at private residences, hotels, or other off-campus locations can still result in liability for the fraternity, university, and property owners.

8. What if the fraternity says it was “just a prank”?

Hazing is not a prank — it is abuse. If the activities endangered your child’s health or safety, it is hazing under the law, and the perpetrators can be held accountable.

Richland County Hazing Resources

If your child has been hazed, these organizations can provide additional support:

Contact Attorney 911 Today – Free Consultation for Richland County Families

Hazing is abuse. It is illegal. And it must stop.

If your child has been hazed in Richland County or at a nearby university, we can help. We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we will bring that same aggressive representation to your family.

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

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

Serving Richland County, North Dakota, and nationwide.